John Ritchie (merchant)

John Ritchie (c. 1745 – July 20, 1790) was a Scottish-born merchant and politician in Nova Scotia.

Ritchie was born in or close to Glasgow and came to Boston, Massachusetts in 1770, moving to Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia several years later.

He was taken hostage in the Raid on Annapolis Royal (1781) and was released some time later in exchange for American prisoners.

He was elected to the provincial assembly in a 1783 by-election held after Phineas Lovett was unseated for non-attendance.

When he ran for reelection in Annapolis township in 1785, he was defeated by Stephen De Lancey.