The Ritcey name originated in Ritcey's Cove which later was renamed to Riverport, Nova Scotia. Settled in 1754 by Johann Phillip Henericie, this fairhaven is part of the original Foreign Protestants to settle Nova Scotia, Canada. Throughout time, cultural and language practices required the traditional German language to adapted English.
Over the centuries, the "Henericie" surname went through many alterations, Henericie, Henerici, Henrici, Henricy, Henritcy before the english sounding name "Ritcey" and Ritcey's Cove was adopted. Over the centuries the name has been backed by charm, industriousness and an affluent character.
The Acadian Marine Engine Company found by W.T. Ritcey in 1908 was just an example of this. Located in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia up the LaHave River from Riverport became the largest marine motor company in Canada for a period in history.
Since 1947 a large block of black granite sits on the site in the fairhaven of Riverport, Nova Scotia where Johann Phillip Henericie first settled as a fitting memorial to the first settler to this community and this place in history. This 5 tons stone, bears the following inscription - "Erected to the memory of the first settler of this commuity, Johann Phillip Henerici (John Phillip Ritcey), born in Germany in 1731, settled on this site 1754."