Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Pitts, John R 
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Author: Past and Present Will County IL; 1907

John R. Pitts, well known in commercial circles in Lockport as proprietor of a 
grocery store, and in political circles as a republican leader, was born in 
this city June 1, 1855, his parents being John and Catherine (Kirsch) Pitts. 
The father was a jeweler and watchmaker, who came to America from Luxemburg, 
Germany, the place of his nativity. He had learned his trade, however, in 
France, and in 1853 he sailed for the new world, taking up his abode in 
Lockport, where he carried on business in the line of his trade until his 
death in 1883. His wife survived for several years, passing away in 1891. 
Their son, John R. Pitts, pursued his education in the public school and 
afterward entered the dry goods business as a clerk in 1869. In 1872 he 
completed his apprenticeship at the trade of a watchmaker and jeweler and the 
following year he accepted a position as salesman in the dry goods store of M. 
Walter. In 1874 he began clerking in a grocery store owned by Mr. Walter, in 
whose service he remained for sixteen years, being a most trusted and faithful 
employe, as is indicated by his long continuance in the position. In May, 
1889, desirous of engaging in business on his own account, he opened a grocery 
store, which he has since successfully conducted, meeting with a goodly 
measure of prosperity in this undertaking. He carries a large and carefully 
selected line of staple and fancy groceries, his store is tastefully arranged 
and attractive in its appointment, and his reasonable prices and honorable 
dealing constitute strong elements in his success. Mr. Pitts was married on 
the 3d of November, 1880, to Miss Sarah O. Felter, of Lockport, a daughter of 
John and Maria K. (Hawley) Felter. Her father came to Lockport as one of its 
earliest settlers, arriving in 1835 from Henrietta, New York, where he was 
born. On removing to this state he took up farming as an occupation, but later 
established his home in Lockport and was connected for many years with the 
firm of Norton & Company in their milling business. At the time of the Civil 
war he enlisted in the Union army as a member of Company D, Fourth Illinois 
cavalry, and was elected captain. He served with his company throughout the 
entire period of hostilities and participated in many hotly contested 
engagements which led up to the final victories that crowned the Union arms. 
After the close of the war he returned home and in a short time went to the 
west, where he remained until his death. His wife passed away April 20, 1891. 
Their son, Walter H. Felter, who was in the army with the Chicago Mercantile 
Battery, was taken prisoner and died in Camp Ford, at Tyler, Texas. Mr. Pitts 
has not only figured prominently in business circles, but has also been active 
and influential in community interests. At one time he was president of the 
village and was town clerk for four years, being the first republican elected 
to fill that office, for the town has a large normal democratic majority. He 
was also supervisor of Lockport township for four years and alderman of the 
village for two years, and in all these positions he has discharged his duties 
with promptness and fidelity, indicative of his public spirited citizenship. 
He has given unfaltering allegiance to the republican party since attaining 
his majority and is recognized as one of its local leaders, having many times 
been chosen as a delegate to the county and state conventions. He is also 
prominent in fraternal circles and for twelve years has been clerk from this 
city of camp No. 115, M. W. A., and was one of the promoters at its 
organization. Since the organization of a lodge of the White Cross at 
Lockport, he has been its recorder, and he is a member of Lockport lodge, No. 
538, A. F. & A. M., and past noble grand of Lockport lodge, No. 23, I. O. O. 
F.; a member of the Elks lodge at Joliet; of the North American Union; of the 
Maccabees, tent, No. 1064; and he and his wife are both connected with the 
Eastern Star and the Rebekah lodge, the ladies' department of the Masonic and 
Odd Fellows fraternities, respectively. Mrs. Pitts is very prominent in these 
organizations, being deputy grand master of the district and vice grand of 
Fraternity lodge, No. 553, which was named by her husband. She is also 
connected with the Royal Neighbors and is a charter member of the White Cross, 
having served since its organization as treasurer with the exception of a 
period of two years. The family attend the Methodist Episcopal church and are 
prominent socially in Lockport, the hospitality of the best homes being freely 
accorded them, while the spirit of friendship, consideration and good will in 
their own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Pitts have been born two sons and two daughters: Stella Louise, now the wife 
of George H. Bush, a machinist of Lockport, by whom she has a daughter, 
Mildred Elizabeth; Walter John, who assists his father in the grocery 
business; Erma Arretta, a stenographer employed by the Illinois and Michigan 
Canal Company; and Clayton Arthur, attending school. 

Additional Comments:
PAST AND PRESENT OF WILL COUNTY, ILLINOIS By W. W. Stevens President of the 
Will County Pioneers Association; Chicago: The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1907

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