Pitts, John R. 1842-1924

PITTS, FINE

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, volunteer (email)
Date: 1/30/2011 at 16:54:07

LeMars Globe-Post
August 25, 1924

AGED MEMBER OF G.A.R. SUCCUMBS
John R. Pitts Dies On Friday
Expires At The Age of 82 Years, 4 Months, and 14 Days

John Reynold Pitts, aged 82 years, 4 months, and 14 days, passed away at his
home at 928 Third Avenue S. E., on Friday, August 22. Deceased was a member
of the G.A.R.

Mr. Pitts was born in England on April 8, 1842, and at the age of 4, came
with his parents to the United States, settling near Dodgeville, Wis. He
was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Ellen Fine, at Linden, Wis., on July
30, 1873, and they went on a homestead near Dodgeville.

Deceased served in the Civil War in Company C. Wisconsin 12th regiment, and
entered service September 17, 1861, and was mustered out July 16, 1865. He
also ran a threshing machine outfit in Wisconsin for 45 years. In 1869, Mr.
and Mrs. Pitts moved to Cherokee, Ia., and in 1911 came to LeMars, where
they have been making their home ever since.

Two years ago, Mr. Pitts had his leg taken off. Infection set in the limb
and it was necessary to remove it.

To the Pitts union nine children were born, of which four are living. Those
who survive him are: His beloved wife; two sons, William G. Pitts, of
Cherokee county, and John Francis Pitts, of LeMars; two daughters, Mrs. Mary
Ann Zembach, of Cherokee, and Mrs. Paul Durr, of LeMars. Twenty-eight
grandchildren and four great grandchildren also mourn his loss, and a
brother, Will G. Pitts, of Marcus.

The funeral was held this afternoon at the M. E. church. The G.A.R. acted
as honorary pallbearers and the American Legion as active pallbearers.

Mr. Pitts was a well known resident of LeMars, and was one of the builders
of the nation. He has many friends, who, with relatives, mourn his loss.
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LeMars Semi-Weekly Sentinel
August 26, 1924

WAR VETERAN ANSWERS TAP
JOHN R. PITTS SERVED THROUGHOUT THE CIVIL STRIFE WHEN A YOUTH
SETTLED HERE EARLY
Had an Unequalled Record As Thresherman.

J. R. Pitts, Civil War veteran and pioneer homesteader of Northwest Iowa,
died at his home, Third Avenue S.E., in this city, Friday, following a long
illness. He was 82 years of age. He suffered the amputation of a limb
during a severe illness two years ago. His naturally rugged constitution
and great strength was broken down by this sickness, although he was able to
be up and around in a wheel chair until two or three days before his death.

John R. Pitts was born in England on April 8, 1842, and when he was a small
child came with his parents to America. They settled at an early day in
Wisconsin.

SERVED IN WAR.
When a youth of eighteen, John Pitts volunteered to fight for his country
and enlisted in Company C Twelfth Wisconsin Infantry regiment, and served
from 1861 to 1865. He was in many battles and engagements and came through
four years of hard service with only a slight flesh wound, which he received
in action near Atlanta.

Following the war he engaged in farming near Dodgeville, Wisconsin, and in
1869 came to Iowa and took up a homestead in Cherokee county, coming to
LeMars thirteen years ago.

He was united in marriage at Linden, Wisconsin, July 30, 1873, with Miss
Eliza Ellen Fine. Nine children were born to their union, four of whom with
his wife mourn his loss. The children are: William G. Pitts, of Cherokee
county, Mrs. Mary Ann Zembach, of Cherokee, Mrs. Paul Durr and John Francis
Pitts, of LeMars. There are twenty-eight grandchildren and four great
grandchildren. He also leaves one brother, W. G. Pitts, of Marcus.

WAS VETERAN THRESHER.
Mr. and Mrs. John R. Pitts endured the hardships and difficulties
encountered by the early settlers, but by hard work and perseverance became
successful farmers. Mr. Pitts operated a threshing machine for forty-five
seasons which is a record. He was widely known in Cherokee and In LeMars,
where he has lived for the past thirteen years.

HONORED BY COMRADES
Mr. Pitts was a member of Mower Post, G.A.R., and members of the post acted
as honorary pallbearers at the funeral which was held yesterday at the First
Methodist church. Members of the American Legion were active pallbearers and
representatives of Louis E. Brick, Spanish-American war veterans were also
in attendance.

Services at the church were conducted by Rev. C. H. Seward and the G.A.R.
members had charge of the services at the grave.