Among the early settlers of LaSalle county, Illinois, was William Pitzer,
a native of Licking county, Ohio, who was born September 23, 1809, came west
in 1831 and took up his abode on the frontier. He was a son of Richard
Pitzer, a major in the war of 1812 and a man noted for his bravery in
battle. William Pitzer married Miss Sarah Kite, daughter of Adam Kite, a
native of Ohio. She was born March 10, 1810. Their union was blessed in the
birth of seven children, namely: Alva, a resident of South Dakota; George
W., whose name forms the heading of this sketch; Jacob, a resident of Lyon
county, Kansas; David, also of Lyon county, Kansas; Elizabeth, wife of
Robert Lane, of Chebanse, Illinois; Julia, wife of B. F. Fuller, of Lyon
county, Kansas, and Malinda J., wife of L. J. Grove, of Miller township,
LaSalle county, Illinois. William Pitzer was a farmer all his life and lived
to the ripe old age of seventy-four years, his death occurring January 19,
1884, on his farm. His wife's death occurred March 21, 1887, also at the age
of seventy-four years. They were members of the Methodist Episcopal church.
George W. Pitzer was born in LaSalle county, Illinois, July 27, 1837; was
reared on his father's farm, and has always made this county his home and
given his attention to agricultural pursuits. His present farm, a fine tract
of two hundred acres, he purchased in 1889. This farm is one of the best
improved and most highly cultivated in the locality, its general appearance
at once giving evidence of the fact that its owner is a progressive,
up-to-date farmer.
The grandson of a valiant soldier, George Pitzer, when the civil war came
on, showed his patriotism by offering his services to his country. He
enlisted in 1862 and was assigned to the One Hundred and Fourth Illinois
Infantry, under Colonel Moore and Lieutenant Hapeman, and served three
years. He was in the battles of Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain and Missionary
Ridge, and during his army life spent six months in hospital. At the close
of the war he returned home and resumed farming.
Mr. Pitzer was married in 1866 to Miss Elmira Grove, daughter of Joseph
Grove, deceased (see sketch of Jesse Grove), and who previous to her
marriage was a teacher. They are the parents of four children: Elma, wife of
James McMichael; and Harry, May and Earl, at home.
Like most veterans of the civil war, Mr. Pitzer is a member of the Grand
Army of the Republic. Politically he casts his vote and influence with the
Democratic party.
Extracted 17 Jul 2017 by Norma Hass from Biographical and Genealogical Record of LaSalle County, Illinois, published in 1900, volume 2, pages 483-484.
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