My Genealogy Hound

John S. Pittenger, who, with his brother, Charles H. Pittenger, operates the farm formerly owned by their father, a valuable tract of 160 acres, so divided that one portion of 80 acres is in section 24 and the other in section 25, Milford township, Oakland County, Michigan, was born in Ontario County, New York, June 16, 1849. Charles H. Pittenger was born on this property on July 6, 1862. They are sons of J. J. and Emeline (Parks) Pittenger, both of whom were born in the State of New York.

The grandfather, John Pittenger, was married to Edith Gordon, and they had three sons, — Simeon, Samuel and Joseph J. The mother died young but the father survived until 1864, being then 76 years of age. He was one of the leading members of the Methodist Church. He was also a member of the Masonic fraternity, taking great risks of personal violence as it was about this time that the public mind had been inflamed against the order by the supposed revelations of one Morgan. Mr. Pittenger was given his degrees in a secret meeting place over an old mill.

J. J. Pittenger, the father of John S. and Charles H. Pittenger, lived in Saratoga County, New York, until he was 19 years old, moving then to Ontario County, which then seemed to his friends in the former county a distant locality. He had learned the hatter’s trade and followed the same for some years, but later engaged in farming, purchasing land in Ontario County. This he operated until, in the interests of his sons, he removed to Michigan in 1862. He selected the present farm in Milford township, which he cultivated until his death in 1886, at the age of 69 years. He is still survived by his widow, who has reached her 80th year, and four children: John S. and Charles H., of Milford township, Oakland County; George, of Delray, Michigan; and Edith, the wife of A. O. Bowen, of Wixom, Oakland County. Mr. Pittenger was made a Mason in Milford Lodge, No. 165, F. & A. M., under more favorable conditions than was his father. In political belief he was a Republican and served in a number of local offices, being deeply interested in the securing of good roads and educational advantages for his locality. He also dispensed even justice as a justice of the peace and was a man of such admirable characteristics that he enjoyed the respect of all who knew him. Joseph J. Pittenger is ranked and should be remembered with the prominent men of Milford township, one who had much to do with making it what it now is.

John S. Pittenger was 13 years old when he accompanied his parents to Michigan, and he soon began to assist on the farm, in the meantime attending the local schools. With his younger brother he now successfully carries on diversified farming and stock raising. During the present season they have a fine flock of 65 sheep, 15 head of cattle and other stock in proportion. They are ranked with the best farmers of Milford township and also with the most respected citizens.

In December, 1878, John S. Pittenger was married to Mary Crawford, who is a daughter of William Crawford, of whom extensive mention will be found in another part of this volume. Both Mr. and Mrs. Pittenger are members of the Methodist Church. He is prominent in the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Milford Chapter No. 71, R. A. M. In politics he is a Republican.

In 1887 Charles H. Pittenger was married to Abbie Steele, who was born in Ontario County, New York, and they have four children: Edith, Joseph, Roy, and Theda. He is also a Republican but no office seeker. Like his brother he is a Royal Arch Mason, belonging to Milford Chapter, No. 71.