Christopher C. Gittings, who since 1889 has been an active member of the Racine bar, and is now senior partner in the firm of Gittings & Janechy, was born in Racine County, October 29, 1862, a son of William and Elizabeth Gittings. The ancestry is traced back to Wales, although the family is of English origin. The father was born in Wales, and in 1850 visited Wisconsin, being so pleased with the state and its future prospects that he returned in 1855 to Racine County and purchased land in Caledonia Township, soon after which he was joined by his father, William Gittings, and the other members of the family. After coming to Wisconsin William Gittings, Jr., took up the occupation of farming which he continuously followed until he retired from active business life and removed to Racine. He died in Wales while on a visit to that country in August, 1911, at the very venerable age of eighty-nine years, and his wife has also passed away. They were the parents of seven children: Katharine, the wife of Captain John Pugh of Racine; William G., who is manager of the Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company of Racine; Mellie, who became the wife of Charles E. Kittinger and died in South Dakota in 1886; Christopher C.; Elizabeth, living in Racine; John, an attorney of Union Grove, Wisconsin; and Ward, who is treasurer of the Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company.
After acquiring a public school education in his native town, Christopher C. Gittings attended the McMynn Academy at Racine and further continued his studies in Racine College. He began reading law in the office and under the direction of Henry T. Fuller of Racine and was admitted to the bar in 1889, since which time he has continuously practiced in this city. He became a partner of P. S. Fuller, with whom he was associated for a year and later was a member of the firm of Palmer & Gittings from 1891 until 1914, his associate being Walter C. Palmer. At the latter date the present firm of Gittings & Janechy was formed. He is an able lawyer, whose knowledge of the principles of jurisprudence is comprehensive and exact, while his practice is extensive and of an important character. His analytical mind and the readiness with which he grasps the points in an argument combine to make him a strong advocate, while his wide general information constitutes him a safe counselor. In addition to his law practice he has important business interests, being now president of the Gold Medal Camp Furniture Company, manufacturers of all kinds of camp furniture, which they sell throughout the world, supplying most of the cots to the United States army.
In 1901 Mr. Gittings was married to Miss Laura A. Jones of Racine, a daughter of Captain John W. Jones, who was a pioneer of this state and a well known lake captain. Mr. Gittings has long been a stalwart advocate of republican principles and for five years he served as city attorney of Racine, while for a similar period he was postmaster, holding the office during the administrations of Presidents Roosevelt and Taft. He is president of the State Young Men’s Christian Association and has served on the State Board for several years. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias, and in the former organization has taken the degrees of the lodge, chapter, commandery, and consistory. His attention, however, is chiefly concentrated upon his law practice and his earnest efforts, close application and the exercise of his native and acquired talents have won him prestige at the Racine bar.