Chapin New York

John Robert Stilts, born February 8, 1858, in Hopewell, New York, was educated at local schools and Union Academy. He initially farmed before working in sales and managing a store. In 1896, he acquired a general store in Chapin, New York, gaining a reputation as a successful merchant. A Democratic politician, he served multiple terms as justice of the peace and was active in the local Odd Fellows lodge. He married Hattie E. Deuel in 1893 and had three children: Paul, Doris, and Florence.