James Albert Pitts, a prominent figure, in real estate and loan circles in Muskogee, having developed a business of very substantial proportions, was born in Hickory county, Missouri, in 1877, and is a son of Robert Virgil and Pauline C. (Robertson) Pitts. The father was a merchant in Missouri and in 1889 removed to Muskogee, where he engaged in the live stock business. He continued a resident of this city until his demise, which occurred in 1900.
James A. Pitts, who is usually called “Bert” by his warmest friends, was educated in the public schools, in the Harrell Institute at Muskogee, Oklahoma, and in the Bacone College. Starting out in the business world he was for five years connected with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad, in the clerical department. He then resigned his position and for two years was connected with the hotel business. Later he was appointed chief clerk in the tax collector’s office and occupied that position for a year, after which he was elected to the office of city assessor and continued to serve in that capacity for two years. Later he was appointed city tax collector and, after retiring from that position served for one year as superintendent of the city water works. He has thus given much time to public service and in every connection has faithfully discharged the duties that have devolved upon him. After retiring from the superintendence of the water works he acted as assistant to Jake
Hamon, chairman of the state republican central committee, for a period of two years.
In 1907, following the admission of Oklahoma to the Union, he entered the real estate and loan business, in which he has since been engaged, maintaining his office in Muskogee, where his clientage has steadily increased, by reason of the enterprise and ability which he displays in the conduct of the business. He is now agent for the Oklahoma Farm Mortgage Company. He was also one of three who in 1906 established the Muskogee Evening Times, but after several months’ connection with the paper he sold his interest. Twice during this period he has been nominated for the office of county treasurer and on each occasion he led his ticket, although defeated. The large vote given him was proof of his personal popularity and the confidence reposed in him.
In June, 1902, Mr. Pitts was united in marriage to Miss Callie McClain of Muskogee, and they have become the parents of five children: Pauline Elizabeth, William Virgil, Ralph, Martha and Mary.
Mr. Pitts and his family are well known socially and he has long been recognized as a leader in the Republican Party. He has taken a very active part in the work of the conventions and was secretary of the Roosevelt Club. He was also at one time secretary of the Real Estate Association. He has ever recognized the value of organized effort and has therefore cooperated in those organizations which have been formed to promote the growth of plans and projects in which he has been keenly interested. He is alert and energetic, recognized as a human dynamo in connection with business and public affairs.