Person:Calvin Pitts (1)

Calvin was a preacher, never left South Carolina (Notes from TyroneWilliams)

From biography, History of the American Negro, South Carolina Edition, Vol. III, A.B. Caldwell, A.B. Caldwell Publishing Co., Atlanta, 1919:

Rev. Calvin Conway Pitts, a popular Baptist minister, and a successful farmer of Laurens county, may be said to have begun life with the freedom of his people from slavery, as he was born on May 14, 1862. His father, Robin Pitts, was his master. His mother's name was Martha.

His schooling was limited to the public school of Laurens county during the 70's. He has not, however, permitted the lack of a college education to stand in the way of his success in life. holding firmly to the fundamental virtues of truth and honesty, he has made for himself a prominent place amonth the colored people of his county.

He was brout up on the farm and was taught to do all sorts of hard work.

On Dec. 20, 1883, he was married to Miss Maggie Finley, a daughter of Barry and Amanda Finley...Rev. and Mrs. Pitts have given to their children the educational advantages which they lacked in their own youth, the children being: John, Amanda L., Bessie B., thomas N., todd J.A., Ulysses A.A., Jessie M. and Luke Pitts. There are five grandchildren.

After his marriage in 1883, Mr. Pitts began farming on halves and two years later bought a mule and began farming on his own account. When he had saved a few hundred dollars he bought a farm on 67 acres, on which he has since resided.

After his conversion he felt called to preach, and was ordained to the full work of the ministry in 1892 by the Rocky Springs Baptist Church. For 25 years he has been leading his people and has pastored the following churches: New Fortville, 11 years; Cross Hill, five years, where he built a new church; St. Luke's, six years, where a new house of worship was erected; Rocky Mount, two years; Malden, two years; Cedar Grove, three years, and Christian Hope three years. He is now pastor at Rock Creek Church at Simpsonville, and Mud Creek at Flat Rock, North Carolina. He is a member of the Executive Board of the Tumbling Shoals Association and belongs to the Masons.

he has studied conditions about him and believes that before his people can ever make permanent progress, they must learn the value of money, the importance of co-operation, and be willing to pay the price of success. Of course this will include the building of churches and schools, the endowment of colleges and the establishment of industrial concenrs and financial institutions.

Laurens Advertiser, July 9, 1936:

Rev. Calvin C. Pitts Died Saturday The REv. Calvin C. Pitts, highly regarded colored minister of the county, passed away suddenly at his home near Maddens Saturday night. Funeral services will be conducted this afternon at 2:30 at Rocky Springs church near his home.

For over thirty years he had served as a Baptsit minister, serving churches in this and adjoining counties. He is survived by his widow, four sons and three daughters. All of his children except one live in other states.

Living on RFD 4 in Laurens in 1912. City Directory.

1. ↑ 1920 Census Laurens County South Carolina.
2. ↑ ^2.0 2.1 1930 U.S. Census, Laurens, Laurens, South Carolina.
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} 1910 U.S. Census, Laurens, Laurens, South Carolina.
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} 1900 Census, Laurens, Laurens, SC (1).
5. ↑ 1880 Census, Union County, SC.
6. ↑ History of the American Negro, S.C. Edition, Vol. III.
7. ↑ Headstone, Salem Baptist Church cemetery, Conway, AR.
8. ↑ Death certificate.
9. ↑ Preacher
10. ↑ Tombstone, Laurens, SC
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1 11.2} Farmer