• Born: 2 Dec 1803, East Hartford CT
• Marriage (1): Lucy Makens Merrow on 18 Apr 1832 in East Hartford CT
• Died: 20 May 1891, Coventry CT

  General notes:

Silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker

  Events in his life were:

• Alternate Mark.

• Alternate Mark.
  Possibly also used by his brother Walter.

• He worked in 1826-1830 as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker in East Hartford CT for many years owned a store at 12 State Street, Hartford, where he sold watches, jewelry and silverware. ³

• Example: Watch paper, circa 1830, in American Antiquarian Society.

• Partnership: Walter M. Pitkin, in 1830-1840, in East Hartford CT. As J. O. & W. PITKIN. The business expanded and a branch shop was opened in Vicksburg, Mississippi (1834-1837). Brothers Henry and James began manufacture of the "American Lever Watch" in 1834 in a Hartford shop to which John O. and Walter moved their silver business. More than 40 workers were employed on the various products. The watch business later moved to New York. In 1840 John retired and his brother Walter continued until 1880 when fire destroyed the factory in East Hartford. ³

• He worked after 1840 as a silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker in East Hartford CT

• Partnership: James Flagg Pitkin, in 1848-1850, in New York City NY. As PITKIN & BROTHER, with a shop at 26 Maiden Lane.

• He appeared on the census in 1850 in Mansfield Center CT. Listed as a manufacturer.

• He appeared on the census in 1860 in Mansfield Center CT. Listed as a manufacturer.

• He appeared on the census in 1870 in Coventry CT. Listed as a farmer.

John married Lucy Makens Merrow, daughter of Joseph Makens Merrow and Unknown, on 18 Apr 1832 in East Hartford CT. (Lucy Makens Merrow was born on 19 Apr 1812 in East Hartford CT and died on 12 Apr 1900 in Manchester CT.)