Seneca Pitcher, reeve of Norwich, was born in Warren County, N.Y., December 27, 1825, his parents being Alva and Charlotte (Cunningham) Pitcher, both of New York. Losing his father when he was eight years old, his mother moved to Upper Canada, and settled in the township of Burford, county of Oxford, formerly in the District of Brock, Seneca having an older brother who accompanied them. He acquainted himself with the elementary branches of knowledge in the common schools of that day, supplementing it with private study; farmed most of the time in his youth; clerked a short time in the village of Norwich, then manufactured lumber for about ten years, off and on, running saw mills on shares, and, in 1854, commenced the mercantile trade at Norwich. For three years he was in company with Charles Sackrider, the firm name being Pitcher and Sackrider, and then traded alone until 1876, when he retired from mercantile life.
Mr. Pitcher is now busying himself in taking care of his property, and attending to the duties of his office as reeve, in which he is serving his second term. He is also justice of the peace. He has also done some service to the community as trustee of the public schools of Norwich. He was one of the provisional directors of the Port Dover and Lake Huron Railway.
Several years ago Mr. Pitcher connected himself with the Sedentary Militia; held in succession the offices of Ensign, Lieutenant and Captain, and about that time there was a change in the military system, and he retired.
Mr. Pitcher has always affiliated with the Reform party, and is very decided and firm in his political views. He and his family attend the Canada Methodist church.
The marriage of Mr. Pitcher is dated January 13, 1856, his wife being Phoebe Lossing, daughter of Solomon Lossing, of Norwich, and granddaughter of Peter Lossing, one of the first settlers in the township of North Norwich. The Lossings are a prominent family in this part of Oxford County. Mrs. Pitcher is the mother of three children, losing the first born.
A pleasant little episode in the quiet life of Mr. Pitcher occurred in February, 1879, when the citizens of Norwich presented him with a large and elegant tilting silver pitcher and cup, as a token of their recognition of his valuable services as reeve. The present will long serve as a reminder of the friendship of kind and appreciative neighbors, and a precious keepsake in the family.
