Samuel L. Pitkin, born in Hartford, Connecticut on April 1, 1803, was the Adjutant General for the State of Connecticut from 1837 to 1839. He was a member of the Pitkin family of Hartford, who were very active in politics, the military, industry and banking in early Connecticut. His great-great-great grandfather, William Pitkin, emigrated to the new world from England in 1635 after receiving an inheritance. His grandson, also named William Pitkin would serve as governor of Connecticut Colony from 1766 to 1769.