John C. Pelt (1877-1948) was born in Ellis County. After his father's death in 1880, his mother, Sarah (Seymour), remarried. He moved to Duncanville to live with his paternal aunt Anna and her husband, Charles Barker. In 1896, he married Lee Olah Grounds (1879-1964), and they had several children. He worked as the county road overseers commissioner and became a carpenter and builder, constructing numerous homes and buildings in Duncanville, including what is now Central Elementary School. In 1927, Pelt built his family home at this site. He led an active life, participating in local politics, the Christian Church, the Lion's Club, and the Masonic lodge, which was named for him after his death.