Zela Pitts was mentioned in the 18 July 1841 will of her grandfather Thomas Pitts. [Essex County, Virginia, Box Chancery No. 40, item 40-C-26.]

1850 U.S. Census, Essex County, Virginia
Page 89B
Dwelling 416, Family 416
Pitts, Susan, 50, female, born in Virginia
Pitts, Emily, 17, female, born in Virginia
Pitts, Zela, 15, female, born in Virginia, attended school
Pitts, Roxanna, 14, female, born in Virginia, attended school
Pitts, Franklin, 12, male, born in Virginia, attended school