There were settlers in what would become Pittsfield Township before 1813 but they left, most likely for military service in the War of 1812.

Thomas and Jeffrey Waite the sons of Thomas Waite of Russia Township where the first permanent settlers off Pittsfield Township in 1821. The township was part of Wellington Township until 1831 and named Pittsfield after Pittsfield, Massachusetts.

As of the 2020 census the population was 1,573.