My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM W. PETTIT is one of the leading grape culturists and farmers of Portland town. He was born in Pulaski, Oswego county, New York, January 13, 1835, and is a son of James J. and Sarah (Hill) Pettit. The family is of French Huguenot extraction but of long residence in the United States. The paternal grandfather, Dr. James Pettit, was a native of Albany, this State, where he was born April 13, 1777. Dr. Pettit became a physician of renown, paid particular attention to optical surgery and gave to the world the eye salve which bears his name. He came to Fredonia in 1835 and practiced his profession until his death May 24, 1849. James J. Pettit was born in Hamilton, Madison county, N. Y., May 26, 1804. He was a lawyer by profession and in 1838 he came to Fredonia and practiced for a number of years. From Fredonia he went to Perry, Wyoming county, and continued practicing law until 1848, when he removed to Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he practiced for a while and was then elected county judge. He died August 5, 1877. Mr. Pettit was a good man, a member of the Presbyterian church and of the Republican party, by whom he was elected judge. He married Sarah Hill, in 1829, a native of Cazenovia, Madison county, who was born March 15, 1805. She, too, was a member of the Presbyterian church. They were the parents of six children, Mrs. Pettit died May 30, 1863.

William W. Pettit was reared at Kenosha, Wisconsin, and educated in the public schools. After leaving school he learned the machinist’s trade and followed it until 1860. In 1861 he joined Co. G, 1st regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, and entered the war for four months service, holding a first lieutenant’s commission. In 1862, he re-enlisted in Co. D, 34th regiment, Wisconsin Infantry, and remained in the army until 1864. At the expiration of his enlistment Mr. Pettit came to Brocton and located on the farm he now owns, and began agriculture and grape culture which he has since pursued.

On September 20, 1864, he married Laura Reynolds, a daughter of Richard Reynolds, of Portland. They have four children, two sons and two daughters: Henry W., George R., Edith S. and Ruth H. They lost one infant, Fred. R., who died February 20, 1870, aged four years and one month. Mrs. Pettit is a refined and cultured lady who has a charming and model home.

William W. Pettit is a republican, a gentleman of culture and is respected as one of our best citizens. He is a member of James A. Hall Post, No. 292, G. A. R., and holds the position of surgeon.