Pettit, Thomas 1832-1906

PETTIT, AVERILL, COWLES, WILSON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 1/30/2005 at 16:42:53

Thomas Pettit was born in the Township of Crowland, County of Welland, Canada, March 9, 1832. September 30, 1857, he was united in marriage with Miss Samantha Averill. They moved to Iowa in 1868. Mrs. Pettit died September 15, 1900 and was buried in this city.

Mr. and Mrs. Pettit are the parents of six children, five of whom are still living: W. A. Pettit of Cedar Rapids, A. A. Pettit of Des Moines, Lewis N. Pettit of Dallas Center, Mrs. D. V. Cowles of Gainsborough, Canada, and Mrs. J. C. Wilson of Eddyville, Iowa.

Mr. Pettit began the Christian life at the early age of seven years, but did not unite with the church until he was 14 years old. Since that time he has made a public profession of Christianity. He was a quiet man saying little but thinking deeply. He had a very practical ideal as to Christian life. Disease prevented his attending regularly the church services during the last months of his life, but he seemed to be always in close touch with the Lord. On Saturday preceding his death, in conversation with his pastor concerning the probability of his soon departing this life, he spoke with great humbleness about the goodness of God to him and spoke with calmness of his death, which he seemed to expect soon, showing no fear but great faith in the Heavenly Father. He always enjoyed conversation on spiritual topics, and we trust, in God, has gone to the home of the blest.

The above was read by Rev. G. F. Harned of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Dallas Center, at the funeral services held at the chapel at the Newton Cemetery this morning. Rev. Harned also had charge of the funeral services held at the residence of Lewis N. Pettit at Dallas Center on Thursday afternoon, January 11th.

The remains were accompanied to this city by a daughter and her husband, Mr. and Mrs. James Wilson of Eddyville, Iowa, his son and wife, Mr. and Mrs. L. N. Pettit of Dallas Center, his son, W. A. Pettit of Cedar Rapids, Rev. C. J. Harned and C. R. Brenton of Dallas Center. The daughter, Mrs. V. D. Cowles of Gainsborough, Canada, and son, A. A. Pettit of Des Moines, could not be present at these services.

The music at the chapel was furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Allen, Fred Hough and Mrs. Nona Knepper. Those acting as pallbearers were Messrs. B. S. Gilson, Henry and Harry Phillips and H. V. Van Epps. ~ The Newton (IA) Daily News, Friday, January 12, 1906, Page 6, Column 2

Transcriber note: Transcribed as written, two different death dates, according to Newton Union Cemetery records, death date is 1906.