Daniel C. Pettitt

PETTITT, DAVIS, DEAL

Posted By: Fran Hunt, Volunteer
Date: 10/5/2001 at 19:26:08

From the Portrait and Biographical Album of Jefferson and Van Buren Counties – 1890
DANIEL C. PETTITT
Daniel C. Pettitt, dealer in farming implements at Birmingham, is another of the prominent businessmen of Van Buren County who deserves mention in this volume. He is widely and favorable known, so the record of his life, which is as follows, will be received with interest by our readers. Clarke County Indiana was his birthplace and on August 17, 1843, he first opened his eyes to the light of day. His father, George R. Pettitt, was born in Indiana, November 11, 1815, and his wife, whose maiden name was Martha J. Davis, and who was a native of Kentucky, was about two years his junior. Having married, they began their domestic life in Indiana, which continued to be their home until 1844, at which time they crossed the Mississippi into the Territory of Iowa. They located in Van Buren County and Mr. Pettitt is still a resident of Birmingham, but in 1883, he was called upon to mourn the death of his wife.
Our subject is one of a family of three children. His early life was unmarked by any event of special importance, for midst play and work and in attending the district schools his boyhood days were spent. However, at the age of eighteen years he entered the service of his country. He had watched with interest the progress of event sin the south but at the beginning of the war was too young to respond to the country’s call for aid, but on March 9, 1862, he enrolled his name among the boys in blue of Company H. Third Iowa Cavalry. The two following years were spent mostly in skirmishing in Missouri and Arkansas. While stationed at Mexico, Missouri, Daniel and another boy went to get the former’s horse, which had run away, as they supposed, to a farm about two miles distant, but on reaching that place they learned that he had gone on some thirteen miles. Starting forward again, they met the rebel commander, Purcell, whom they did not know, and who told them where to find the horse. His directions proved correct, but while returning the lads found a squad of rebels in ambush, Without a word, the enemy arose and fired. Both horses dropped dead and the boys started to run but almost in another moment Mr. Pettitt’s comrade fell pierced by twelve bullets. Seeing that it was impossible to escape, he then surrendered without receiving a scratch. Afterwards he was paroled and started to join his command. While returned, he met an ambulance containing two coffins, which were for himself and friend, as his comrades had heard that both were dead and glad they were to find that one was not needed. On January 1, 1864, Mr. Pettitt veteranized and was therefore granted a furlough. When the time had expired he went to Memphis Tennessee, where he was attached to A.J. Smith’s corps and participated in the battles of Guntown, Tupelo and Oxford. He spent part of the winter in Louisville, Kentucky and then, newly equipped, started on the Wilson raid, in which he took part in the engagements of Monte Valley, Plantersville, Selma and Columbus Georgia. He was mustered out at Atlanta and discharged August 20, 1865, at Davenport, after serving three years and eight months.
When his country no longer needed his services Mr. Pettitt returned to Birmingham and for a short time engaged in the butchering and grocery business, after which, for some fourteen years, he devoted himself to freighting, his efforts in that line being attended with considerable success. He also dealt with walnut timber until 1886, when he engaged in his present business as a dealer in agricultural implements. Four years in that line have served to bring him a good trade, and his fair dealing and good business management have won him the confidence and respect of the community.
On October 31, 1867 Mr. Pettitt was joined in wedlock with Miss Sarah J. Deal a native of Pennsylvania. One child was born unto them but died in infancy, but they have an adopted child Iva M. Mrs. Pettitt is a member of the Methodist Church. He is a Republican in politics and has served as Marshal, Constable and City Recorder. He is a member of the Old settlers Society and an honored member of Perry A. Newell Post, No. 232, G.A.R. His social standing and business record make him one of the prominent and influential citizens of Birmingham.
I am not related, and am only copying this for the information of those who might find this person in their family.