My Genealogy Hound

Jerome J. Petty, farmer and proprietor of Petty’s saw and grist-mill, was born in Pike County, Mo., November 14, 1824. His father, Fisher Petty, was born in Franklin County, Ohio, and after reaching his majority learned the tanner’s trade. In 1822 he came to Missouri, and located at Frankford, Pike County, where he married Sarah Jackson, a native of Kentucky. For six years Mr. Petty engaged in the tanning business at that place, and in 1830 moved across the river, and continued at the same business until 1850, He then engaged in farming until his death, in 1866. Jerome J. grew to manhood in Pike County, and in the spring of 1846 went to Monroe County, Iowa, and in the fall of that year married Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Jonathan and Sarah Piper. After his marriage he continued to live in Monroe County for four years, and in the fall of 1852 removed to Putnam County, Mo., where he now resides. He at first located on 160 acres of raw land, and afterward entered to the amount of 640 acres. The following year Mr. Petty built a water saw-mill, which he ran in connection with his farming. In 1860 he built a steam grist and saw-mill, putting in the engine and machinery in 1867. Since that time he has engaged in grinding corn and manufacturing lumber only. He was one of the principal organizers of the Fair Association of the county, of which he occupied the position of president fifteen years in succession, and is now one of the board of directors. Mrs. Petty died March 1, 1862, leaving three children of five borne by her: Sarah E. (wife of R. W. Mannon, of Putnam County), Mary E. (wife of W. R. Berry, of Garden City, Kas.), Emily V. (wife of Pliny M. Mannon, of Putnam County), Laura (who died in early childhood, September 21, 1857) and George L. (who also died in early childhood, on April 19, 1864). June 5, 1864, Mr. Petty married Martha J., widow of Caleb Wells, and daughter of J. H. Mannon, of Putnam County. Four children have been born to this marriage: Jennie E. and Edith L., and two who died in infancy. Mr. Petty is identified with the Democratic party, but has never sought nor held office. He is an enterprising and thrifty farmer, with good social gifts, and is the owner of 320 acres of well cultivated land on Shoal Creek, and lives in a good house, which is surrounded by comfortable outbuildings.