----Source: Colby Phonograph (Colby, Wis.) 10/27/1921

Pettet, Joseph A. (4 Augl 1842 - 19 OCT 1921)

J. A. Pettet, Civil War veteran and one of the oldest settlers in this vicinity, whose death was chronicled in the Phonograph last week, was buried in the Colby Cemetery Sunday. Funeral services were held at the M. E. Church at Unity, Rev. Wilson Mallory of Granton, delivering the eulogy. The I. O. O. F. had charge of the funeral at the church and at the grave. The Boy Scouts of Unity proceeded the procession to the church and to the cemetery at Colby, where the remains were laid to rest. The National Guard of Abbotsford gave the military burial at the grave.

Mr. Pettet was born in Jefferson Co., N.Y., Aug. 4, 1842 and died at the age of 79 years, 2 months and 15 days. He was united in marriage to Maran Crane in Sheboygan Co., Wis. on Sept. 14, 1865. Two children were born to them, one, Charles, is still living and James, deceased. His wife died, April 29, 1869 and he was married again in Ozaukee Co., June 29, 1876 to Elizabeth M. Burrel. His wife and three children, Marshall A. and the twins, Lola Bell and Lula Dell, are left to mourn his demise. A son, Oswald, preceded him to the great beyond.

Mr. Pettet enlisted June 1, 1861, from Sheboygan Co., Wis., for three years and was mustered into the U. S. Service at Camp Randall, Madison, as a private of Capt. David B. Conger’s Company B, 8th Regiment, Wis. Volunteer Infantry, Col. John W. Jefferson commanding. The 8th, or "Eagle" regiment, was known on account of the live American eagle which it carried through the war on a staff perched conspicuously beside its colors. He was in the first battle at Frederickstown Oct. 20, 1861 and had the honor to assist in defending the nation. He was in all other engagements of his regiment up to, and including, the siege of Spanish Fort, Ala., where, on Mar. 23, 1865, a gun shot shattered his left foot. He was moved to a camp hospital, where his foot was amputated just above the ankle, and received an honorable discharge at Dolphin Island, Ala., May 22, 1865. His regiment was active in 48 battles and skirmishes and he was always at his post of duty, having achieved a gallant record for meritorious service and soldierly conduct at all times.

He located in Unity, Wis. 42 years ago when the country was still a vast wilderness. For a number of years he was interested in the mercantile business, but later managed a hotel, which was known for its hospitality up and down the line. He was a member of the L. L. Mitchel Post No. 34, Dept. of Florida, of the G. A. R. Post of Colby, Unity and Spencer, and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge for more than fifty years. He was also a member of the village council of Unity for 12 years and served in the capacity of justice of the peace at different times.

He was widely known throughout this vicinity and, at all times, interested in the advancement of the community in which he lived and always eager to do his bit, but now has answered the last call.

Relatives from out of town who attended the funeral were: M. A. Pettet, Bozeman, Mont., Mrs. J. B. Ferguson, Spokane, Wash., Mrs. John Utter, Waupaca, Wis., Charles Pettet, Peshtigo, Wis., Charles Pettet, Thorp, Wis., Mr. Carter, Thorp, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Fred Grinnel, Marinette, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Frank Brott, Marinette, Wis., Mrs. Bedford, Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. John Ferguson, Loyal, Wis., Archie Ferguson, Loyal, Wis., and many other friends from neighboring towns.