----Source: 1881 HISTORY OF NORTHERN WI, Chicago: The Western Historical Company, A. T. Andreas, Proprietor (grammar as is), Pg. 252

J. A. PETTET, merchant, Unity, was born in Jefferson Co., NY, Aug. 4, 1843. His parents came to Wisconsin, stopping in Sheboygan County, town of Greenbush, on a farm, where he staid till he was eighteen years of age. He then enlisted in the 8th Wis. V. served four years, and enlisted again in Saulsbury, Tenn., and in taking the Spanish Fort in front of Mobil, was shot in his ankle joint and lost his foot nineteen days afterward, rejoined his regiment, and, in 1865, opened a restaurant and grocery in Sheboygan County, but soon after peddled notions through the country. In 1867, went to house carpenter work. He then opened a store in New Castle, Fond du Lac Co., where he was till 1878, and came to Unity, buying his property, and now carries a stock of $3,000 to $5,000, and does a business of $15,000 per year also runs a livery stable. In 1865, he married Miss Mary Crane, of Sheboygan County. She died June 29, 1869, leaving two children. James E. and Charles S. He was married again, in 1876, to Miss Elizabeth Burrell, of Saukville. They have two children, Oswell A., four years of age, and Marshall, two years of age. Mr. P. was Town Clerk and Justice in 1880, and belongs to the I. O. O. F., also to the Encampment of Brighton, holding the position of C. P. in the lodge.