THOMAS C. PETTIS

(JUNE 15, 1913)

Another Aged Citizen Has Passed Over to the Other Side

   Thomas C. Pettis, a well known citizen of this village died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. R. H. Bills, on Clinton Street, Sunday night at 11 o'clock.

   Mr. Pettis had been failing for many years, suffering from the infirmities of age.

   Mr. Pettis was a native of Fall River, Mass., and was born Sept. 24, 1824.  He was the son of Nathan and Rhoda Allen Pettis.  When a young man he came to Esperance, Schoharie county, where he learned the trade of cabinet maker.  About the year 1845, he came to this village and worked at his trade.  November 3, 1847, he married Elizabeth Lownsbery of Oxford.

   When the war broke out Mr. Pettis enlisted in the 10th New York Cavalry, and served till the end of the war, when he mustered out with the rank of lieutenant.

   After the war, he purchased the James W. Clark house, remodeled it and opened it as the St. James hotel.  In 1875, he sold the hotel and business to William L. Daniels and James G. Van Wagenen.  Later he entered a co-partnership with Charles Frazer in the furniture business, and in a few years, assumed Mr. Frazer's interest.   In 1886, his son-in-law, R. H. Bills entered the business and they continued until May, 1906, when they sold out to Brown & Seymour.

   Mr. Pettis was of a genial nature and was long identified with the interests of the village.  For the past 20 years, he resided with his daughter, Mrs. Bills, since his wife died.  He was a member of Breed Post, No. 196 G. A. R.

   He is survived by one son, Walter H. Pettis of Harpursville, one daughter, Mrs. R. H. Bills of this village, and a granddaughter, Mrs. Mary Dykeman of Kenwood.

   The funeral will be held this afternoon at 3 o'clock at the house, Rev. Theodore Haydn officiating.  The burial will be held in Riverview, and the commitment service will in charge of Breed Post.

NOTE:  DATE WAS HAND-WRITTEN ON THE ARTICLE

NOTE:  THIS PHOTOGRAPH SHOWS THE STOREFRONT OF PETTIS & BILLS.

Pettis & Co. made furniture and caskets.  Located on the South side of the Navy Island block.  Left to right: Charles Grannis, Tom Pettis and Mrs. R. H. Bills.