Historical Sketch on Jonathan Pettit

The following has been copied from A Directory, Business Mirror, and Historical Sketches of Randolph County... by E. J. Montague, published at Alton, Ill.: Courier Steam Book and Job Printing House, 1859. Page 73.

1798 - Another addition was made to this settlement in the person of Jonathan Pettit, in the year 1798. He was a noble specimen of the pioneer class, and by his enterprising energy he became a valuable acquisition to the little colony in which he located. He erected a mill on Nine Mile creek, at the point where the Chester and Evansville road crosses that stream. Some evidences of the existence of this mill may yet be found. Pettit was an active, industrious man, full of life and energy. Like most of the brave pioneers, he joined the "Rangers" in 1812, and discharged his military duties in a manner very creditable to himself and the service. His sons were David, Henry, Jonathan, and Joseph. The only one of the name of this family remaining in the county is Henry Newton Pettit, who lives about five miles northwest of Chester.