David Kidder Pettibone (1817-1899)

On Thursday last, about 1:30 o'clock, David K. Pettibone closed his eyes to earthly scenes after a sickness of 10 days which was brought on by a fall, from which he never rallied. Only a short time before he had followed his wife's remains to their last resting place. He was one of the few left who lived in Crown Point in early times and at the present rate the old ones are leaving us, soon there will be none left to tell the tale. The deceased was the oldest of the Pettibone brothers, Dr. Harvey Pettibone, the youngest, going first, and now William alone, remains, and is nearing the 80th milepost. The father, who died here several years ago, was past 90 years. The funeral services took place at the M.E. church on Saturday afternoon and during the exercises Rev. R.D. Utter read the following obituary concerning Mr. Pettibone's life:

David Kidder Pettibone, born at Naples, N.Y., Nov. 27, 1817, died at Crown Point, Ind., April 6, 1899, in his eighty-second year.

He came from his native state to this (Lake) county in 1884, arriving at Crown Point, Oct. 17. Having been educated for the law, he began at once the practice of his profession. He was soon called, however, to serve the people in official relations, and for that reason, and also because of chronic throat trouble, he deemed it expedient, after some years, to give up his law practice.

The high esteem in which he was held by the public is evident from the official honors he received at the hands of his fellow citizens. He was County Clerk about fourteen years, and during the war period, was one or two terms a member of the Legislature.

He was for some time the paymaster, and for several years the cashier, of the Chicago, Danville and Vincennes Ry. He took a leading part in the enlistment of a company for the war, and was commissioned a lieutenant, but, after a brief period of service, gong no farther south than Louisville, he was constrained to resign and return home on account of failing health. The necessity thus coming upon him, to quit the army of the Union, was a great disappointment, which he never ceased to regret.

He was twice married. His second wife, the mother of his children, was Catharine M. Sears. Their marriage was solemnized Nov. 7, 1855. A few weeks ago, to-wit, Feb. 25, 1899, the wife and mother was called away. Three children had gone before; three still remain, namely, Willard P., Lewis S., and Miss Lora, -- to whom their many friends extend sincerest sympathy.