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Edwin Pettis family papers

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 186

Scope and Contents

Contains photographs, correspondence and genealogy concerning the Pettis Family. The photographs, arranged alphabetically by subject, are of the Pettis family, the family home in Ada, and the Ada area (1895-1920, n.d.). Included with the photos is a portrait of Charles E. Ward, prosecutor during the Water Scandal in Grand Rapids at the beginning of the twentieth century. Of special interest in the correspondence are letters from Edwin Pettis to his wife Lettie during the Water Scandal of 1901, which resulted from bonds issued to fund construction of a water pipeline from Lake Michigan to Grand Rapids. The bonds were issued far in excess of the projected actual construction cost, with individuals attempting to pocket the surplus money. The letters discuss Pettis' responsibility guarding the prosecution's key witness. The genealogies document the Pettis and Ward families, 1901-1986.

Dates

  • 1895-1986, n.d.

Creator

Biographical / Historical

A native of Ada, Michigan, Edwin Pettis (3/1/1856 - 8/18/1941) went to nearby Grand Rapids, Michigan as a young man to work as a driver for the street railway system. From about 1900 to 1912 he was deputy sheriff of Kent County. Later Pettis served as police captain for the Pere Marquette Railroad, retiring at the age of 70.

Pettis married Lettie Ward in 1884, sister of attorney Charles E. Ward. The couple had five children: Charles (8/18/1884 - 12/23/1963), Don (9/2/1887 - 1/22/1917), Eugene (12/10/1889 - 7/17/1966), Glenn (12/29/1894 - 11/15/1968) and Dorothy (12/22/1901 - ). Lettie Pettis died February 14, 1918. In 1920 Edwin Pettis married Fannie Warner, who died July 9, 1940. They had no children.

Extent

0.21 Linear Feet (One box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Edwin Pettis (1856-1941) was deputy sheriff of Kent County and police captain for the Pere Marquette Railroad. His papers contain photographs, correspondence and genealogy of the Pettis and Ward families. The photographs are of family members, the family home in Ada, Michigan and the Ada area. Of special interest are letters from Edwin Pettis as under sheriff of Kent County, Michigan, to his wife Lettie during the Grand Rapids Water Scandal in 1901. The scandal resulted from bonds issued to fund construction of a water pipeline from Lake Michigan to Grand Rapids. The bonds were issued far in excess of the projected actual construction cost, with individuals attempting to pocket the surplus money.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Edith Ellen Pettis, April 1987; accession number 1987.022

Title
Finding aid for the Edwin Pettis family papers
Status
Completed
Author
Michael Hoffman
Date
1993
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497