Eli Pettit was the son of Plummer Pettit and his second wife, (Nancy) Ann Pettit. Plummer and Nancy were cousins. The following obituary was published in the Leavenworth Times, 16 May 1899.

An Old Resident Dies.

Eli Pettit, sr., an old resident of Leavenworth, died at his home at 768 Seneca street from paralysis of the heart Sunday. The funeral was held from the home yesterday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock and the internment was in Mount Muncie Cemetery.

Mr. Pettit left a large family, there being seven children in all. They are Eli Pettit, jr., Mrs. Eva Coon, Mrs. W. W. Morton, Mrs F. C. Sherman of Pueblo, Col., Mrs. William Scott of Chillicothe, Ohio, Miss Alice Pettit and William Pettit, Jr.

Mr. Pettit was well known in the city and had lived here for many years. The services were conducted by the Rev. Scott of the U. B. church.