From "Bluegrass Houses and Their Traditions", by Elizabeth Simpson: "William B. Pettit her [Nannie Pettit's] father was born in 1812 and died in 1868. He married Amanda Lamme and for her he built 'Alleghan Hall' just before the Civil War. At the outbreak of the war he drove to Lexington, drew all his money out of the bank, and buried it on the farm. On his deathbed he made repeated attempts to reveal the hiding place of his treasure, but without success. Besides Nannie, he left a daughter who married Rufus Bryant, and a son John William. William B. Pettit was the son of John and Nancy Berry Pettit and his grandfather William Berry was one of the little group that founded and named Lexington."

1850 census of Fayette Co., Ky, district 1, enumerated 23 Aug, lists on p. 105, lines 25-28:
Pettit, W. B. (m), 37; A. B. (f), 30; N. J. (f), 5; John W., 1. All born in Kentucky.

1860 census of Fayette Co., Ky, district 2, Lexington P.O., enumerated 20 July, lists on p. 76 as family #531/565:
Wm B. Pittit, 45, farmer; Amanda, 37; Nannie, 15; John, 11; Amanda, 8. All born in Kentucky.