He was listed in the 1850 census with his parents, as J. J. Pettit, age 13.

1860 census of Pendleton Co., Ky, Aspen Grove P.O., enumerated 26 July, lists with the family of E. F. Turner (38) and his wife Elvira (30), on p. 183 as part of household 1259/1239:
James J. Pettit, 24, merchant, b. Ky.

1870 census of Pendleton Co., Ky, Falmouth, enumerated 1 June, lists on p. 408 in household #38, with his brother Richard Thomas (listed as R.T.):
Pettit, Joseph J., 31, blacksmith, b. Ky.

The age is low, but it is wrong by 3 to 4 years for several members of R. T.’s family as well.

1880 census of Pendleton Co., Ky, Falmouth precinct, enumerated 10 June, lists on p. 20 as a boarder with the family of Napolean Auleck (59):
Pettit, Joseph, 39, b. Ky Ky Ky. (The occupation field is blank.)