08/08/2026
Grimes County Spotlight - Peteete Family
The Peteete family is an early pioneer family in Grimes County, Texas, with roots tracing back to Mississippi in the 19th century. Early family members like Thomas Henderson Peteete (1837–1897) and John LeRoy Peteete (1841–1906) settled in the area around communities like Navasota, Shiro, and Prairie Plains, leaving behind local genealogy records and a designated family cemetery. https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2178306
Peteete Surname Meaning
The surname Peteete is relatively uncommon and has uncertain origins. It is believed to be a variant of the surname Petit, which has French roots meaning "small" or "little." The name Petit itself derives from the Old French word "petit," which was used to describe someone of a small stature or to denote affection or endearment. This connection suggests that Peteete may have originally been a nickname that evolved into a family name.
Geographically, the surname Peteete appears to be most concentrated in the United States, where it may have been brought by immigrants from France or other French-speaking regions. Variants of the surname, such as Petit, are more widely distributed in France and other Francophone countries, often associated with specific regions where Old French was spoken.
Spelling variants of Peteete are rare, and the name is not widely documented in historical records, making it challenging to trace its lineage or historical significance thoroughly. Related surnames, such as Petit, often have more extensive histories and are associated with particular regions or notable historical figures.
https://www.wikitree.com/genealogy/PETEETE
John Peteete
Birth 1808 - Georgia, United States
Death Not Available - Mississippi, United States
Robert Sidney Poteete (1835-1872)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40015848/robert_sidney-peteete
Thomas Henderson Peteete (1837–1897)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14516061/thomas_henderson-peteete
Nancy Camilla (Blount) Peteete (1848-?) Wife of Thomas Peteete
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/133864290/nancy_camilla-peteete
According to the 1910 Census as well as her application for a confederate pension she was born in Georgia. She died some time after July 27, 1915 which is the date of her application for her husband's Civil War Pension Date of death unknown.
John LeRoy Peteete (1841–1906):
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40015861/john-leroy-peteete
Eugene Sterling "Doc" Peteete (1848-1903)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116449876/eugene-sterling-peteete
John Sterling Peteete (1868–1964)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116308925/john-sterling-peteete
John William Peteete (1868-1918)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/14516052/john_william-peteete
Monroe Augusta Peteete (1870-1964)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/116336517/monroe_augusta_marrian-peteete
Andrew Henderson Peteete (1873-1952)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40270750/andrew_henderson-peteete
Thomas Eugene Peteete (1879-1976)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40270432/thomas-eugene-peteete
John Henry Peteete (1887-1971)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54827236/john-henry-peteete
Elder Murff Peteete (1882–1964)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40270795/elder_murff-peteete
James Ruben Peteete (1883-1965)
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/54827235/james_ruben-peteete
****************************************
(Notice variant spellings of Peteete)
1850 Census, Winston, MS
John Poteet 42, B:1808, GA
Frances Poteet 42 B; 1808, SC - D:
Sarah Poteet 20, B: 1830, AL
Samuel Poteet 18, B: 1832, AL
Elmira Poteet 16, B: 1834, AL
Robert Poteet 14, B: 1836, AL
Thomas Poteet 12, B: 1838, AL
Frances Poteet 11, B: 1839, MS
John Poteet 9, B: 1841, MS
Levi Poteet 7, B: 1843, MS
Kulia Poteet 6, B: 1844, MS
Hugh Poteet 4, B: 1846, MS
******************************************
1860 Census Attala, MS in 1860.
John Patit 52, B: 1808, GA
Eliza J Patit 32, B:1828, TN - keeping house and teaching school
Julia A R Patit 13, B: 1847, MS
Eugene S Patit 12, B: 1848, MS
James H Mitchell 11, B: 1849, LA
Lewis Y Mitchell 9, 1851, LA
Winnie L Mitchell 7, B: 1853, TX
*************************************
1870 United States Federal Census Grimes County, Anderson, TX
Sterling Peteet Age 23 Birth Year: abt 1847 MS
Cecil (AKA: Sydney) Peteet age 35, Born: 1835, MS
Sterling Peteet 23, B: 1848, MS
F***y Peteet 22, B: 1848, MS
Samuel Peteet 4, B: 1866, TX
John Peteet 2, B: 1868, TX
***************************************
1880 United States Federal Census Grimes County, Anderson, TX
T. H. Petete age 39 Self (Head)
Camilla Petete age 28 Wife
John W. Petete age 12 Son
Sarah A. Petete age 10 Daughter
Andrew H. Petete age 6 Son
Eula M. Petete age 3 Daughter
Eurene W. Petete age 5 mos. Daughter
****************************************
1900 United States Census Grimes County, Texas
Nancy P Peteet age 51 Head (Widow)
Henderson Peteet age 25 Son
Elder Peteet age 16 Son
Monsai Peteet age 13 Son
Pearl Peteet age 10 Daughter
*****************************************
Grimes County Marriage Records
PETEETE, R. Sidney married BLOUNT, Frances Ann (F***y) 18 Jan 1866
PETEETE, Thomas H. married BLOUNT, Camilla (Millie) 19 Feb 1867
*************************************************
