He was the son of Ezekiel Petty (1789–1853) and Elizabeth Petty (1791–1874). About 1853, he married Catharine Van Buren (ca. 1834–ca. 1919), and they had three children.

He was a member of the New York State Assembly (New York Co., 11th D.) in 1855.

He was a member of the New York State Senate (4th D.) in 1856 and 1857.

He joined the New York Metropolitan Police, and retired as a captain. He was commended for bravery during the New York City draft riots of 1863, and the Orange Riots of 1873.

He was buried at the Oakwood Cemetery in Amityville.

• The New York Civil List compiled by Franklin Benjamin Hough (pages 137, 144, 249 and 297; Weed, Parsons and Co., 1858)
• DEATH LIST OF A DAY; Joseph H. Petty in NYT on February 10, 1901
• Petty genealogy at Long Island Surnames