Bennett, J.W.

CAREY, CLEWEL, RICHMOND, ALLEN, HARRIS, HOLD, SUTTER

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/9/2009 at 12:01:46

J.W. Bennett, the present mayor of Janesville, is one of the prominent and prosperous residents of the town and is now living practically retired on his valuable farm of eighty acres on section 35, Jackson township, which lies inside the town site. For the past twenty-five years he has been a fancier of thoroughbred Jersey cattle and Shetland ponies. His birth occurred in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1847, his parents being George and Jane Bennett, the former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of England. When ten years of age the mother accompanied her parents on their journey to the new world. George and Jane Bennett celebrated their marriage in the state of New York and soon afterward removed to Ohio, where the former conducted a nursery until 1867. In that year he brought his family to the west, purchasing, and locating on a farm in Bremer county, Iowa, near Waverly where he passed away at the age of seventy-five years, his remains being interred at Janesville. His demise occurred on the 25th of January, 1911. Unto George and Jane Bennett were born ten children, as follows: J.W., of this review; Georga A., who is a resident of Bristol, South Dakota; Cora, who gave her hand in marriage to John Carey, of Waverly, Iowa; Everett S., living in Bristol, South Dakota; Elmer R., who makes his home in Pierre, South Dakota; Maud S., the wife of Arthur Clewel, of Watonga, Oklahoma; Elsie, who died in infancy, in Ohio; Mary E., the deceased wife of W.E. Richmond, of North Dakota; Etta, deceased, who married Seth Allen, of Janesville, Iowa; and Emma K., the deceased wife of Lincoln Harris, of Aberdeen, South Dakota.

J.W. Bennett, who was a lad of ten years when he came to this county with his parents, attended the public schools of Waverly in the acquirement of an education. After putting aside his text-books he was employed as clerk in a drug store at Waverly for four years and then, successfully passing the required examination, became a registered pharmacist. He purchased the store of his employer and conducted the same for eight years, on the expiration of which period he sold the establishment and took up his abode on the farm which he now owns, operating the same for a few years. Subsequently he removed to Floyd, Iowa, and was there engaged in business as proprietor of a drug store until 1904. In that year he returned to his farm on section 35, Jackson township, which comprises eighty acres and is included within the town site of Janesville. The property is excellently improved and also embraces Lindale Park, which is still covered with its original timber. Mr. Bennett has been a fancier of thoroughbred Jersey cattle and Shetland ponies for the past twenty-five years and has won an enviable reputation in this connection. He was one of the organizers and is a stockholder in the Savings Bank of Janesville and likewise owns land in Hansford county, Texas.

Mr. Bennett has been married twice. On the 10th of January, 1883, he wedded Miss Jennie E. Hold, a native of Janesville, Iowa, by whom he had three children, as follows: Harris H., who was born in 1884 and is a resident of Cedar Rapids; Joseph G., whose birth occurred in 1889 and who lives in New Orleans; and Mary E., born in 1892, who is a student in the State University of Iowa at Iowa city. On the 2d of January, 1902, Mr. Bennett married Miss Edna E. Sutter, whose birth occurred in Watson, Calhoun county, Iowa, in 1872, her parents being J.V. and Mary Sutter, residents of Watson. Mrs. Bennett is one of a family of five children, four of whom are living, namely, Viola, Edna, Clara and Nettie. Our subject and his wife have adopted a pair of twins, Ilene and Arlene, who were born in 1908.

Mr. Bennett gives his political allegiance to the republican party and, though not seeking public preferment, was honored by election to the office of mayor, in which capacity he has ably served for four years, still holding that position at the present time. In all matters affecting the general welfare he has taken an active and helpful part. He was one of the organizers of the Farmers Institute and assisted in the organization of the County Fair at Waverly, acting in the capacity of vice president and also as a member of the executive board of the latter. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having passed through the chairs in the latter, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Presbyterian church, to which his wife and children also belong and in which he acts as trustee. He stands as a splendid citizen and a trustworthy friend.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914