Daniel Bennett, 1826-1906

BENNETT, HARRIS

Posted By: Roy & Linda Linn
Date: 7/4/2013 at 17:26:10

The Spirit Lake Beacon"
Dickinson County, Iowa
June 8, 1906

BENNETT. In Des Monies, July 22, Mr. Daniel Bennett, aged 80 years and two months.

The deceased was born in the town of Lansing, Tompkins county, New York. In February, 1838, he was joined in matrimony with Miss Sallie Harris, who survives, after a companionship of more than sixty years. In 1856 the family came west, settling in Winnebago county, Illinois. Horace Bennett, a son, came to our lakes in 1860. The next spring the father came out and made arrangements to locate. He returned and enlisted for the war in an Illinois regiment, serving until injury drove him from the service. Meanwhile the family had taken possession of the farm upon which The Inn, on West Okoboji is located, upon which Mr. Bennett had files a pre-exemption claim. Thios was the Bennett home until about 1868, when a homestead was taken and a fine farm home established in Lakeville township. About twenty years ago Mr. Bennett moved to Spirit Lake to remain until old age had so enfeebled himself and wife that they accepted the loving care of their only living child, Horace J. Bennett, of Des Moines.

For fifteen years Daniel Bennett was sheriff of this County, and for seven years he served as deputy. During his long residence here he lived honorably and held a large circle of friends. He was one of the genial and kindly men that has lived among us, and even at a ripe old age his departure is deeply regretted.

Mr. Bennett has been gradually failing for several years. For a year past he has been feeble, and for seven weeks he was unable to arise from his bed. He was a great sufferer, but his patience and endurance seemed inexhaustible. Those about him say that never a murmur escaped his lips in all the months of suffering, and that no impatient word was uttered. In the last days his mind seemed to wander back to New York and to his friends about the lakes. He asked questions plainly showing that the old friends and scenes were uppermost in his thought when left to his own ruminations. On the through train Monday evening came the tired body accompanied by the faithful son in whose household so much of kindness had been lavished upon it. A large party of former neighbors were in waiting at the station. Funeral services had been held at Des Moines. Some fifteen old comrades took possession of the casket and lovingly bore it to the hearse and to the grave. A prayer was offered, a hymn was sung, and a few words were spoken by the M.E. pastor, Rev. W.T. MacDonald, and then the friends present were given an opportunity to see the familiar features. Then as the sun was sinking behind the hill the remains of the old veteran were laid to rest until the sea shall give up its dead.