Bennett, David Knox 1858-1936

BENNETT, WAKEMAN

Posted By: Doris Hoffman, Volunteer (email)
Date: 8/4/2015 at 14:18:16

D. K. BENNETT DIED TUESDAY

PASSED AWAY AT CHATSWORTH AFTER LONG ILLNESS

Was 78 Years Old and a Pioneer of the Sioux Valley.—Leaves Wife and Six Children

D. K. Bennett, pioneer resident of the Big Sioux Valley, passed away at his home in Chatsworth at an early hour Tuesday morning after fifteen weeks of intense suffering following a stroke which he suffered on Aug. 15th last. His condition following the stroke was extremely critical and although he rallied slightly at times there never appeared more than the faintest chance for his recovery but through all the anxious weeks he maintained an attitude of cheerfulness and hope.

Funeral services will be held at the Methodist church in Hawarden at 2:30 this afternoon, with Rev. J. G. Waterman in charge. Burial will be in the Akron cemetery with members of the Masonic lodge in charge of the service at the grave.

David Knox Bennett was born at Baraboo, Wis., Oct. 11, 1858, so at the time of his death had attained the age of 78 years, 1 month, and 20 days. He grew to young manhood in Wisconsin and came to Iowa in 1878 and worked on a farm. On March 15, 1881, he was united in marriage with Miss L. Etta Wakeman. They were married on the old Lester Wakeman farm, across the river from Chatsworth, in Union county, and during the more than fifty-five years which has intervened they have resided continuously in the Chatsworth community. They farmed the Wakeman homestead until 1894, when they moved to their present farm, one mile northwest of Chatsworth. Since 1903 they have made their home in Chatsworth, during which time they have been mainstays of the Chatsworth community.

After moving to Chatsworth Mr. Bennett operated an elevator for twelve years but owing to poor health sold the elevator and since then has devoted his time to looking after his farming interests. Mr. Bennett served as a member of the Chatsworth school board for 35 years, retiring about five years ago. He served as mayor of Chatsworth for six years and has been town treasurer there for the past twenty years and still held that office at the time of he is death. He also ser ed for many years as a member of the Logan township board of trustees and held numerous other positions of responsibliity and trust in the community.

Mr. Bennett united with the Baptist church when a young man but later united with the Methodist church and has been a regular attendant ever since. For many years he has taken an active and prominent part in fraternal organization work, not only in Chatsworth but in Hawarden and Akron as well, and enjoyed a wide acquaintance throughout this territory. He was made a Mason in 1894 and was a member of dale Lodge, No. 456, A. F. & A. M., Hawarden; Hawarden Chapter, No. 119, R. A. M; Sioux City Consistory; Abu Bekr Shrine, Sioux City, and Loyal Chapter, No. 204, Order of Eastern Star, Hawarden.

But it was for his neighborliness, his unselfishness, his tolerance and his good works among those less fortunately situated that he was most highly honored and revered. It was this bond of sympathetic understanding which held for his a place in the community life which he occupied that is the privilege of but few to enjoy.

Besides his wife, who has been his companion and constant helpmate for more than fifty-five years, he is survived by three sons and three daughters, A. Lester Bennett of Hawarden; Mrs. G. E. Van Allen of Huron, S. D.; L. O. Bennett of Wilmington, Del.; Kenneth Bennett of Chatsworth; Mrs. Orin Harris of Akron, and Mrs. M. O. Larson of Alton. He also leaves nine grandchildren and innumerable friends and many years standing who feel keenly the loss of a devoted friend and an upright and honorable citizen.

The Hawarden Independent
Thursday, December 3, 1936
Hawarden, Iowa