Bennett, John

BENNETT

Posted By: Volunteer (email)
Date: 3/28/2010 at 01:37:50

John Bennett

(From the 1883 History of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, by J. H. Keatley, p.11, Council Bluffs)
John Bennett, County Treasurer, Council Bluffs, is one of that class of citizens of Pottawattamie County whose name is familiar to almost every citizen in the county, and who is very frequently spoken of as one of the first settlors, and the assertion is a true one, as in 1853, when Council Bluffs was but a small frontier trading or outfitting point, he, with his uncle, John, became residents of the place. None, not even the most enthusiastic in their predictions, ever supposed that a quarter of a century could make so much difference as to change the rough frontier town to the city of to-day. Equally important and progressive have been the changes in the lives of some of the first comers to the town, and of this number, the life of Mr. Bennett, is perhaps as remarkable as any. Born in Allegheny City, Penn., in July, 1832, he w.as left an orphan at six years of age in care of his uncle, John Keller, his father dying when he was two years old, and his mother when he was six. His uncle becoming a resident of Cincinnati, Ohio, the most of his early life was spent and his education received in that city. In 1853, as before stated, he became a resident of Council Bluffs. He spent about three years as clerk in a store, and then engaged in the lumber trade, at which he continued until 1862; from that date until 1867, he was a salesman in the store of J. M. Philips. The following three years he spent in the grocery trade on his own account, and only quit it to accept the office of Auditor of the County, an office which he filled with so much credit as to be re-elected to the same position for five consecutive terms of two years each. As a further honor, in October, 1881, he was elected to the office of Treasurer of the county, for a two years' term, and is now engaged in the discharge of his duties. He has been dependent almost wholh' upon his own resources, and though he labored under many disadvantages when young, he now stands among the substantial citizens of the county, financially, and and by an honorable career, he has builded for himself a reputation for which he may be allowed a pardonable pride.

(Source unknown for the biography below)
John Bennett, cashier of the State Savings Bank, and more or less prominent in political circles, having been called to several public offices, in which he made an excellent record, is a native son of Pennsylvania. He was born in Allegheny City on the 16th of July, 1832, and is a son of James and Catherine (Runyen) Bennett. The father, who was a native of Ireland, died in 1834, and the mother was born in Pennsylvania and passed away in 1837. Thus John Bennett was left an orphan at the early age of five years and was reared in Cincinnati from 1839 until 1851. During that period he acquired his education but had opportunity to attend school only three years, as he was early forced to start out in life on his own account. He began work in Cincinnati, when but twelve years of age, and during his youth was largely employed in a hardware store there.

Thinking to find better opportunities in a district beyond the Mississippi, he made his way to western Missouri, where he lived for two years and in April, 1853, came to Council Bluffs. Here he has since made his home, covering a period of fifty-four years. He sought and obtained a clerkship, which position he filled until 1857, when the careful husbanding of his resources made it possible for him to embark in business on his own account. He then opened a lumberyard, which he conducted for five years and again he engaged in clerking for five years, or until 1867, when he established a grocery store, which he carried on for four years, or until 1871. In January, 1872, he was elected county auditor and filled that position for ten years. He was also for four years county treasurer and proved a capable official, the duties of his office being discharged systematically and with an ability that won for him the high commendation of all concerned. He retired from office as he had entered it, with the confidence and good will of the general public, and in March, 1888, he accepted the cashiership of the State Savings Bank, which position he has since filled, becoming well known in financial circles of the city. He is a popular official, always courteous to the patrons of the bank and at the same time most loyal to the interests of the institution.

In 1868 Mr. Bennett was married in Bentonsport, Iowa, to Miss Charlotte Dunning, and unto them have been born two daughters: Georgia B., the wife of Louis Zurmuehlen, of Council Bluffs; and Gertrude B., the wife of Fred B. Empkie.

Mr. Bennett is a Mason, in hearty sympathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft. In politics he is a republican and for many years has been well known in political circles, his opinions often proving an influencing factor in local politics. He is one of the oldest residents of the city in years of connection with its interests and Council Bluffs has found in him a helpful friend whose labors in its behalf have been far-reaching and beneficial.