Dean A. Bennett now owns and carries on the old Bennett homestead farm of one hundred and eighty acres, situated on section 4, Linn township, in addition to which property he likewise cultivates another tract of forty acres. His life record is an illustration of what may be accomplished by earnest toil and persevering effort, and his example should serve as a source of encouragement and inspiration to others. His birth occurred on the farm where he now resides May 15, 1881, and his entire life has been passed in Cedar county.
His father, Tilghford Bennett, was born in Indiana in 1842 and was the son of Asa Bennett, who was one of the early settlers of Cedar county, arriving about 1852, at which time he bought the land and opened up the farm that is now known as the old homestead property. He became owner of four hundred acres and with characteristic energy he transformed the tract from wild prairie land into productive fields. He also built a house and barn and set out young trees, which now constitute a fine grove.
His son, Tilghford Bennett, was reared upon this farm and eventually succeeded to its ownership. Having arrived at years of maturity he married Miss Mary J. Filloon, a native of Cedar county and a daughter of William B. C. Filloon, one of the pioneers from Ohio. To provide for his family Mr. Bennett followed the occupation of farming, cultivating and improving his place as the years passed by, making a specialty of raising and feeding cattle. He reared his family upon his farm and spent his last days there, his death occurring in 1903. His wife died the following year and both were laid to rest in Mechanicsville cemetery. The father was one of the well known and prosperous farmers and business men of the community and the sterling traits of manhood which he displayed in every relation of life brought him the confidence and kindly regard of all who knew him. The family numbered five sons: Archie O., who is living in Medford, Oregon; William M., a resident of Lisbon; Virgil M., whose home is in Mechanicsville; Dean A.; and Rue, who is located in Glenwood, Iowa.
Dean A. Bennett was reared as was most farm boys but had superior educational opportunities inasmuch as he attended Cornell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, after completing the common-school course, while later he pursued a course in the Cedar Rapids Business College. Liberal intellectual training, therefore, qualified him for the responsible duties of life. He remained with his father until the latter’s death, after which he bought out two of the heirs and succeeded to the ownership of the old homestead, whereon he now resides. The place is a good property of one hundred and eighty acres, situated on section 4, Linn township, and in general farming and stock-raising Mr. Bennett is meeting with success. A large residence which he erected stands in the midst of the farm and near by are good barns and outbuildings. He feeds and fattens Poland China hogs, keeping pure blooded stock, and is, moreover, well known as a breeder and dealer in shorthorn cattle. He has a herd of forty-five head of pure blooded and high grade shorthorns and is known as one of the prominent live-stock dealers of the county, his success in business being the result of close application, careful management and keen discernment.
Mr. Bennett was married in Linn township on the 8th of March, 1905, to Miss Dollie T. Stine, who was born and reared in this county and is a daughter of John Stine. Mrs. Bennett is a lady of liberal education. She attended Cornell College and afterward engaged in teaching for three years. She has become the mother of two children, Dean Audis and Mary Bueta.
The parents are members of the Coon Creek Methodist Episcopal church and are people of genuine personal worth, highly esteemed for their many excellent traits of character. Mr. Bennett belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp at Mechanicsville and politically is a democrat. He has served as township trustee but has not been active in his search for office, preferring to concentrate his time and energies upon business affairs that require his immediate attention and are bringing to him substantial success. He has always lived in this county and the fact that many of his warmest friends are those who have known him from his boyhood to the present time is an indication that his has been an honorable and upright life.
