George W. Bennett

As printed in 1912

GEORGE W. BENNETT.

He to whom this sketch is dedicated is a member of one of the honored old families of Knox county, and he has personally lived up to the full tension of the primitive days when the march of civilization was carried on admirably by the sterling band of settlers from the East, so that there is particular interest attached to his career, while he stands today as one of the representative citizens of the vicinity of Gambier, for his life has been one of hard work, which has resulted in the development of a good farm which he owns and which yields him a comfortable living. While giving his chief attention to his business affairs, as do the majority of men, Mr. Bennett finds time and opportunity to take an interest in matters pertaining to the progress and growth of his county, and to mingle with his friends, enlarging the circle of his acquaintance and broadening his mind through the interchange of thought with others.

Mr. Bennett was born on October 27, 1855, on a farm in Monroe township, one mile north of Gambier, Ohio, and he has been content to spend his life in his native vicinity. He is the son of John and Eliza (Conley) Bennett, the father a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, while the mother was born in Ireland, from which country she emigrated to America when young in years. Grandfather Thomas Bennett came with his family to Monroe township, Knox county, in 1828, when the country was practically a vast forest and neighbors were few. He came from Jefferson county, this state, and settled in the woods, building here a log cabin and starting a little clearing, and, step by step, forged to the front. The father of the subject also devoted his life to farming. He was a man of upright character and was highly respected in his neighborhood. His death occurred in October, 1893, his widow surviving until November 2, 1907; they are both buried in the cemetery at Gambier.

George W. Bennett was brought up on the home farm, and when but a lad was put to work on the farm during the crop season, attending the common schools in the winter time, and he remained at home until his marriage, October 3, 1882, to Sarah Louise Holmes, daughter of Josiah and Sarah (Wasson) Holmes, a prominent family of Monroe township, this county. This union has resulted in the birth of three children, namely: Helen G. married J. Clyde Smith, of Pleasant township, this county; Sarah Lena married John Cunningham, of College township; and Edna M., who is at home.

For a period of ten years after his marriage Mr. Bennett lived on a farm about a mile east of where his present farm is located. He came to this present home in August, 1892, and has lived here ever since, developing one of the best farms in the community. His place consists of one hundred and seventy-five acres and is well improved and well cultivated. In connection with general farming he raises a fine grade of horses and hogs, also sheep, and he has been very successful with his live stock, being especially interested in the improvement of the breed of horses.

Politically, Mr. Bennett is a Republican, and be lias always been interested in public matters. Tn local politics be votes independently. He has served as justice of the peace and as a member of the school board of his district, and he has been a frequent delegate to party conventions. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and he has been a member of the board of stewards for more than twenty years and has for practically all his mature life been active in church and Sunday school work. He is a man of high ideals in his intercourse with his fellow men and his influence for better public conditions is potent, being an advocate of wholesome living and purity in politics.

As printed in Past and present of Knox County, Ohio (1912). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.