J. C. Bennett

As printed in 1882

J. C. BENNETT, Merchant, Mason. The gentleman whose name heads this sketch is one of the prosperous business men of Warren County, and in the little village of Mason, he stands prominently to the front in the mercantile circles of the place; to say that his position to the "bulls" and "bears" of Mason can be likened unto the position that Jay Gould sustains to the "bears" and "bulls" of Wall street, is not putting it too strong, for "Cal." (the name he is known by among his friends) gives quotations and his cotemporaries are bound to “ drop.” He was born near Mason Sept. 7, 1846, and, for a sketch of hi3 ancestors, we refer the reader to the memoir of his honorable sire — R. H. Bennett. Cal.’s boyhood days were passed in his native village, and in the public schools of the place he received his education. The happy event of his marriage with Miss Fannie, an accomplished daughter of James H. and Sarah Webb, was celebrated in 1867. As marriage is the great pivotal place in man’s career, he sought the practical part of life and immediately entered the mercantile world, and has since catered to the wants of his numerous customers. He carries the largest and best stock in town, and consumers always know the advantage of buying goods where they can get the most for their money. His mammoth stock consists in everything nice for the ladies, from an article of pure lily white to genuine laces, fringes in every artistic design, besides ribbons of the gayest colors — enough, indeed, to make the methodical old maid wish she was young again. To enumerate all would simply be impossible; to suffice, he carries everything usually found in any first-class retail house. To those who love the mysteries of the excavated and antiquated past, his cabinet affords many rare and interesting relics of pre-historic and aboriginal times. Archaeology, or the science of antiquities, demonstrates to the archaeologist that many of the specimens found here in Ohio substantiate the theory that a race once occupied this land who were far advanced in the arts and sciences; but who they were, or where they went to, is a matter of conjecture and idle speculation. Mr. B. is prominently identified with three well-known orders of the county, being a member of the Masonic Lodge of Lebanon, and an Eminent Sir Knight of Miami Commandery, No. 22; he is also a member of the I. O. O. F., Mason Lodge, 209, and the Knights of Pythias, “Favorite Lodge,” No. 118, of Mason, Ohio. The living children of Mr. and Mrs. Bennett are three in number, viz., James W., Albert H. and Viola G. Through transition, two live in spirit life, viz., Taney and Ova.

As printed in The History of Warren County, Ohio (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.