W. W. Bennett, a retired farmer, passing the sunset of his years in peace and quiet at his residence on section 35, Monroe Township, was born in Oswego County, N. Y. August 15, 1815. His parents, Reuben and Betsey (Woods) Bennett, were natives of Vermont and Maryland respectively.

The father of Mr. Bennett of this notice, was a farmer by occupation, and followed his vocation in the Empire State, where he was also the owner of a dairy, which used the milk of from 80 to 90 cows. The parents continued to reside in New York until the date of their death, the mother dying December 5, 1840 (1839 per FindAGrave.com) and the father in 1857. (1859 per FindAGrave.com)

W. W. Bennett resided under the parental roof-tree until he attained the age of twenty-one years. His time prior to that was passed in assisting his father on the farm and attending the common schools, and the Cazenovia School for four years, from which he graduated just previous to attaining his majority. On becoming his own man, Mr. Bennett went to Auburn City, Cayuga Co., his native state, and there purchased a grist mill, which he was occupied in conducting for nearly twelve years. He then, in 1851, sold his interest at Auburn, and came to this state, settling in Lake County, where he lived until 1855, when he came to Monroe Township, this county. On arriving here he purchased 160 acres of land, upon which he has resided over thirty years. When he purchased it, the land was in it's natural condition, but his judgement led him to believe that at in distant day, the country would be thoroughly settled, and that the uncultivated land would become valuable. Mr. Bennett consequently engaged in the improvement of his land by erecting a residence thereon, setting out shade and ornamental trees, plowing and cultivating the land, and lived to witness the fulfillment of his predictions made thirty years ago. He has been successful as an agriculturalist, which is attributable to no legacy, but to his own indomitable energy and perseverance.

The marriage of Mr. Bennett with Miss Amanda M. Covey, took place April 15, 1835. She was a native of New York, and has borne her husband nine children, eight of whom survive, namely: William D; DeForest P; Mary E; Marcus D; Charles G; Eugene S; Emma A; Ida I. and Clarence L. Marcus D. was killed while fighting in defense of the Union flag. The wife and mother died September 17, 1880.

In politics Mr. Bennett is a believer in and a supporter of the principles of the Republican party. In religion he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which denomination his wife was also a member. Socially Mr. Bennett is a member of the Order of Masonry, belonging to the Temple of Honor. He has held the office of road commissioner nine years, and is one the respected and representative citizens of Monroe Township.

Since writing this sketch, Mr. W. W. Bennett has deceased March 26, 1886.

Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle Co., IL, Chapman Bros., Chicago, IL, 1886, page 363.

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