William C. Bennett

Biography #15 Title: WILLIAM C. BENNETT Biography: WILLIAM CALVIN BENNETT, late of Bloomfield, was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 13, 1844, and entered into rest at Bloomfield, Indiana, May 8, 1907. His father, MACABEES BENNETT, was a native of Connecticut, while his mother was born in Ohio, her parents having been early settlers in that state. In 1854 MACABEES BENNETT was called hence, and the widow, with her family, moved to Greene county, Indiana, settling in Taylor township, where she ended her days. The task devolved upon her of raising to maturity a family of seven children, and to his noble duty she addressed herself with all the vigor and fortitude she was able to command. How well she performed her obligations is revealed by the fruits or her labors. Many hardships and privations were endured, but through it all she maintained an optimistic spirit and at no time was the note of discouragement to be heard.

WILIAM C., our subject, was ten years old when his father died, and he manfully entered into his share of the work necessary to maintain the home. He thus received the whloesome discipline afforded by the performance of these duties, and received such education as could be obtained in the neighboring district schools.

At the age of sixteen he began to lay plans for the superstructure of life, and attended normal school at Bloomfield, following this by teaching school for two or three winters. In the meantime his thoughts became directed toward the nursery business, and his deep interest in the subject soon led him to make a close study of the industry. The scientific side of the business held a strong fascination for him, and although his means were quite limited, he secured a few acres of land in Taylor township, and upon this he made the modest beginning of an industry which he succeeded in developing to a magnificent climax of excellence.. Success was bound to follow his thorough, progressive and energetic efforts,, and to the small patch of ground first obtained he made subsequent additions, until the domain of eight hundred acres was needed for the work, and became known as the Rose Hill Nursery, famed far and wide throughout the state.

Mr. Bennett was a most indefatigable worker, having an investigative spirit and broad views. These won for him not only unusual financial success, but a most commendable host of friends. He did not belong to nay church, but contributed liberally to all the demands made of him, finding, as he thought, something worthy in them all.

On June 21, 1877, Mr. Bennett was married to JENNIE PHILLIPS, a native of Greene county, Indiana and the daughter of ALVIN and SARAH (HATTABOUGH) PHILLIPS. The later was born at Salem, Indiana, and the former at Bedford. ALVIN PHILLIPS came to Greene county early in life, farming until his retirement to Bloomfield, where he and his wife both died of pneumonia within the space of a few hours in March, 1904. They were buried the same grave, an event which impressed itself undelibly upon the minds of the relatives and friends, forming as it did a most fitting close to lives of deep and lasting devotion. They were members of the Baptist church, and were held in the highest esteem by all who knew them. They were the parents of the following children: ANGIE, widow of WILLIAM GORDON, and now living in Bloomfield; JENNIE, widow of our subject, and EDMUND H., who has charge of the old homestead in Taylor township.

ALVIN PHILLIPS was a soldier in Company A, Ninety-seventh Indiana Regiment, and served three years.

Mr. And Mrs. Bennett became the parents of nine children: EFFIE, the wife of NATHANIEL LEDGERWOOD, of Pasadena, California; LULA, wife of ISAAC ISENGOLE, of Washington, Indiana; CORA, VERDA, BLANCHE, LEOLA, BARNEY and CLARENCE, all at home; one child in infancy.

In 1903 Mr. Bennett’s health failed and a trip to California in an attempt to recuperate his failing strength of no avail, and he went the way of all the earth, closing a most commendable and praiseworthy career. The widow and family have their home on West Mechanic street, Bloomfield, but Mrs. Bennett still maintains the management of the Rose Hill Nursery.

He left one of the largest estates in the county. He was a Republican in political belief and a member of the Methodist Episcopal church.

The following is taken from the press of Bloomfield under date of May 10, 1907:

"Death claimed one of the most prominent and useful citizens of Greene county last Sunday afternoon when WILLIAM C. BENNETT passed away at his home on West Mechanic street after an illness covering a year and a half. Although born in the neighboring state of Ohio – the birthplace of many excellent Greene county citizens – yet all the years of his manhood were spent in this county, and spent not merely in building up a highly successful business, but in carving for himself a name that shall endure – a name that was the synonym of honor, sobriety and integrity.

His devotion to his family was beautiful. His happiness was perfect only in their presence. And to contribute to their happiness was his highest ambition. And his devotion was manifested not merely in a generous provision for their material wants, but in a wealth of affection which he lavished upon every member of his household.

He was a generous supporter of the church and took a deep interest in every religious movement. He was always public-spirited. Whatever looked toward the betterment of the community in which he lived always had his hearty support and sympathy.

In his death the county was lost one of its most substantial citizens. By careful management, wise foresight and a close application to business he achieved success, and at the time of his death he was one of the wealthiest men in Greene county. And he had the satisfaction of knowing that gain came to him not by grinding down others or by dishonest means, but by fair and honest treatment of his fellow men.

The remains lay in state from eight till two o’clock Tuesday and many called to get a last look at the familiar features of one whom all had honored. A profusion of flowers came from relatives and friends, and the burial outfit was the richest and most expensive ever seen in Bloomfield.

The funeral services were held from the family residence at 2:30 o’clock Tuesday afternoon, conducted by the Rev. W. H. WYLIE, in the presence of a large assembly of sorrowing friends, and the remains were tenderly laid to rest in the Bloomfield cemetery."

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Biographical Memoirs of Greene County, Ind. With Reminiscences of Pioneer Days, Illustrated (1908, B. F. Bowen & Co. Indianapolis, Indiana) Vol. 1 pg.358-62