The Wisconsin tobacco reporter. (Edgerton, Wis.) 1877-1950, 1899-06-16
DEATH OF JUDGE BENNETT.
Death Caused by Apop1exy.

afternoon. lie was UNCONSCIOUS Tor
short time after the stroke, but con-
seriousness returned and his mind was
clear until the end. DR.. O. O. Suther-
land was summoned, but was unable to
render any assistance. For nearly three
weeks Judge Bennett has been ailing
with acute indigestion and has been con-
fined to his home much of the time.
His two daughters, Misses Minnie and
Kittie Bennett, and DR.. Sutherland were
present at his death. His nephew, E.
d. MCGOWAN, who was at Elkhorn tran
sacting legal business before the Wal
worth county court, was notified of his
uncles death and came home overland.
Judge John r. Bennett was born in
Rodman, Jefferson county, New York.
November LIST, 1920, and was therefore
in the seventy-ninth year of his age when
his life's labors were finished. Judge
Bennett was reared to manhood upon
his fathers farm and received his early
education in the common schools of New
York.
In April. 1915, he commenced reading
law in the Office of Dyre n. Burnham, of
Sackett's Harbor New York, and pur-
sued his studies with that gentleman
until May 9Th, l848, when he was ad-
mitted to practice in the courts of that
state. On October I'd, 1848, he started
for the west to seek broader field for
the exercise of his talents and on Oc-
tober 18th reached Janesvill, Wis, where
he established himself in business. On
coming to GAINESVILLE Mr.. Bennett, from
the beginning, took a foremost place at
the bar of Rock county. He was asso-
ciated with Judge Charles r. Giggs, now
of Whitewater; the late [. G.. Sloan,
Capt. Pliny Norcross. Judge John W.
Sale, the late Charles Jorden, and others.
In 1860 he had the honor of being a
delegate to the national Republican con-
vention which nominated Abraham
Lincoln for the presidency. He was
elected district attorney of Rock county
in 1878, was reelected and served until
1867, and without being a candidate was
nominated by the republican, state con-
vention of 1875 for the office of attorney
general of Wisconsin, but was defeated
with the rest Of the ticket with the ex-
ception of the candidate for governor,
Harrison Luddington who was elected
by small majority.
Mr.. Bennett was elected to the, bench
of the twelfth judicial circuit in April,
1882, by large majority, being the al
most unanimous choice OF the bar, which
position he filed with credit to himself
until the day of his death. He was re-
elected in 1888, in 1892 and 1896 and his
last term would have expired December
31st, 1900.
November 28th, 1874, at Hounsfield,
Jefferson county, New York, he was
married to Miss Elsie L. Holloway, whose
sweet and gentle influence ever tended
to lead him in pleasant paths of life.
The purity of her life, the wisdom of her
counsel and the comfort of her society
were sources of greatest happiness. Mrs.
Bennett died May 2Sth, 1898
Judge Bennett was modest and I'M
assuming in manner, possessing quick
sensibilities, but with perfect self com
mand. Rigid and firm in his sense of
duty he yet had deep, tender and sym
pathetic nature, and knew how to
temper justice with mercy" AS lawyer
he was ever noted for his uniform
courtesy to his brethren of the bar, and
for respect to the court, as we'll as for
his wisdom in counsel and force as an
advocate. AS a judge he was admired
and respected for the fairness of his
rulings, the impartiality and justice of
his decisions and the manly dignity of
his presence. In his political senti nents
he was consistent republican. Reared
under strictly religious influences and
possessing deep veneration for the Holy
Scriptures Juege Bennett from early
youth gave the subject of spiritual life
and the relation of man to his Creator
deep thought and earnest considera ton.
His life was always busy one, both as
a lawyer and judge. BY the strictest
integrity and keen sense of professional
honor he won and retained the confidence
of the people. In addressing court or
jury his commanding presence, earnest
ness and ability always inspired respect
and secured attention. He was staunch
friend and no one ever had a kinder
neighbour Endowed with mental facul-
ties of high order which were trained
by extensive reading and systematic
study, and. gifted with a quaint and
pleasant delivery, he was entertaining
and instructive in discourse,}an was a
charming conversationalist.
A fitting tribute was paid to the late
Judge John r. Bennett Monday in the
number and character of the prominent
men of ability throughout Wisconsin who
attended the last sad rites over his NOR
tai remains. The funeral was held from
family residence, POI Milton avenue, at
10 o'clock. Rev. Arthur H. Darlington,
rector of Christ church. officiated, and
the song service was rendered most
beautifully by a quartette. The floral
offerings were numerous and very hand
some, an elegant piece being presented
by the members of the bar. Besides the
regular Episcopal service Rev. Barring
ton spoke feelingly of the departed of
his true christian character and his worth
as man. At the close of the services
an opportunity was given all who desired
to take final look at the remains, At
the conclusion of the services the inter
ment took place in Oak Hill cemetery.
The honorary pail bearers were j. M
Bostwick, DR.. J. B. Whiting, A. P. Love
Joy, E. G. Fifeld, F. S. Eldred and Ham
ilton Richardson. The active pail bear
ers were M. G. Jeffris, Clerk of the Court
Theo. w. Goldin, Charles E. Pierce,
George G. Sutherland, William G..
Wheeler aed District Attorney w. A.