Shelby County Indiana History and Genealogy, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Bennett

Erlewein Mortuary, Greenfield
Hancock County, Indiana
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Harol Allen Bennett
April 29, 1922 -- June 25, 2018
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MORRISTOWN -- A life well lived, Harold A. Bennett, age 96, of Morristown, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, June 25, 2018. He was born on April 29, 1922 to John H. and Milretta A. (McKay) Bennett. Harold married his sweetheart, Mary Jean Linville on February 25, 1947. She preceded him in death in 2013.
Survivors include, daughters, Marla Jean (Greg) Fish, Patricia A. Bennett, Alicia L. (Rodney) Brown, and Gail Voorhis; brother-in-law, John (Marlene) Linville; sister-in-law, Wilna (Linville) Miller; grandchildren, Joshua (Katie) Brown, Jacob (Melinda) Brown, Nicholas (Lauren) Fish, Whitney (Evan) Speicher, and Leslie (Josh) Lewis; great-grandchildren, Chaney Brown, Tucker Brown, Paislee Brown, Rigley Brown, Crista Brown, Addie Grace Brown, Vivien Fish, Griffin Fish, Audra Speicher, Beatrix Speicher, Elysia Danforth, LaBelle Danforth, Drew Lewis, and Xander Lewis. His parents, and half-brother, Paul Bennett, half-sister, Esther (Bennett) Townsend also preceded him in death.
Harold graduated from Westland High School in 1940. He was a member and faithful attender of Little Blue River Friends Church. Harold had a servants heart, where he served as treasurer, Sunday School superintendent, elder, and trustee through the years. He also assisted in the clown ministry, The Miracles.
Harold enjoyed working with stain glass. He, along with his wife and Robert Macy made the stain glass windows for the church. Harold's past employment included the farm implement companies -- Massey-Ferguson and J.I. Case. He retired from J.I. Case in 1981 and was a custodian (with wife) for Shelbyville First Christian Church and Family Services.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2018, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary & Crematory, 1484 W. US Hwy. 40, Greenfield, IN 46140. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 29, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at Little Blue River Friends Church, 122 S. 1000 W., Morristown, IN 46161. Jacob Brown, a grandson, will be officiating. Burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown.
Memorial contributions may be made by mail to the Little Blue River Friends Church, 122 S. 1000 W., Morristown, IN 46161, or envelopes will be available at the mortuary and church. Friends may share a memory or a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

Erlewein Mortuary, Greenfield
Hancock County, Indiana
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Mary Jean Bennett
May 29, 1924 -- January 13, 2013
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MORRISTOWN -- Mary Jean (Linville) Bennett, 88, of Morristown, went to be with the Lord surrounded by her family on January 13, 2013. She was born on May 29, 1924, at home to Luther Chandis Linville and Nola Mariah (Barnard) Linville. Mary Jean married Harold Bennett on February 25, 1947, and he survives.
Other survivors include daughters, Marla Jean (Greg) Fish, Pat Bennett, Alicia L. (Rodney) Brown, and Gail Voorhis; brothers, John Linville and William Linville, both of Morristown; sister, Wilna Linville Miller of Indianapolis; grandchildren, Nicholas (Lauren) Fish, and Whitney (Evan) Speicher, Leslie (Josh) Lewis, Joshua (Katie) Brown, and Jacob (Melinda) Brown; and great-grandchildren, Chaney Brown, Tucker Brown, Paislee Brown, Rigley Brown, Crista Brown, Addie Grace Brown, Elysia Danforth, and LaBelle Danforth. Preceding her in death were her parents and brothers, Sharon Linville and Joseph Linville.
Mary Jean graduated from Morristown High School in 1942 and attended Union Bible Seminary. She was a lifetime member of Little Blue River Friends Church, where she was a pianist, song leader, and Sunday School teacher for many years. In 1980, she started the "Miracles" clown ministry with her daughter, Alicia, and niece, Karen. They traveled all over for 12 years singing and bringing joy to many different groups. She also gave piano and accordion lessons. She loved the Lord with all her heart and her desire was to serve the Lord with music and laughter.
Mary Jean’s past employment included working at three local groceries, a grain elevator store, and as a custodian (with her husband) for Shelbyville First Christian Church and Family Services. She enjoyed serving others and loved her co-workers.
Visitation will take place on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Erlewein Mortuary in Greenfield. Funeral services will take place on Thursday, January 17, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. at Little Blue River Friends Church, 122 S. 1000 W., Morristown. Jacob Brown, a grandson, will be officiating and burial will follow at Asbury Cemetery in Morristown. Friends may share a memory or send a condolence at www.erleweinmortuary.com or email condolences to sympathy@erleweinmortuary.com. Memorial contributions may be made to Little Blue River Friends Church, 122 S. 1000 W. Morristown, Indiana 46161.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home
Decatur County, Indiana
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Wilma L. ;Melick Bennett
May 7, 1919 - August 2011
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Mrs. Wilma L. (Melick) Bennett, age 92, of Greensburg, Indiana, formerly of East Enterprise, Indiana, entered this life on May 7, 1919, in Rush County, Indiana, the daughter of Dilver & Mary (Piles) Melick, both of whom preceded her in death. Her family moved to the hilltop of Milton, Kentucky, where her father was a tenant farmer, later returning to Rush County, Indiana. She was a 1937 graduate of Milroy High School in Milroy, Indiana. Wilma was employed in the laboratory department at the Eli Lilly & Company in Indianapolis, Indiana, retiring in 1970, after 20 years of service. She was united in marriage to Loomis F. Bennett on September 4, 1970, in Indianapolis, Indiana, & they enjoyed over 17 years of marriage together until his death on June 20, 1987. Wilma had resided in East Enterprise, Indiana, for 30 years, where she was a member of the East Enterprise Wesleyan Church. Wilma had resided in Greensburg, Indiana, since 1999, where she was a member of the Wesleyan Church in Greensburg, Indiana. Wilma will be remembered for her love of knitting, crocheting, sewing & traveling. Wilma died Saturday, August 6, 2011 at 5:55 am at the Morning Breeze in Greensburg, Indiana.
Wilma will be lovingly remembered by her sister: Alma Haehl of Rushville, Indiana; a cousin who cared for her: Terry Markland of Shelbyville, Indiana; a cousin: Cleta Markland of Shelbyville, Indiana; 1-niece & 1-nephew: Mary Jo & Steve; several other cousins & family members. She was preceded in death by her parents: Dilver & Mary (Piles) Melick; her husband: Loomis F. Bennett; her sister: Edith Myers & her niece: Ellen Pike.
Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, August 10, 2011 at 1:00 pm, by Rev. Doug Preston & Rev. Arnold Cutter at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home, 208 Ferry Street, Vevay, Indiana 47043. Interment will follow in the Vevay Cemetery, Vevay, Indiana. Friends may call 11:00 am until time of service on Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at the Haskell & Morrison Funeral Home 208 Ferry Street Vevay, Indiana 47043. Memorial contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association. Cards are available at the funeral home.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Saturday, December 29, 2001
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CARL E. BENNETT
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Carl E[dward] Bennett, 95, of Shelbyville died Friday, Dec. 28, 2001,Waldron Health Care Home.
Born May 1, 1906, in Shelbville, s/o John and Grace (Alley) Bennett.
Married Freda Ross. She preceded him in death.
Survivors: 3 sisters, Katherine Zell of Shelbyville, Dorothy Moberly and Martha Schuneman, both of Waldron.
Self-employed building contractor.
Member of Indianapolis Baptist Temple.
Murphy-Parks Funeral Service, 703 S. Harrison St., with the Rev. Harvey Weaver officiating.
Burial: Forest Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Nancy Vance Glover
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, November 26, 1997
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Robert Bob P. Bennett, 86, Shelbyville, died today.
Born on Oct. 2, 1911, in Shelby County, s/o John and Grace (Alley) Bennett. 1938, married Ruth (Ropp) Bennett, who died Oct. 7, 1986.
Lifelong resident of Shelby County. Professional painter. Employed at Nu-Kraft for 13 years.
Veteran of World War II, serving with the U.S. Army as an engineer and a truck driver. Served nine months in North Africa and two years in Italy.
Member of Town and Country Christian Church, Shelbyville.
Survivors include a son, Jerry Bennett, Greenfield; four daughters, Mrs. Earl (Marilyn) Lancaster, Fairland, Mrs. Bill (Charlotte) Hensley and Mrs. John (Carol) Fowler, both of Shelbyville, and Mrs. Jack (Marsha) James, Rushville; a brother, Carl Bennett, Indianapolis; three sisters, Martha Schneuman*, Indianapolis, and Katherine Zell and Dorothy Moberly, both of Shelbyville; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren. Preceded in death by a son and a brother.
Carmony-Ewing Broadway Funeral Home with the Rev. Rod Beheler officiating. Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.
Memorial contributions Town and Country Christian Church.
* Correct spelling is Schuneman.-PMF
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
June 21, 1990
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Lyman H. Bennett, 78, Greensburg, died Wednesday, Greensburg.
Born Jan. 29, 1912, Dearborn Co, s/o Harry H. and Mary Chase Bennett.
Married Dorothy Herndon; she died in 1939.
Married Erma S. Beagle Aug. 22, 1942, Lawrenceburg; she died Apr. 22, 1983.
Lived and farmed in Shelby Co until 1956. Farmed in Decatur Co until 1989.
Member of the Adams Methodist Church, Milford Masonic Lodge, Indiana Chap of OES, Scottish Rite Valley of Indianapolis and American Legion, Greensburg.
US Army veteran, Pacific Theatre, WWII.
Survivors: sons, David and Douglas Bennett, Greensburg; sister, Mrs. Floyd (Mildred) Kolkmeier, Port Charlotte, FL; 10 grandchildren.
Preceded in death by two brothers, Edward and Francis Bennett.
Gilliland-Howe Funeral Home, Greensburg, Rev. Rand Hooton officiating.
Burial: Hebron Cemetery, Adams.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, October 8, 1986
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CITY WOMAN DIES IN
COLUMBUS AUTO WRECK --
RUTH BENNETT
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Mrs. Ruth Bennett, 68, 306 Sunset Drive. Burial Forest Hill Cemetery.
Member of the Town and Country Christian Church.
d/o William Kern and Bertha Ellen (Sanders) Ropp, born September 8, 1918, in Flat Rock. Married August 6, 1938 to Robert Bennett, who survives.
Also surviving are a son, Jerry Bennett, Shelbyville; daughters Mrs. Earl (Marilyn) Lancaster, Fairland, Mrs. Bill (Charlotte) Hensley, Shelbyville, Mrs. John (Carol) Fowler, Shelbyville and Mrs. Jackie J. (Marsha) James, Indianapolis; a brother, Ralph Ropp, Indianapolis; a sister, Mrs. Tom (Frances) Bennett, Greensburg; a stepsister, Mrs. Arthur (Violet) Bower, Columbus; and stepbrothers, Orville Headlee, Jr., Connersville, and Cyril Headlee, Shelbyville. One son preceded her in death (infancy).
Submitted by Barb Huff for Darlene Headlee Collins
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday, January 23, 1978
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Harry Bennett, 78, Edinburgh, died Sunday, January 22, 1978, Bradenton, Florida. Death was sudden and unexpected while visiting.
Born August 6, 1899, in Shelby County, s/o Clell and Bell Zena (Howery) Bennett.
Married Grace Tindall 57 years ago.
Surviving: daughter, Mrs. Evelyn (Wayne) Bensheimer, Ninevah; son, Harry E. Bennett, Edinburgh, Charles Homer Bennett, Bartholomew County; ten grandchildren; four step-grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and seven step-great-grandchildren.
Son, daughter and grandchild, four brothers and a sister preceded in death.
Retired farmer and janitor of the Mount Auburn School.
Murphy Mortuary with Rev. James H. Horner officiating.
Burial: Mt. Auburn Cemetery.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, September 22, 1976
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Miss Lillian O. Bennett, 79, Rushville, died Tuesday in Rushville.
Wyatt-Moore Mortuary, Rushville, Rev. Norval Lyon officiating.
Burial: East Hill Cemetery.
Born July 17, 1897, Rush County, d/o Arra W. Bennett and Gertrude Winship Bennett.
Lifelong Rush County resident.
Member of the Main Street Christian Church, Rushville.
DAR.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
April 13, 1959
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DEATH CLAIMS
W. H. BENNETT
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Morristown Man, 74,
Dies at Greenfield
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          William Harry Bennett, 74, resident of Morristown, died Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at the Greenfield Hospital where he had undergone major surgery two weeks ago.
          A lifelong resident of Shelby county, Mr. Bennett was born May 5, 1884. His parents were George W. and Luna (Hardwick) Bennett. His only close survivors are three nephews and one niece, Charles Bennett of Morristown, Francis Bennett, Laurel, George M. Bennett, Antigo, Wis., and Mrs. Bertha Mae Widvey of New Orleans.
          Funeral rites will be held at the L. V. Hauk Mortuary in Morristown Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Robert Reeves officiating. Burial will be in Asbury cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 7:00 tonight.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday, March 4, 1957
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HANCOCK COUNTY MAN SUCCUMBS
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Last Rites Wednesday For Walter Bennett
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Walter Earl Bennett, 62, died Sunday at home northwest of Morristown in Hancock county.
Born in Hancock county.
Survivors: wife, Ruby Bennett; daughter, Mrs. Richard Diefenderfer, near Indianapolis; grandson, Donovan Diefenderfer.
Member Greenfield Masonic Lodge, Commandery, Council and Order of Eastern Star, Murat Shrine and Tall Cedars of Lebanon.
Pasco Funeral Home, Greenfield, with Rev. Robert Reeves officiating.
Burial: Asbury cemetery.
Contributed and summarized by Phyllis Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, July 5, 1956
(weekly paper)
from the daily of Saturday, June 30, 1956
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RITES MONDAY FOR CITY MAN
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John E. Bennett, 78, died at Major Hospital Friday.
Home: 514 W. Franklin St.
S/o Alfred and Sarah (Pickett) Bennett, born in Switzerland county October 31, 1877.
Resided in Shelbyville for the past 52 years.
Married Grace Alley who preceded him in death on January 21, 1953.
Retired employe of the Kennedy Car Liner and Bag Co.
Member of the Pilgrim Holiness Church.
Survived by 3 sons and 3 daughters, Carl Bennett, Indianapolis; Robert P. Bennett, Raymond Bennett, Mrs. Charles Shuman*, Mrs. Oris Moberly and Mrs. Ralph Zell, all of this city.
Murphy Mortuary. Rev. Glenn Cole will officiate.
Interment: Forest Hill cemetery.
___
* Correct spelling is Schuneman.-PMF
Contributed by Nancy Vance Glover
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday, January 22, 1953
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MRS. BENNETT DIES IN HOSPITAL
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Mrs. Grace Bennett, 65, died Wednesday. Complication of diseases; failing health for the last 7 years; critical condition for 7 week.
Home: 514 W. Franklin St.
Born in Addison township on June 19, 1887, d/o Commodore and Martha (Cherry) Alley.
Married John E. Bennett.
Survivors: husband, 6 children,   Mrs. Martha Schuneman, Mrs. Dorothy Mobberly, Robert Bennett and Mrs. Katherine Zell, all of this city; Carl Bennett of Indianapolis and Raymond Bennett of Waldron; 1 brother, George Alley of Philadelphia, Pa.; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Member of the local Pentecostal Church; last rites will be held there; Rev. Robert Cavanass officiating.
Burial: Forest Hill. Murphy Mortuary.
Contributed by Nancy Vance Glover
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Greensburg Daily News
April 5, 1938
Page 4
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Funeral At Moscow
Church Held Today
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          The funeral of Roy Bennett, 43, who died in Shelbyville Sunday, was held at 2 p. m. today in the Moscow Christian church, the Rev. Guy Hamilton, of Milroy, officiating. The widow, formerly Bertha Lanning, a daughter, Mrs. Janet Pike and a brother, Otis Bennett, of Gowdy, survive.
Contributed by John Ballard

The Kokomo Tribune
May 6, 1930
Page 3
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Killed by Lightning
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Shelbyville, Ind., May 6
Clell Bennett, 50, whose home is near the Marion County line on state road 29, was killed and his wife rendered unconscious when lightning struck a chimney of their home during an electrical storm yesterday. Mrs. Bennett had not regained consciousness last night.
Contributed by Janet McColley Franklin

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday July 29, 1920
Page 1 column 2
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JAMES BENNETT
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Died Thursday Morning at Home in Smithland
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   James Bennett, age sixty-nine years, Hendricks township farmer, died Thursday morning at eight-thirty o'clock at his home in Smithland. His death was caused by a complication of diseases, with which he had suffered for six months.
   Mr. Bennett was born in Bartholomew county. He came to this county when a youth and has since resided here. He was married to Nancy J. Lewis, who died in 1916.
   He is survived by one son, Harry Bennett, who lived with his father, and one brother, Donald Bennett, of near Marietta. Six half-brothers also survive. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Baptist church at Smithland.
   Funeral services will be held at the home Saturday afternoon at three o'clock, the Rev. N. W. Smith, of Southport, formerly of Smithland, officiating. Burial will be made in the Miller Cemetery, Stewart & Fix in charge.
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Shelby County Death Records
James Bennett Book H-2 page 49
b. August 28, 1851 Indiana
d. July 29, 1920 Shelby County
Father --Daniel Bennett b. Indiana
Mother-Mary Brant b. Indiana
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Contributed by Barb Huff for Sib Gray

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, May 12, 1920
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FUNERAL THURSDAY
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Mrs. Margaret Bennett Dead at Home
in VanBuren Township.
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Funeral services for Mrs. Margaret Bennett, who died Tuesday at her home in VanBuren townhship, three miles south of Fountaintown, will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock at the home. Burial will be made in the Pelham cemetery.
Mrs. Bennett was seventy years old. Her death was caused by a complication of diseases. She leaves three sons, and three daughters, Fred Bennett and Edward Bennett of Greenfield, and Ora T. Bennett, of VanBuren township; Miss Elizabeth Bennett, who lived with her mother, Mrs. Margaret Copple, of south of Fountaintown, and Mrs. Lottie Myers, of near Morristown.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Shelbyville, Indiana
Thursday, February 17, 1916
Page 8, column 2
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MRS. JAMES BENNETT DIES OF PARALYSIS
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HIGHLY ESTEEMED
SMITHLAND WOMAN PASSED AWAY
TODAY - FUNERAL WEDNESDAY
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(From Monday's Daily)
   Mrs. Nan J. Bennett, aged sixty-one years, seven months and eight days, a highly respected resident of Smithland, died at her home at 11:15 o'clock this morning, following an illness of one week caused by paralysis. She had been failing in health for the past year and her death was not unexpected. She was widely known over the southwest part of the county and had many friends who will be saddened by her death.
Mrs. Bennett was the wife of James Bennett, who survives her. She also leaves a son, Harry, at home. A daughter, Nora, died in infancy. Her other surviving relatives are three sisters and a brother --- Mrs. William Kerr, Marietta; Mrs. Frank Murphy, of Washington township; Mrs. Joseph Cooper, of Edinburg, and George T. Lewis, who made his home with Mr. and Mrs. Bennett.
For many years Mrs. Bennett had been a resident of Smithland. She was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Lewis and was born in Scott county, Georgia. Her marriage to Mr. Bennett was solemnized September 4, 1875. She was a member of the Mt. Gilead Baptist church at Smithland and of the Ladies' Aid Society, and was one of the most active workers in the society.
Funeral services will be held at the church at 2 o'clock Wednesday afternoon, the Rev. N. C. Smith, pastor of the Smithland church, officiating, and the burial will be made in the Miller cemetery in charge of Stewart & Fix.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Sib Gray

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday, October 17, 1912
Page 1, column 5
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J. C. BENNETT DIES AT LOS ANGELES
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One Of Shelbyville's Oldest And Best Known Citizens
Passes Away In The Golden West
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A telegram was received today by George Cores, of this city, from George Kent, who is in Los Angeles, Cal., conveying the sad information that Mr. James C. Bennett died in the hospital there late Wednesday night. His death was the result of injuries received a week ago in Los Angeles when he fell from a street car. Mr. Bennett had gone to the west several weeks ago to attend the National Encampment of the Grand Army of the Republic, and to visit his brother, Jerry, and was enjoying himself immensely up to the time the accident occurred. Mr. Bennett was one of the well known citizens of this city and county. James C. Bennett was born in this city May 10, 1834, and at the time of his death was seventy-eight years old. At the outbreak of the Civil war, Mr. Bennett, who was an ardent supporter of the Union cause, enlisted in Company A, Sixteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served one year. In July, 1862, he enlisted in the Seventieth Indiana Regiment, Company B, commanded by Colonel Benjamin Harrison, who was afterward made a brigadier general and later President of the United States. This regiment has a military record which has not been surpassed by any other regiment in the war. It was with Sherman in his march through Georgia and to the sea, through the Carolinas and on to Washington. Mr. Bennett was taken ill on this march and was sent by transport down the James river and up the Potomac to Alexandria. He was released from the hospital in time to attend the grand review of the troops which was held in Washington. Mr. Bennett was mustered out of service June 8, 1865. When General Harrison was elected president of the United States, Mr. Bennett and the other survivors of the old Seventieth Regiment acted as body guard to the newly elected president at the inaugural exercises. He has a medal received on that occasion of which he was very proud. Mr. Bennett was a member of the Masonic order in this city and had acted as tyier for thirty-nine years. He was also a life-long member of the First M.E. Church of this city. The telegram announcing the death did not convey any information as to the funeral services, but the body will probably be brought here for burial.
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Ibid.
Tuesday, October 22, 1912
Page 1, column 3
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JAMES C. BENNETT
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His Remains Will Arrive Home
From California Wednesday
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The body of the late James C. Bennett will probably arrive in this city on one of the Big Four evening trains Wednesday. The body will be taken to the late home in West Washington street. Funeral services will be held the following day in the First M.E. Church, the Rev. John S. Ward officiating. The Knights Templar will have charge of the funeral services, as this was one of Mr.
Bennett's last requests. Interment will be made in Forest Hill Cemetery, in charge of Ralph J. Edwards.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Friday, November 24, 1911
Page 1, column 6
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DEATH OF MRS. BENNETT
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Mrs. Amanda Bennett, wife of James C. Bennett, one of the most highly esteemed residents of the city, died at 7:30 o'clock Thursday night at her home on Washington avenue. Her death was due to an attack of pneumonia, but Mrs. Bennett had been in failing health for the past several months, not being able to leave her home.
She was born in Fayette County, Indiana December 9, 1839, making her at the time of her death seventy-two years, eleven months and fourteen days of age. Her early life was spent in Connersville and just a few months prior to the beginning of the civil war her family removed to that city. In the year 1873 she was united in marriage to Philip McLain, and she and her husband came to this city to reside. Mr. McLain died in 1874 and on September 10, 1875 she was married to James C. Bennett, who with one daughter, Mrs. George Kent, survive her.
The funeral services will be conducted at her late home, 230 West Washington avenue, at 2:30 o'clock Saturday afternoon, the Rev. W. G. Clinton, of the First M.E. Church, officiating. Interment will be made in Forest Hill Cemetery under the direction of Ralph J. Edwards.
Submitted by Barb Huff for Margaret Borie
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday, April 2, 1902
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Mr. P. M. Bennett, who was a traveler for Carson, Pirie, Scott & Co., of Chicago, and well-known to our merchants, died of typhoid fever Monday at Lebanon.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Indiana State Journal
February 16, 1898
Page 1
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MORRISTOWN, Ind., Feb. 9.-- William Thomas Bennett, a prominent business man, died to-night, aged forty-six. He was a prominent Knight of Phythias and Odd Fellow and was the truant officer under the new law.
Contributed anonymously

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, January 27, 1881
Page 2, column 4
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DEATH OF THE
VENERABLE JEREMIAH BENNETT
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Friday morning Mr. Jeremiah Bennett, Sr., breathed his last at the residence of his son, Mr. James C. Bennett. His death had been hourly expected for several days, and was therefore a matter of no surprise to the friends of the family. Mr. Bennett was in the eighty-third year of his age, and had been in feeble health for several years, although he invariably worked when the weather would permit. The following brief sketch, written by himself three years ago, will furnish the reader with all the principal facts of his life's history: Jeremiah Bennett , Sr., was born in Antuckset (sic), Cumberland county, New Jersey, January 5, 1799, son of Jonathan Bennett; mother's maiden name was Judith Buck. Father's folks were of English descent and principally farmers; mother's relatives were mainly professional and mercantile people, living at the county seat in Philadelphia. When I was about seven years old, father moved to the adjoining township of Fairfield and remained there til he died, in 1828, age 77; he was a member of the Presbyterian Church fifty-two years. My schooling was limited to odd times in the winter when the days were too cold to work. I married, in 1822, Sarah Clark. My brothers were Obadiah, Zacheus a half brother, Jonathan, Aaron and Amos; my sisters, Lovisa, Judith and Ruth. We came to Shelbyville, Indiana in 1832 and moved into the house where Thomas Hendrick's father lived. Soon after, I helped to get up a wooden railroad, part of a projected line between Shelbyville and Lawrenceburg. I was made engineer and conductor-drove the horse and collected fares. We got it completed so as to run on the Fourth of July, 1834; crowds came from Indianapolis and all around; a current anecdote makes me "the man who made the Fourth of July!" I was deputy sheriff about seven years; supplied the town with meat ten years and kept hotel many years; built the "Bennett House" and kept it eighteen years; since then have not been in regular business. Our children were Charles, Joseph, two Jeremiah's, two Jameses, and David. Joseph and David served in the Mexican war, and were inthe battle at Buena Vista, under Colonel Lane. Charles died when about twelve years old. David, James and Jerry were in the late war. David died in the service, on the Red River. Jeremiah, James and Joseph are now living in Shelbyville. It was only a mere hamlet when I came. I laid out Broadway and then extended Harrison street to Blair's; bought twenty acres where the court house now stands and donated the lot; was employed to survey all the streets on the east side of the court house and as far south as Blair's. I joined the Presbyterian Church in 1826, but soon after I came here I united with the Methodist Episcopal; so did my wife, and remained a member until her death, in 1864; I am still a member of that church. I am now in my 81st year, never felt better; haven't been sick a day in forty-three years; can still work considerably and am in the habit of doing so. To those who "shall come after" this outline sketch is affectionately and respectfully inscribed.
[Buried City Cemetery]
Submitted by Barb Huff

The Cincinnati Daily Gazette
22 Jan 1881
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FIRST INDIANA RAILROADMAN.
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Death of the Pioneer, John Bennett
at Shelbyvile.
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Special Dispatch to the Cincinnati Gazette.
SHELBYVILLE, IND., Jan. 21. -- This morning at 5 o'clock Mr. Jeremiah Bennett, a veteran pioneer died at the resdience of his son, James Bennett, on East Franklin street. Few, if any, have such a remarkable history in connection with the early settlement of Selby[sic] County. The future historian who shall write of Indiana can find in the character here presented a man worthy of full and unbiased recognition. He was born in Cumberland County, New Jersey, January 5, 1779, and was, at his death, eighty-three years old. In 1832, after he had been married ten years, he moved to this country, where he has since resided. Soon after his arrival here he planned and helped to build a wooden railroad, which was the first structure of the kind ever built west of the mountains.
On July 4, 1834, the road was completed, being two miles in length, and on that day the old wooden car drawn by horses made its first trip. Mr. Bennett was engineer, conductor, and brakeman all combined. This road was the one which led eventually to the construction of the C., I., St. L. & C. Road. In all important business matters Mr. Bennet[sic] was connected, and much of the present prosperity, both of this city and county, is mainly due to his efforts in early life.
He was an ardent, zealous Christian, having been a member of the Methodist Church from early boyhood. His integrity as a devout man never wavered throughout his long career, and now that he is dead his friends all rejoice that he has only entered into the haven of rest.
Contributed by John Addison Ballard

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