Obituary - William C Bennett

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THE BLOOMFIELD NEWS, Bloomfield, Greene County, Indiana

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 and sobriety and integrity. He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, March 13, 1844; died in Bloomfield, May 5, 1907; aged sixty-three years, one month and twenty-two days.

He was one of a family of seven children born to Macabus {Maccabees} and Eleanor (WISHARD) BENNETT. Of these seven children one brother and two sisters survive. When he was about ten years of age his father died and in 1851 his mother brought her children to Greene county to make their home. Here he grew to manhood, enduring all the hardships that fell to the lot of a fatherless lad fifty years ago, and here he spent the remainder of his life.

He was only sixteen years of age when he began to work for himself and the story of his life is a story of hard work, of patient and well-directed effort; he knew no swerving from a constant application to business until seized by his final illness. And success crowned his labors. To him came the pleasure of seeing his business grow and expand as a result of his careful management. He felt as all men knew, that the large degree of success which came to his was the result not of fortunate surroundings nor of his being associated in business with men whose name and means carried weight, for such was not the case, but success came as the result of his individual efforts.

Single handed he carved his way to success through a veritable wilderness of difficulties, but he achieved the object of his ambition. In early manhood he took a course of training in the Greene county normal, and afterwards taught school. He made a success in the school room but he had conceived the idea that there was a splendid opportunity for success in this community to him who was willing to devote his energy, his life, to the growth and culture of fruit trees. The more he studied the question the more fully was he convinced that he should give himself up to that work. Lack of funds to make a beginning stared him in the face as those who knew him a third of a century ago are abundantly able to testify. While lack of means was a great handicap yet nothing could daunt him when once he had made up his mind. He managed to get hold of a few acres of land in Taylor township and on these few acres in 1878 he established the Rose Hill Nursery. There was a hard struggle at the beginning, but the way soon brightened and success was assured.

 From the small beginning great things came with the years. The business increased, the nursery spread out. And from the few acres at first the nursery continued to grow until now it covers 620 acres. And the name of Mr. BENNETT as proprietor of the Rose Hill Nursery is known not only throughout Indiana, but in other states as well. Into this business he put his life, his honor, his character. He word came to stand as a symbol of truth. His reputation for honesty was a matter of comment among all with whom he had any business relationship, even among those who recognize that honesty is the only sure road to success. By a lifetime of square dealing he achieved a reputation as being the soul of honor. Highly as was he esteemed by his business associates it was in the family circle that his virtues shone the brightest.

 In 1877 he was united in marriage to Miss Jennie PHILLIPS and to this union were born nine children, all of whom, except one daughter who died in infancy, together with their mother survive. The children are Mrs. Effie LEDGERWOOD, of South Pasadena, Calif,; Mrs. Lula ISENOGLE, of Washington, Ind., Cora, Verdie, Blanche, Leola, Bonnie and Clarence BENNETT, still at home. 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 this 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. In November, 1905, began his final illness. In the hope of finding relief in a milder climate he took his family to California and spent the winter. His health did improve at first but the improvement was only temporary and a gradual decline set in. Since last fall he had been confined to his room but he bore his sufferings patiently and frequently spoke of the bright rewards which he believed to be in waiting for those who are faithful on to the end.

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 has lost one of its most substantial citizens. By careful management, wise foresight and a close and constant 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 genuine satisfaction of knowing that gain came to him not by grinding down others nor 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 Tuesday afternoon, conduced 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.