Mecosta County MI Archives Biographies.....Bennett, Alton W. May 31, 1855 - 
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Jan Cortez http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00020.html#0004939 April 17, 2009, 4:09 pm

Author: Chapman Brothers

ALTON W. BENNETT, member of the firm of Roben, Bennett & Gill, real-estate, 
loan and fire insurance agents 

at Big Rapids, was born on a farm in Marcellus Tp., Cass Co., Mich., May 31, 
1855, and is a son of William 

P. and Louisa (Brokaw) Bennett.

The Bennett family of which the subject of this biography is a descendant, 
have been a pioneer people.  The 

great-great-grandfather of A. W. Bennett cleared a farm in Western Connecticut 
before the Revolutionary War 

had ever been imagined.  The great-grandfather, Alfred Bennett, emigrated to 
Central New York when it was a 

wilderness, cleared a farm and contested titles with wolves, etc., on the 
tract of land now the city of 

Cortland.  He was also a Baptist preacher of renown, and his memory is still 
cherished in the thoughts of 

every theologian of that denomination.  He was for years a circuit rider, 
holding services at every 

clearing, and spreading the gospel, from a Baptist standpoint, through the 
wilds of Ohio and Indiana.  His 

son Cephas married Stella, daughter of Abner Keeland, the first spostle of 
Universalism in New England; in 

1829 he took her to the East Indies, whither he went as a missionary.  He 
introduced the first 

printing-press, and afterwards the first sewing-machine, into Burmah, and with 
his wife is still engaged in 

the work of converting the heathen to Christianity, although they have been in 
active service 54 years.  

Cephas Bennett sent his son, William P., to America, at the age of 10 years.  
At 19 the latter became 

involved in matrimonial snares, and, taking his wife and worldly possessions, 
made his way West on a canal 

boat, and plunged into the wilderness of Michigan.  He entered 160 acres of 
land in Marcellus Tp., and 

camped out until he could make a clearing and erect the pioneer's shelter.  
The tract of land has been 

converted into a typical Southern Michigan farm, and is still in the 
possession of its original owner, now 

resident at Cassopolis, where he has held the office of Probate Judge for 15 
years.

In a work of this character pioneer reminiscences are specially valuable, and 
serve to render the 

biographical sketches of its patrons decidedly interesting.

Mr. Bennett was under the personal care of his father until he was 12 years 
old, when he was sent to 

Groton, New York, to attend the academy.  He studied there two years, and 
attended the high school at 

Cassopolis, where he graduated.  He afterward learned the printer's trade, at 
which he worked at 

Cassopolis, Lawrence and Grand Rapids.  In 1874 he commenced a course of 
studies at the University of 

Michigan, which he pursued three years, working at the case during vacations, 
and was graduated in the Law 

Department, in March, 1877.  He at once located at Big Rapids.

In August, 1878, he formed a partnership with D. Roben, in the real-estate, 
loan and insurance business, 

which relation still exists.  The style and repute of the house of Roben & 
Bennett is widely known 

throughout Northern Michigan.

Mr. Bennett was married Sept. 3, 1878, to Mary, daughter of Matthew and Esther 
Roben, of Big Rapids.  Mr. 

and Mrs. Bennett have one son, nearly two years old.

Additional Comments:
1883 Portrait & Bio Album of Mecosta Co.

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/mecosta/bios/bennett550nbs.txt

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