Frank Bennett Biography


	This biography appears on pages 629-630 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				FRANK BENNETT.

	Frank Bennett, who since 1906 has been identified with the 
transfer and storage business in Watertown, is now classed among the 
city's representative and substantial citizens. He claims the state of 
Wisconsin as the place of his nativity, his birth having occurred in 
Osceola on the 30th of March, 1868. His parents, James G. and Susan A. 
Bennett, were born in the east, the father in Pennsylvania, and the 
mother in Maine. They were married, however, in Stillwater, Minnesota, 
and directly afterward located in Osceola, Wisconsin, where the father 
was engaged for a number of years in the milling business. He 
subsequently removed to Luverne, Minnesota, and still later to 
Pipestone, that state. In 1889 he again made a change in his residence, 
this time removing to Seattle, Washington, where in his later life he 
engaged in the painting and decorating business. His death occurred in 
the coast city on the 27th of December, 1913, while his wife, surviving 
for only a few months, was Bailed to the home beyond on the 22d of 
April, 1914.  

	Frank Bennett v. as reared in his parents' home and accompanied 
them on their various removals during the period of his boyhood and 
early manhood. He acquired his education in the public schools of 
Luverne and Pipestone, Minnesota, and on reaching mature years engaged 
in farming, operating a tract of rented land near Pipestone for about 
five years. On the expiration of that period he engaged in the livery 
business in Pipestone but at the end of two years his barn was 
destroyed by fire, which was a total loss to Mr. Bennett, as he carried 
no insurance on his property. This left him practically penniless but 
he bravely met his misfortune and secured work by the day. For about 
three years he was employed by a produce house in Pipestone and in May, 
1897, came to Watertown, where he found employment in a similar 
capacity. He remained in that position for nine years, during which 
time he worked earnestly in the hope he might some day retrieve his 
lost possessions and be able to engage in business on his own account. 
To this end in 1906 he formed a partnership with Frank E. Munger in the 
establishment of a general drayage business, the concern operating 
under the style of Munger & Bennett. In December, 1908, the death of 
Mr. Munger occurred, since which time Mr. Bennett has been sole owner 
of the business. On the 14th of February, 1914, he removed the business 
to his present commodious building and added to the draying and 
transfer business a storage department. He is well equipped for 
carrying on his work and is quick to respond to a call for his 
services, while his warehouse insures safety to any goods that may be 
stored therein. He has built up a splendid trade in his line and his 
success is well deserved.

	Mr. Bennett was married on the 26th of April, 1887, to Miss 
Ethelyn Bernard, of Pipestone, Minnesota, and to this union two 
daughters have been born. Camille is the wife of Frank Smith, of 
Osceola, Wisconsin, by whom she has one son, Robert. The younger 
daughter, Marjorie, is the wife of George G. Briggs, a resident of 
Minneapolis, Minnesota, by whom she has a daughter, June. The mother 
and daughters belong to the Congregational church. 

	In his political views and affiliations Mr. Bennett is a democrat 
and does his duty as a private citizen. He is a Mason, being identified 
with Kampeska Lodge, No. 13, A. F. & A. M.; Watertown Chapter, No. 12, 
R. A. M.; and Watertown Commandery. No. 7, K. T. He likewise holds 
membership relations with Watertown Lodge, No. 838, B. P. O. E.; the 
Modern Woodmen of America; Watertown Council, No. 291, U. C. T. and 
Kampeska Aerie, No. 1381, Order of Eagles. He keeps in touch with the 
progress and advancement of public movements through his membership in 
the Commercial Club. He is entirely a self-made man, his prosperity 
being the reward of his energy and intelligently directed efforts.