Richard Bennett was the eighth-born child of Robert and Cecilia Cuban Bennett. His parents, along with his six older brothers and sisters (William, John, Ellen, Elizabeth, Mary, and George) emigrated from Lancashire, England to the United States in 1819 on a small sailing ship. After nine long weeks, the family arrived in Baltimore. They then sailed down the Ohio River hoping to reach Illinois but landed in Gallia County, Ohio when some of the family became sick.

Richard was born in Gallia County in 1824. The Bennett family rented a farm there, had money enough to buy a cow, and remained there seven years. Richard's brother, Robert, was also born there three years prior, and his sisters, Elizabeth and Mary, died there.

Richard's parents then moved the family north to Perry County, Ohio to be near the Catholic church at Somerset. His brother Thomas and sister Elizabeth (the second) were born in Perry County, making a family of ten children. After living on various farms in the area, the family finally settled in Pleasant Township.

Richard Bennett married Elizabeth McDonald in 1853 and raised a family of twelve children; Albert, Margaret, Mary, Caroline, Richard, James, Elizabeth, John, and George. Three other children died in infancy.

Following Elizabeth McDonald Bennett's death, Robert married Isabelle Riffle. She also preceded him in death.

Richard died in 1909 at the age of 85 years. He was the last of the original family.

His obituary read "Mr. Bennett was an honest, industrious, upright man, a conscientious and faithful Christian, and commanded respect where he was known, and the world is better for having lived among us for more than four score years".

His funeral services were held at St. Rose's Catholic Church, under the auspices of the Holy Name Society, of which he was a consistent and loyal member. Solemn requiem High Mass was celebrated by Rev. Fr. Cush. Internment occurred in Maplewood Cemetery, New Lexington.