Rev. John Bennett was born October 25, 1850, in Allegany County, Maryland, the son of Israel Moore Bennett and Susanna Martin. On October 19, 1873, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, he married Anna Catharine Sowers, daughter of Isaac Sowers and Ann "Nancy" Martin. They were the parents of 12 children, all of whom lived to adulthood: Nancy Lucretia, Amanda Catherine, Sarah Leota, Ursula, David I., Mary S., Henry Howard, Martin Levi, John Edgar, Annie Blanche, James Quinter and Earl Herbert Bennett.


From Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Photos of People & Places:

"Jerry Miller [email protected] sends this picture of Rev. John Bennett and his new wife Anna Catherine Sowers. Jerry writes: 'Reverend Bennett preached in and around the Artemas area. He was a Church of the Brethren minister. He was a teacher in early years, then a merchant & farmer. In his business in Artemas, he was also the Postmaster. Artemas was named for his great-uncle, Artemas Bennett, who was the first postmaster.' Rev. John Bennett was a son of Israel M. Bennett and Susan Martin."


Biography for John Bennett from the Brethren in Middle Pennsylvania:

"BENNETT, John, oldest of eleven born to Israel M. and Susannah Martin Bennett, began life in Alleghany County, (Md.), October 25, 1850. Early in childhood his parents moved to Bedford County, (Pa.), where he has lived all his life. Making good use of common school, one term in Alleghany Seminary, at Rainsburg, and two at County Normal, in Bedford, he followed teaching for thirteen winters. Besides he has been farmer, merchant and postmaster for Artemas for thirty-two years. October 19, 1873, he was united in marriage with Anna C, daughter of Isaac and Nancy (nee Martin) Sowers, at Silver Mills, (Pa.), James Pennell officiating. To them were born six sons and six daughters. The parents were privileged to enjoy their golden wedding with nine of their children and about 250 friends. After the wedding feast all went to the church nearby and appropriate services were conducted, James A. Sell leading in the same. In June, 1874, he united with Christ in the Snake Spring Valley congregation, Jacob Steele baptizing him. Two years later the home group of members called him to the ministry, and on November 6, 1897, through the laying on of hands by George W. Brumbaugh and John B. Replogle, he was ordained. Christ made him His devoted servant. For twenty-five years he has not missed a district meeting, and yet his was often the longest drive over very muddy roads. He served on Standing Committee at St. Joseph, Missouri, and twice at Winona Lake, Indiana. Being the only minister in four townships, he has solemnized marriages and preached funerals up into the hundreds. He was four years a member of the District Mission Board, and since 1901 a trustee of the Martinsburg House for the Aged. It can be truly said that he has been a spiritual father to the people of a very large territory, and from the beginning a faithful in the Middle District of Pennsylvania shepherd of the Artemas flock. Few in these days have done as much for the church for as little material compensation. His address, Artemas, (Pa.)."


Obituary for Rev. John Bennett:

"ELDER JOHN BENNETT. John Bennett, oldest son of Israel M. and Susanna Martin Bennett, was born in Allegheny County, Md., Oct. 25, 1850, passed away Jan. 27, 1939. While yet a small boy his parents moved across the Maryland line into Bedford County, Pa. In this home, surrounded by much virgin timber, he spent his boyhood days assisting his parents clear fields and build up a farm home. When thirteen years of age his father was drafted into the army during the Civil War. The family income not being large enough to pay his way out of service for more than two times, his father was compelled to go as a soldier. During the absence of grandfather, father being the oldest boy in the family, it fell to his lot to help his mother care for the home and younger brothers and sisters. The heavy work for one so young in years caused a curvature of the spine from which he never recovered. His chance for an education was limited, being confined to what he could get in a one-room school and three terms of normal school work. When a young man he became a country schoolteacher. He followed this profession for thirteen years. He was a great reader and this helped him to acquire a practical education. In 1873 he married Anna C. Sowers. They established their home on a farm at Artemus, Pa., about one mile from his boyhood home. To this union were born six sons and six daughters. All grew to manhood and womanhood. Death did enter their home until three years ago, when mother was called home. In June of 1874 he united with the Church of the Brethren in the Snake Spring congregation. Eld. Jacob Steele baptized him. In 1876 he was called to the ministry and in 1897 was ordained as an elder. Father was much devoted to the church and its work. He was financially a poor man, yet he spent much time and made many sacrifices that the cause of the Master might prosper. His active service covered a period of about fifty-five years. He was instrumental in the building and organizing the Amaranth and Glendale churches in Middle Pennsylvania. He served as pastor and elder of these churches, including his home church at Artemas, for a number of years. He also took an active part in the district work of the church. He was a regular attendant at the district meeting, having attended twenty-five consecutive meetings. He frequently served on church comittees, serving twenty-five years as a member of the Old Folk's Home Board at Martinsurg, Pa. He was a member of the Home Mission Board four years and served twice as delegate to Annual Conference. These different church activities demanded much travel. His home being isolated from the principal part of the work it was necessary to do much of this travel by private conveyance, and in earlier years by horse and buggy. It was always a pleasure at his return from some of these long trips to hear him tell about the meetings attended and othe people whom he met. We realize now that the joy he got from serving the Lord in this way well repaid him for the sacrifice made. Father always had a great interest in the welfare of his home community. He was outstanding in the support of anything that was uplifting and helpful to both young and old. The young people as well as the older always respected him and many came to him for advice and comfort. He was a merchant, farmer and postmaster. This caused him to meet many people in a business way. In business he was generous, almost to a fault, which often caused dishonest people to take advantage of him. The membership of his home church being small, the interest he had in religious activities of the community led him to co-operate with ministers of other denominations in supporting the Sunday-school cause. He was active in the State Sabbath School work. He preached hundreds of funeral sermons and performed many marriage ceremonies. In the home he was a kind and devoted father. His home was a hospitable one and people of many positions of life have been entertained in it. The last ten years of father's life was spent in entire blindness. This affliction he bore bravely. The many scripture verses and beautiful hymns committed in earlier days proved quite a comfort to him. Mother's going away three years ago left him quite lonely, for since his blindness she had been constantly at his side. Since that time he was cared for by a daughter who did what she could for his comfort. We sadly miss him, but we are thankful for the years we were permitted to have his good, Christian life for an example. He leaves the following children: Mrs. Alva Brumbaugh and Mary Bennett of Artemas, Pa.; Mrs. Everett Trail of Flintstone, Md.; Mrs. H. V. Morse and David I. Bennett of Altoona, Pa.; Quinter and Edgar Bennett, Cumberland, Md.; Howard Bennett of Mercersburg, Pa.; Earl Bennett of Akron, Ohio; Mrs. Ursula Jay of Everett, Pa.; and Mrs. Wm. Petersen of Denver, Colo. He also leaves thirty-five grandchildren, thirty-six great-grandchildren, two brothers and two sisters. Funeral services were conducted in the Artemas church by Bro. E. M. Detwiler, assisted by Brethren C. O. Beery and W. J. Hamilton and Rev. Walter Twigg of the Christian church. Interment in the cemetery near by. Artemas, Pa. Mrs. Alva Brumbaugh."