The eyes say it all!

Bennett Heritage

James Thomas Bennett

Death Living

        

 

 

         Birth 17 Aug 1870 in Fariforest, Spartanburg, SC, USA

         Death 19 Mar 1948 in Fairforest, Spartanburg, SC, USA

Funeral services for James Thomas Bennett, 77, of Greer Route 1 will be held Sunday afternoon at 3pm at J F Floyd Mortuary. Burial will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Mr Bennett a retired Spartanburg County merchant

James Thomas was married twice.  First to Nannie Riddle, who died in 1910, and second to Tennie Pearson, who lived until 1976.

·        Mrs Nancy (Riddle) Bennett, wife of James Bennett died at her home near Fairforest. Tuesday afternoon after a short illness.The funeral was held yesterday morning at Fairforest church conducted by Rev Mr Aiken interment followed in the churchyard.  *

* I wonder if Rev Aiken is a brother/uncle/cousin of Carolyn Aiken.

 

 

A city directory in 19>>  shows he owned a grocery store and filling station on Whitney Road near the city limits.

 

 

·      Benjamin Wofford Bennett  

Birth June 18, 1846 in Spartanburg Co, Sc 

Death Living

Death Dec 2, 1914 in Fairforest, Sc

Eulogy:

On the letterhead of Fairforest Baptist Church:  J.P. Aiken*, Pastor Fairforest, SC ___ 1914

* curious to know if this pastor is related to Caroline Aiken Bennet, his wife.

(Copy of handwritten talk probably used at a memorial service– the text was composed sometime after Carolyn Aiken died which was two months after Benjamin Wofford Bennett died) transcribed by Jan Bennett Bates Illegible words = xxxxx Bold type added for genealogical information)

“ This lovable man was born in Spartanburg County, South Carolina, June 18, 1846. His father was Captain William Bennett, and his mother’s maiden name was Pattie Wofford, the daughter of Joseph Wofford. Like many others of our most substantial citizens, he grew up in a country neighborhood with few advantages, but it was a good stock from which he came. From his noble parents he inherited traits of sincerity, honesty and steady convictions of purpose. His noble father and venerable mother have long preceded him to the heavenly home.

Reared amid pious influences and bearing the name of an honored pioneer, it was not strange that in his early life he should be drawn to the consideration of religious things and so at an early age he professed faith in Christ and joined the Old Friendship Baptist Church, the church of his father, and his religious life was henceforth marked by strong convictions, earnestness and energy which have marked his life in other respects. His simple and beautiful Christian character and life were his chief adornments. He loved all Christians, especially those of his own faith and was ever ready to serve them in any way open unto him. His face invited your confidence and trust. In many quiet ways he helped and showed the needy and sorrowing.

As a boy he loved his home with an intense affection and it was always a pleasure for him to carry whatever of the burdens of his parents he could. When he became a man this filial spirit never departed from him.

During the closing years of the civil war he accompanied the seventeen year old boys of his country who went to the front to bare this xxxxx upon the battle line and shared with them the discomforts of the camp and march and stood with them in the throes of combat.

At the age of 21 in the year 1867 he married Caroline Aiken, the daughter of another sturdy pioneer, Thomas Aiken, and as a result of this union a large family of children sprang, namely, Lula Lee,  James Thomas, William Edward, Martha Lou Ellen, Pemberton Alexander, John Mulinax, Candace Virginia, Carrie Farrar , Benjamin Wofford Jr, and Alfred Golightly. The last named of these children died in infantcy, 1890 William Edward, died at the age of 40 in the year 1912 have never married. Lulu Lee married R.T. Riddle in the year 1889 and died in the year 1911 age 43 leaving three children. All the other children are living, married and have families of their own. He was a man remarkably fond of children and he took great delight in them and they in turn in him. It cost him no apparent effort to entertain them, and they always enjoyed his presence. The relation of a father to his children represents a sphere of influence peculiar to instill. No one had a keener appreciation of these delicate relations or made more unselfish efforts to fulfill the various obligations arising in connection with them, than the subject of this sketch. Little aid they know in this early years how much of his daily thought and life was spent for them, but they doubtless look back now and see much that causes their hearts to swell with gratitude. His children will never get away from the influence of his worthy life. They may well rejoice that such a light has been in their home and such an example constantly before their eyes. He was always fond of music and loved to sing the songs of Zion as but few ever aid. He was known far and near for his musical talents and recognized as a leader in the musical realms of Christian song. Christianity is a religion of song. Unbelief does not sing. The skeptical spirit is destructor of song. It is faith, hope and love that sings, doubt never does. He loved to sing as only a Christian can. As a neighbor and citizen he was loved and respected by all who knew him, and few men among us were better know or more highly regarded as more highly trusted than he. His departure from this life on Dec. 2, 1914, at the age of 68, made a profound impression upon all who had come to know him. When once he fell a victim to pneumonia with the complication of other physical troubles, little hope remained of his recovery. He struggle for life with his iron will and native force, but was throughout the struggle submissive to God’s will. He fell asleep in Jesus with the peace of God in his heart and a smile of joy on his face. His wife, his dear life companion born June 8^th , 1844 followed him to the heavenly home on Feb 20, 1915, just two months and 18 days after his departure, the victim of the same dread disease at the ripe age of 70. A mother in Israel loved by husband, children, relatives and friends, having embodied in her life the beautiful Christian graces, and in a special manner those of self sacrifice, patience and service; a woman full of faith and good works. She died as she lived at peace with God and all mankind; blessed henceforth. The children of this noble pair and all who loved them everywhere mourn them, but our sorrow is chastened by the recollection of what they were and what they always will be to our people. Their remains lie in the church yard of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, some five miles west of Spartanburg City. As the years pass on the family will find this grief assuaged by the kindly ministry of time, while this joy in the life and character of these departed loved ones will increase as they learn to appreciate more and more the battles they fought and the victories they won. Their works remain and will remain. The impress of their noble lives will be with us through the years, while the remembrances of them shall strengthen us for all toils and sufferings, and this victory will help us to overcome the world. Who will take their places? No one, they filled their places on earth worthily and well, and have gone to take their places in the ranks of the redeemed. Their work is done; Let us do ours the more faithfully because of our love and reverence for them. And soon for us shall life’s toil and xxxxx be ended, and on the father shore, by the banks of that river whose streams made glad the city of God, “we shall join with them and with all the faithful ones who have gone before in the grand hallelujah chorus of redemption; …. “

History of Spartanburg Co by J.B.O. Landrum, P 718   McBeth’s Light Artillery Buglar – Joseph W. Bennett Private – Benjamin W Bennett   Probably fought in the Second Battle of Manassas, Virginia

 

William Bennett was born ca 1808 in Spartanburg and he died there Aug 1887. He married Martha Wofford, dau of Joseph, Jr and Jane Huckabee Wofford, granddaughter of Captain Joseph and Martha Llewelyn Wofford. She was b 12 July 1811 and d 26 Sep 1883.

According to History of the Wofford Family by Mrs. Jane Wofford Wait, "Martha Wofford, the eldest daughter of Joe Jr. and Jane Huckabee Wofford, married William Bennett. She was better known by all as Aunt Patty Bennett. She was a genuine, good, Christian woman, abounding in good works. The very poor always found a good friend and keeper in Aunt Patty. Her husband, Uncle Billy, as everyone called him, was a whole-souled man, a consistent member of the Baptist Church, while his wife was a Methodist. Together, they lived a happy life, both hospitable to a degree beyond their means. He loved hunting and was an excellent marksman and an adept angler.

They were both beloved by their neighbors and friends, and many mourned their loss. Their influence for good is felt among their acquaintances even until today. They reared a large, creditable and interesting family.

 The famous Roebuck Band was so called in honor of Captain Roebuck, who had fought so valiantly at Kings Mt. and elsewhere in the Revolution. The leader of this band deserves more than a passing notice. His name was William Bennett, but he was better known as Buck Bennett. His ancestry was good old Revolutionary stock. He was as well or better known at this time than any man in the southern section of Spartanburg County. Full of good old frolicky fun, he loved music, taught singing schools for many miles around, was a leader in the Friendship Baptist Church, an expert with gun and rod, he killed the first partridge on the wing that I ever saw fall. He and Aunt Patty were as hospitable a couple as 1 have ever seen. They both lived to a ripe old age. This Roebuck Band was composed of several members,  Joseph W. Bennett (his son) among them. The music they used was Rig Ship, Winnsboro Quickstep, Faster's Quickstep, Washington Quickstep, LaFayette's Quickstep, and Home, Sweet Home Quickstep.

 

They wore a uniform patterned somewhat after the old Continental style, and surely looked imposing as they marched from point to point on the muster ground with the military step, blowing their instruments and beating their drums with such earnestness of purpose. The National Marina Band of the most noted musicians of any age never held or entertained an audience with sweeter music better than they did at these annual gatherings."

James Bennett Jr 1787 - 1866

, Spartanburg Co, SC

James Bennett was a son of James and Sarah Bennett. He was born 10 March 1787 in Spartanburg, S.C.

He was married three times,

1st to Precious (maybe Wofford, dau of John)

2nd to Delilah (probably West)

and 3rd to Malissa who is named as his wife in his estate record.

  James died ca 1866 in Spartanburg.

 

His children were:

1. William Bennett b 1808.

2. Mary Bennett b 1818 m John E. Casey

3. Sarah Bennett b 1830 m Mansel G. Moore and lived in Gordon Co., GA

   i. Elmira J. Moore b 1860 m her cousin, Benjamin Wofford 11

      Jan 1885 in Gordon Co., GA a son of Isaac and Jane Wofford.

      They had a son, Grover Cleveland Wofford, b 8 Nov 1887.

  ii. Amanda Moore b 1867 married William T. Wofford 3 June 1886 in Gordon  Co., GA; son of John W. Wofford and Nancy Inlow; grandson of Isaaac and Jane Wofford.

4. Berryman Bennett b 1834 in Spartanburg Co., SC. He died in the he died in the Civil War.

5. West Bennett b 1840 in Spartanburg Co., SC. He died in the Civl War.

 

James Bennett , Sr  ____ - 1825

James Bennett orphan ...1767 , Bute County, NC  Minutes of Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1767-1779

On motion James Bennett orphan of Richard Bennett came into Court and made choice of Soloman Langston his Guardian with Francis Capps and Richard Bennett entered into and Executed a bond for that purpose.

 (Soloman Langston  - was James brother-in-law and Richard Bennett is his older brother.)  

 

Richard Bennett

 

Born Ca 1715 Isle Of Wight Co, Va

Died 1764 Bute Co, NC (Will)

(M) Ann (MNU) Ca 1740-1
Children: NOT in Order
1. Christian (M) Absolum Langston, (s/o John Langston/Mary "Ann" Mangum)**
2. Sarah (M) Solomon Langston, (s/o John Langston/Mary "Ann" Mangum)
3. Martha
4. Ann
5. Amey (M) John Capps (Warren Co, NC Records)
6. Richard, Jr (M) Dtr of John Smart
(Granville Deed of 1761-John Smart to S-I-L Richard Bennett,,Jr)
7. Mark (M) Jemima Smart
8. William
9. Moses
10. James (Was Und 21 yrs when father died 1764- too young to be s/o man born Ca 1700-sgs

The Pool

....

When we were growing up in Manchester, Granddaddy Harry built a pool. It didn't qualify as a "Cement Pond". Fresh water came down from the lake, ie, Parkman Pond.

 Little fish could go swimming by and tickle your legs. Occasionally folks experienced real drama, when a snake was spotted and everyone rushed to get out of the pool. The picture doesn't show a large sliding board over to the left. What appears to be a little "island" was connected to shore by a boardwalk. There were concessions available.

I missed one event that we enjoyed talking about. A baptism took place at the pool. My step cousin, Bobby, wanted a better view and squeezed through the crowd to move to the front. In pushing through a lady fell into the pool.

My sister posted this photo on the blog "Growing up in Manchester, GA in the 60's. The comments are worth reading. . Just wondered if any of you ever went swimming or fishing out at Parkman's Pond, my granddaddy's old place. This is the pic of the "pool" (with lake water) behind Andrea, Peggy and Cindy Thompson's house. ....

Nancy NeSmith Williamson   When Peggy & I were in grammar school, I'd go spend the night at her house & we'd always go swimming in the "pool" :)    March 14, 2012 ...

William Milton   Your grandaddy did world record longest prayers in church. I know. I was there.  March 14 at 6:25pm ....

William Milton  Love Peggy and Andrea.   March 14 at 6:30pm ·....

Edward Milton   No story of Parkman's Pond should be without the mention of that great Fisherman: Fulton Bulloch. Once, when he had his picture taken by the Star Mercury, with a stringer of Fish from that Pond, he stuck them in a freezer, and would bring them out again quite some time later and have Ralph Rice take another picture. Ralph finally began to recognize the fish, if not the smell.  March 15 at 6:44am ....

Lillian Bulloch   Joe Thompson's wife was related to my daddy, he also did a lot of work for preacher Harry... March 15 at 9:47am ·....

Lillian Bulloch   Fulton was related to dad too, he was a real cutup, dad made all the little whirly gigs he had in his yard... March 15 at 9:50am ....

Mitzi White  My grandmother' Gladys Rollins Rivers' grew up there... (Her grandmother's mother was Elizabeth Parkman Barnes). Gladys' future husband, John B. Rivers, Sr. worked for the railroad and courted Gladys by riding a handcar out to the property.....I don't have the exact date at hand but was probably around 1915..... The pond was built to support a grist mill... March 15 at 4:05pm ·....

Robert Stribling   Fulton used to tell me about being shot down in the war. He landed in a whore house, and you can imagine what he said after that.........funny, funny guy!!!!  March 15 at 7:14pm ·....

Lillian Bulloch   yep, Fulton could tell some really tall tales, lol. March 15 at 9:08pm ....

Tommy Eubanks   Remember rolling bread balls and fishing off the docks when I was little. We had a row boat and also loved to fish for bass with my dad or uncle David   March 16 at 10:38am via mobile ....

Gaye Bennett Pappas   I remember being a little toe-head, walking behind granddaddy to one of the stocking lakes lots of times in the summer. He would roll and press a whole loaf of bread into a ball the whole time we walked and then it was wild to see the fish actually jump and swarm for the bread. March 16 at 3:42pm

Mr. Henry G. Harry Augusta, GA –

Entered into rest Friday, June 1, 2012, Mr. Henry Grady Harry, 85, husband of Mrs. Sue Randall Harry. Family members in addition to his wife include sons: Michael Grady Harry and wife Karen of St. Simons Island, GA, Stephen Joseph Harry of Mt. Pleasant, SC, Gregory David Harry of Madison, GA; sister: Julia H. Bennett of Spartanburg, SC; and 9 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents: the late Rev. and Mrs. W.G. Harry of Warm Springs, GA; and sister: Margaret Thompson of Warm Springs, GA. Mr. Harry was a native of Gastonia, NC. He served in the US Navy during WWII. He was a 1953 graduate of the University of Georgia where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity and the Gridiron Society. He retired as the regional manager for Equifax Inc. in 1989. He was past president of Associated Credit Bureaus of NC., past president of the Augusta Retail Credit Association and active sponsor of the Augusta Women’s Credit Association. He was a member and Deacon of Covenant Presbyterian Church and a member of the Downtown Kiwanis Club. He was appointed by Governor Perdue to the FDR Warm Springs Memorial Advisory Committee.

One of his favorite stories to tell was that as the mayor of Warm Springs, GA, his father would have Henry greet President Roosevelt with daffodils at the train on his frequent visits to Warm Springs; on one occasion Henry couldn’t be there, President Roosevelt asked “where’s Henry”.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 5, 2012 at 2:00 P.M. at Covenant Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robert M. Watkins officiating. Burial will follow in Westover Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons and cousins. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Downtown Kiwanis Club. . .

Families can be seperated by time and distance, but the connection outlasts any other. Uncle Henry's funeral was today. I have not lived near the Harry clan in a long time. Gaye has been blessed to live in neighboring North Augusta. But among my favorite memories are having him carry me on his shoulders through the train station in Atlanta to pick up my dad on his return from Okinawa. Gaye was an infant and Barbara had not even been born. (I know that means I am ancient.)

Through the years we shared holiday dinners at my Grandfather's home. He was tall, handsome, gentle and kind. He was my mother's "baby brother" and she loved him so much.

Andy.

James Henry Bennett

April 15, 1918 to June 3, 1998.

It hardly seems it could be fourteen years since my dad passed away. It seems as if I could answer the phone and it would be the most natural thing to hear his voice.

He had the most penetrating questions. I know mother misses him.

When Matthew was deployed to Iraq, I picked him up at BWI and drove him to Dover AFB. Matt remarked that he wished his grandfather was still here and he could talk with him. I wished the same for him and for all of us. We respected his strength and understanding.



Jim grew up in lean times. If you read about Patie, his mother, you will know his mother made all his clothes for many years. This was not unusual for the times and community. He was loved and blessed to have a wonderful family.

Jim was a good student. So good that Mr Dorman, his teacher/principal, taught Jim math; then he had Jim teach younger students. Mr Dorman went on to be Superintendent of Schools in Spartanburg. Gaye, Barbara, Ashley & Brittany later graduated from the high school named after him.

Daddy told me about visiting his Grandfather, going out into a field and using his pocket knife to cut open a watermelon on a hot summer day. He told me about his chores and taking supper to his dad at night.

Jim's dad worked for Spartanburg waterworks. Their home was on a little rise overlooking Rainbow lake. This was a great source for entertainment and as a teen Jim worked there as a life guard.

Dating...

Mother and daddy met on a double date.  Mother told her friend she wanted to go out with the tall guy, but daddy spotted her and decided she was the one for him.  It is easy to see the look in his eyes in this photo.  Wow!   

 

Greenbay Packers
For many years my dad told us he "played with the Greenbay Packers".

Well he did - sort of. During WWII many of the Packers players enlisted in the army. They were stationed at Ft Benning at the same time my dad was stationed there. They had scrimmages together.

When we lived at Ft Benning, he told me the truth. But from time to time, he left out that they were just scrimmages.

Fort Benning
I am unsure what part of Daddy's officer training was done at Ft Benning, or Ft Jackson. However, I know part of his training was at Benning. He was commissioned before he married. He wrote to mother through out the war.

He was stationed there after returning from Okinawa. Barbara was born at the end of that assignment. We returned for two years for his last assignment before he retired in 1961.

Mother had a box of letters she saved. I hope they hae been saved. Many things are lost as folks "down size".

Daddy didn't share that much about the war. He served as an intelligence officer on the Texas on D-Day. Most of the men who trained to be officers for the war did not return. He was stabbed by a bayonet. He had schraprel had to be removed from his back side.

At one point he commanded a group sent to a fiord in Iceland. German u-boats would hide there to compete repairs. His men would look for them when they came and radio for bombers to come to destroy them. He learned to ski. It must have been a nice break from heavy combat in the middle of the war. This ended when snow drifts began to blow and cover their base of operations. They had a forced march out. Planes could not land to evacuate them. He lost all the hair on his body from frostbite. Even his eyebrows were gone for a while. (There are no photos to document this, but his sisters confirmed this through the years.)


Beach Trips








I have to add more, much much more. But later

Easter Memories

Easter brings wonderful memories. New Easter dresses and suits for little boys. Family get togethers. Easter egg hunts.

Have to put up extra photos and stories. Later.