Gordon / Gorton Nelson Bennett

BENNETT, LEE, WRIGHT

Posted By: Judy Wight Branson (email)
Date: 5/9/2010 at 20:33:18

The History of Adair County, Iowa
1884, page 927

Gorton N. Bennett, came to Adair county August 17, 1855, and was employed until 1857 by James C. Gibbs as a farm hand, at which time he was united in marriage to Hulda Lee, the first school-teacher of the town of Fontanelle.

She was a native of New York, born in 1837, and a daughter of William D. Lee, originally from Connecticut. In 1855 she removed to Madison county, Iowa. She died March 14, 1869, and was buried at Maxburg, Madison county.

They had four children, all of whom are living - James G., at Maxburg, Madison county; William L., in Valley county, Nebraska; Walter, in Fontanelle; Alice P., in Maxburg, Madison county.

He was married a second time June 13, 1869 to Lovey J. Wright, a native of Indiana. Her people were from North Carolina, and early settlers of Madison county, Iowa. Three children were the result of this union - Sylvester, George and Martha J.

Mr. Bennett was born August 9, 1832, at Norway, Herkimer county, New York, and was the son of Josiah and Mercy (Poleman) Bennett. His father was a native of Vermont and his mother a native of Herkimer county, New York. She lived at one time on the ground where the battle of Birmington was fought.

His wife's parents were natives of Connecticut and emigrated to Adair county, Iowa, in March, 1865, and purchased land near Fontanelle. They both died in the town of Adair and were buried in the cemetery near that place.

Mr. Bennett worked in a cotton factory from the time he was nine years of age until he was thirteen. After he married he rented land a few years and being successful in his business transactions now owns considerable land, besides two residences in the town of Fontanelle.