Bennington

BENNETT, Edward Cushman & Edward Dewey

Biography of Edward Dewey BENNETT (father of Edward Cushman BENNETT)

Men of Vermont: an Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro, Vermont: Transcript Pub. Co., 1894, part II, pp 
26-27 (portrait p 26)

Edward Dewey BENNETT, of Bennington [Bennington County, Vermont], was born 06 
December 1843 in Middlebury [Addison County, Vermont], son of Daniel J. and 
Martha (DEWEY) BENNETT. His early education was derived from attendance in 
the schools of Middlebury, where he fitted for college, and taught school in 
Upton and Middlebury. In 1863 he was employed as foreman of a construction 
gang by the Western Union Telegraph Company. Gaining a knowledge of the art 
from this experience, he removed to Lansingburg [Rensselaer County], New York, 
where he was placed in charge of the office, and was also employed by the 
Bennington & Rutland Railroad in a similar capacity at the former city 
[Burlington]. Here he remained until 1885, when he was made superintendent 
of that railway, a position which he still retains. In addition he has acted 
in the capacity of train dispatcher and auditor of passenger and freight 
accounts of the Harlem extension and superintendent of the Lebanon Springs 
and Bennington & Glastonbury Railroad.

Mr. BENNETT is affiliated with the Republican party, but his business has 
left him no time to hold or seek office; nevertheless he is now serving his 
third term as member of the Bennington graded school board, and in 1892 was 
made president of that body. He has joined the Bennington Historical 
Society, and was one of the committee of fifty who served at the dedication of 
the Bennington monument. In 1888 he received an appointment on the staff of 
Governor DILLINGHAM, with the rank of colonel.

On 15 September 1870 Colonel [Edward Dewey] BENNETT was wedded to Elizabeth, 
daughter of John and Sophronia (HURD) CUSHMAN. Their union has been blessed 
with three children: Edward Cushman [whose biography follows], Charles 
Henry, and Bessie Dewey BENNETT. Colonel BENNETT is a Congregationalist in 
his religious belief, and has occupied the positions of deacon and 
superintendent of the Sabbath school. He is much interested in the Y. M. C. 
A., and has been a member for three years of their state executive board as 
well as charter member of the local organization. He is allied to the 
Masonic fraternity, and has presided in the East in Mt. Anthony Lodge, No. 13.


Biography of Edward Cushman BENNETT (son of Edward Dewey BENNETT)

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. Burlington: Ullery Publishing 
Company, 1912, p 117

Edward Cushman BENNETT, lawyer, Bennington, was born 05 September 1873 in 
Bennington [Bennington County, Vermont], son of Edward Dewey and Eliza 
(CUSHMAN) BENNETT. Educated at Bennington graded and high school; Norwich 
University, class of 1893; special course at Boston University Law School. 
Studied law in the office of Barber & Darling; admitted to the Vermont Bar in 
1900; since 1905 a member of the law firm of Bennett & Graves, Bennington. 
Republican; deputy state auditor 1900-1902; executive clerk for Gov. John G. 
McCULLOUGH 1902-1904; judge of probate court, district of Bennington, 
appointed by Gov. Fletcher D. PROCTOR, 05 September 1907, to fill out 
unexpired term of Hon. John V. CARNEY, deceased; elected to same position 
1908 and 1910; present term expires 01 December 1912. 

In 1901 he [Edward Cushman BENNETT] married [Miss?] Cynthia B. GARDNER of 
Bennington; they have two children, Charles Gardner and Harriet Estelle. Mr. 
BENNETT is a member of the Second Congregational Church, Bennington; member 
of the board of trustees and second vice president. He is also a member of 
Mt. Anthony Lodge No. 13, Free & Accepted Masons; Bennington Lodge of Elks; 
and Bennington Club.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly