Santa Clara County
Biographies
SAMUEL F. BENNETT
Perseverance, energy and ambition are the keynote to the success of Samuel F. Bennett, more familiarly known as “Sam,” dealer in hay, grain, wood, coal, etc., in San Jose, Cal. Without the aid of money or influential friends, he has attained a phenomenal measure of success, amid discouragements that would have weakened a less courageous spirit. Deprived of his father by death at the age of fourteen, he put his shoulder to the wheel at seventeen and assisted his mother to run the farm, remaining at home for about seven years, to help rear the other children. In the hope of bettering his fortune he came to California and here new discouragements beset him and it was some time before he conquered and surmounted the difficulties. He then began to send regular remittances back to the old home to his mother's assistance, as the family consisted of thirteen children. Embarking in business for himself, his capabilities were tested to the utmost, as he was burned out on three separate occasions, suffering heavy losses. But in a comparatively short time he was again on the way to prosperity. As a natural result he stands to-day among the most successful business men of San Jose, having a feed, wood and coal establishment second to none in that city.
In tracing the ancestry of Mr. Bennett we find him to be of pure Irish lineage, his grandparents on both sides of the family having been natives of Ireland. He was born in Kemptville, Canada, November 6, 1864, on the old home farm, one-half mile from the station, and it is worthy of note that this farm is now the property of Mr. Bennett, who upon the death of his mother, became administrator of the estate, and bought the interest of the other heirs; he leases the farm, which is now worth about $5,000. It was in 1887 that Mr. Bennett left his Canadian home and went to San Jose, Cal., and his interests have been identical with those of Santa Clara county ever since. Here he began working by the month on a ranch, receiving $30. After working six months for one man, he was told that his services were no longer needed, but that he could remain, making his home there if he chose, having free use of the horse and buggy, etc. Shortly after this he obtained work from another man, for which he was to receive $35 per month, and after working for this man two years, he failed in business and Mr. Bennett lost all his earnings.
In partnership with his brother, H. J. Bennett, a coal and wood yard was then opened in San Jose. This business was conducted on a small scale at first, but gradually increased to meet the growing patronage. In this way the brothers worked together and built up a large and well paying business, and a number of years afterward Samuel F. sold his interest to his brother and turned his attention to other pursuits. He opened an implement house in the same city, and carried on a business in that line for about a year. Selling out, he purchased the coal, wood and feed yards where he still carries on business and to which he has given his entire attention ever since. By his marriage, January 23, 1895, Mr. Bennett was united with Miss Eliza Curry, a native of Canada, and they have one daughter, Irma Grace, who is the joy of the home. The family unite in worshiping at the Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. Bennett is an active member.
Politically Mr. Bennett is an unswerving Republican, and has been quite active in politics. On one occasion, he was made an independent candidate for constable of San Jose, and made a close race, being defeated by only a small majority; four years later he became a candidate for the same office on the Republican ticket, but was defeated in the convention. He is quite an enthusiastic and earnest lodge man, affiliating with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he has been financial secretary for the past seven years; and the order of Foresters, of which he is High Chief Ranger, the highest office he can hold in the local district. It will be seen that his life has been of more than ordinary interest and who shall say his success is not well deserved?
Transcribed
2-12-16 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
Source: History of the State of California &
Biographical Record of Coast Counties, California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A.
M., Page 994. The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago, 1904.
© 2016 Marilyn R.
Pankey.