CHESTER C. BENNETT, the principal member of the C. C. BENNETT Shoe Co., of Janesville, Rock County, enjoys an enviable reputation as a business man and a genial gentleman throughout the city and county. He is now in the prime of life, and has a circle of friends of which any man might well be proud. Mr. Bennett was born in Lima township, Rock Co., Wis., May 25, 1865, and is a son of George and Susan (Osmond) Bennett, both natives of New York. They were the parents of five sons, three of whom are now living; Dr. L. F. Bennett, of Beloit, Wis.; Chester C.; and James B., who is now living on the home farm. Orrin G., another son, lived to become a member of the medical profession, and attain some standing in that line, but is now deceased. The father, who has always been a farmer, came to Wisconsin about 1851, and located on the farm which has continued to be his home until the present time; it originally consisted of 120 acres, but he now owns 160 acres. Here he has lived and reared his family, holding an honorable position in the world. He and his wife are still on the farm, though its care has fallen into the hands of their youngest son, James. The aged parents are members of the Baptist Church, and have worthily sustained their religious professions throughout their lives. George Bennett has always been a Republican. His father was a native of New York, and died in that State while still a young man. The maternal grandfather of Mr. Bennett, Caleb Osmond, was born in England, but came to this country early in life. He located in New York, moved to Ohio, and from that State came to Wisconsin when it was still largely a wilderness. He was a farmer, and had a farm near Milton Junction, where he died when eighty-nine years old. He was the father of a large family. Chester C. Bennett was reared to manhood on the farm in Lima township, attended the district school and Milton (Wis.) College, and began teaching when he was nineteen years of age. He was a teacher for three years, and then clerked in a dry goods store in Janesville six months. He spent some time as a clerk in a grocery store in Chicago, and held the position of buyer for the establishment. Returning to Janesville, he bought a grocery store in that city Sept. 24, 1889, and conducted same until the spring of 1892, doing a fine business, and building up a good trade. That year he sold it, and turning his attention to real estate and loaning money soon secured a very extensive patronage. On April 20, 1896, he formed a partnership with George H. Cram, of Beloit and established a shoe store in Janesville, which quickly became a center of trade. Mr. Bennett bought out Mr. Cram's interest Dec. 16, 1897, and formed a stock company, now called the C. C. BENNETT Shoe Co. (incorporated), which has become a brilliant success. Chester C. Bennett and Miss Laura E. Chapman were married Nov. 5, 1889. She is a daughter of Mrs. A. E. Chapman, and is a lady of many charms and graces. They are the parents of two children, Ermine F. and Audrey E. The family has a pleasant home at No. 1 Jeffris flats. Mrs. Bennett is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Bennett is a member of several fraternal associations, and is popular wherever found. He belongs to Janesville Lodge, No. 55, A.F. & A.M.; the Knights of Pythias; the I.O.O.F.; the A.O.U.W.; and Rock River Encampment. He is a Republican politically.
