JAMES J. DENNETT, one of the pioneer settlers of Rock County, residing on section 31, in the town of Milton, was born on the 18th day of July, 1836, in Brompton, Lower Canada, and is a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Johnston) Dennett, the father a native of Portsmouth, N.H., and the mother of Scotland. They were married in the old Granite State, where the husband worked at his trade of carpentering and building until removing to Canada, when he established a hotel in Brompton. Four children were born unto them, as follows: John S., now deceased; James J., the subject of this sketch; Agnes E., who became the wife of John Zook, a resident of Sioux Falls, Dak.; and George, a farmer in the town of Milton. In 1844 the family emigrated to Rock County, where two other children were born - Mary, who is the wife of H. H. Blanchard, of Janesville; and John S., who was the second of the family of that name, a farmer in the town of Janesville. On his arrival in this county Mr. Dennett entered forty acres of land on section 31, town of Milton, and after erecting small cabin, of which the family at once took possession, began the development of a farm. At the time of his purchase the land was in a wild, uncultivated condition with no improvements, nor had a furrow been turned. Prosperity attended his efforts, and as his financial resources increased, he extended the boundaries of his farm until 260 acres paid a golden tribute to his care and cultivation. After a residence in Rock County of almost twenty years, during which time he won the respect and confidence of all, he was called to his final rest, dying in 1863. His wife survived him until April 11, 1889, when she too was called to the reward prepared for the righteous. In public affairs Mr. Dennett took a deep interest, and was a true friend to the causes of education and religion, doing all in his power to aid in their promotion. At his death the county lost a valued citizen, and his neighbors and friends a kind and accommodating companion.
Our subject is numbered among Rock County's earliest settlers. In 1844 he left his native place and came with his parents to the Territory of Wisconsin. His education was received in the common schools, and his boyhood days were passed in much the same manner as those of other farmer lads. He was joined in wedlock in this county, with Miss Fannie Bond, in October, 1866. The lady is a daughter of Jonathan and Polly (French) Bond, who were natives of Pennsylvania, and became residents of this community in 1847. They have passed the remainder of their lives, and left a large family to mourn their loss. Mr. and Mrs. Dennett have one child, a son, Carleton B., born Aug. 14, 1867.
Our subject is now engaged in general farming, and is the owner of the old homestead of 160 acres, which is under a high state of cultivation, and is stocked with the best grades of cattle, horses, and hogs. A handsome two-story frame residence marks the spot where once stood the old log cabin, and is one of the most hospitable homes in the town. Forty-five years have come and gone since Mr. Dennett became a resident of Rock County. Many great changes have taken place since that time, and little could one imagine that, where now are beautiful homes and farms, flourishing towns and thriving cities, was but a few years ago a wild an uninhabited prairie, neither did the early pioneer dream of the wonderful transformation which was to take place - yet it is to his efforts that all credit is due. Not only has Mr. Dennett been a witness of the rapid growth and progress, but has been an active participant in the work. At the time of his coming, Janesville, the metropolis of Southern Wisconsin, was but a mere hamlet; grain had to be hauled to Milwaukee, and hogs and cattle were driven there to market. What a contrast to the present time, when a perfect network of railroads span the State, crossing and recrossing each other, while with the telegraph and the telephone one may send a message or communicate with a friend miles away. The forest trees that then stood and were used as landmarks have fallen and decayed, but in their stead are giant oaks, whose towering branches seem to touch the blue sky above. The pioneers are one by one being called from earth, and few now remain to tell the story, and to them all honor is due.
In his political sentiments, Mr. Dennett is a firm and inflexible adherent to the principles of the Republican party, and is a warm advocate of the temperance cause, using every means in his power to banish the liquor traffic from our land.
A man of sterling integrity and fair dealing, Mr. Dennett has won the respect and confidence of all who know him. Both he and his wife are members of the Seventh Day Baptist Church, and are ever ready to aid in the advancement of the Master's cause.
