A shadow of gloom was cast over the city last night when the announcement was made that Dr. Orrin G. Bennett had passed away.
His earthly cares ceased at ten minutes past 11 o'clock, when he breathed his last. Thus death removes from among us one of our most influential, well known and popular professional and business men.
Dr. Bennett had only been ill a few days. Last Monday he was at his office attending to his duties. He was troubled with a cough but felt no apprehension. About noon, however, he began to feel worse and was obliged to give up and take to his bed, pneumonia having been developed. Dr. Bennett's brother, Dr. Lewis F. Bennett, of Beloit, was summoned to his bedside, and assisted by Dr. James Gibson, of this city, did everything possible to alleviate the suffering and stay the final summons. Dr. Bennett was conscious during most of his illness, in fact, until an hour previous to his death. He was surrounded by his aged parents, family and all but one of his brothers.
The biographical album of Rock county gives the following account of Dr. Bennett's life:
'Dr. Orrin G. Bennett was a native of Rock county, and was born in the town of Lima, May 27th, 1863. He was the second son of Mr. and Mrs. George Bennett, of the town of Lima. His younger days were passed upon his father's farm and when he had arrived at about the age of twenty he entered Milton college but did not graduate from that institution. He came to Janesville and entered the dental parlors of the late Dr. Thor. Judd, where he studied dentistry until he entered the Chicago Dental college, from which institution he graduated with honor. He then returned to Janesville and commenced the practice of his profession which he has continued with success for the past fourteen years.
'By the honorable dealing and strict attention to business he built up a large practice, and was regarded by all who knew him as a progressive and substantial citizen.'
'In June 1888, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Hanson, daughter of the late Magnus Hanson, of this city. They built a handsome residence on Milton avenue and Dr. Bennett's home life was exceedingly pleasant. Three children came to add their joys all of whom with the bereaved wife and mother, survive him. They are Louise May, aged nine; Marjorie, aged seven; and Willard, aged four.
He also leaves his aged parents and three brothers, Dr. Lewis F. Bennett, of Beloit, Chester C. Bennett of the Bennett Shoe company, of this city, and James B. Bennett, who resides on the homestead with his parents. Another brother died many years ago.
'Dr. Bennett was a member of the Independent Order Odd Fellows and lived a consistent, Christian life. He was one of the leading members of the First Presbyterian church, of this city, and took an active interest in all religious work. He has held official positions in the church and was a member of the choir.' The departed one had recently made arrangements for one of the offices in the Hayes block which he intended to occupy. Dr. Bennett possessed many noble traits and his death coming in the prime of life and after an illness of such short duration makes the sad affair all the more deplorable to the sorrowing friends who join in extending their sympathy to the grief stricken family.
Funeral services will be held at the house at 3:30 o'clock tomorrow afternoon and at 4 o'clock at the Presbyterian church. The interment will be in Oak Hill cemetery.
