Bennett, William Leavitt

The following data is extracted from Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies.

William Leavitt Bennett, a prominent resident of Andover, was born in the town of Loudon, this State, January 16, 1837. His grandfather, Jeremiah Bennett, formerly of Kingston, accompanied Clough, journeyed from there to Loudon, carrying his luggage and implements on a hand-barrow. Having chosen a tract of timbered land favorably situated, he felled a few trees, and built a log hut. He had been a reed-maker by trade; but, after coming to Loudon, he devoted himself to clearing his land and to tilling the soil. He gradually placed it under cultivation; and, when he died, at the ripe age of ninety-five years, he could look with pride on a well-improved farm, won from a wilderness through his own industry and courage. His wife's name before marriage was Alice Courrier. Their son Amos grew up on the farm, and was from boyhood trained to agricultural pursuits, in which he was engaged throughout the rest of his life. A man of thrift and industry, he increased the tillage area of the farm. His wife, who was christened Nancy Batchelder, became the mother of four sons and one daughter-Lucretia N., William L., Jeremiah F., True H., and Joseph Clark. True fought in the late war with the Ninth New Hampshire Cavalry, and lost his life in the service. Jeremiah lives in Rockford, Ill.; and Joseph Clark resides at Oelwein, Ia.

William Leavitt Bennett was educated in the public schools of his native town. Afterward he learned the carpenter's trade, and worked in factories at Concord and Laconia, this State, and in Springfield, Mass. For a time, also, he was night watch at a shoe factory in Concord and a keeper at the Concord Insane Asylum. Later he purchased the Dr. Henry Weymouth place on Taunton Hill, Andover, and has since resided there.

On the 18th of April, 1863, he was united in marriage with Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Captain William and Lydia (Stevens) Huntoon, of Andover. Mrs. Bennett received her early education in the district schools of Andover, and then attended the Andover Academy for three years. She became a successful teacher, and taught for some time in Andover, Salisbury, Boscawen, Franklin, and Concord grammar schools before her marriage. Mr. Bennett is a member of the I. O. O. F. In politics he is a Democrat, and his first Presidential vote was cast for Stephen A. Douglas. He takes a keen interest in all public questions, and he has been chosen to serve as a member of the Board of Selectmen of the town.

Source: Merrimack and Sullivan Counties, New Hampshire Biographies

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