A well improved and highly cultivated farm of three hundred and sixty acres in Norway Township pays tribute to Andrew Bennett in return for the care and labor he expends upon it. His home is pleasantly located on section 36 and is a beautiful country residence erected in 1903. It is two stories in height and contains twelve rooms attractively furnished and supplied with all modern conveniences, including running water. Mr. Bennett has spent his entire life in Norway Township, where he was born March 4, 1854, a son of Edward and Mary (Shields) Bennett, natives of County Westmeath, Ireland. The father was born in 1810 and spent the first fifteen years of his life in his native land, coming to the new world in 1825. He grew to-manhood in New York State and continued to follow farming there until coming to Racine County, Wisconsin, in 1844. He first located upon a farm north of Waterford, which he owned and operated for about eleven years and then removed to Norway Township, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land. Subsequently he added to that property until he was the possessor of three hundred and sixty acres. Although he started out in life for himself empty-handed, he made the most of his opportunities and, possessing good business and executive ability; he steadily prospered and became one of the most successful men of his locality. After a useful and well spent life he died in 1878. He was a son of Edward Bennett, a lifelong resident of Ireland. Both he and his wife held membership in the Catholic Church and he was an ardent supporter of the Democratic Party. He held some school offices but his time was largely taken up with his farming operations. Mrs. Bennett, who was born May 5, 1820, passed away on the 7th of August, 1910. They were married in New York state and became the parents of five children, those still living being our subject and two brothers: Edward, now living retired in California, and James, who is living retired in Racine, having for a number of years been engaged in manufacturing in that city.
During his boyhood Andrew Bennett attended the district schools of Norway Township and since laying aside his textbooks has followed farming with most excellent results. He raises Durham cattle for beef and has some full blooded stock upon his farm. His place comprises three hundred and sixty acres and besides the elegant residence previously referred to he has good outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock and two silos.
Mr. Bennett was married in 1890 to Miss Julia McManus, a daughter of Phillip and Ellen (Cox) McManus. Her father was born in New York and her mother’s birth occurred in New Jersey. They came to Racine County in 1842 and took up their residence in Dover Township, where the father is still living. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have four children: Edward, who now assists his father in the operation of the home farm; and Cyrus, Nellie and Amy, all at home. The family hold membership in the Catholic church of Dover and Mr. Bennett is independent in politics. Public-spirited and progressive, he takes a commendable interest in the affairs of his Township and County but has never had time or inclination for office. Success has attended his well directed efforts and he is today one of the most substantial men of his community.