Margaret Bennett

Margaret E. Bennett

DIED - At her home in Petersburg, Tuesday, Feb. 1, Margaret E. Bennett, aged 79 years, 10 months, 6 days. Funeral services were held at the Christian church Thursday afternoon, Feb. 3, Elder B. H. Sealock assisted by Elder W. M. Groves, officiating. Internment at Oakland cemetery.

Mrs. Bennett was born in Green county, Ky., March 25, 1830. While a little child she came with her parents, Elder and Mrs. Aaron B. White, to Menard county, where the remainder of her life was spent. June 10, 1845 she was united in marriage with Wm. C. Phillips. To this union were born two sons: Aaron Francis who died August 14, 1899, and William Jefferson who resides in Petersburg. Mr. Phillips died April 21, 1852. On October 18th, 1855, she and Dr. R. E. Bennett were married. He died April 10, 1875. From this union the following children remain: Mrs. S. E. Weatherby, Rock Creek; Mrs. Mary E. Gurrad, LaSalle; J. W. Bennett, Madison; Mrs. Margaret Rayburn, Mrs. J. B. Dennis, R. E. Bennett, San Diego, Cal., and Samuel Bennett, Panama. She also leaves 23 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; and of her father's family 2 sisters and 1 brother: Mrs. N. J. Smith, Petersburg; Mrs. Charles Bradford, Lyons, Colo.; and Aaron B. White, Cooleyville, Ohio.

About 5 years ago she fell and injured her spine and not long after another fall broke her hip. These left her almost helpless. In an invalid chair she managed to get about her little home which her children with loving thoughtfulness had made comfortable and cozy. Her she delighted in the society of any who called. She had a clear, retentive memory and combined with a cheerful, bright disposition that always dwelt in the sunshine and readily saw only the good and beautiful, it was a pleasure to hear tell of events gone by. She told the writer of the first meeting by the Christian church in Petersburg. Her father and brothers cleared a place in the woods where the church now stands, erected platform, &c, and "Billy" brown did the preaching. This was in 1841. At another meeting, in the old court house held by John A. Powell, 1843, she became a Christian. She was a great reader - science and mental philosophy engaging much of her time. She accepted truth from every source but clung with steady courage to the faith and confession of her younger days.

Transcribed by: Brad Spencer

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