John Paradise Bennett

JOHN PARADISE BENNETT was one of my great, great, grandfathers. He was born on May 12, 1849, in Smithville, DeKalb County, Tennessee, a small town which is located due East of Nashville, TN.

He was the son of Captain Harrison Bennett and his wife Sarah "Sallie" (Hines) Bennett. When he was only two years old his parents moved their family to Farmington, Missouri, and when he was 17 the family moved again to Pocahontas, Arkansas.

He was married to Miss Sarah Inez Collier on July 31, 1872, in Pocahontas, Randolph County, Arkansas.

In 1879 John and his wife Sarah moved to Rhea's Mill, Arkansas just West of Fayetteville, Arkansas. One year later, in 1880, they moved to nearby Prairie Grove, Arkansas. And in 1898 they moved for the last time to Springdale, Washington County, Arkansas, where they lived the rest of their lives.

Together John and his wife Sarah produced seven daughters and one son. John Paradise Bennett passed away at the age of 82 on December 13, 1931.

OBITUARY

"Bro. J. P. Bennett died at his home on Spring Street Monday at 12:30 P.M. after a few days illness of uremic poisoning. He was as well as usual and able to go out on his front porch last Friday. In the night he became ill, growing much worse Saturday and Sunday until the end came peacefully Monday."

"Funeral services were held at the Methodist Church, Tuesday afternoon at 2 o'clock by the pastor with Rev. Karl McClendon, pastor of the Baptist Church, assisting."

"John Paradise Bennett, son of Capt. Harrison and Mrs. Sallie Bennett, was born May 12, 1849, at Smithville, Tenn. He married Miss Sarah Inez Collier July 31, 1872, in Randolph County, Arkansas."

"When two years of age he moved with his parents to Farmington, Mo. In 1866 he moved to Pocahontas, Ark.; in 1879 to Rhea's Mills; in 1880 near Prairie Grove; and in 1898 to Springdale."

"He was the father of eight children, six of whom are now living, and two daughters dead. He is survived by his widow, one son, H. S. Bennett of Chehalis, Washington, and five daughters: Mrs. Sam Davenport of Purcell, Okla., Mrs. E. L. Edmiston of Tahlequah, Okla., Mrs. Ernest Baker of Nampa, Idaho, Mrs. J.R. Rose of Springdale, and Mrs. Ora Bennett of the home. One brother, George Bennett of Oklahoma City also survives. There are 16 grandchildren."

"When 17 years of age he was converted and has lived an active, useful life as a member of the Methodist Church. He has been class leader, Sunday School teacher, Sunday School Superintendent, steward and trustee of the church. He knew and loved his Bible reading daily. Since his health failed he was confined to his home he has said many times he was ready and anxious for Jesus to call him from his suffering. Yet he was very patient, and appreciative of the tireless, loving ministry of his devoted wife and daughter through the years."

"His home was headquarters for the circuit riders of years gone by. He was loyal and faithful to all the pastors 'begin for many a Methodist dollar'."

"A friend said, 'He never did anyone any harm but was always doing good.' His death is mourned by a host of friends and relatives whose temporary loss is his eternal gain."