John E. Bennett (judge) facts for kids

John Emory Bennett (born March 18, 1833 – died December 31, 1893) was an important judge in early American history. He served as a Justice on the highest courts in two different states. First, he was a Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court from 1871 to 1874. Later, he became a Justice of the South Dakota Supreme Court in 1889, serving until his death.

Early Life and Education

John Bennett was born in a place called East Bethany, in Genesee County, New York. He went to school at Genesee Wesleyan Seminary in Lima, New York. He finished his studies there in 1852.

A Career in Law and Public Service

After finishing school, John Bennett moved to Illinois. There, he became the very first postmaster of a town called Morrison, Illinois.

When the American Civil War began, he joined the Union Army. He was chosen to be a Lieutenant Colonel in the 75th Illinois Volunteer Infantry Regiment. In December 1862, he was promoted to Colonel and served throughout the entire war.

Serving in Arkansas

After the Civil War ended, John Bennett worked as a judge advocate in the regular army for a while. This meant he helped with legal matters in the military.

In 1868, after Arkansas rejoined the United States, he was elected as a Judge for the First Circuit. In 1871, he was appointed to the first Board of Trustees for the Arkansas Industrial University. This university is now known as the University of Arkansas. John Bennett was the one who suggested that the university should be built in Fayetteville, Arkansas.

Later in 1871, he was elected as a Justice of the Arkansas Supreme Court. This is the highest court in the state.

In May 1872, while traveling on a train, Justice Bennett and another judge, E. J. Searle, were stopped by a group of people. This happened in Argenta, Arkansas. The group claimed they were acting on orders from the Governor, but the Governor said he knew nothing about it.

The next day, Justice Bennett was able to send a letter to Governor Baxter asking to be released. A few days later, on May 7, soldiers were sent to the town. They helped secure the release of the two judges. John Bennett continued to serve on the court until his term ended in 1874. After that, he moved to Helena, Arkansas, where he worked as a private lawyer.

Moving to the Dakota Territory

In 1883, John Bennett moved to the Dakota Territory. He settled in Clark, South Dakota and continued his work as a lawyer.

He was elected to the South Dakota Supreme Court in 1889. He officially started his new job on October 15, 1889. In 1893, he was elected again for another term. However, he sadly passed away just two days before his new term was supposed to begin.

Legacy

John Bennett died in Pierre, South Dakota. He was buried in Rose Hill Cemetery in Clark, South Dakota.

There are different stories about how Bennett County, South Dakota got its name. Some say it was named after John Bennett. Others believe it was named after Granville C. Bennett, who was another important politician in South Dakota.