John B. Bennett

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

John B. Bennett

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

The initiative and energy possessed by some men stand as their dominating characteristics and give to them a marked advantage in attaining distinct prestige in any line to which they may confine their efforts John B. BENNETT has been interested in the hotel business during practically the entire period of his active career thus far and for the past eight years has been proprietor of the Mansion House, one of the foremost hostelries of Dover. He is known as a shrewd business man and as a loyal and public-spirited citizen. He is furthermore, a self-made man, having been pushed out of the family nest at an early age and compelled to seek his living and advancement as best he could. From the first he was possessed of ambition and determination and his energy, courage and business judgement have brought him to a position of esteem and influence among the citizens of Morris county, where he is recognized as a man of mark in all the relations of life.

At High Bridge, New Jersey, in the year 1869, occurred the birth of John B. BENNETT, who is the son of John Y. and Margaret Ellen (ALPAUGH) BENNETT, both of whom are now deceased, their remains being interred in Clinton, New Jersey. The father was a stationary engineer by profession. John B. BENNETT attended the common schools of High Bridge, until he reached the age of fourteen years, and in 1885 went to New York City and began to work for Nicoll the Tailor, in whose employ he remained for the ensuing seven years, gaining rapid promotions during that time. On account of failing health he then located in Morristown and assisted his uncle, A. E. VOORHEES, in the management of the United States Hotel, remaining in that city for ten years. In 1902 he came to Dover and entered into a partnership alliance with T. S. MULFORD in the opening of the Hotel Dover. He continued to be associated with Mr. MULFORD for six months and then purchased his partner’s share in the hotel and continued to conduct it individually for the following three years, at the end of which time he brought the Albert RICHARDS estate, the same including the Mansion House. For the next two years Mr. BENNETT ran both the Hotel Dover and Mansion House, but in 1905 he disposed of the former and confined all his efforts to making a modern hotel of the Mansion House. In recent years he has spent $30,000 in improvements, making this hotel one of the finest in the entire county. The same contains fifty-one sleeping rooms for the use of guests, eight rooms for the help, and thirteen other rooms for offices, dining, grill and Japanese rooms. Steam heat has been installed and hot and cold water are to found in every part of the house. Mr. BENNETT is a congenial host and does everything in his power for the comfort of his guests. In addition to the Mansion House he owns the entire block of property on which it stands, also the fine dwelling house called "the Annex" adjoining his hotel and fronting on Morris street.

A Republican in national affairs, Mr. BENNETT maintains an independent attitude in local elections. While a resident of Morristown he was for many years foreman of the Resolute Hook and Ladder Company and he is now an honorary member of that organization. He is likewise an honorary member of the Protection Hook and Ladder Company of Dover. He has served in the capacity of fireman for a period of fourteen years and is now exempt from further active service in each of the above mentioned companies. In a fraternal way he is affiliated with Blue Lodge, Free and Accepted Masons, of Dover; Royal Arch Masons, of Morristown; Knights Templars of Morristown; and Mecca Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of New York City. He is likewise a valued member of the Knights of Pythias, of Morristown, and of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, of Dover.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)