Earl J. Bennett, vice president and manager of the Oneida Textile Company, of Stittville, New York, was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 2, 1889, the fifth of six children born to J. Morrell and Jennie A. (Chase) Bennett, both of whom were born in Otsego county, New York. As a young man J. Morrell Bennett traveled extensively through the west prospecting and mining, then came to Omaha, Nebraska, where he engaged in the live stock business, and later became manager of what is now the Union Stockyards of that city, where he remained until 1890. He then returned to Otsego county and engaged in agriculture and raising live stock; also the shipping of horses from the west for sale throughout the Mohawk valley. He was a large landowner and after his retirement from active business devoted his time for several years to his personal interests. His wife died on March 13, 1918.
Earl J. Bennett was educated at Hartwick Seminary, near Cooperstown, New York, and at Worcester Academy, in Massachusetts. He then spent two years in contracting work in Montana, after which he returned to Montgomery county, New York, and ran one of his father's farms for two years. Subsequently he engaged in the manufacture of silk, organizing the Oneida Textile Company of Stittville, New York, in 1917, becoming vice president and manager. This company manufactures silk from the raw state, as it comes from Japan and other countries, into underwear, hosiery, etc., making special lines for jobbers, and also makes sweaters and artificial silk goods.
On August 27, 1913, in Milford, New York, Mr. Bennett was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Weeper, daughter of William and Maria Weeper of Fultonville, New York. Mrs. Bennett is secretary and treasurer of the Red Cross, Stittville Unit, Utica Branch. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have two children: James Morrell and Jean Weeper Bennett, both members of the Children of the American Revolution.
Mr. Bennett is a Mason and member of Fultonville Lodge, No. 531, F. & A. M., and belongs to Stittville Lodge No. 864, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and to the Masonic Club of Utica. In politics he is a republican. As a business man Mr. Bennett has been conspicuous among his associates not only for his success but for his fairness and honorable methods and has many friends in the community wherein he makes his home.