Bennett, Thos., Mrs. (née Mary C.Zimmerman)

Sudden Death of Mrs. Thos. Bennett.
The very sudden death of Mrs. Thos. Bennett at her home at lot 3, fifth line, Erin, last Wednesday forenoon, was a shock to the community. Mrs. Bennett got up as usual that morning, took breakfast, and early in the forenoon lay down on the couch to rest a little while, as she customarily did. A few minutes only had elapsed when her daughter, Miss Susie, noticed that her spectacles had dropped off, and stooped to readjust them. As she approached she saw that something was wrong, and called Mr. Bennett. They soon ascertained that the spirit had suddenly and peacefully left the house of clay. Mrs. Bennett had been afflicted with heart trouble for some time and this was the cause of death. Deceased was born at Grimsby in 1831, and was the daughter of the late John Zimmerman, who settled in Acton in 1834 on the farm now owned and occupied by John C. Nelson, on Main Street. Mr. Zimmerman built a small tannery on the present site of Thomas Ebbage's barn, and is remembered by old residents as both a tanner and a farmer. When eighteen years of age, Mary C. Zimmerman, the subject of this sketch, was joined in holy wedlock, to her sorrowing husband, Thos. Bennett, Esq., the late Rev. Hiram Denney performing the ceremony. The young couple settled on the farm they occupied until death separated them last Wednesday. Their home was always a happy one, and hosts of friends and neighbors bear testimony that it was a most hospitable one. Twelve children were born, of whom eight survive and will ever regard their mother with tenderest memories. These are; Mrs. Conover, of Arrow River, Man.; Robert, in Acton; John, of Virden, Man.; Mrs. Wm. Bingham, Mrs. Ira Vanatter, Stafford Z., of Erin; and Susie and Isaac at home. Mrs. Bennett was a sincere Christian, and her life was one of piety and usefulness. The funeral on Friday was one of the largest ever held in this locality. Rev. George W. Down, of Erin, conducted the service in the Methodist church, Ballinafad, and was assisted by Rev. Geo. Milne and Rev. Mr. Davidson.