Person Page - 3636

Killed at Cortland
Peter Bennett Horribly Mangled By Sycamore Train.
Fatal Accident Last Night
Was Nearly Seventy Years Old and Leaves Wife and Two Sons.
     Cortland is in mourning today over the death of one of her most respected citizens, Peter Bennett, who was killed by the cars at about 6 o'clock last night.
     He was returning to his home at about 6 o'clock last evening, and walked up the Northwestern track, the Sycamore branch, as a short cut to his home, Many people passing through Cortland have noticed the modest home north and west of the depot, and fronting in street parallel with the tracks. The wife and supper awaited his home coming. and even though be was delayed, his life companion, worried but little over his absence, until the awful news of his sudden death reached her. He was the father of Frank Bennett, formerly Normal student here, and now teaching in Grandville. The son was in Cortland to spend the holiday vacation, but the day previous had gone to West Chicago to make a visit. Another son lives in New York, and the aged wife was at home alone when the fatal accident occurred.
     The husband had left home at about 5 o'clock last evening and had gone to the depot to carry some chairs down town for a party. He left the station for his home a little before 6 o'clock, and was just abead of the Sycamore passenger [train] as it was backing from Cortland to Sycamore. The train struck him and must have shoved and dragged him for about fifty feet, and when he was dropped the wheels passed over his head, crushing it and severing one hand.
     He lay by the side of the track in this mangled condition until this same train had made the run to Sycamore and returned to Cortland with freight cars at about 7:30 o'clock. As the brakeman alighted from the train he noticed the mangled form a few feet from the switch. The dead man was carried to the depot where the inquest was held this morning, and the remains prepared for burial. He was so badly mangled that even his dearest friends have not been permitted to see him.
     The funeral -will be held at the regular hour, 10:30 o'clock tomorrow morning, at the Cortland M E church.
     Mr Bennett was 69 years old, and most of his life was spent in New York. There he married Miss Clara Sackett, and some twelve years ago they came to Cortland, to care for her father, now deceased. He has worked at many things during his residence in Cortland, and was a man to be depended upon. His death casts a gloom over the community.
     His son Frank was visiting in the country near West Chicago, and was not able to reach home until this morning. His uncle, D L Sackett, and wife, formerly of this place, now of Elgin, accompanied him, and will remain until after the funeral. Many DeKalb friends sympathize with the family in their sad affliction.

—The Daily Chronicle, De Kalb, Illinois, 28 Dec 1901, p 1

Long And Useful Life Has A Peaceful End
Funeral This Tuesday Afternoon of Mrs. Clarissa Sackett-Bennett, War Worker Though Confined Constantly to Chair For Over Two Years.
     Mrs. Clarissa E. Sackett-Bennett, for some 30 years a useful and loved resident of Cortland, died at her home in that village on Saturday, March 12, 1921, exactly two years and two months after she suffered a stroke of paralysis.
     There was a large attendance at the funeral services which were held in the Cortland Methodist church on Tuesday afternoon, the pastor, Rev. Mr. Ramsey, speaking words of comfort to the relatives and friends. The interment was in Mound Rest cemetery.
     Clarissa E. Sackett was the fourth in the order of birth, and the last of eight children surviving, of Dexter B. and Electa Sackett, and was born at Plymouth, N. Y., on February 25, 1841. She was united in marriage on August 31, 1855, at Pharsalia, N. Y. to Peter Vandusen Bennett. To them were born two sons: Alfred D. Bennett now of Cortland, Ill., and Frank L. Bennett, now of Spearfish, S. D. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett and their youngest son Frank became residents of Cortland in November, 1891, so that Mrs. Bennett could care for her father D. D. Sackett, known as Squire Sackett, who had been a resident of Cortland since 1865.
     It will be remembered that P. V. Bennett was instantly killed by the Sycamore train in the yards in Cortland in 1901. The following year the eldest son Alfred D. Bennett became a resident of Cortland, and all during his mother's declining health he had given her constant and loving care.
     With the exception of the first few weeks of her illness she had constantly, day and night, occupied a chair. She bore her affliction cheerfully, and much enjoyed the presence of her friends who frequently called, especially enjoying the children, who never tired of hearing the well-told stories of her childhood. She was intellectual and possessed an excellent memory, and always maintained an active interest in the world's progress. Mrs. Bennett, in spite of her condition of health, was greatly interested and industrious in Red Cross work during the war period, and she did a great amount of knitting and sewing for the soldiers. She was a faithful worker in the Ladies' Aid society of the Methodist church. She will be greatly missed in that community.
     Besides her sons, she leaves surviving two grandchildren, John J. Bennett and Elizabeth C. Bennett, both of Spearfish, S. D.

—The True Republican, Sycamore, Illinois, 16 Mar 1921, p 1

Mrs. Bennett Buried.
     The funeral of Mrs. Clarissa. E. Bennett was held at the Methodist church on Tuesday, at 2 o'clock, and was largely attended.
     The stores were closed during the hour of the services. The pallbearers were Ed Badger, Bert Lane, Matt Kanan, James Alum, Henry Smith and Wilber Raymond. Miss Dora Burbank sang with Mrs. Nellie Larson at the organ. Reverend J. J. Ramsey officiated. The burial was at Mound Rest cemetery, in the family lot.
     Among those out of town who attended the funeral were Mrs. Elizabeth Jordan of West Chicago, mother-in-law of F. L. Bennett; Mr. and Mrs. William Halwick of Maple Park; B. W. Stone, of Malta; Miss Addie Mordoff and sister, Mrs. Anna Durkey, of Chicago; Mesdames Amy Reed, Addie Jones and Ella Redmond of DeKalb; B. A. Williams of Sycamore. A telegram was received from Frank L. Bennett of Sperefish, South Dakota, that on account of illness in the family, he could not attend the funeral of his mother. Frank visited his mother some time ago, after she had suffered the stroke. He is one of the teachers in the state normal school there. Mr. Bennett's friends hope the illness in his home will not prove serious.

—The Daily Chronicle, De Kalb, Illinois, 17 Mar 1921, p 2

From the Sycamore Republican's list of divorce cases which are to come before the circuit court this term we clip the following as being of interest to DeKalb people:
     May L. Sackett says in her bill that she was married to DeL. Sackett on the 10th of October, 1867, and resided with him until October, 1885, and at all times was a faithful wife, but that the defendant, wholly regardless of his marriage covenants, on the last date mentioned deserted her and has continued to absent himself up to the present time. She says she is a delicate woman, unable to support herself and she wishes that Sackett be restrained from selling or disposing of his property and that he be compelled to make proper and suitable provisions for her separate maintenance and support.

—The De Kalb Chronicle, De Kalb, Illinois, 12 Oct 1889, p 7

Sackett-Woleben.
     The nuptials of Mr. D. L. Sackett, of So. Chicago, and Miss Mary C. Woleben, of Marengo, were celebrated Tuesday evening, January 19th, at the home of the bride's mother, Mrs. S. V. Woleben, by Rev. E. W. Thomson, in the presence of the family relatives—a quiet, pleasant wedding party.
     A superb wedding supper was served in honor of the occasion, in which the printer was kindly remembered.
     The bride is one of Marengo's fairest, best, and brightest young ladies, with all the accomplishments of heart and mind to adorn the best stations in social life, and to make home an earthly Paradise indeed.
     Mr. Sackett is a photographer in South Chicago, a gentleman of high social standing, and of excellent business qualifications.
     The newly-wedded couple took the 8:52 evening train for Chicago, followed by the earnest good wishes of a wide circle of friends and relatives.

—Marengo Beacon/Republican-News, Marengo, Illinois, 22 Jan 1892, p 3

Born
     In South Chicago, Wednesday, Nov. 30th, to Mr. and Mrs. D. Lester Sackett (nee Mary Woleben) a daughter.

—Marengo Beacon/Republican-News, Marengo, Illinois, 9 Dec 1892, p 5

Twin Boys Are Born.
     N. V. Woleben received a message Tuesday announcing the birth of twin boys, to Mr. and Mrs. DeL. Sackett, of Elgin, on Monday, July 3. Friends in Marengo extend congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Sackett.

—Marengo Beacon/Republican-News, Marengo, Illinois, 7 Jul 1905, p 5

Sackett Will Testify
     Elgin News: De Lester Sackett of this city will be one of the principal witnesses for the prosecution in the case against W. J. Davis, manager of the Iroquois theatre, which is being tried in Danville. Mr. Sackett, together with his wife and daughter, were in the theatre at the time it was burned. State's Attorney Barber, who has charge of the case, has had a consultation with Eugene Clifford of Elgin. Papers will be served on Mr. Sackett, and he will probably be put on the stand next Tuesday or Wednesday.

—The Herald, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 28 Feb 1907, p 5

Abstract of Will of De Lester Sackett of Elgin, Kane County, Illinois.
Date: 18 Feb 1907.
Beneficiaries:
Wife Mary W Sackett, all real & personal estate after giving daughter Helen 3-volume set of Life of Lincoln, son De Lester my Knight Templar sword, and son De Forest my watch, as souvenirs from their father.
Executrix: wife Mary.
Witnesses: Irene E Morgan, Alice H Morgan.
Deposition by Mary W Sackett, 2 Apr 1908, De L Sackett left no real or personal estate at the time of his death.

DeLester Sackett
De Lester Sackett, photographer and lecturer, died Tuesday morning at his home, 555 South street, Elgin. Deceased was 60 years old and had formerly made his home in Crystal Lake, but had lived in Elgin for about seven years.
     Death came after a decline in health of several years. He was confined to his bed since Dec. 1, but rallied Saturday, and the relapse and death early Tuesday were unexpected. With his wife and child he attended the Iroquois theatre and escaped from the terrible fire there. The shock sustained in this conflagration caused the breakdown in health which finally ended in death.
     Had he lived, Mr. Sackett would have this year taken up lecturing as his life work. He recently signed with the Consolidated Lyceum bureau, and expected to deliver a series of lectures in various cities, his subject being, "Man-ology." He was the author of a book on character reading and palmistry.
     De Lester Sackett was born July 14, 1847, at Plymouth, N. Y., and at the age of 16 moved to St. Peter, Minn., to live with brothers. Five years later he moved to Cortland, Ill, and spent the remainder of his life in northern Illinois.
     Deceased was a graduate of the Fowler & Wells Institute of Phrenology in New York city, completing a course in this school in 1889.
     Fraternally the deceased was a well known Mason. He was a member of the commandery of Monitor lodge, A.F. and A.M., and a member of the Royal Arch Masons, and the Knight Templars. He was also an enthuslastic member of the Modern Woodman society.
     Besides the widow, Mary W. Sackett, deceased leaves a daughter, Helen, and his twin sons, De Lester and De Forest. Two sisters, Mrs. Mary Neuman of Paxton, IlL, and Mrs. Clara E. Bennett of Cortland, Ill., and one brother, A. L. Sackett of St. Peter, Minn., also survive.
     Funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 at Masonic Temple on Spring street in Elgin, and will be conducted by the Masonic fraternity. Burial will take place at Marengo, the funeral cortege leaving on a funeral car over the Belvidere line, at 3:10 o'clock.

—The Herald, Crystal Lake, Illinois, 19 Mar 1908, p 8

De L Sackett.
     A former citizen of Sycamore, where he was engaged as a photographer and where he was well known, died at his home in Elgin on Tuesday morning of this week. The Elgin Press says: De L. Sackett, for several years the owner and proprietor of the Sackett studio, died at 6 o'clock Tuesday morning at the family residence, 555 South street, after a two months' illness. Mr. Sackett was born in Plymouth, New York, on July 14, 1847. At the age ef sixteen he came west, settling in St. Peters, Minn., where he lived for five years before moving to Cortland, Ill. The last seven years bad been spent in Elgin.
     Besides his widow the deceased is survived by a daughter, Helen, and twin sons, De Lester and De Forest, also one brother, A. L. Sackett, of St. Peter, Minn., and two sisters, Mrs. Mary Newman, of Paxton and Mrs. Clara E. Bennett, of Cortland.
     Socially Mr. Sackett was a member of Monitor lodge, A.F. and A.M., the Modern Woodmen, Loyal L. Munn chapter, R. A. M., and Knights of Templars.
     The funeral will be held Friday afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Masonic temple on Spring street. Burial will take place at Marengo. The funeral party will go to Belvidere over the Elgin-Belvidere line, leaving Elgin at 3:10 o'clock.

—The True Republican, Sycamore, Illinois, 21 Mar 1908, p 1

The Late Rev. C. H. Sackett
     Rev. Charles H. Sackett, aged 61, died at his home in Bainbridge, N. Y., Wednesday morning, April 24, 1918, of pernicious anemia, after a long illness. He was a member of the Wyoming Annual Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-five years. He was well known in Lackawanna and Wyoming valleys, having served the following charges: Avoca, Lehman, Carverton, Plains, Waverly, Peckville and Forest City. He is survived by his widow and the following children: Mrs. George S. Wheeler, Mt. Upton, N. Y; Mrs. John H. Petley, Rockdale, N. Y; Mrs. Howard G. Isby and Miss Hannah Sackett of Clark's Summit; Mrs. Russell D. Pickering, Endicott. N. Y; Mrs. Earl A. Westcott and Miss Charrie Sackett of Bainbridge, N. Y; Sergt. Harvey C. Sackett, stationed at Platsburg Baracks, N. Y., in the quartermaster's corps.
     He is also survived by his mother, Mrs. Lucy B. Sackett, at the age of 95 years, and one sister, Miss Lula M. Sackett of South Plymouth, N. Y. The funeral will be held at his home at Bainbridge, N. Y. on Saturday. Interment at Bainbridge.

—Wilkes-Barre Semi-Weekly Record, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, 30 Apr 1918, p 4

Rites Wednesday For Mrs. Sackett, Minister's Widow
Binghamton Press Bureau
     Oneonta—The funeral of Mrs. Arabella Crandall Sackett, 55 Church Street, widow of the Rev. Charles H. Sackett, will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Bookhout Funeral Home.
     The Rev. Harold C. Buckingham, pastor of the First Methodist Church, will officiate, assisted by the Rev. George R. Savige, Methodist district superintendent.
     Mrs. Sackett was born April 29, 1859, in the Town of Earlville, Chenango County, a daughter of William B. and Hannah (Wood) Crandall. She attended the schools at South Plymouth, where her marriage to Mr. Sackett, a Methodist minister, took place Feb. 21, 1877.
     She worked with him in Pennsylvania pastorates at Lehman, Meshoppen, Peckville, Plains. Avoca, Carverton and Forest City; and in New York State pastorates at Guilford, Mt. Upton, Schenevus and Bainbridge. Mr. Sackett died April 24, 1918, at Bainbridge.
     Surviving are six daughters, Mrs. Hannah S. Patchin and Mrs. Carrie E. Sackett, with whom she resided; Mrs. Earl A. Westcott, Oneonta; Mrs. George S. Wheeler, Norwich; Mrs. Russell D. Pickering, Endicott, and Mrs. Howard G. Isby, Clarks Summit, Pa.

—Press and Sun-Bulletin, Binghamton, New York, 11 Sep 1945, p 2