Published as it appeared on March 3, 1907, in the Oregonian, Portland, Page 2, Columns 2-3.
RESPECTED PIONEER MINISTER PASSES AWAY
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PHILOMATH, Or., March 2 — (Special.) — With the death of Rev. A. Bennett, Feb. 26, Oregon has lost one of its most devoted pioneer preachers. Alexander Bennett was born in Somerset County, Pa., December 25, 1824. When he was six years of age his parents removed to Ohio, where he grew to manhood. There he was converted and joined the Methodist Church and later the United Brethren Church, with which organization he remained until his death. While in Ohio he taught in the public schools for several years, and in 1853 came to Oregon, via Panama, arriving September 25.
His first sermon was preached in Yamhill County, May 11, 1855. He was present at and assisted in the organization of the first Oregon annual conference of the United Brethren Church on August 15, 1856, and since that time attended all but three of the annual conferences.
February 25, 1858, he was married to Margaret Hendrickson. To this union was born eight children, three of whom with his wife have preceded him to the better world.
In 1864 he removed to a spot near the present site of Philomath, and had made this place his home ever since.
In 1879 he was married to Sarah C. Clark, and to this union two children were born, who, with the wife, still survive him. Mr. Bennett was in the active ministry continually from 1855 to 1900, since which date poor health had kept him from active work. He had served as pastor on nearly every field of labor in Western Oregon, was for nine years presiding elder in the Oregon Conference and was four times delegate to the General Conference of the church.
Father Bennett’s last illness was brief, and he was conscious to the last. He passed peacefully away, aged 82 years, 2 months. He was a devoted worker, an excellent preacher, a wise counsellor, and among the people with whom he has labored no man has greater love and respect than Father Bennett.
The funeral was held at the home, and was conducted by Rev. Walter Reynolds, pastor of the Philomath United Brethren Church.
