aged 77y 9m 5d
Well Beloved Masonic Leader Was Actor of Ability - Talented Writer - Clarence Bennett, who for the last fifteen years devoted himself to Masonry and had earned the title of best known Mason in Illinois, died at his home, South Seventh street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bennett was to celebrate his seventy-fivth birthday anniversary Oct. 28. Mr. Bennett had been ill for several weeks. Although his condition had been growing steadily worse for several days, it was not considered serious until Wednesday night, when attendant physicians believed he might not live through the following day.
Born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1856, but with his parents he moved to this city soon after. He was graduated from Springfield High school in 1873 and for several years taught school. The dramatic urge, however, was strong, and he left the teaching field for this work.
One of his early appearances was at McVicar's theatre in Chicago. Starring as one of the head-liners of the stage of his day, he appeared with such men as Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett. Later he became the owner and producer of a number of plays and as actor-playwright produced "Under the North Star, "A Royal Slave,", and "The Holy City," the last of which he starred with Mrs. Bennett. All of these productions achieved a gratifying success, and continued on tour for seventeen years. They were produced from his studio in New York and rehearsed near the Knickerbocker theatre building in that city.
It was not until the growing popularity of moving pictures partially eclipsed the legitimate stage that Mr. Bennett retired from the profession. During the years of his stage career he made appearances in practically all of the principal cities in this country. Not only was he an actor of high rank, but a painter of remarkable talent and a writer who produced works of real value.
In the last fifteen years of his life Mr. Bennett devoted the greater part of his time and energies to the directorate of degrees in Springfield Consistory and Ansar Shrine. tTere, as in everything else he undertook, his vividness of personality, talent, and strength of character brought him success.
In 1918 he was elevated to the consistory in Jersey City. Later he was grand prelate of the Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Illinois. He achieved the rare distinction of becoming a thirty-third degree Mason in Boston in September, 1931. His Masonic honors include membership in St. Paul's lodge No. 500; Springfield lodge No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Springfield council No. 2, R. and S. M.; Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar; and Springfield consistory and Ansar temple of the Shrine.
Mr. Bennett was the son of the Rev. Perry Bennett, a Baptist minister, and once principal of the Douglas school at Mason and First streets. His brother, Calvin, was once city superintendent of schools.
Mr. Bennett twice married. His first wife was an actress, formerly Miss Maude Cleveland of Beatrice, Neb. His second marriage was to Miss Capitola Marshall, Wheeling, W. Va. He has one daughter, Mrs. Isadore Bennett Reed; two step children, Mrs. Edna M. Dill and Ray VanFossen, all theatrical members of his family, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Bennett McElfresh of this city, with whom he has made his home. IL State Journal, Springfield, IL, 7-4-1930
Clarence Bessorett
Birth Date: 28 Oct 1852
Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Death Date: 3 Jul 1930
Death Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial Date: 7 Jul 1930
Burial Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Oak Ridge
Death Age: 77
Occupation: Retired Actor
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Male
Residence: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Father Name: Perry Bessorett
Father Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Mother Name: Amanda Morgan
Mother Birth Place: Noank, Connecticut
Spouse Name: Catherine C. Bessorett
FHL Film Number: 1644133
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947
======================
29 November 1899
Kay, Oklahoma Territory, United States
marriage date and place for Clarence and Catherine (Kate)
Well Beloved Masonic Leader Was Actor of Ability - Talented Writer - Clarence Bennett, who for the last fifteen years devoted himself to Masonry and had earned the title of best known Mason in Illinois, died at his home, South Seventh street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bennett was to celebrate his seventy-fivth birthday anniversary Oct. 28. Mr. Bennett had been ill for several weeks. Although his condition had been growing steadily worse for several days, it was not considered serious until Wednesday night, when attendant physicians believed he might not live through the following day.
Born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1856, but with his parents he moved to this city soon after. He was graduated from Springfield High school in 1873 and for several years taught school. The dramatic urge, however, was strong, and he left the teaching field for this work.
One of his early appearances was at McVicar's theatre in Chicago. Starring as one of the head-liners of the stage of his day, he appeared with such men as Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett. Later he became the owner and producer of a number of plays and as actor-playwright produced "Under the North Star, "A Royal Slave,", and "The Holy City," the last of which he starred with Mrs. Bennett. All of these productions achieved a gratifying success, and continued on tour for seventeen years. They were produced from his studio in New York and rehearsed near the Knickerbocker theatre building in that city.
It was not until the growing popularity of moving pictures partially eclipsed the legitimate stage that Mr. Bennett retired from the profession. During the years of his stage career he made appearances in practically all of the principal cities in this country. Not only was he an actor of high rank, but a painter of remarkable talent and a writer who produced works of real value.
In the last fifteen years of his life Mr. Bennett devoted the greater part of his time and energies to the directorate of degrees in Springfield Consistory and Ansar Shrine. tTere, as in everything else he undertook, his vividness of personality, talent, and strength of character brought him success.
In 1918 he was elevated to the consistory in Jersey City. Later he was grand prelate of the Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Illinois. He achieved the rare distinction of becoming a thirty-third degree Mason in Boston in September, 1931. His Masonic honors include membership in St. Paul's lodge No. 500; Springfield lodge No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Springfield council No. 2, R. and S. M.; Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar; and Springfield consistory and Ansar temple of the Shrine.
Mr. Bennett was the son of the Rev. Perry Bennett, a Baptist minister, and once principal of the Douglas school at Mason and First streets. His brother, Calvin, was once city superintendent of schools.
Mr. Bennett twice married. His first wife was an actress, formerly Miss Maude Cleveland of Beatrice, Neb. His second marriage was to Miss Capitola Marshall, Wheeling, W. Va. He has one daughter, Mrs. Isadore Bennett Reed; two step children, Mrs. Edna M. Dill and Ray VanFossen, all theatrical members of his family, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Bennett McElfresh of this city, with whom he has made his home. IL State Journal, Springfield, IL, 7-4-1930
Clarence Bessorett
Birth Date: 28 Oct 1852
Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Death Date: 3 Jul 1930
Death Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial Date: 7 Jul 1930
Burial Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Oak Ridge
Death Age: 77
Occupation: Retired Actor
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Male
Residence: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Father Name: Perry Bessorett
Father Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Mother Name: Amanda Morgan
Mother Birth Place: Noank, Connecticut
Spouse Name: Catherine C. Bessorett
FHL Film Number: 1644133
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947
======================
29 November 1899
Kay, Oklahoma Territory, United States
marriage date and place for Clarence and Catherine (Kate)
aged 77y 9m 5d
Well Beloved Masonic Leader Was Actor of Ability - Talented Writer - Clarence Bennett, who for the last fifteen years devoted himself to Masonry and had earned the title of best known Mason in Illinois, died at his home, South Seventh street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bennett was to celebrate his seventy-fivth birthday anniversary Oct. 28. Mr. Bennett had been ill for several weeks. Although his condition had been growing steadily worse for several days, it was not considered serious until Wednesday night, when attendant physicians believed he might not live through the following day.
Born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1856, but with his parents he moved to this city soon after. He was graduated from Springfield High school in 1873 and for several years taught school. The dramatic urge, however, was strong, and he left the teaching field for this work.
One of his early appearances was at McVicar's theatre in Chicago. Starring as one of the head-liners of the stage of his day, he appeared with such men as Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett. Later he became the owner and producer of a number of plays and as actor-playwright produced "Under the North Star, "A Royal Slave,", and "The Holy City," the last of which he starred with Mrs. Bennett. All of these productions achieved a gratifying success, and continued on tour for seventeen years. They were produced from his studio in New York and rehearsed near the Knickerbocker theatre building in that city.
It was not until the growing popularity of moving pictures partially eclipsed the legitimate stage that Mr. Bennett retired from the profession. During the years of his stage career he made appearances in practically all of the principal cities in this country. Not only was he an actor of high rank, but a painter of remarkable talent and a writer who produced works of real value.
In the last fifteen years of his life Mr. Bennett devoted the greater part of his time and energies to the directorate of degrees in Springfield Consistory and Ansar Shrine. tTere, as in everything else he undertook, his vividness of personality, talent, and strength of character brought him success.
In 1918 he was elevated to the consistory in Jersey City. Later he was grand prelate of the Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Illinois. He achieved the rare distinction of becoming a thirty-third degree Mason in Boston in September, 1931. His Masonic honors include membership in St. Paul's lodge No. 500; Springfield lodge No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Springfield council No. 2, R. and S. M.; Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar; and Springfield consistory and Ansar temple of the Shrine.
Mr. Bennett was the son of the Rev. Perry Bennett, a Baptist minister, and once principal of the Douglas school at Mason and First streets. His brother, Calvin, was once city superintendent of schools.
Mr. Bennett twice married. His first wife was an actress, formerly Miss Maude Cleveland of Beatrice, Neb. His second marriage was to Miss Capitola Marshall, Wheeling, W. Va. He has one daughter, Mrs. Isadore Bennett Reed; two step children, Mrs. Edna M. Dill and Ray VanFossen, all theatrical members of his family, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Bennett McElfresh of this city, with whom he has made his home. IL State Journal, Springfield, IL, 7-4-1930
Clarence Bessorett
Birth Date: 28 Oct 1852
Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Death Date: 3 Jul 1930
Death Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial Date: 7 Jul 1930
Burial Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Oak Ridge
Death Age: 77
Occupation: Retired Actor
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Male
Residence: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Father Name: Perry Bessorett
Father Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Mother Name: Amanda Morgan
Mother Birth Place: Noank, Connecticut
Spouse Name: Catherine C. Bessorett
FHL Film Number: 1644133
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947
======================
29 November 1899
Kay, Oklahoma Territory, United States
marriage date and place for Clarence and Catherine (Kate)
Well Beloved Masonic Leader Was Actor of Ability - Talented Writer - Clarence Bennett, who for the last fifteen years devoted himself to Masonry and had earned the title of best known Mason in Illinois, died at his home, South Seventh street, at 3:30 o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Bennett was to celebrate his seventy-fivth birthday anniversary Oct. 28. Mr. Bennett had been ill for several weeks. Although his condition had been growing steadily worse for several days, it was not considered serious until Wednesday night, when attendant physicians believed he might not live through the following day.
Born in Lebanon, Conn., in 1856, but with his parents he moved to this city soon after. He was graduated from Springfield High school in 1873 and for several years taught school. The dramatic urge, however, was strong, and he left the teaching field for this work.
One of his early appearances was at McVicar's theatre in Chicago. Starring as one of the head-liners of the stage of his day, he appeared with such men as Edwin Booth and Lawrence Barrett. Later he became the owner and producer of a number of plays and as actor-playwright produced "Under the North Star, "A Royal Slave,", and "The Holy City," the last of which he starred with Mrs. Bennett. All of these productions achieved a gratifying success, and continued on tour for seventeen years. They were produced from his studio in New York and rehearsed near the Knickerbocker theatre building in that city.
It was not until the growing popularity of moving pictures partially eclipsed the legitimate stage that Mr. Bennett retired from the profession. During the years of his stage career he made appearances in practically all of the principal cities in this country. Not only was he an actor of high rank, but a painter of remarkable talent and a writer who produced works of real value.
In the last fifteen years of his life Mr. Bennett devoted the greater part of his time and energies to the directorate of degrees in Springfield Consistory and Ansar Shrine. tTere, as in everything else he undertook, his vividness of personality, talent, and strength of character brought him success.
In 1918 he was elevated to the consistory in Jersey City. Later he was grand prelate of the Grand Commander, Knights Templar, of Illinois. He achieved the rare distinction of becoming a thirty-third degree Mason in Boston in September, 1931. His Masonic honors include membership in St. Paul's lodge No. 500; Springfield lodge No. 1, Royal Arch Masons; Springfield council No. 2, R. and S. M.; Elwood Commandery No. 6, Knights Templar; and Springfield consistory and Ansar temple of the Shrine.
Mr. Bennett was the son of the Rev. Perry Bennett, a Baptist minister, and once principal of the Douglas school at Mason and First streets. His brother, Calvin, was once city superintendent of schools.
Mr. Bennett twice married. His first wife was an actress, formerly Miss Maude Cleveland of Beatrice, Neb. His second marriage was to Miss Capitola Marshall, Wheeling, W. Va. He has one daughter, Mrs. Isadore Bennett Reed; two step children, Mrs. Edna M. Dill and Ray VanFossen, all theatrical members of his family, and one sister, Mrs. Dora Bennett McElfresh of this city, with whom he has made his home. IL State Journal, Springfield, IL, 7-4-1930
Clarence Bessorett
Birth Date: 28 Oct 1852
Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Death Date: 3 Jul 1930
Death Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Burial Date: 7 Jul 1930
Burial Place: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Cemetery Name: Oak Ridge
Death Age: 77
Occupation: Retired Actor
Race: White
Marital Status: M
Gender: Male
Residence: Springfield, Sangamon, Illinois
Father Name: Perry Bessorett
Father Birth Place: Willimantic, Connecticut
Mother Name: Amanda Morgan
Mother Birth Place: Noank, Connecticut
Spouse Name: Catherine C. Bessorett
FHL Film Number: 1644133
Illinois, Deaths and Stillbirths Index, 1916-1947
======================
29 November 1899
Kay, Oklahoma Territory, United States
marriage date and place for Clarence and Catherine (Kate)
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