| P. P. Bennett is a son of W. D. and Martha Ann (Pearson) Bennett. He was born in Rutherford County, Tenn., in 1843, was reared principally by his mother and educated in the common schools. He went to Arkansas in 1858, and in May, 1861, enlisted in Company A, Tenth Arkansas Infantry, Confederate States Army, but the same year was taken sick at Bowling Green, Ky., and taken to the hospital at Nashville, where he was captured when the city surrendered. He soon after made his escape and went to Rutherford County, and in 1862 joined Bragg's scouts, and at the battle of Murfreesboro was again captured and sent to Nashville, where he was held a prisoner one month. After being exchanged he rejoined his command at Columbia, and soon after his whole squadron joined Gen. Morgan's force in East Tennessee, and accompanied him on his famous raid through Indiana and Ohio, and at the time of Morgan's capture was on detail duty, and was one of about 100 men who made good their escape. He made his way to Virginia on foot and returned to Tennessee in time to take part in the battle of Chickamauga. He was then attached to Wheeler's and Forrest's command and was captured at Sugar Creek, but made his escape and joined Forrest at Rome Ga., where he remained until the final surrender. In May, 1865, he returned to West Tennessee, and in 1867 went to Arkansas, but soon returned to Tennessee. In December, 1868, he married Susan Mattus, who was born in Madison County in 1849, and the following are their children: James J., Dennis J., Sue Ellen, Mattie H., Emogene O., Vivian C., and George A. P. Mr. Bennett owns 320 acres of land, and in 1882 was elected magistrate. He is a Democrat and a member of the I.O.G.T. His father and mother were born in Tennessee and Virginia, in 1825 and 1828, respectively. They were married in 1843, and in 1847 moved to Crockett County. The father died in 1855, and his widow in 1878 married T. W. Wells, and is residing in Pine Bluff, Ark. |
