David H. Bennett was the premier photographer of Logansport history from the early 1900s to the 1950s. He recorded many of the events that created the city as it gradually settled into the 20th century.
Mr. Bennett was born in Clyde, Ohio, on Oct. 27, 1875 or 1874. He grew up in the countryside in Seneca County, Ohio. David began his photography career in Findlay, Ohio, at age 18. The Spanish American War cut short his apprenticeship. David enlisted in the Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Company 1 and served from June 23, 1898, to May 24, 1899.
After the war, he came to Monticello and opened his photography establishment. David left Monticello for Kankakee, Ill., for a few years before moving to Logansport in 1906. While in Monticello, he met and married Jennie W. Gill, of Washington, on June 3, 1901. They had one child, Helen Bennett Addy, who died Dec. 15, 1930.
After arriving in Logansport, David went into the photography business with C.W. Graves who died Dec. 10, 1941.
David became very active in the Spanish American War Veterans Organization. He served as adjutant secretary-treasurer of the local organization, David S. Bender Camp. He served in this capacity for 18 years. He then served as Indiana State Commander and the Cass County Commander.
The local political scene was particularly important to Mr. Bennett. He served on the Logansport City Council for 14 years. He also belonged to the Logansport Apollo Lodge (a part of Free Masonry), department quartermaster of the United States War Veterans for two years, the Modern Woodmen of the World and the Liberty Sportsmen League. Mayor Leland Smith appointed David as manager of Logansport Veterans Housing for three years.
The only fires in Logansport that David Bennett missed photographing during his life as a photographer was the Broadway Theater Fire of 1924, and the Angle Hotel Fire of 1916. David was able to record the results of the Angle Hotel fire after returning home.
Mr. Bennett reported in an interview of 1951, that he kept all of the images of his photography of Logansport in his files.
Some of his most interesting pictures were of the dead in their coffins. At one time many of the immigrants wanted pictures to send home and for keepsakes of their loved ones. Just by accident, Mr. Bennett was in Logansport in 1903 when Mayor McKee made a speech at the laying of the cornerstone for St. Joseph Hospital.
Some of his most famous pictures were of the horrible ice and flood of 1912 and 1913. Many of them were reproduced on postcards that are still in many local homes. Some of these pictures can be seen at the Cass County Historical Society Museum.
• Richard B. Copeland is a Cass County historian and may be reached at ptnews@pharostribune.com. The material for this article came from the files of the Cass County Historical Society and local newspapers.
Local Columnists
Capturing history on film
- Local Columnists
-
-
de la Bastide: IndyCar had right idea but wrong execution
There’s an old saying “don’t throw the baby out with the bath water” and it fits the ongoing discussion since Saturday night’s twin Firestone races at Texas Motor Speedway for the IZOD IndyCar series.
-
Americans should stand up against proposed mosque
Local Columnist Joe Bowyer writes about the proposed mosque at ground zero.
-
Winamac High School opening doors
Local columnist Dave Kitchell looks back at the last 100 years.
-
A good idea for shrinking the government
Local columnist Joe Bowyer talks politics.
-
General Baden-Powell founder of Scouting
Local columnist Richard Copeland writes about the foudner of Scouting.
-
Hoarding habit not easy to break
I don’t think I’d qualify as a hoarder.
A slob, sure; but a hoarder? No way.
Hoarders are in a league unto themselves. And if you don’t believe me, watch an episode of TLC’s “Hoarders: Buried Alive.” -
Absence says something, even if school board doesn’t
Is she or isn’t she?
That was the line one hair product manufacturer once used to promote a women’s hair color product.
For the past week, that question could be asked in the Logansport Community School Corporation Administration Building. -
Christmas has become too rushed
Local columnist Tony Thomas feels people should remember to enjoy the anticipation of Christmas.
-
Horseshoe champion crowned
Local columnist Dave Kitchel looks back at headlines from the last 100 years.
-
There is always a ‘put’ to make up for every 'take'
Local columnist Joe Bowyer reflects back to his childhood.
- More Local Columnists Headlines
-
de la Bastide: IndyCar had right idea but wrong execution
Obama Scraps Birth Control Mandate
US Airmen's Killer Sentenced to Life in Germany
Navy Names Ship for Gabrielle Giffords
Raw Video: Deadly Blasts in Syria
Romney Slams President Obama at CPAC
Gingrich: Pres. Obama 'waging War on Religion'
5 Killed in Wrong-way Crash on I-10 in La.
Uzbek Man Pleads Guilty in Plot to Kill Obama
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
