James A. Bennett, Ada County Sheriff
JAMES A. BENNETT was born June 26, 1865 in Leavenworth, Leavenworth Co., Kansas, and died July 23, 1947 in Nampa, Canyon Co., Idaho. He came to Idaho about 1889 andwas Ada County Sheriff from 1908 to 1910. He was also a farmer for many years and had a homestead that bordered the New York Canal in Boise. He moved to Meridian, Idaho in 1942 and was elected Justice of the Peace. He served until failing health compelled him to resign. He was a member of the First Methodist Church at Meridian. A member of Boise BPOE Lodge No.310 and Ada Lodge No.3, and also the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
From Ada County Sheriff Office - also included in the new book, Lawmen of Idaho.
JAMES A. BENNETT 1909-1910
The department grew under Sheriff Bennett from two deputies to three. The jail received a new floor. Rumors that the oriental community in Boise were moving toward a Tong war, were being investigated. An outside arbitrator was brought in to try and cool the rising tempers.
OBITUARY - IDAHO STATESMAN - BOISE
Former Sheriff Dies at Nampa -- J. A. Bennett, Meridian, Idaho Resident Since 1889, Succumbs
James A. Bennett, 82, of Meridian, resident of Idaho since 1889 and Ada County Sheriff from 1908 to 1910, died at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at Nampa.
Born Jan. 26, 1865 at Leavenworth, Kas., was a farmer for many years. A resident of Meridian the past five years, he was elected justice of the peace for that district, and served until failing health compelled him to resign.
Surviving are his wife, Mrs. Margaret M. Bennett of Meridian, one son, Paul Bennett of Boise and three daughters, Miss May H. Bennett of Los Angeles; Mrs. Floy E. Evans of Portland, Ore., and Miss Clennie C. Bennett (this is a misprint, as this was his son) of Melba. Also surviving are one brother, Charles Bennett, and one sister Mrs. Nellie Mason both of Irondale, Missouri.
Services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Summers chapel, the Rev. H. N. Lines officiating. Burial will be at Morris Hill.
Contributed by: Penny Casey
