John Bennett
John Bennett was an influential American writer and illustrator, born on May 17, 1865, in Chillicothe, Ohio. He began drawing at a young age, influenced by imagery from publications like Harper's Weekly. Although he struggled with formal education, he pursued art passionately, eventually studying at the Cincinnati Art School. Bennett transitioned to journalism, working for local newspapers, and honed his skills in writing and illustration, notably creating cartoons for various publications.
Bennett's professional career in children's literature took off in 1891 when he submitted illustrated stories to the magazine St. Nicholas, where he gained considerable recognition. His notable works include "Master Skylark," which is regarded as one of the best historical novels for children of the 19th century, and "The Pigtail of Ah Lee Ben Loo," a Newbery Honor Book. He was also actively engaged in his community, contributing to children's library programs and fostering literary connections in Charleston, South Carolina, where he lived for much of his life after marrying Susan Dunlap Adger Smythe. Bennett's contributions to children's literature have ensured his legacy, with many of his works remaining popular and translated into several languages. He passed away on December 28, 1956, in Charleston.
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Subject Terms
John Bennett
Fiction Writer
- Born: May 17, 1865
- Birthplace: Chillicothe, Ohio
- Died: December 28, 1956
- Place of death: Charleston, South Carolina
Biography
John Bennett was born on May 17, 1865, in Chillicothe, Ohio, to merchant John Briscoe Henry Bennett and Eliza Jane Trimble McClintock Bennett. His family and friends called him Jack. At age four, Bennett started drawing, inspired by illustrations in books and periodicals including Harper’s Weekly, Youth’s Companion, and St. Nicholas. He aspired to become an artist. Bennett enjoyed storytelling sessions in a friend’s barn, where he shared tales he had written. He made puppets and staged performances.
Bennett studied at local schools but disliked classes, preferring to draw instead of studying. He survived pneumonia, reading and studying at home for several weeks. With his parents’ approval, Bennett quit school when he completed his sophomore year and traveled to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1882 to take lessons at the Cincinnati Art School until his father asked Bennett to interrupt his artistic endeavors to seek employment.
Because Bennett had set type for a summer newspaper, The Little Messenger, that he printed with his neighbors, a local editor asked Bennett to work for his newspaper. In 1883 Bennett started reporting for the Ross County (Ohio) Register. In 1884, he began to write for and edit the Chillicothe Daily News, which he would continue to do until 1889. He prepared material, including columns, for weekend editions of the Cincinnati Commercial-Gazette. Bennett drew cartoons for the Chicago, Illinois, newspaper Light. Bennett finessed his skills creating silhouettes.
Due to bad health, Bennett wintered in Charleston, South Carolina. Here he courted Susan Dunlap Adger Smythe, whom he married on April 2, 1902. They had two daughters and one son.
Charleston influenced Bennett’s writing and art. He collected folklore, especially from African Americans, notably the Gullah people, including their dialect in his writing. Bennett was active in children’s library programs and served as honorary curator for local museums. He helped the American Red Cross in World War I. He hosted writers, DuBose Heyward and Hervey Allen, in his home, forming the Poetry Society of South Carolina. Bennett died on December 28, 1956, in Charleston.
Bennett’s professional children’s writing career began when he sent two of his silhouette-illustrated tales to St. Nicholas in 1891, impressing Mary Mapes Dodge, the editor, who requested that he send more material. He created much of his best-known work for that periodical during the next twenty years, which helped establish his name as a children’s writer. In addition to verses, jingles, and stories, Bennett wrote longer works, including his first novel, Master Skylark: A Story of Shakespeare’s Time, which had originally been serialized in St. Nicholas.
Some scholars of children’s literature designated Master Skylark: A Story of Shakespeare’s Time as the best nineteenth century historical novel written for children. Bennett’s book The Pigtail of Ah Lee Ben Loo, with Seventeen Other Laughable Tales and Two Hundred Comical Silhouettes was a Newbery Honor Book in 1929. In 1934, the University of South Carolina presented Bennett an honorary doctorate in literature with Phi Beta Kappa honors. The Charleston County Library dedicated its children’s book room with Bennett’s name. Bennett’s books were best sellers. Often reprinted, they were translated into several European languages.