Hiram Bennett was born May 29, 1796 in Georgia of Scots-Irish ancestors. In 1820, he married Theodoshia Dobbs and they produced ten children. Bennett was a Captain in the Georgia Militia from 1820-1827. In 1845, he and his family came to Texas on a grant from The Peters Colony. Dosha, as she was affectionately called, died shortly after their arrival and was buried in the Greenwood Cemetery, the oldest in the City of Dallas. He later married Sarah Dugan and had seven children. On July31, 1846, Bennett was bonded as the Constable of Precinct No. I and on December 30, 1848 received his commission as an elected Justice of the Peace.
Bennett and his family played a prominent role in the early history of Mesquite and its surrounding area. The first school which was located where the First Presbyterian Church now stands on South Beltline Road, was named the Bennett School. He died on July 21, 1888 at the age of 92 and was buried in the historic Bennett Cemetery section of Laurel Oaks on Lake June.
Bennett and his family played a prominent role in the early history of Mesquite and its surrounding area. The first school which was located where the First Presbyterian Church now stands on South Beltline Road, was named the Bennett School. He died on July 21, 1888 at the age of 92 and was buried in the historic Bennett Cemetery section of Laurel Oaks on Lake June.