40 Facts About John Bennett

John C. Bennett: A Controversial Figure in Early Mormon History

John C. Bennett's life was filled with significant contributions and controversies. His involvement in the early days of the LDS Church and his subsequent fallout with its leaders make for a fascinating story.

1. John C. Bennett was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, in 1804.
2. He married Mary A. Barker in 1826.
3. Bennett moved to Nauvoo, Illinois, in 1840, where he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church).
4. He played a crucial role in drafting and securing the Nauvoo city charter in 1840.
5. Bennett served as an assistant president in the First Presidency from 1841 to 1842.
6. He held various high civic and social positions within the Nauvoo community.
7. His tenure was marked by controversy when he was excommunicated for adultery in 1842.
8. After his disaffection from the Church, Bennett publicly accused Joseph Smith of committing adultery and planning the May 1842 attempt to kill former Missouri governor Lilburn W. Boggs.
9. His actions led to Joseph Smith's arrest in June 1843.
10. Despite his controversies, Bennett played a significant role in early Mormon history, contributing to the establishment of Nauvoo and its charter.

John Bennett Herrington: A Trailblazer in Space

John Bennett Herrington's achievements as a NASA astronaut and his dedication to STEM education have made him a notable figure in both NASA and Native American communities.

11. John Bennett Herrington is a retired United States Naval Aviator, engineer, and former NASA astronaut.
12. Born on September 14, 1958, into the Chickasaw Nation, Herrington grew up in various locations including Colorado Springs, Colorado, Riverton, Wyoming, and Plano, Texas.
13. He earned a bachelor's degree in applied mathematics from the University of Colorado Colorado Springs.
14. Herrington received his commission in the United States Navy in 1984.
15. He became the first enrolled citizen of a Native American tribe to fly in space.
16. Herrington carried the Chickasaw Nation flag on his thirteen-day trip to space in 2002.
17. He earned his PhD in education from the University of Idaho in 2014.
18. Herrington has been inducted into the Chickasaw Hall of Fame in 2002.
19. He was inducted into the International Air & Space Hall of Fame at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in 2017.
20. Herrington was also inducted into the National Native American Hall of Fame in 2018.

John Bennett: A Dedicated Correctional Officer

John Bennett's long career at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino showcases his dedication and adaptability in the correctional services field.

21. John Bennett has spent his entire career at the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino.
22. He started his career in 1977 as a permanent intermittent employee.
23. Bennett trained at the Criminal Justice Training Center in Modesto.
24. He has held various positions including housing unit and recreational yard officer.
25. Bennett worked on the field crop crew, providing perimeter checks on horseback and repairing fences.
26. He was promoted to sergeant in 1987.
27. Bennett has witnessed significant changes in procedures and technology within the institution.
28. He was awarded the silver star at the Medal of Valor ceremony in 2005 for his role in quelling a serious incident at CIM in 2004.
29. Bennett has reflected on his career, noting the rewarding nature of his work and the people he works with.
30. Despite the challenges, Bennett enjoys his career and his family.

John Bennett: Victim of Police Violence

The tragic story of John Bennett, a victim of police violence during the Augusta Riot, highlights systemic issues of police violence and racial tensions in the 1970s.

31. In May 1970, a 28-year-old John Bennett was one of six Black men killed during the Augusta Riot in Augusta, Georgia.
32. The city was in turmoil following the death of Charles Oatman, a mentally disabled Black teenager who died in custody.
33. During the riot, Bennett and his cousin went to a party and discovered that Bennett's car had been stolen.
34. When they reported the theft to the police, they were met with hostility.
35. Bennett was slapped and arrested by the police.
36. As he fled, the police fired at him, mortally wounding him.
37. The incident remains an unresolved case.
38. Bennett's name appears on a list of cases being reviewed by the Department of Justice in 2019 under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.
39. The Augusta Riot and the subsequent investigation into Bennett's death highlight systemic issues of police violence and racial tensions in the 1970s.
40. Bennett's story is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equality.

The Many Faces of John Bennett

John Bennett is a name tied to diverse stories and achievements. From John C. Bennett's controversial role in early Mormon history to John Bennett Herrington's groundbreaking journey as the first Native American astronaut, each has left a unique mark. John Bennett, the correctional officer, has dedicated over four decades to the California Institution for Men, witnessing significant changes. The tragic story of John Bennett, a victim of police violence during the Augusta Riot, highlights ongoing issues of racial injustice. These varied lives show the impact one name can have across different fields and eras. Each John Bennett, with their own set of experiences, has contributed to a rich tapestry of history and personal achievement. Their stories remind us of the complexities and multifaceted nature of human lives.