ENGLE, Bennett W.
Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday 31 Jan 1896
The citizens were greatly shocked to learn of the death of Bennett W. Engle Thursday. Mr. Engle was in the bank Wednesday attending to his duties in the usual manner. In the evening he went home and ate a hearty supper, sat down to read his paper and fell asleep. Shortly after he was awakened and retired for the night. In a few minutes after he had gone to his room Mrs. Engle heard him cry out for help. Upon reaching his side she fund that he was passing rapidly away. The only words he spoke were, “Oh, this pain,” as he laid his hand upon his heart. For some years he had been troubled with heart failure.
Mr. Engle was born near Harper’s Ferry, Virginia, January 19, 1820, and was, therefore, 76 years old at the time of his death. He was of English and Irish descent. At the age of ten years, Mr. Engle was left an orphan. The early part of his life was passed on a farm and as clerk in a general store. In 1833 he came to Rising Sun, and then in 1845 to Crawfordsville. For three years he owned and edited the Review. He sold out his interest in this paper and for three years was connected with the land office. At that time he was appointed by James K. Polk as receiver of the public moneys. He held this position until removed by Taylor because of opposite politics, upon the theory and for no other reason than “to the victors belong the spoils.” In 1853 Elston’s Bank was established near its present location and Mr. Engle was called to the position of cashier—a position which he has creditably and honorably filled ever since. He was, at the time of his death, the oldest cashier in Indiana. Politically Mr. Engle was a life long Democrat. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Society.
Mr. Engle began life in straitened circumstances; but by perseverance, close attention to business and a strict regard for all promises he has been able to secure a handsome competence and has lived for years in comfortable circumstances.
Mr. Engle was married in September 1854 to Miss Whillie Beard, a daughter of Hon. John Beard, who was one of the most influential members of the state legislature for years, father of the public school fund and a man never beaten for office.
The funeral occurred today and was conducted by Rev. Willis D. Engle, of the Episcopalian Church at the suburban residence on East Main Street. - thanks to S