Augustus Bennet Papers, 1935-1948

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Summary

Abstract:
The collection contains materials from Augustus Bennet's campaigns for the House of Representatives and files from his subsequent service in Congress.
Extent:
16.13 cubic ft.
Language:
English .
Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Augustus Bennet Papers, 1935-1948. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Augustus Bennet Papers).

Background

Scope and content:

This collection consists of materials from Augustus Bennet's Congressional election campaigns, correspondence, bills, invitations, subject files, news releases, and speeches. There also are 16 scrapbooks, composed predominantly of newspaper clippings and memorabilia, documenting Bennet's campaigns and subsequent Congressional service.

Biographical / historical:

Augustus Witschief Bennet was born in New York City on October 7, 1897, the son of William Stiles Bennet, who served in the U.S. Congress from 1905-1911. Augustus Bennet attended the public schools of New York City and Washington, D.C., and graduated from Amherst College in 1918. During World War I, he served in the United States Naval Reserve Flying Corps with the rating of chief quartermaster from June 8, 1918, to January 19, 1919. He graduated from Columbia University Law School in 1921, was admitted to the bar the same year, and commenced practice in Newburgh, N.Y.

Bennet was a United States referee in bankruptcy from 1923-1944. He initially attempted a campaign for Congress in 1942 and was subsequently elected in 1944 to the 79th Congress from the 29th Congressional District of New York. Bennet defeated Hamilton Fish, an incumbent who had served 24 years in Congress. Fish initially defeated Bennet in the Republican primary, but Bennet then ran in the general election on the Democratic, American Labor, Liberal and Good Government tickets. Bennet subsequently sat in Congress as a Republican. Bennet served from January 3, 1945-January 3, 1947, but was not re-elected in 1946. He then resumed the practice of law.

Bennet married Maxine Layne in 1929 and had three children. He later resided in Laguna Hills, Calif. until his death in Concord, Mass. on June 5, 1983. His ashes are interred at Cedar Hills Mausoleum in Newburgh.

Acquisition information:
In 1963 Augustus Bennet initially donated his papers to Syracuse University. The papers were transferred to the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives in 2006 .
Processing information:

Processed in 2018 by Cristina Casado.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged alphabetically. There are no series.

Physical location:
The materials are located onsite in the department.

Access and use

Restrictions:

Access to this collection is unrestricted with the exception of one file related to service academy appointments.

Terms of access:

The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of copyright. Whenever possible, the M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives will provide information about copyright owners and other restrictions, but the legal determination ultimately rests with the researcher. Requests for permission to publish material from this collection should be discussed with the Head of Special Collections and Archives.

Preferred citation:

Preferred citation for this material is as follows:

Identification of specific item, series, box, folder, Augustus Bennet Papers, 1935-1948. M.E. Grenander Department of Special Collections and Archives, University Libraries, University at Albany, State University of New York (hereafter referred to as the Augustus Bennet Papers).

Location of this collection:
M. E. Grenander Department of Special Collections & Archives
Science Library 350
1400 Washington Ave
Albany, NY 12222, United States
Link to repository site
Contact:
518-437-3933