Bennett, James F. J.

James FitzJames Bennett (1819-1891), born in New York, came to California in 1849, and to Santa Cruz County by the early 1850s. A miller by trade, Bennett owned and operated (with partner J. D. Bagnall) the Majors grist mill in the late 1860s. Beginning in the 1850s, according to Rowland (who has his middle name as "Fitz John"), he was an investor in the Soquel-to-Summit road project (today's Old San Jose Road), and builder of a hotel in Soquel. He was elected county clerk/recorder/school superintendent in 1859.

Wife Jane (Rice) and daughter Dollie were honorary Soc. of Pioneers members.