BENNETT, Joel (1788-1870) — Southampton
Engraver and copperplate printer. Produced Map of the country round Southampton for John Bullar, “A companion in a tour round Southampton” 1819. Also known for bookplates, etc.
Born at Holy Rhood, Southampton, and baptised 8 Nov 1788, Bennett was the son of John Bennett and his wife Betty Adams, who had married at Alverstoke in 1785. He married Martha Thompson (1795-1875) at All Saints, Southampton, 1 May 1815. He and his wife baptised at least eight children at the independent Above Bar Chapel in Southampton 1820-1836. He is captured on the 1851 census living with his wife, sons William Tong Bennett (a printer), Arthur John Bennett (an engraver), and five younger children, with Henry aged fourteen already an apprentice. Bennett himself is recorded as an engraver and printer employing two men, but also described as a quartermaster in the militia and a Chelsea Pensioner — he had been appointed Quartermaster to the South Hampshire Militia by the Lord Lieutenant 19 Sep 1831, having earlier seen some service — his discharge papers are in NA. He further became an agent for the Hants Friendly Society in 1833. The Hampshire Advertiser 18 Nov 1837 recorded his valiant attempt to save the life of a neighbour caught up in a severe explosion and fire which had just taken place. He was trading as “Joel Bennett & Son” in 1853, by which time he was also an agent for the United Service and General Life Assurance and Guarantee Association. By 1861 he had retired and was simply recorded as a Chelsea Pensioner. He appears to have retired to London in about 1863 — his eldest son, James Joel Bennett (1816-1897) was a stationer in Southampton at this time. He died in London in 1870 and was buried at Norwood Cemetery 26 May 1870.
French Street, Southampton — 1817
Parish of St. Michael, Southampton — 1820-1823
French Street, Southampton — 1828
Parish of All Saints, Southampton — 1829-1836
20 East Street, Southampton — 1830-1835
45 Above Bar Street, Southampton — 1839-1843
31 Bernard Street, Southampton — 1851-1853
14 Bedford Terrace, Southampton — 1861-1862
BNA. Census 1841-1861. Fincham. NA.