Alonzo H. Bennett Page 485-486 - Alonzo H. Bennett, general agent for western Michigan for the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company, 308 Murray building, is one of the outstanding figures in the life insurance field of Grand Rapids and vicinity. He was born in Monroe county, New York, on August 6, 1852. He followed the preliminary education obtained in the public schools of his native state with collegiate work at Brockport (New York) State Normal College, from which institution he was graduated in 1879. He taught for two years in the schools of New York state, and then in 1881 transferred his activities in teaching to Michigan. He came to Bangor, Michigan, and remained there as superintendent of schools from 1881 to 1888, but was obliged to retire from school work on account of ill health. He later made a choice of a new line of work and contracted with the Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. In twenty years of service with this company he widened the experience gained from teaching and expanded his business efficiency. After representing that company in Grand Rapids from 1888 until 1908, he took the general agency for the Provident Mutual Life Insurance Company and has since then held that position. He has continued to meet with an unusual success in the life insurance business. Mr. Bennett is a member of the Association of Commerce and of the Life Underwriters Association. He is also a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a member of the Shrine. Mr. Bennett was married February 22, 1883, to Miss Mella Remington, who is an active member of the Woman’s Club of Grand Rapids, and they became the parents of three daughters, Vera, Bess, and Ethel. Vera and Bess are associated with their father in the insurance business and Ethel is obstetrical supervisor at Blodgett Hospital of Grand Rapids. The family are members of the Fountain Street Baptist Church.

Transcriber:  Nancy Myers
Created:  1 October 2003