Bennett was born in
Wadesboro, North Carolina. His father died when Bennett was twelve–years–old. He attended common schools and the Gouldsfork Academy. He graduated from the Anson Institute in Wadesboro. He enrolled in the sophomore class of
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill when he was sixteen years old, but soon left over hazing and headed West where he saw the
Rocky Mountains and lived with
Native Americans. However, his guardian George W. Little required him to come back East. In 1859, he attended
Davidson College. In the winter of 1858-9, he enrolled in the law school at
Cumberland University, where he was a member of the Fraternity of Delta Psi (
St. Anthony Hall). He graduated in 1859. On April 30, 1861, he enlisted in the
Confederate Army as a private in the Anson Guards. He rose to the rank of
colonel of the 14th North Carolina on July 5, 1862. He was wounded three times, including at the
Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863. He was captured at
Winchester, Virginia and was a prisoner on parole until February 28, 1864. == Career ==