Biography:
1. List of Employees dated the 29th August 1812 (Supply 5/229) stated that Matthew Bennett was a Brimstone and Saltpetre Millman who earned 2/8d per day, and in addition, was allowed to watch in turn, for which he was paid 1/6d. per night. This was also the case according to the entry on the 13th February 1814 (Supply 5/230).
2. List of Persons in Employment dated the 2nd March, 1816 (Supply 5/230) recorded that Mr. Bennett was now a Dusting House Man with 21years' service, and his age was given as 51. It was recommended that he receive a daily superannuation of 3/-d. In the attached notes was the comment that Mr. Bennett and others should be superannuated because "of the hurts they have received in this dangerous manufactory." It was also stated therein that Mr. Bennett "is become so feeble as to be totally unfit to exert himself at work." However, in a letter dated 6th March, 1816 (Supply 5/200), Mr. Bennett was finally awarded superannuation of only 2/6d per day for six days in the week, commencing the 1st April 1816 (Supply 5/200).
