Elias served during the Civil War in the 1st New Jersey Cavalry Regiment and deserted after the Grand Review to marry Catherine Carolan, the daughter of a blacksmith.
His mother Catherine Carolan was born in County Meath, Ireland, and came to the U.S. at age four in 1847 aboard the Patrick Henry.
Michael was named for his mother's brother, a blacksmith and horseshoer in Dreshertown, Feltonville and Franklinville, respectively.
Later, he was named the director of athletics and head football coach at Sewanee: The University of the South.
[4][5] Bennett served on the Philadelphia City Council from 1916 to 1917 and was elected in 1917 as a Republican to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.