Thomas Bennett (magistrate)

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Thomas Bennett, (15 October. 1788 – 12 February 1872), was born in England and worked for the British government before coming to St. John’s, Newfoundland in the 1820s. He joined his brother, Charles Fox Bennett, as a partner in Charles' mercantile business. Both brothers became important members of the business community.

In 1832, Thomas was elected to Newfoundland's first House of Assembly and also held a number of appointed positions in the government once he chose not to run for further office. His appointments were due to the fact that the governor, Sir John Harvey, wanted both brothers to be part of the newly formed government.

Thomas Bennett retired from the family business and politics in 1848 and received an appointment as stipendiary magistrate. He continued to be active in various aspects of the community including some political activities.

In 1870, after his brother Charles became Premier of Newfoundland, Thomas retired from the magistracy and returned to England.