Obits: Bence, Samuel, Indiana Co Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Betty Smith. csmith655@comcast.net USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitters PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to the state and county table of contents. SAMUEL BENCE, one of the oldest residents of the county, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. J.S. Lightcap, west of town, Sabbath morning, March 21, of ailments incidents to old age. Deceased was born in Northumberland county, PA, July 27, 1820, and was aged 94 years, 7 months, and 21 days. He came to Indiana county with his parents when small and lived in this county all his life except 5 years in Cambria. His old home was in Rayne township, near Bethel Church. He was married to Ann Elizabeth Rinn April 4, 1843. They were the parents of 10 children, four of whom died in infancy. The following survive: James Bence, Rayne Township; Mrs. Mary C. Boucher, Beaverdale, PA.; John D. Bence, Indiana; Jacob F. Bence, Dixonville; and Mrs. Maria L. Lightcap, of East Mahoning, where he died, and where he had made his home for the past 7 years. Mrs. Maggie Short, the youngest of the family, died Feb. 3, 1901 Mrs. Bence died Nov. 1, 1910. Deceased was a member of the Lutheran church all his life. He was remarkably well preserved for his age, assisting in the corn cutting last fall and chopped wood frequently until a few of his death. Interment was made at Bethel Tuesday afternoon. GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN A precious one from us is gone A voice we loved is stilled; A place is vacant in our home, Which never can be filled. God in his wisdom has recalled, The boon his love had given, And though the body slumbers here, The soul is safe in heaven. Bethel New Lutheran Cemetery, Dixonville, Indiana County, PA. Bence Samuel 27 Jul 1820 21 Mar 1915 MARCH 24, 1915 PROMINENT FRAMER CALLED SAMUEL BENCE OF EAST MAHONING TOWNSHIP PASSES AWAY LACKED SIX YEARS OF THE CENTURY MARK - RETAINED MENTAL FACULTIES UNTIL A FEW MONTHS AGO. SAMUEL BENCE, aged 94 years. one of the oldest and most respected residents of East Mahoning Township, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Margaret L. Lightcap, in East Mahoning Township, Sabbath morning at 10 o'clock. Death was due to the infirmities age, notwithstanding the fact that he retained possession of all his faculties until very recently. The deceased was born and raised in Northumberland county,near Bethlehem, July 27, 1820, When but a child, he came with his parents to Indiana county , where with the exception of five years he spent in Cambria county, he had resided all of his life. On April 4, 1843, he was united in marriage to Miss Ann Elizabeth Rinn, who died November 1, 1910. They were the parents of 10 children, four of whom died in infancy and a daughter, Mrs. Maggie J. Short, died February 3, 1901. These children survive: James Bence, of Rayne Township; Mrs. Mary C. Boucher, of Beaverdale; John D. Bence, of Indiana; Jacob F. Bence, of Dixonville; and Mrs. Marie L. Lightcap, of East Mahoning, with whom the deceased had made his home for the last seven years. James Bence and his family are spending the winter in Florida and had expected to return home about the first of April. John D. Bence received a telegram from his brother Monday that it would be impossible for him to reach here in time for the funeral. Funeral services were held at Bethel Church Tuesday afternoon and interment made in the burial grounds adjoining the church.