Bio: Franklin BENDER, Lancaster County, PA

Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Cheryl Grove
clginvb@hone.com


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BIOGRAPHICAL ANNALS OF LANCASTER COUNTY

Vol IV pages 1413 and 1414

FRANKLIN BENDER

Among the well known residents of Mechanicsburg, Pa., was Franklin Bender, who made his
home in that pleasant and prosperous town from 1890 until his death December 25, 1901, 
having retired from an active agricultural life of many years.

Mr. Bender was born in Upper Leacock township, December 7, 1830, a son of Kinzer David 
Bender and his first wife, Mary Weidler, the children of this marriage being: Franklin; 
John, deceased, farmer of Upper Leacock township; Henry, who died young; Mary, married 
to Jacob Burkholder, of Upper Leacock township; and William, a resident of Strasburg. 
The second marriage of Kinzer David Bender was to Susan Weidler, the sister of his 
former wife, and one son was born of this marriage, Weidler, who died when grown to 
maturity. The third marriage of Kinzer David Bender was to Leah Berkenbine, and to them 
were born: George, of Lancaster; Emma, who married John K. Diem; Anna who married 
Sutton Bearer, a traveling agent; and Salome, deceased. Mrs. Mary (Weilder) Bender died 
in 1842, the father in September, 1887, at the age of eighty-three years. Both were 
buried in Heller’s Church cemetery, and both had been members of the Lutheran Church, 
Franklin Bender was reared on the home farm and attended the district schools. When he 
reached maturity, he began farming for himself, having been thoroughly taught by his 
father, who was one of the best farmers of the locality. Mr. Bender was very successful 
in his operations and retired from activity in 1890 with a competency. 

The first marriage of Mr. Bender was in 1855, in Mechanicsburg to Miss Eliza Bear, and 
there were born to this marriage: Mary, who married Doras Buckwalder, a farmer of East 
Lampeter township, and Greybill who married Salinda Joe, of Lancaster, Pa.

Mrs. Bender was born in Earl township; she died in 1867, at the age of forty-seven 
years and was buried in the Lutheran Church cemetery, in Mechanicsburg. She was a 
daughter of Ephraim and Catherine (Greybill) Bear, of Lancaster. The second marriage of 
our subject took place inn 1869, in Upper Leacock township, to Miss Mary Irvin, and one 
daughter was born to this marriage, Ada M., unmarried and residing at home. Mrs. Mary 
(Irvin) Bender was born in December 1840, a daughter of John and Catherine (Shaffer) 
Irvin, of Upper Leacock township, where she was reared and married. Her parents died 
there, the father at the age of seventy-eight, in 1880, and the mother in 1875; both 
were buried in Heller's cemetery and both were members of the Reformed Church.

Mr Bender always took a prominent part in public affairs and served acceptably as 
supervisor. With his family he was long connected with the Lutheran Church and was 
valued there for his exemplary character. Although living in town where he could enjoy 
more relaxation and society, Mr Bender retained possession of his fine farm and 
understood how it was being operated. Mr Bender was considered one of the substantial 
citizens of that part of the county.