Bio: William K Bender, Strasburg, Lancaster County, PA
  
  Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Cheryl Grove
  clginvb@hone.com
  
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  PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD PAGE 601 & 602
  
  William K Bender is one of the native sons of Lancaster County, and within its limits
  has passed nearly his entire life. He is an influential citizen of Strasburg. He is a
  veteran of the late war, having been a member of the One Hundred and Twenty-second P
  ennsylvania Regiment, and received wounds while fighting for his country's liberties.
  Like all true patriots, he is interested in the cause of education, has served as
  School Director for three terms and at the present time is acting in that capacity for
  the borough of Strasburg.
  	
  The paternal grandfather of our subject, George Bender, was a farmer for many years in
  Upper Leacock Township, and his life work was that of agriculture. He was very
  prominent in religious affairs, and held membership with the Lutheran denomination.
  Politically he was a Whig, and was devoted to his country's best interests. By his
  marriage with Catherine Kinzer, he had four children: Margaret, who became the wife of
  Jacob Holl; Kinzer D.; Eliza, Mrs. Benjamin Owen, and William G., all of whom are
  deceased. The second son, Kinzer D., was born in Upper Leacock Township, September 30,
  1809, and from his boyhood followed farming in order to obtains a livelihood. He
  became very prosperous, and stood in the front ranks of the farmers of Lancaster
  county in his day. At one time he acquired six farms situated in the Leacocks and Earl
  Townships, and he always kept a fine grade of stock. He was a stanch Whig, and in his
  later years adhered the Republican Party. He served in local offices, and among others
  was a School Director. Though he was reared in the faith of the Lutheran Church, and
  at one time was a Trustee in that denomination, during his last years he was
  identified with the Evangelical Church. By his union with Mary Weidler he had four
  children, three of whom are living: Franklin, John W., William K., and Mary, now Mrs.
  Jacob Burkholder.  The deceased son, John W., is represented by his only child living,
  John Bender, a prominent young man residing near Hiller's Church, this county. He is
  quite a financier; and possessed of more than ordinary musical talent, and is
  prominently engaged in moral reform. The father departed this life in 1889, after a
  useful and honored career.
  
  William K. Bender was born in Upper Leacock Township, October 3, 1839. His boyhood
  days were passed on his father's farm, and he early learned the duties pertaining
  thereto. His education was such as could be obtained in the schools of the township,
  where he was a student until about eighteen years of age. His own elementary education
  was supplemented by several terms in the White Hall Academy and the Millersville
  Normal School, and thus equipped, the young man obtained a certificate, and for two
  years he engaged in teaching school. On the expiration of this time, he volunteered
  his services for the defense of the Union, enlisting in August 1862, as a member of
  Company B, One Hundred and Twenty-second Pennsylvania Infantry. He participated in a
  number of engagements and battles, and was always found faithful to his duties and
  trusts. At the battle of Chancellorsville, in which with his regiment he took part,
  being under the command of General Hooker, he was wounded, and at the expiration of
  his term of enlistment, was mustered out of the service, May 20, 1863, having been
  connected with the nine-months organization.
  
  Mr. Bender has been prosperous in his various undertakings as a farmer and in other
  industries. He is prominently connected with the Susquehanna Iron Company of Columbia,
  PA., in which he is a Director, and the Lebanon Iron Company of Lebanon, Pa. He is an
  ardent supporter of the Republican Party, and religiously holds membership with the
  Methodist Episcopal Church, which he has served in the official capacities as
  Sunday-school Superintendent, and takes his share of the church work in every
  department. October 24, 1865, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Bender and Miss
  Lizzie A. Hartman, whose parents were among the pioneer settlers of the community, and
  very prominent citizens. Mr. and Mrs. Bender have three children: Ella M., Alice S.,
  and Christie E.