OBIT: William Henry BENDER, 1940, Berlin, Somerset County, PA

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Meyersdale Library.
Transcribed and proofread by: Richard Boyer.

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http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
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WILLIAM HENRY BENDER

The Passing of The Last in Blue
Civil War Veteran Wm. H. Bender Died in Berlin Wed., Dec. 11th

  William Henry Bender, Berlin's grand old man and Somerset County's last 
surviving Civil War veteran, answered his last roll call Wednesday afternoon at 
3:30, but to the end he showed the same fighting spirit as when he enlisted with 
the "Blue" 77 years ago.
  He died at his home on North Street, Berlin, after an illness of several 
months.  He was 95.
  Mr. Bender was born March 15, 1845, in Zanesville, Ohio, a son of George W. 
and Mary (Lehman) Bender.  December 15, 1885 the Bender family settled in Berlin 
after a long journey across the Allegheny mountains.
  His father was a carpenter by trade and Mr. Bender made this his life work 
until his retirement in 1925.

Enlisted in Cavalry

  Several years after the arrival of the Bender family in Berlin, the great 
conflict between the north and south began and Mr. Bender enlisted April 24, 
1863, in Company M., 21st Pennsylvania cavalry, later in Co. E.
  He was captured April 8, 1865, and was held as a prisoner two days.
  Mr. Bender met his first real test in the battle of Gettysburg.  He also 
served at Cold Harbor, Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Popular Grove Church, Mrs. 
Peeble's farm, Bessette's Church, Stony-Station and the seige of Petersburg.
  Mr. Bender's greatest thrill came when he was sent as a dispatch rider to 
President Lincoln.  The warm handshake and a gaze at the Great Emancipator was a 
never forgotten experience.
  After the war, Mr. Bender returned to Berlin, where he resumed carpentry.
  His carpentry work was given to the construction of many homes now standing in 
Berlin, in addition to the building of several churches in the community during 
the latter part of the century.  Until 15 years ago he was quite active in the 
trade he followed.

Visited by Historians

  Mr. Bender was a source of abundant historical material and was visited by 
historians from all over the county.
  Mr. Bender attended all Memorial Day services until this year.   Only in the 
spring did his condition weaken and the aged veteran suffered several relapses 
in recent months.
  He bore the colors of the last surviving veteran of the G.A.R. in the county 
and was a member of Mark Collins post of this organization.
  Surviving are the following sons and daughters: George W. Bender, Berlin; Mrs. 
Hilda May Long, of Berlin; Mrs. Euclid R. Groff, Berlin; Mrs. Minnie Watkins, 
Clover; John P. Bender, Cumberland, and Miss Anna Bender, at home.
  His wife, Mrs. Sara Rheumiser Bender, preceded him in death.
  B. Z. Stuck, official of Harry Fisher Post 445, the American Legion, requested 
that legion members attend a full military funeral for the veteran.  Members of 
all veterans' organizations in the county are requested to appear at the Berlin 
municipal building Saturday afternoon at 1.
  Funeral services will be Saturday afternoon at 2 at the home, with the Rev. 
Dr. C. P. Bastin, pastor of Trinity Lutheran Church, officiating.  Interment 
will follow in the Berlin I.O.O.F. Cemetery, under the direction of J. N. 
Johnson and Sons, Berlin morticians.

Meyersdale Republican, December 12, 1940