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The Belle Plaine Union; October 24, 1918
LIVED NEARLY NINETY YEARS Michael Bence, Civil War Veteran Buried Here Monday
Michael Bence
The body of Michael Bence, a veteran of the Civil War, was brought to this city Monday afternoon from Marshalltown where he passed away on Sunday. Short services were held at the grave by the Rev. John A. Deedrick. Six of his comrades acted as pall bearers.
Michael Bence was a native of Pennsylvania, where he was born on August 25th, 1830 and passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Etta Fiches in Marshalltown, on October 20th, 1918, at the age of 88 years, 1 month and 26 days. His wife preceded him in death about twenty years ago, leaving him with one son, three daughters, 21 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Mr. Bence is also survived by four brothers.
The deceased served in the Civil War as a member of the 31st Iowa Infantry. He was incapcitated for duty by disease and received an honorable discharge after serving 1 year, 3 months and 8 days. About forty five years ago he moved to Belle Plaine where he continued to reside until about three years ago. In his active years he tilled the soil and had employment with the Northwestern Railroad. Mr. Bence was a strong man personally, intensely loyal, a kind and indulgent father and a good neighbor and was respected by his friends and associates.
The surviving children are Mr. Emanuel Bence of this city; Mrs. Etta Fiches of Marshalltown; Mrs J.C. Fisher of near Blairstown and Mrs. John Brown of Montgomery, Iowa.
{Submitter comment: Michael Bence grew up in Wisconsin, moving to LaPorte, IA, where he was living when he enlisted in Civil War.}
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