Theo. P. Bender, 1845-1921

BENDER, HOWARD

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 10/15/2012 at 14:34:58

T.P. Bender, a leading grain dealer and banker in the early days of Spencer and a former chairman of the county board of supervisors, died at his home in Los Angeles, California, on Monday morning according to word received by relatives in Spencer. Mr. Bender has been in failing health for the past five or six years but the exact cause of his death is not known.

Theo. P. Bender was born in York, Pennsylvania, in 1845 and lived there until 1870. In 1871 he came to Iowa locating at Algona and remaining there until 1872 when he came to Spencer and with his brother opened a general store. In 1876 he disposed of his interest in the business and for a brief time engaged in the livery business. In 1880 he formed a partnership with his brother, W.L. Bender and later organized the Bender Bros. Grain Company of which he was president. He was public spirited and a thorough business man. He was married in 1879 to Miss Amanda Howard who preceded him death on November 27, 1913. To this union were born four children, Charles C. of Spencer; Harry W. of Los Angeles, California; Ed. R. and Fred L. of Spencer, who survive him together with three brothers, J.C., Wm. L., and Geo. B. Bender, of Spencer. Deceased left Spencer about twenty-seven years ago and for the past fifteen years has made him home in California.

Source: Spencer Reporter, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; March 9, 1921.