John H Bentz was born in Maryland, November 11, 1827 and died December 16, 1903. His early years were spent in Fairfield County, OH where he was reared in a family of three sons and four daughters. On brother and three sisters, all of whom live in the far west survive. He was married August 31, 1854 to Jemima Plummer, of near Winchester, and with his bride established a new home in Mercer County, Ill. He had belonged to the Lutheran Church and upon his moving, transferred to the Presbyterian Church at Centre, Ill., where he was ordained and served as Ruling Elder. He enlisted in Company E, 102d Regiment, Illinois Inf. Volunteers in August, 1862. He returned to this county 14 years ago and was living in Winchester at the time of his death.

Source: Historical Collections of Adams County, Ohio (Thompson, 1982), Vol. I, 250.

Joshua W. Pence, an old settler and prominent citizen of White County, and postmaster of Egbert, is of Tennessee nativity, and a son of George J. and Rebecca (Webb) Pence, natives of South and North Carolina, respectively. George J. Pence was born in 1802, and was married in Alabama in 1825, and remained there until 1829, when he removed to Warren County, Tenn., and six years later to Williamson County of that State. In 1839 he immigrated to Wilson County, where he died in 1852. He was a member of the Christian Church and a man of decision and strong will power, and was an old-time Jacksonian Democrat. Mrs. Pence was born in 1806, and in 1855, after her husband's death, came to Arkansas, locating in White County, on the farm on which our subject now lives, and where she died on July 16, 1888. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and was the mother of thirteen children, three of whom are still living: Louisa (widow of William Allen), Joshua W. (the principal of this sketch) and Marion T. (a farmer of Prairie County). Joshua W. was born in Warren County, Tenn., May 18, 1830, and when twenty-two years of age, commenced farming for himself, which occupation he has since followed, and in 1855 commenced farming the place on which he still lives, his mother living with him during the last twenty years of her life. He now has a fine farm of 252 acres, with about seventy-five under cultivation. In June, 1862, he enlisted in the Eighth Arkansas Infantry, but remained only a short time, being discharged on account of disability. Upon his discharge he returned home and found his farm in a state of dilapidation. In 1866 he was elected justice of the peace, which office he held for sixteen consecutive years, and was appointed postmaster of Egbert in February, 1887, which position he is still holding. He was married in February, 1854, to Miss Damaris L. Grissom, a native of Tennessee, who died in 1874, leaving nine children, six of whom are still living: Matilda (now Mrs. Hood), George L. (farmer and justice of the peace, of Dogwood Township), Oren D., Oscar D., Ira R. and Lillie A. Those deceased are Wiley H., Joshua M. and Barbara E. In 1874 he was again married to Mrs. Freeman (nee Belton, a widow, and who died in 1883, leaving no children), and on December 19, 1888, he married his third and present wife, Mrs. Ellen M. Rimer (nee Strodder, also a widow). Mr, Pence and wife are members of the Christian Church. He is a prominent Democrat and a member of the Knights of Labor, and of the County Wheel. He joined the Freemasons in July, 1867, of which he is still a member in full fellowship,in West Point Lodge No. 24. December 23, 1878, he joined the Grange No. 137, and has since filled several prominent offices in that society, such as Master, Overseer, Chaplain, Steward, etc. He and wife also belong to the Famous Life Association of Little Rock, Ark., their policy of membership being limited to the amount of $3,000.

From: Biographical and Historical Memoirs of Eastern Arkansas: Comprising a Condensed History of the State, a Number of Biographies of Distinguished Citizens of the Same, a Brief Descriptive History of Each of the Counties Named Herein, and Numerous Biographical Sketches of the Prominent Citizens of Such Counties (Chicago: Goodspeed Pub., 1890), 221-222.

It will inevitably be found, if an examination be made into the records of self-made men, that untiring industry forms the basis of their success. It is true that many other elements enter in, such as fortitude, perseverance, keen discernment and honesty of purpose which enable one to recognize business opportunities: but the foundation of all worthy achievement is earnest, persistent labor. The gentleman whose name forms the caption of this article recognized these facts early in life and did not seek to gain any short or magical method to the goal of prosperity. On the contrary he began to work earnestly and diligently in order to advance himself along laudable lines and from an humble beginning he became one of the leading agriculturists and stock raisers in Parke county. Mr. Pence is one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of this locality, now living in quiet retirement at his cozy home in Rockville, enjoying the respite due a long and strenuous career. He is one of the veterans of what is universally conceded to be the greatest war of all history, having served his country most faithfully during her darkest hours.

Peter Pence was born in Florida township, Parke county, Indiana, September 3, 1844, the son of Andrew and Sarah (Bloomhuff) Pence.

Peter Pence grew to manhood on the home farm and there he assisted with the general work about the place when of proper age, and he received a good practical country school education. About this period the great Civil war commenced, and although but eighteen years of age, he enlisted in 1863, in the Eleventh Indiana Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-sixth Regiment, and served two years or until the close of the war, seeing considerable hard service in a number of important campaigns and battles, including the sanguinary engagements at Franklin and Nashville, Tennessee, also many skirmishes, in all of which he conducted himself as becomes a gallant American soldier.

After receiving an honorable discharge, Mr. Pence returned to his home in Parke county and took up farming on his own account in Wabash and Florida townships, and later in Adams township.

Mr. Pence was married on October 22, 1871, to Catherine Hixon, who was born in Parke county, Indiana, April 23, 1850, a native of Wabash township, where her people were well known and influential, her parents being James and Eliza (Wannamaugher) Hixon, the father a native of Parke county, Indiana, born August 31, 1824, and her mother was born in Ohio April 20, 1825. James Hixon was accidentally killed at Mecca bridge, September 30, 1892. Mrs. Eliza Hixon died in Terre Haute, Indiana, December 29, 1909, at the advanced age of eighty-four years, eight months and nine days. . .Mrs. Pence is one of five children living, five others having died in childhood.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Pence went to housekeeping in Florida township, this county, and they soon ranked among the leading farmers of the same, laying by a comfortable competency as the years advanced. They lived in Wabash township from 1878 to 1903, when they retired from active life and removed to their commodious home in Rockville, where they have since lived, enjoying the fruits of their former years of toil and endeavor, but retaining their fine farm in Wabash township.

One child has blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Pence, Ellis Pence, who lives on the home farm in Wabash township, where he is making a pronounced success as a farmer and stock raiser. He married Mollie Hardin, who was born in Montgomery county, Indiana. They have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, namely: Helen, Madge Marie, Murl Eliza, Catherine, Margaret (deceased), Maynard Hardin, Alice Lavear, and Marie Louise.

Mr. and Mrs. Pence belong to the Methodist Episcopal church, of which they are liberal supporters. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, but has never sought public honors, though he was trustee of Wabash township for two terms, giving eminent satisfaction to all concerned in this capacity. Fraternally, he belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is a man of scrupulous honesty, public spirit, hospitable and a pleasant m

From: History of Parke and Vermillion Counties, Indiana: With Historical Sketches of Representative Citizens and Genealogical Records of Many of the Old Families (Indianapolis, Indiana: B. F. Bowen & Company, 1913), 485-7.

In 1838 John Pence located in the woods southeast of Rochester on the site of his present fine farm. Red men were then roaming all over this county and where our beautiful city now stands, the deep sigh of the forest oaks was heard instead of the hum of industry in all its branches. Mr. Pence cleared a farm, sold wood for 25 cents per load, eggs at 3 cents per doz and is today well enough supplied with this world's goods to give him peace and plenty for the rest of his life. Last Monday was his 70th birthday and his children and friends planned a surprise party on him . . . . One hundred and forty-seven guests sat down to the well filled tables. . . . .

From: The Rochester Sentinel, Rochester, Fulton County, Indian, Wednesday, October 27, 1886.

J. B. PENCE, the efficient and well known Sheriff of Marshall County, Iowa, who makes his home in the city of Marshalltown, claims Pennsylvania as the state of his nativity. He was born near the town of Fulton, in Fulton County, February 25, 1844, and is a son of Jacob and Margaret (Smith) Pence, who were also born in the Keystone State. The father was a farmer by occupation, and in the spring of 1845 he removed to Rock Island County, Ill., where he purchased land and carried on agricultural pursuits until his death, which occurred in April 1863. His wife passed away in September, 1862. The subject of this sketch acquired his education in the district and high schools, and in 1863 he entered the service of his country as one of the boys in blue of Company H, Forty-fifth Illinois Infantryy. The regiment was assigned to the Seventeenth Army Corps, under General Logan. He bore a part in the siege of Atlanta and the operations before Goldsboro. Mr. Pence remained in the service until the close of the war, when, in July, 1865, he was honorably discharged. He then returned to his home in Rock Island County, where he spent the two succeeding years of his life. At the expiration of that period he came to this county, and located in Greencastle Township, where he embarked in general farming and stock-raising. He also embarked in the hardware business in Gilman, in connection with H. Sutherland, under the firm name of Sutherland & Pence. He was instrumental in organizing the canning company in Gilman, was elected its first President, and held that office for some time. Under able management the business has prospered to a remarkable degree, and facilities have been increased until it is now one of the largest canning factories in the state. On the 7th of January, 1869, Mr. Pence was joined in wedlock with Miss Anna Marts, of Rock Island County, Ill., a daughter of George Marts. Unto them have been born three children: Margaret, Edith and Etta. All the children have had good educational advantages. Mr. Pence has led a busy and useful life, yet has found time to serve his fellow-townsmen in positions of public trust. He is a stanch Republican and a recognized leader of the party, and 1n 1891 was elected on that ticket as Sheriff of Marshall County. He entered upon the duties of the office January 1, 1892, and in November, 1893, was re-elected, and is still filling the position. He has served as a member of the School Board, and was its Treasurer for a number of years. He has also served as a Township Trustee for a number of years, and has taken quite an active part in local politics, doing all in his power to promote the interests of his party. Ever prompt and faithful in the discharge of his public duties, he has won the commendation of all concerned. Socially he is a Knight Templar, and is a member of Farragut Post No. 95, G.A.R., of Gilman. Prominent in the political and business interests of this community, Mr. Pence is recognized as a valued citizen, and well deserves representation in this volume. He is a genial, popular gentleman, and throughout the community in which he makes his friends are many.

From: Portrait and Biographical Record of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties (Chicago: Biographical Publishing, 1894), 216-217.

ALEXANDER PENCE. Bringing to his independent calling excellent judgment and good business methods, Alexander Pence, of Paw Paw township, is numbered among the extensive landholders of Wabash county, his home farm being situated about a mile from Roann, on the south bank of Eel creek, on the county line, and containing one hundred and thirty-seven acres, while on the north' side of the river, in Perry township, Miami county, he owns a tract of land containing three hundred and ten acres. He was born, February 16, 1863, in Preble county, Ohio, a son of Thomas B. Pence, and grandson of William H. Pence, pioneers of Indiana.

William H. Pence was born and bred in Rockingham county, Virginia, of colonial ancestry. Soon after his first marriage he settled in Ohio, where he lived a number of years. His eldest son, being infected with the Western fever, persuaded him to come to Indiana to look for land that might prove a wise investment. Coming direct to Wabash county, he bought the Dukes farm, now included in the farm of his grandson, Alexander Pence, but not liking this section of the country as a place of residence he went back to Ohio. He was subsequently taken ill, and his son, Thomas B. Pence, then residing in Wabash county, went back to Ohio to nurse him. He then made arrangements for Thomas to buy for him the farm belonging to William Duke, and he afterward came with his daughter Sarah to Paw Paw township, and here lived until his death, at a good old age, his death having been accidental, caused by injuries received when a log rolled over him. He was five times married, and reared six children.

A native of Ohio, Thomas B. Pence was brought up and married in Ohio. In 1865, accompanied by his wife and children, he came to Indiana, and settled just across the river from Wabash county, in Miami county, with his father-in-law, Abraham Yost, buying from George Butterbaugh the tract of land in Perry township now owned by his son Alexander, his only child. About one-half of the land had been cleared when he bought it, and in addition to the house that stood upon it there was a large barn, 40 feet by 80 feet, that was almost new. The buildings have since been remodeled, the house, with its thirteen rooms, being one of the largest farm houses in Miami county. The original barn burned, and has been replaced by the present owner with a two-story structure, 40 feet by 80 feet, with a shed 41 feet by 60 feet, the whole costing about $2,700. It is a very fine building, and the second largest barn in the county. Thomas B. Pence occupied that farm until their son married, when they turned it over to him, and moved to the farm now occupied by the son, where both spent their remaining days, Mr. Thomas Pence dying October 6, 1901, aged sixty-eight years, while his wife passed away January 17, 1913, aged seventy years, and one day. But two years old when his parents settled in Indiana, Alexander Pence obtained his elementary education in the district school at Stockdale, after which he attended the public schools of Indianapolis two years. After his marriage he assumed possession of the parental home-stead in Miami county, and was there engaged in agricultural pursuits until after the death of his father, when he moved to his present residence, in order to look after his mother and her property. A diligent worker, enterprising and progressive, Mr. Pence is continually adding to the value of his estate by improvements, and in addition to carrying on general farming most successfully ships two car loads of hogs each year, and also ships cattle, horses and sheep. He makes a specialty of breeding a fine grade of stock, including Durham cattle.

Mr. Pence is a man of rare business ability and judgment, and is connected with various beneficial enterprises. He is a charter member of the Wabash Trust Company, of which he has been a director since its organization, and of which he is now vice-president, having succeeded Charles D. Baer. He is also a stockholder, a director, and the treasurer, of the Roann Telephone Company, a director of the Wabash Service Motor Truck Company, and has various other interests of a similar nature.

Mr. Pence married, March 24, 1895, Emma Shillinger, a daughter of George and Lydia (Seitner) Shillinger, early settlers of Roann, where both spent their last years. Mr. and Mrs. Pence have one child, Thomas B. Pence, who was named for his grandfather.

Although Mr. Pence obtained his education mainly by reading, observation, and contact with the business world, he is well informed on the leading topics of the day. He takes a keen interest in politics, but has never been an office seeker. He has several times been solicited by his friends to become a candidate for office, but has invariably declined. At the democratic convention of 1912, when all indications pointed to-wards a victory for his party; his name was proposed on the floor of the convention hall for county treasurer. He declined, but had the honor of naming for a candidate in his own place a young man from his own township, and had the pleasure of seeing him elected to the office. During the many years he has lived in this vicinity, Mr. Pence has seen the country develop from a wilderness to a rich, rolling prairie, one of the finest farming communities in this part of the state. Few if any are better known in Wabash and Miami counties than Alexander Pence, and none are held in higher respect and esteem. He has ever been a busy man, but he has found time for the finer things of life, and along with other qualities and virtues has inherited a polish and culture that bespeaks his southern ancestry.

From: The History of Wabash County, Indiana : A Narrative Account of Its Historical Progress, Its People, and Its Principal Interests (Chicago: Lewis Publishing Co., 1914), 689-691.

JOHN QUINCY ADAMS PENCE farmer and stock dealer, residing in Salem township, where he owns the old Pence homestead of eighty acres, was born at Springfield, O., September 14, 1850, and is a son of Jesse G. and Elizabeth (Bare) Pence.

Jesse G. Pence was born in Virginia and came to Ohio in early manhood. In 1861 he moved on tile farm above mentioned, coming from Tremont, Clark county, a pioneer settler in this section. He was married in Ohio to Elizabeth Bare, who was born in Pennsylvania.

For many years they lived in Salem township, Shelby county, quiet farming people, good neighbors and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. When they passed away in the course of nature, they were laid to rest in the cemetery at Port Jefferson. They had the following children: Samuel B., John Q. A., Hosea, Louisa, Lucinda and Emanuel. Louisa became the wife of Jay Smith, and Lucinda married J. McCormick.

John Quincy Adams Pence had district school advantages and afterward remained assisting his father on the home farm until the latter's death. For eleven years following he worked on farms by the month and then bought the old homestead, and all told has since spent thirty years here engaging in general farming and also dealing in stock. Mr. Pence was married in 1880 to Miss Sarah E. Kizer, a daughter of Philip and Phoebe Kizer, who were farmers in Champaign county. Mrs. Pence is the sixth of their children, the others being: John Joseph; James; Elizabeth, wife of John Hesselgesser; Catherine, wife of Edwin Russell; Matilda, deceased; Etta, wife of Tobias Foltz; Lillie, wife of John Philips; and George. Mr. and Mrs. Pence have one son, Forrest K., of Zanesville, O., who married Bertha Price, and they have a daughter, Dorothy Louise. Mr. Pence and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. In voting with the republican party, Mr. Pence follows the. example set him by his honored father.

A. B. C. Hitchcock, History of Shelby County, Ohio (Chicago, Illinois: Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, 1913), 757.

W. O. PENCE a well-known resident and successful general farmer of Shelby county, lives on his well-improved farm of forty acres which lies seven and one-half miles southeast of Sidney. He was born in Champaign county, O., in 1876, and is a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Blackford) Pence.

Frederick Pence belongs to a family that settled early in Champaign county, 0. During the Civil war he enlisted from there and after his honorable period of military service returned to Champaign county and became a farmer but has been a resident of Shelby county for many years and now lives retired at Pasco. He married Elizabeth Blackford and the following children were born to them: Mary Jane, Rhoda Ann, Delilah, Russell, William O., Emma Jane, Minnie Ruth, Naome, Frederick, Hattie, Harry, a babe that died in infancy and all the others survive with the exception of Mary Jane and Russell.

William O. Pence was educated in the public schools and afterward assisted on the home farm and in other sections of the county engaged in farm industries until his marriage, when he settled on the farm he now owns, on which he carries on a general line of agriculture. He is an industrious, capable farmer and so manages his land and stock that both prove profitable.

Mr. Pence married Miss Alma A. Moore, a daughter of George W. Moore, an old settler of Shelby county, and they have two children; Delia and Forrest, aged respectively twenty and eighteen years. In his political views Mr. Pence is a democrat and once served his township in the office of road supervisor but otherwise has accepted no public once.

A. B. C. Hitchcock, History of Shelby County, Ohio (Chicago, Illinois: Richmond-Arnold Publishing Company, 1913), 757.

DAVID A. BEATY, who owns and operates one hundred and thirty -five acres of good land on section 9, Rozetta Township, is one of the early settlers of Henderson County, and since 1851 has resided upon his present farm. His time and attention are given to the cultivation of his land and to stock-raising, and by his well directed efforts he has become one of the well-to-do citizens of the community.

Mr. Beaty is a native of Champaign County, Ohio, born October 4, 1818, The family is of Irish lineage. His father, William Beaty, was a native of Berkeley County, Va. The mother bore the maiden name of Mary Pence. They had three children: David: Rachel, who is living in Oquawka; and Israel, who died in 1870. The mother of this family having passed away, Mr. Beaty `was again married, and by his second union had seven children: George, who died in Illinois; Ira; Sarah, now deceased; and four who died in early childhood. The family came to the West about 1830, making the journey by team, and William Beaty entered one hundred and sixty acres of land from the Government in Henderson County, paying the usual price of $1.25 per acre. He then built a log cabin, and in true pioneer style those early days were passed. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in early life was a Democrat, but after the organization of the Republican party he joined its ranks. He served in the War of 1812, and was always a valued citizen. He served as one of the first Supervisors of his township, helped to lay out the roads, and aided in the organization of the school district. On the farm which he had developed his death occurred May 18, 1869.

David Beaty whose name heads this record grew to manhood in the township which is now his home, and attended its subscription schools, which were held in a log schoolhouse. Although his advantages in this direction were quite limited, his training at farm labor was not meagre, for at an early age he began to follow the plow, and soon became familiar with farm work in all its departments. He continued under the parental roof until twenty-two years of age, when he began to earn his own livelihood by chopping wood and making rails. The following year he rented land, and then purchased eighty acres of land, a part of the farm on which he now resides, the purchase price being $200. There were no improvements upon the place, but he at once began its development and continued its cultivation until 1850, when he went to California, making the overland journey with ox-teams. There were seven teams in the party and twenty-eight men. They crossed the river at the site of the present city of Omaha, and after five months of travel reached Hangtown .

Mr. Beaty then engaged in prospecting and mining, and remained on the Pacific Slope for about a year. He then started on the return trip, traveling by steamer to Mexico. He made the journey on foot from the City of Mexico to Vera Cruz, where he again boarded a vessel. On once more reaching Henderson County, he resumed farming, and has since made it his exclusice occupation.

On the 20th Of December, 1842, Mr. Beaty was united in marriage with Miss Abigail Roberts, and to them were born eight children, but onlythree are now living: Adolphus, a blacksmith residing in Rozetta; Florence, wife of Harry Patterson, editor of the Democrat, of Oquawka; and Phoebe, wife of Jacob Kirkhart, of Warren County, Iowa.

Mr. Beaty cast his first Presidential vote for William Henry Harrison, and since the organization of the Republican party has been one of its stanch advocates. He has traveled over much of this country, and his life has been an eventful one, filled with many interesting experiences. His career, too, has always been upright and honorable, and in this community he has many warm friends.

From: Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co., 1894).

IRA W. BEATY was born on the farm where he is now living, on section 17, Rozetta Township, Henderson County, on the 7th of October, 1834, and is justly numbered among the honored pioneers of the community. Few men have longer resided in this locality. He has witnessed almost its entire growth and development, has seen its wild lands transformed into beautiful homes and farms, and watched with interest the advance of progress and civilization, which has placed the county among the foremost in this great commonwealth. The father of our subject, William Beaty, was an native of Virginia. When a young man he left that State, removing to Ohio, and some years later he became a resident of Indiana, where he remained until the spring of 1830, when he came to Henderson County, locating at the fort about two miles from his present farm. In the same spring he made a claim, becoming owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 17, Rozetta Township, where our subject now resides. He paid the usual Government price, $1.25 per acre, and at once began clearing it of the timber with which it was largely covered. He erected a log cabin, 18x22 feet, and this primitive home is still standing, one of the few landmarks of pioneer days that yet remain.

At that time the Indians still lived in the neighborhood, and frequently occasioned considerable trouble with the settlers. Mr. Beaty served in the Black Hawk War, which resulted in driving the red men from this locality. He made a trip with ox-teams to St. Louis for provisions, and experienced many of the other difficulties of frontier life. In an early day he was interested in the organization of the township, aided in laying out the roads, and in organizing the first school of the neighborhood. He held the office of School Treasurer and School Director, supported the Republican party, and was a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

Mr. Beaty was twice married. He first wedded Mary Pence, and to them were born three children: David, Rachel, and Ezra, who is now deceased. After the death of his first wife, he married Jane T. Russell, and they had six children: Ira W.; Eli., of Mediapolis, Iowa; John and George, both deceased; Sarah, who died in 1872; and Mary, who died in infancy. The father of this family passed away May 18, 1868, and his remains were interred in the Baptist Cemetery of Rozetta Township. His wife is still living, in her eighty- eighth year.

Within the boundaries of the home farm Ira W. Beaty passed his boyhood days midst play and work. His education was acquired in the subscription schools, which he attended until nineteen years of age, when he and his brothers took charge of the old homestead. In connection with his brother George, he owns the original tract of one hundred and sixty acres, and has an addition to this land to the amount of one hundred and fifty-three acres. The entire farm is under the personal supervision of our subject. The land is a valuable tract, under a high state of cultivation, and is improved with all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm. In connection with general farming he also carries on stock-raising.

During the late war, Ira Beaty manifested his loyalty to the Government by enlisting in the Union service, on the 8th of August, I862, as a private of Company K, Eighty-fourth Illinois Infantry. He was mustered in at Biggsville, and going to the front took part in the battles of PerryvilIe, Stone River, Woodbury, Chickamauga, Lookout Mountain, Missionary Ridge, Ringgold, Dalton, Buzzard's Roost, Resaca, Burnt Hickory, Kennesaw Mountain, Smyrna, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Lovejoy, Franklin and Nashville, and many others of lesser importance. When the war was over he was honorably discharged from the service in Springfield, Ill.,June 8, 1865. His brother George, who was six years his junior, was always his companion through life. They attended school together, enlisted the same time, in the same company, and were in all the battles together. When the war was over they returned home and then engaged in business together. George was married February 29, 1872, to Miss Susan Helton, and they all lived upon the same farm, the brothers continuing their business partnership until the death of George Beaty, March 28, I892. He was laid to rest beside his parents, and many warm friends mourned his loss, for he lived an honorable, upright life, and all who knew him respected him. His widow is still living on the old homestead.

Ira W. Beaty holds membership with the Grand Army of the Republic, and the Masonic fraternity. In politics, he has been a Republican since the organization of the party. He possessess good business and executive ability, and in his career he has met with prosperity, becoming one of the substantial citizens of the community. He also manifests all interest in everything pertaining to the welfare of the locality, for the advancement and the progress of his native county are dear to him. George was also a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, in good standing.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Record of Hancock, McDonough and Henderson Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Lake City Publishing Co., 1894).

JACOB BENTZ, who for a number of years was one of the leading general merchants of Clintonville, Waupaca County, senior member of the firm of J. Bentz & Son, has been immigrant, pioneer and merchant. Well educated in Germany, his native land, he came to America to participate in its freedom and opportunities, and after spending years of toil in the undeveloped State of Wisconsin, he in his more mature years became a prosperous and prominent business man.

Mr. Bentz was born in the village of Ingerkingan, Wurtemberg, Germany, January 1, 1839, son of Jacob and Mary (Messler) Bentz, who died when our subject was ten years old. The father was a farmer and brick maker, owning a farm of 100 acres, and reared a family of nine children, as follows: Ulrich, Joseph, John, Jacob, Anton, Francis, Theresa, Crecencia and Mathias, six of whom are now living, all but one being in Germany. Joseph came to America, enlisted at Cincinnati, Ohio, as an artilleryman in the Union army, and died during the war, while still in the service. Jacob Bentz received in his native land a high?school education, studying Latin, Greek and some French, and in 1856, at the age of seventeen years, sailed for America. Landing at New York City, after a voyage of seven weeks, he came directly to Kenosha, W is., where he rented a farm and there engaged in agriculture some three years. In 1861 he married Mary Newhouse (a lady of German descent, whose parents emigrated from Westphalia) and moved to Waukegan, Ill., where he purchased an improved farm of forty acres. Selling out three years later, he bought 123 acres in Bear Creek township, Waupaca Co., Wis., on which tract stood a small log house, and only five acres of the land were cleared. With only rude tools at his command, Mr. Bentz began the arduous work of clearing up this forest grown farm, remaining here until 1 880, when he rented the place and moved to Clintonville. Here he purchased a lot, erected a substantial store building, and stocked it with general merchandise worth about fifteen hundred dollars, which he had gradually increased until he carried about ten thousand dollars' worth of goods, along with his son conducting one of the most prosperous mercantile establishments in the northern part of Waupaca county. On May 20, 1894, he retired from mercantile business, turning the entire concern over to his son, Joseph Bentz, who has since continued it. Mr. Bentz's retirement was caused principally by failing health.

Mrs. Bentz died in 1888, leaving four children; Joseph, mentioned above; Frances, now Mrs. Gustave Humm, of Clintonville; Mary, wife of Mathias Zehrn, of Larrabee township, and Pauline, at home. Mr. Bentz was again united in marriage, July 2, 1889, this time to Catherine Smith, daughter of Michael and Mary (Corrigan) Smith, who emigrated from Ireland to America in 1841, farming for eight years in Fairfield county, Conn.; then in May, 1849, coming to Wisconsin. Sojourning for a short time at Franklin, Milwaukee county, they moved to Caledonia township, where he bought and operated a small farm until 1857, in that year selling it and moving to property he had bought in 1849, an eighty-two acre tract in Dale township, Outagamie county, which was then still in a primitive condition. Here with bear, deer and Indians for near neighbors, Michael Smith cleared his farm of eighty acres and lived until 1880, when he removed to Clintonville. His wife died October 10 1865, leaving four children: Catherine, now Mrs. Bentz; Mary Anna, now Mrs. Mader, and living in Bear Creek, Waupaca Co., Wis.; John and Edward: Mr. Smith now resides with Mr. Bentz. By his second marriage Mr. Bentz has two children, John and Regina.

In politics Mr. Bentz is a Democrat. He is a public?spirited citizen, and has satisfactorily filled many local offices, for two years serving as treasurer of Bear Creek township, Waupaca Co., two years as treasurer of Larrabee township, . and two years as city treasurer of Clintonville; for two years he served on the town board. Himself and family are members of the Catholic Church. In 1886 Mr. Bentz took a threemonths' trip to his native land. He possesses a ripe judgment on business matters, and has stored within his memory a wide range of information. He is one of Waupaca county's most valuable and esteemed citizens.

Commemorative Biographical Record of the Upper Wisconsin Counties: Waupaca, Portage, Wood, Marathon, Oneida, Vilas, Langlade and Shawano (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co. 1895).

REUBEN MILLER HOLLAND. Achievement and wisdom do not always wait on years, and in a decade since he was admitted to the bar Reuben Miller Holland has gained a front rank in the Owensboro bar, a bar long noted for the eminence of its members.

He was born on a farm near Whitesville in Daviess County, June 17, 1887, son of William F. and Nancy Amy (Miller) Holland. His father was a native of Hancock County, Kentucky. The grandfather, R. A. Holland, was affectionately called "Uncle Jerrie," and was well known as a pioneer, patriot and patriarch of Hancock County, in whose home guests always received a hearty welcome and generous hospitality. He was a native of Metcalf County Kentucky, spent his life as a farmer and was of English Scotch and Irish blood, the Irish predominating though the name Holland is English. William F. Holland after his marriage lived for three or four years on a farm in Hancock County and then moved to his present homestead near Whitesville, and for many years has been one of the influential citizens and prosperous farmers of Daviess County. His wife, Nancy Amy Miller, was born in Ohio County, Kentucky, a daughter of Reuben A. and Martha (Ford) Miller and is a sister of the late distinguished Owensboro lawyer Reuben A. Miller. William F. Holland and wife reared six children.

While there are certain obvious handicaps as well as advantages imposed upon a youth who grows up in a country district, Reuben Miller Holland did not permit his rural environment to limit the horizon of his aspirations and ambition. His early education was acquired in country schools, and later he entered the University of Kentucky, receiving his A. B. degree in 1908. He studied law in one of the famous institutions of the country, the University of Virginia, where he graduated LL. B. in 1919. In the same year he was admitted to the bar in Todd County, and at once began practice at Owensboro, where his earnest work and abilities early brought him recognition.

The only important interruption to his service as a lawyer came August 15, 1918, when he entered the service of his country as an enlisted man in the field artillery. He soon entered the Central Officers Training School at Camp Taylor in Louisville, and remained until the signing of the armistice, receiving his honorable discharge November 26, 1918. He is a member of the American Legion Post. During the year and a half since he left the army he has applied himself with renewed energy to his law practice.

Mr. Holland is a democrat. He is a Knight of Pythias and a member of the Baptist church. October 3, 1911, he married Miss Christina Pence. Her father, Prof. M.L. Pence, is a member of the faculty of the University of Kentucky at Lexington.

From: William Elsey Connelley and E. M. Coulter, PH.D. [authors], Judge Charles Kerr [editor], History of Kentucky (Chicago and New Yorkn Historical Society, 1922), Vol. III, 298.

Isaac R. Pentz, a native of Pennsylvania was born on the 12th of October 1813 and removed to Indiana in 1837. Miss Elizabeth Hall became his wife on the 24th of August 1846 and in October 1854 they moved to Iowa. In May 1855 Mr. Pentz visited Minnesota and the following May brought his family and purchased 160 acres of land in Walcott township, section 27, and also 160 acres in section 20 all of which he has now under cultivation and improved. Mr and Mrs Pentz have been blessed with nine children, six of whom are living, four boys and two girls. Mr. Pentz served as Towm Clerk in 1858 and was Justice of the Peace a number of years.

From: Edward D. Neill and Charles S. Bryant, The History of Rice County, Minnessota (Minneapolis: 1882), Walcott Township, 477.

CLARK, WILLIAM C., farmer and stock raiser, Sec. 1, P.O. Alexander. Born in Athens Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1818, where his parents moved at an early day. In 1822, the Clark family came to Ross Co., Ohio, and thence to Licking Co.; here the old folks remained until they passed off the stage of life. Young Clark there turned his attention to farming; Oct. 15, 1843, married Miss Elizabeth PENCE, daughter of Abraham Pence, a native of Virginia; in the Autumn of 1845, he settled in Menard Co.; Nov. 8, 1846, settled in the vicinity of where Alexander is now located; in 1850, purchased land; in 1845, Mrs. Clark died; in 1851, he married Miss Sarah J. Samples, daughter of Andrew and Nancy Samples, who were among the early pioneers of Morgan Co.; this was the year of cholera in Morgan Co., from which his second wife died, on the 5th of July; on the 22d of February, 1852, he married Miss Sarah Samples, daughter of Jacob and Pollie Samples. For several years Mr. Clark was town trustee; is the owner of 120 acres of valuable property.

The History of Morgan County, Illinois, Its Past and Present (Chicago: Donnelley, Loyd & Co., 1878).

Dr. Israel P. Lecrone: Born in Dover Twp, York Co PA 1849. He married Miss Rebecca J. PENCE. They later moved to Arendtsville, where he was a physician. Had one daughter Florence, died in childhood. He was Lutheran and Rebecca was German Baptist Church member.

From History Adams County, Pennsylvania (Warner-Beers Co., 1886), 408.

Solomon Bentz is a native of Warrington Township, York Co., Penn., and was born October 28, 1841 He is a son of George and Nancy (Grove) Bentz, natives of York County, Penn. His grandfather, Jacob Bentz, was born in 1781 and died in 1833. The father of subject was born in 1807, was a farmer, and is still living. He has had ten children: Elizabeth, Susanna, Daniel, George, Solomon, Mary, Andrew, Catherine, Moses S. and Mary A. Our subject was educated at the public schools, and during the winters of 1861, 1862 and 1863 taught school. He is a farmer, and in 1868, settled where he now lives. He also owns the Bentz homestead. He was married in 1867 to Miss. Henrietta Hershey, a native of Washington Township. Six children have blessed this union: William, John, Monroe, Elizabeth, Mary and Nancy J. Mr. Bentz is a member of the Lutheran and his wife of the Reformed Church.

From John Gibson [Historical Editor], History of York County, Illustrated, 1886

A. PENCE, druggist and physician, Terre Haute, who is so well known in Terre Haute, has practiced medicine in the city and in Vigo county for a longer period than any physician who is now engaged in practice. He began the study of medicine in 1887 under Dr. John L. DUNYAN, of Springfield, Illinois. In 1841 he went to Danville, Illinois, where he practiced until 1844, when he removed to Terre Haute and began the practice, and has since done only an office practice. On the corner of Ohio and Second streets he has a large brick block, the principal part of the building being used for his drug store, office, and Pence's Hall. The doctor has been one of the able financiers of the city. While he is willing to accord to others the liberty of thinking, acting and believing as they may choose, he also claims the same right. These freely expressed ideas on his part have placed him, in the estimation of some, on the eccentric list, though all unhesitatingly claim him one of the enterprising and go-ahead citizens of the city.

From: History of Vigo and Parke Counties, Together With Historic Notes on the Wabash Valley (H. W. Beckwith, 1880), Terre Haute, 203.

As secretary, treasurer and general manager of the Clay City Lumber Company John Henry Bence occupies a noteworthy position among the leading business men of this section of Clay county, he is a native and to the manner born, his birth having occurred September 30, 1863, in Harrison township, Clay county. His father, Onesimus Oliver I Bence and his grandfather Philip I Bence were both born and bred in Jefferson county Kentucky. An agriculturist, Philip Bence was engaged in his chosen occupation in Jefferson county, Kentucky, during his earlier life, owning one hundred acres of land which he managed with slave labor. In 1853 he disposed of all of his Kentucky property, came to Indiana, and purchased a farm lying about five miles southwest of Greencastle, Putnam county. where he spent the remainder of his seventy years of earthly life. He married twice, by his first marriage having five children—Fountain R., Onesimus Oliver, Telitha E., Matilda and Jeptha D.—and by his second union having four: John A., Louisa, Lydia and George W. Born October 28, 1825, on a farm lying about nine miles from Louisville, Kentucky, Onesimus O. Bence was brought up and educated in his native state, and with his parents came to Indiana in 1853. He subsequently married and came with his bride to Clay county, locating in Harrison township. He bought a tract of land in section eleven, township ten, range seven, Harrison township, and in the log cabin standing upon his property, one that had been erected for a schoolhouse, he established his household. Two years later he built a good frame house, into which the family moved. At that time there were no railroads in this part of the country, all of the surplus products of the farm having to be hauled to Terre Haute or Greencastle. He improved the major part of his farm before 1867. and, having suffered a paralytic stroke, from the effects of which he never fully recovered, he moved to Bowling Green. In 1884 he returned to his farm and there remained until released by death, at the age of sixty-six years. Onesimus 0. Bence married, in 1856, Sarah M. Slade, who was born in Harrison county Kentucky, not very far from Cynthiana. September io, 1833, a daughter of James Slade, a native of the same county. Her grandfather, William Slade, presumably an Ohio man by birth, was of English and Scotch ancestry. He improved a large farm in Harrison county, Kentucky, where he spent the greater part of his active career. At one time he owned many slaves, but he freed them all. The maiden name of his wife was Melvina Clemons. Their son, James Slade, taught school in his younger days, but was afterwards engaged in agricultural and mercantile pursuits, spending his life in his native county. He married Eleanor Orr, a daughter of James and Catherine (Williams) Orr. She came to Indiana after the death of her husband, subsequently making her home with her daughter, Mrs. Onesimus O. Bence. Mrs. Bence now lives with her son, John Henry, from whom she has never been separated any length of time. In 1901 she went to Benson county, North Dakota, took up a homestead, to which she received a title on the seventieth anniversary of her birth, the deed bearing the signature of President Roosevelt. She has but two children. Jolin Henry and Laura K. The daughter married Joseph M. Zenor. of Terre Haute, and they have four children, May, Mark, Bertha and Howard

Educated in the schools of Harrison township and Bowling Green, and in the Central Normal School at Danville, John Henry Bence began teaching at the age of seventeen years, and taught school nine winter terms. He was afterwards successfully employed in farming, until 1896, when he accepted a position as clerk in a shoe store at Clay City, a position that he retained four years, when he embarked in the shoe business on his own account, continuing another four years. Since that time Mr. Bence has been actively associated with the lumber business, and when the Clay City Lumber Company was organized in 1905 became officially connected with it in his present capacity of secretary, treasurer and general manager. In 1901 Mr. Bence married Janie May Belle Robertson. She was born April 15, 1873, in Jackson township, Clay county, Indiana, a daughter of Ethan A. and Elizabeth (Witty) Robertson. Mr. and Mrs. Bence have one child, Sarah Elizabeth. Politically Mr. Bence is a Republican, and is now serving as clerk and treasurer of the village of Clay City. Fraternally he belongs to Clay City Lodge, No. 562, A. F. & A. M., and to Clay City Lodge. No. 131, K. of P. Religiously he assists in supporting the Methodist Episcopal church, of which Mrs. Bence is a valued member.

From William Travis, History of Clay County, Indiana, Vol. II (1909).

EDWARD BRADFIELD comes of one of the pioneer families of Parke County, and is a gentleman who has always endeavored in every possible manner to promote the interests and welfare of this community. He is now engaged in carrying on his fertile farm on Section 15, Adams Township, which comprises two hundred and seventy-nine acres of of land all in one body, and of this one hundred and fifty acres are now under cultivation. Altogether he owns three hundred and thirty-nine acres of farm land, the remainder being located on Section 23. That much confidence is placed in his judgment and integrity is shown by the fact that he has been called upon to settle a great many estates. In 1879 Mr. Bradfield erected a residence on his farm at a cost of about $2,000.

Columbiana County, Ohio, is the place of Mr. Bradfield's birth, which event occurred August 1, 1841. He is a son of William Bradfield, who was reared to manhood and married Miss Sarah Robison, by whom he had a family of ten children. Seven of the number lived to adult years, six still survive, and five are residents of this county, viz.: Reason, who lives in Wabash Township; Hannah Jane, wife of Theodore Marshall, of this township; our subject; Levi, who is a farmer in Wabash Township, and Arminda, who resides also in Wabash Township, and is the wife of Joseph McAdams. Our subject's father migrated to Indiana in the fall of 1852, settling in Rockville, and the following spring removed his family to a home a [sic] had prepared for them. His farm, which consisted of one hundred and twenty acres, was partly improved, and to its cultivation he devoted himself until death called him from his labors April 26, 1863. His wife died on the old homestead in September, 18. The father was a member of the Christian Church, being an Elder of the same, and in politics was a Republican.

The early years of Edward Bradfield were passed in his native county, and when he was twelve years of age he came to Indiana, remaining under the parental roof-tree until his father's death, when he took up the management of the estates and settled it. He was first married in 1867, at which time Miss Sarah Jane Cox became his wife. She is a daughter of John B. Cox, a well known farmer of this township. To the worthy couple were born five children: William A., who is married and a resident of the township; Reason E., also married, and living in Adams Township; Minnie Inez, who lives at home and is a successful school teacher; Seth M. who is also at home, and Myrtle, who died in infancy. The mother of these children departed this life in 1882. In March, 1883, Mr. Bradfield wedded Mrs. Cynthia Louis, daughter of Peter PENCE, who formerly was a resident of the county.

About 1869 Mr. Bradfield located on his father's farm, which he carried on for about six years, and then made a permanent settlement on the farm now operated by him. For thirteen winters Mr. Bradfield taught school, eight years of the time in one school-house in this county, in the neighborhood of which he built up quite and enviable reputation as a educator. His own privileges in the direction of an education were those of the common schools and the Bloomingdale Academy. In his political faith he is a Republican, and for five years has held the position of Assessor. He is a strong and active worker in the ranks of the party, and is a patriotic citizen, devoted to the best interests of his country and fellow-men. He is numbered among the pillars of the Union Christian Church, where he is now holding the offices of Clerk and Treasurer. He is Superintendent of the Sunday-school, in which he takes a commendable interest.

From: Portrait and biographical record of Montgomery, Parke and Fountain Counties, Indiana: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies and Portraits of All the Presidents of the United States (Chicago: Chapman Bros.. 1893),418-419.

A. H. PENCE was born in Marion County, Ind., August 10, 1853, and is the first of a family of eight children born to Enoch and Elizabeth J. (Sinks) Pence, natives of Indiana, and of German and English extraction. His parents came to this (Tipton) county in the fall of 1870, and located on a farm of sixty-seven acres, and were followed by our subject in the spring of 1871. A. H. was reared on a farm, working through the summer and attending the district school in the winter. His education is a fine one, acquired in the common and graded schools of the State, and at the National Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and with money earned by his own unaided labor. He has taught twelve terms in the public schools of this and other counties, averaging six months to the term, and has succeeded by his energy in winning a position in the front ranks of his profession. He was married, March 12, 1882, to Miss Mattie Martin, a native of Missouri, and a daughter of Colin C. and Jemima (Ferguson) Martin, natives respectively of Indiana and Kentucky. He is an active and consistent member of the Christian Church, and also belongs to the Masonic Lodge located at Prairieville. Politically, he has always adhered to the Democratic party, and is one of its most energetic workers; he is a wide-awake young man, and has a promising future.

From: The History of the Counties of Howard and Tipton, Indiana (Chcago: F. A. Battey & Co., 1883), Prairie Township.

PENCE, John W. was born in Warren county, Ohio, February 11th, 1830. He lived with his father on the farm until eighteen years of age, then engaged with a partner, dealing in grain, general merchandise, etc., for eight years with marked success. In 1856, he went to Columbus, when he was again a dealer in grain, stock, etc., until 1865, when failing health induced him to change. He came to Minnesota, and from Faribault to St. Paul, by stage, thence to this city. In 1866, he bought the lots where now stand the City Bank, and Opera House, which bears his name, being at that time among the first three-story buildings in the city. Mr. Pence has been president of the City Bank, and has heavy mining interests near Leadville, Colorado, and owns with S. P. Snyder, forty thousand acres of rich rolling prairie south of Jamestown, Dakota territory. He was married at Minneapolis in 1871 to Miss Laura Enell, of Maine, who died January 6th, 1878.

History of Hennepin County and the City of Minneapolis (North Star Publishing, 1881), 611

The business interests and commercial progress of Woodland receive the constant co-operation of Mr. Bentz, who since coming to this city during 1906 has identified himself with movements for the local upbuilding and has proved the high value of his capable citizenship. Such success as he has achieved— and it is by no means insignificant—results from his own determination and unaided efforts. As a boy he had little opportunity to advance in the world, but, sturdily resolved to secure an education, he paid his own expenses as he was attending various institutions in the east. The result was that he acquired a varied knowledge and also gained what is even more to be desired, viz.: an abundance of self-reliance and independence. A member of an old Pennsylvania family, he was born in York county, that state, April 11, 1851, and was next to the youngest in a family of ten children, five of whom are still living. The parents, George and Nancy (Grove) Bentz, were born in York county, lived upon farming land there and remained in the same locality until death.

When the completion of public-school studies seemed to indicate to M. S. Bentz that his educational opportunities had ended he started to work to secure further advantages, so that he made it possible to attend the Shippensburg Normal and the York high school. From the latter institution he was graduated at the age of nineteen. Later he taught school in York and Cumberland counties for eight years, meanwhile attending the Holbrook Normal School at Lebanon, Ohio, and graduating from its commercial department. During March of 1877 he landed in Kansas and purchased land in Rice county, where he was bereaved by the death of his wife, who was Abbie Heikes, a native of Pennsylvania. In the fall following her death he removed to Stafford, Kan., and embarked in the mercantile business. For a time he was prospered, but a cyclone in 1881 destroyed his store, ruined the stock of goods and left him without means to start anew. Thereupon he embarked in the freighting business in Colorado, where he remained for eighteen months. Upon his return to Kansas he settled in Canton, McPherson county, and opened a mercantile store, which he conducted for ten years. Later he engaged in the same business at Eldorado, Butler county, Kan., for ten years.

Coming to California during January of 1904 Mr. Bentz bought land in Sutter county and planted an orchard. Two years later he came to oodland and purchased the store of Powell Brothers, whom he succeeded as proprietor of the little establishment. Here he has since built up a large trade and has carried a full line of notions and furnishing goods. Thoroughly devoted to Woodland, he entertains a profound liking for the city of his adoption and champions every measure for local progress. In national affairs he has been a close student and the result of his studies is that he supports socialist principles, being a firm believer in the adoption of national measures that will aid the day laborer and prevent the enormous wealth of our country from being concentrated in the hands of a few. Fraternally he holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of America.

The Woodland Methodist Episcopal Church has the benefit of his active co-operation with every movement for its spiritual and material upbuilding and as a member of the official board he is rendering efficient service in its interests. While making his home at Canton, Kan., he was united in marriage with Miss Florence L. Cronk, who was born in Oneida county, N. Y. Six children were born of their union, namely: May, who died in Eldorado, Kan.; Charles W., now living in Woodland; Earl S., who is employed at Long Beach, this state; Ruth, Mary E. and Herbert, who still remain with their parents in the Woodland home.

From The History of Yolo County California With Biographical Sketches of The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been Identified With Its Growth and Development From the Early Days to the Present, by Tom Gregory And Other Well Known Writers Illustrated Complete in One Volume (Los Angeles: Historic Record Company, 1913).

Moses R.leading farmer of Washington Township, and one of Clinton County's representative men, is a son of John and Cynthia (Rush) Allen, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. And of English and Welsh-German descent. John Allen was born in Greene County, Pa., May 5, 1805, and was the seventh son in a family of twelve children born to Isaac Aestors settled in the Keystone state at a period antedating the war of the Revolution. When twelve years old, John Allen was taken by his parents to Butler county, Ohio, where, owing to the reduced circumstances of his father, he was early thrown upon his own resources and for some time followed the river, rafting logs and lumber and various articles of merchandise --- corn, flour, bacon, etc.-- to New Orleans. He was quite successful in this enterprise, but, while making the last trip, suffered a serious financial loss by the sinking of his boat and all its contents while tied to bank to secure fuel, the bank being undermined and a tree falling on the boat. In I828 he located in Clinton County, Ind., where a brother had previously entered land, and worked for the settlers until 1833, when he invested his savings in a tract of land, which he cleared and brought under cultivation. He was married in Butler County, Ohio, to Cynthia RUSH, and with her lived in the old log cabin for a period of thirteen years. Occasionally he was engaged in hauling goods from Cincinnati to the village of Jefferson, and once, while making a trip to Chicago, narrowly escaped death from drowning in the Tippecanoe river, which he attempted to cross on horseback, having unhitched his team and riding across to test the depth of the river.

Moses R. Allen was born in Clinton County, Ind., September 10, 1838, and grew to manhood accustomed to the manifold duties of the farm. He has followed successfully the pursuit of agriculture and is now one of the largest land holders of Washington township, owning 452 acres, which are well improved and adorned with substantial buildings, the place, indeed, being a model home. Mr. Allen is a man of excellent judgment in business matters and his services are frequently in demand by his neighbors and others in the settlement of estates, drawing up instruments of writing, giving advice on legal questions, etc. Mr. Allen was married September 20, 1860, to Margaret J. PENCE, daughter of Michael C. and Susannah (Stafford) PENCE. The father of Mrs. Allen was born in Rockingham county, Va., August 17, 1817, and when eighteen years of age moved to Clark county, Ohio, where, on the twelfth day of December, 1839, he was united in marriage to Susannah Stafford. He came to Clinton county in 1858, settling on a farm in Washington township, where Mrs. PENCE died January 25,1876. Two children were born to Mr. and Mrs. PENCE - Catherine W. and Margaret J. (Mrs. Allen), both deceased. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Allen was blessed with the birth of six children, namely -- John P., born November 3, 1862; Joseph E., August 4, 1866; Howard E., July 16, 1870; Thomas W., July, 29,1876; William E., August I4, 1861, died June 28, 1880; George W., February 2, 1875, died January 17, 1877.

The mother of these children, Mrs. Margaret J. Allen, was born in Miami county, Ohio, October 30, 1840, and died at her home in Clinton county, Ind., August 15, 1894, of abdominal tumor. She was a devoted member of the M. E. church, of which Mr. Allen is also a member. Mr. Allen is a member also of the Masonic fraternity, belongs to the G. A. R., and is a republican in politics.

Mr. Allen has a military record of which he feels deservedly proud, covering a period of over three years, during which time he marched over 4000 miles and participated in twenty-five bloody battles. To give in detail his military experience would require a volume, and only the leading facts are herewith set forth. He enlisted September 16, 1862, in company I, One Hundredth Indiana infantry, under Capt. James N. Sims, and the following November the regiment preceded to Memphis, Tenn., with Vicksburg as the objective point, but the latter city was not at that time reached. Mr. Allen's first active duty was as guard to the Memphis & Charleston railroad, and his first baptism of fire was at Vicksburg, in the memorable siege, in which he took an active part. After the surrender, he moved with Sherman's army to Jackson, Miss., taking part in the siege, thence to the Big Black River, and afterward returned to Memphis. His next movement was to Chattanooga, Tenn., near which he participated in the battles of Mission Ridge and Lookout Mountain, after which he accompanied his command to Knoxville, and later to Bridgeport, Ala. In the spring of 1864 he was in the army of Gen. Sherman, and fought throughout the Atlanta campaign, during, the progress of which he was under fire about one hundred days and nights, and participated in the following historical engagements from Dalton through Snake Creek Gap, to Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Big Shanty, Kennesaw Mountain, Nickajack Creek, Chattahoochee river, Decatur, Cedar Bluffs, Jonesboro, Lovejoy Station and the final surrender of Atlanta. Mr. Allen's regiment, after the surrender, was sent on a forced march through northern Georgia to Alatoona, and finally returned to its old camping ground near Atlanta. After a great deal of active service in Georgia, the regiment participated in a battle near the town of Griswold, entered the city of Savannah December 23, 1864, thence went to Beaufort, S. C., and, marching through the Carolinas, captured successfully Branchville, Columbia, Georgetown, Bentonville, and finally reached Goldsboro March 26, 1865, after having marched 1,300 miles and fought seventeen battles. Mr. Allen remained with his command at Greensboro until April of that year, when the regiment moved to Raleigh, thence marched by way of Petersburg, Richmond and Alexandria, Va., to Washington, D. C., reaching that city May 20, 1865. He was discharged June 20, 1865, with a record of duty bravely and uncomplainingly done, and it is to such brave and gallant spirits that the country is indebted for its preservation.

A Portrait and Biographical Record of Boone and Clinton Counties, Ind., Containing Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, and Biographies of the Governors of Indiana. (Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1895), 565.

JOHN C. PENCE is numbered among the honored and respected old settlers of Union county, having for more than a third of a century resided within its borders, and during this period he has been closely identified with the growth and development of this section of the state through his labors as an agriculturist, althongh at the present time he is practically living retired in a comfortable home in Creston.

Mr. Pence was born in Washington county Pennsylvania, November 18, 1843, a son of Henry anti Mary Ann (Case) Pence, who were natives of Washington county, Pennsylvania, where they were reared and married. Later they removed to Guernsey county, Ohio, where he remained for a time and then made his way on to Muskingum county, that state, while still later he took up his abode in Illinois, where he was engaged in farming until 1868, in which year he located in Iowa, settling onl the northern boundary of Union county, where he opened up and developed a farm of one hundred and sixty acres. Disposing of that property he then removed to Kansas, settling on a farm in Jewell county, where lie made his home for a time and then moved across the border into Nebraska, locating in Superior. Later he spent three years in Newark, that state, and from there removed to Custer county, Nebraska. Eventually, however, he returned to Iowa, making his home in Creston for three years, but his last days were spent in the home of his son John, where he passed away in 1897, at the advanced age of eighty-four years.

John C. Pence is one of a family of nine children, of whom three sons and one daughter survive, his two brothers being William and R. W. Pence, while his sister is Lizzie, the wife of John McIntyre, a resident of Norton county, Kansas. John C. Pence accompanied his parents on their various removals and was reared to general agricultural pursuits. It was during his residence in Ohio, however, that his labors Were interrupted by the outbreak of the Civil war, when in 1862, being then a youth of eighteen years, he joined the State Militia, with which he did active duty for a time, while in 1864 he re- enlisted on the 27th of April as a member of the One Hundred and Seventy- second Ohio Volunteer Infantry, as a member of Company E, this company going to the front for one hundred days' service. He went south to Charleston, Virginia, and did guard duty, being discharged on the expiration of his term, September 3, 1864.

Returning to his home in Ohio, he was married in Muskingum county, August 17, 1865, the lady of his choice being Miss Susannah Steers who was born and reared in that county. Following his marriage Mr. Pence took his bride to Henderson county, Illinois, where he rented a farm, which he cultivated for one year, and then removed to Knox county, locating on a farm which he purchased near Cameron. After three years, however, he disposed of that property and removed to the city of Galesburg and cultivated farm land near that city for four years, subsequent to which time he again located on a farm, which he rented for four years, but in the fall of 1873 came to Iowa and purchased eighty acres of wild and unimproved land in Adair county on section 17,' Union township. He there developed a splendid property, cultivating the same for more than twenty years. He likewise built thereon a good residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, set out a good orchard as well as a grove to furnish shade. Mr. Pence prospered in his labors as an agriculturist, so that in due course of time he felt justified in spending his days in less of care and labor and accordingly leased his farm and removed to Creston and erected a nice home on North Cedar street, this residence being surrounded by nineteen acres of land. He likewise planted a good orchard. built a barn and made this property an attractive as well as a valuable place.

After a residence of thirteen years in this home, Mr. Pence was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away May 7, 1903. The three children of this marriage are W. E., who owns a fine farm but makes his home in Creston; A., who lives in Traer, Iowa, is married and has two children, Susie A. and Wilma; and H. D., who owns the original home farm In Adair county, is married and has two daughters, Mamie O. and Virl.

In 1905 Mr. Pence returned to Muskingum county, Ohio, and was there married on the 13th of February of that year; to Anna A. Ross, who was born and reared in Muskingum county. Mr. Pence then sold his residence on North Cedar street for six thousand dollars and purchased a home on West Poplar street, where he made his home for a time but is now occupying a cornfortable home at 612 Prairie avenue in Creston, he having remodeled this house, installed a steam furnace, electric lights, and added other modern accisisories until it is now one of the up-to-date and convenient residences of the city. He has here three acres of ground, which he has set out to fruit, and altogether the place is one of the valuable properties of Creston.

Although reared in the faith of the democratic party Mr. Pence is now a stanch republican and while on the farm served as township trustee and as road supervisor. He also served as a member of the school board for many years and was chosen as a delegate to numerous county conventions, also as a delegate to the congressional convention. He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the work of which they are deeply interested and Mr. Pence belongs to J. T. Potter Post, G. A. R.. at Creston. Almost thirty-five years have passed since he came to this state and during the years which have since passed he has not only witnessed a wonderful transformation but has largly aided in the labors which have transformed wild land into rich and productive tracts, and now in his declining years, through earnest and unremitting toil in former years, he is now enabled to live retired, enjoying the well earned rest which is the merited reward of a long and honorable business career.

From: George A. S. Ide, The History of Union County, Iowa (Chicago: S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., l908), 703-705.

Mrs. Margaret Pence was born November 16, 1821, in Robeson County, N.C. Her father, Jacob Bryan, moved from North Carolina, settled in Jefferson County, Ind., May 10, I822, where he remained until 1835, when he moved to Wabash County. Her mother, Nancy Freeman, was also a native of North Carolina, and was married to Mr. Bryan in 1804. Mrs. Margaret Pence, the subject of this sketch, was first married to John H.Gamble, January 10, 1840. They lived on their farm three miles southeast of Roann until his death, which occurred in 1877. In 1879, she moved to Roann, where she lived until 1882, when she was married to William H. Pence. In the spring of the same year, she moved with her husband to his farm, located one mile west of Roann, where Mr. Pence died November 5, 1883. she returned to Roann. and made her home with her brother, Jacob Bryan, until her death, which occurred December 8, 1883. Mrs. Pence was a devoted Christian woman, and her love of truth and earnestness in Christian work won for her many friends.

From: Thomas B. Helm, L. H. Newton and Ebenexer Tucker, History of Wabash County, Indiana : containing a history of the county; its townships, towns, military records portraits of early settlers and prominent men, personal reminiscences, etc. (Chicago: J. Morris, 1993), 437.

Founder of Frankfort, John Pence was born in Virginia in 1800. He moved to Ohio in 1818. In 1827 Pence left Ohio to seek better land in Indiana. John's brothers, Nicholas and Jacob joined John and purchased land in Clinton County, Indiana.

John purchased 320 acres for $400. He donated 20 acres of land to start the town of Frankfort. A petition was being taken to Indianapolis by Abner Baker to make Jefferson the county seat. At the same time John Pence was going to Indianapolis to try and make Frankfort the county seat. Both men set out on horseback at the same time. Abner Baker never made it to Indianapolis. It is believed that Pence cut him off, took his horse, and stole his petittion. Frankfort was named the county seat.

On June 8, 1830 Pence gave 60 more acres to Clinton County. He also gave $100 for a new courthouse.

John Pence died July 31, 1882.

A Portrait and Biographical Record of Boone and Clinton Counties, Ind., Containing Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, and Biographies of the Governors of Indiana. (Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1895).

CHARLES P. PENCE is a native of Clinton county, Ind., and a son of one of the prominent pioneers, his father John Pence, having entered the land where Frankfort now stands, John Pence, of German descent, was born in Virginia, came to Warren county, Ind., with his father, who was one of the pioneers of that county, and married there Judith, daughter of Harmon AUGHE. To Mr. and Mrs. Pence were born nine children: Nancy, Mary A., Amanda E., Harriet L., Samuel D., Charles P., John W., Aaron W., and Thomas C. In 1829 he came to Clinton county; and entered several sections of land, which were then covered with heavy timber. He built a log cabin, which stood for years east of Main Street, on the north side of Barner Street, in what is now the city of Frankfort. Several of the old settlers came with him, among them the Gaskills and Blinns, and all settled near. Mr. Pence gave sixty acres of land for the public square and $100 in cash to assist in getting the county-seat located here. The other settlers, having farmed the Pence homestead, where they resided for seven years. They then moved two miles east, to a farm consisting of 130 acres in Center township. He bought this land and cleared all except about eight acres, and here he resided until he bought his present farm, consisting of eighty acres, one mile east of Frankfort. To Mr. and Mrs. PENCE have been born four children James W., John K., Rosa I. and Ella G. He cast his first presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has since voted the republican ticket. Fraternally he is a member of Dacotah tribe, No. 42, I. 0. R. M., of Frankfort. Mr. Pence has always been a substantial farmer, is a man of integrity of character, and has reared a respected family of children, who may well take an honest pride in the sterling ancestry from which they spring. His son, James W., married Dora HARLAND, and is the father of four children: Rosa I. married James W. YOUNG, farmer in Kirklin township, and is the mother of seven children; Ella C. married William Brittian, a farmer two miles east of Frankfort, and has borne two children.

A Portrait and Biographical Record of Boone and Clinton Counties, Ind., Containing Biographical Sketches of Many Prominent and Representative Citizens, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Presidents of the United States, and Biographies of the Governors of Indiana. (Chicago: A. W. Bowen & Co., 1895), 833-834.

PENCE, HARRY AUDLEY: Florist; b Douglas Co, Ill Aug 7, 1869; s of James M Pence-Cornelia Coykendall; ed Falls City HS; m Jennie F Simanton June 1899 Falls City; s Harry S, Eugene E; 1890-1901 engr Amalgamated Copper Co, Butte Mont; 1901- ptr of J R Simanton in greenhouse, one of oldest in Neb, Falls City; past mbr city coun; Neb St Florists Soc; FTDA; Soc of Amer Florists & Ornamental Horticulturists; C of C; Falls City Country Club; IOOF, past noble grand; Rep; res 1014 E, Falls City.

[Ed. Note: 1920 U.S. Census of Falls City, Richardson County, Nebraska, shows: Harry A. Pence, 50, born Illinois; Jennie S. Pence, 42, born Nebraska; Harry S. Pence, 18, born in Montana and Eugene E. Pence, 14, born in Nebraska.]

From: Who's Who in Nebraska (1940), Richardson County.

PENCE, DR. W. L. - Farmer and physician, section 28, P. O. Adelphi. This gentleman owes his nativity to Logan, Kentucky, where he was born on the twenty-seventh of March, 1832. He resided there until sixteen years of age, and then traveled through Ohio, Indiana and Tennessee, remaining a short period in each State. Having made choice of medicine as a profession he commenced its study and read in Greensburg, Decatur county, Indiana. In June, 1855, he graduated from the Eclectic Medical Institute of Cincinnati, and came to this county in 1857, at once commencing the practice of his profession. This he followed until October, 1865, when he also became engaged in farming, but is still engaged in practicing medicine. Has been supervisor and assessor of the township, and at present is trustee. Dr. Pence was married in this township in February, 1863, to Miss Abigal E. Powers of Indiana. She died in February, 1867, leaving one son, James M. Was married again to Miss Julia A. Norris of Jasper. They have two children: John and Wm. R. He owns a farm of two hundred and ninety acres. His father was of German ancestry and his mother of Welsh, English and Irish origin. -

From: The History of Polk County, Iowa (Union Historical Company, Birdsall, Williams & Co. 1880).

ADAM PENCE, retired farmer, P.O. Westville. Among the many pioneers of this county we find Adam Pence living in an old-time cottage under the beautiful hills that overlook the Mad River Valley. He is one of our comfortable men, retired from active business, and with his wife, three sons and two daughters, lives a happy contented life, surrounded by domestic comforts, and free from care. Adam was born in Shenandoah Co, VA, probably in 1802; his parents Lewis and Barbara Pence immigrated to Ohio in 1820; they are both of German descent, and Mrs. Pence came from Germany. Their children (eleven in number) were born in Virginia, the youngest being 21 years of age; four of them were married. Lewis had considerable money when he came here, and purchased a section of land, afterward buying 300 acres more; this he divided among his children at once; and they set to work and soon those who were married had a comfortable log house erected. Adam, our subject, is now living in the house first built in 1821 and which has been occupied by his family for fifty-nine years. He was married to his present wife Mary Prince, a native of Kentucky, in 1824; they were both hard workers, saved their money, and soon had gained enough to purchase 240 acres of land; this was in turn divided among their children, of whom they have nine, seven sons and two daughters. Three sons are married; Wesley married Emily Strickler; Adam Jr. wedded Nancy McCarty and William married Mary Miller. The two daughters are named Sarah and Elizabeth. There are also three sons living at home - Henry, John and David. Adam Pence has also raised another man, who might properly be reckoned a son named Charlie M. Overhulse. The sons living at home have lately added to their possessions 200 acres more land, purchased in partnership, lying west of the home farm. Their father still owns his original tract of 100 acres given him by his father, with an income sufficient to furnish every comfort while they live. We have been to many farmhouses, but the culinary skill of the mother and her daughters cannot be excelled by any housewives in the county. Their habits are of a quiet sort, for which the pioneers are noted, and the family are members of the Lutheran Church, to which Mr. and Mrs. Pence have belonged for nearly three quarters of a century. They are noted for their honesty, and as neighbors, enjoy the confidence of all with whom they are acquainted. This sketch will ever be a source of pride to their descendents indicating the character of their ancestry, and the high esteem in which they are held in the community. According to the 1874 atlas, the Adam Pence Sr. tract or farm was in the west half of Sec. 27. [42A]

From: The History of Champaign County, Ohio (Chicago: W. H. Beers & Co., 1881), page 732.

Cyrus P. Pence, son of Charles, who served in the war of 1812, who was a son of Jacob, a soldier under Washington and Lafayette at Valley Forge, Pa., during the Revolutionary war, is a native of Rockingham County, Va., born Nov. 15, 1809. He learned the trade of a tanner and currier, remaining in his native State until 1835. He then moved to Clinton County, Ind., remaining there until 1853, when he moved to Anderson, Madison County. In the spring of 1859 he moved to New Castle and purchased a tannery and boot and shoe and harness manufactory, which he carried on until the breaking out of the Rebellion, or civil war, during which four of his sons enlisted. One, F. N., was severely wounded at the battle of Chickamauga. He was struck on the shoulder by a bursting shell, receiving injuries in his back and head, but recovered after the war. Mr. Pence discontinued his tannery, etc., and engaged in the milling business for two or three years at the same place, converting his building into a mill. He purchased Wm. H. Hoover's property in New Castle, where he has since resided. He owns seven acres of choice land, and pays strict attention to raising fruit, berries, etc. Mr. Pence was married to Elizabeth Littell, daughter of Joseph Littell, of New Market, Va., who died at Frankfort, Ind., Jan. 29, 1849, having had eight children, five of whom, four sons and one daughter, are living. Mr. Pence remained a widower until October, 1850, when he married Miss Catherine Kyger, of Frankfort, Ind. To this marriage eight children were born, five sons and three daughters. Four sons and three daughters survive. One, Harry G., died from sunstroke, June 30, 1878, aged eighteen years and six months. Politically Mr. Pence has been a strict adherent to the Jeffersonian doctrine, ever voting the Democratic ticket, except for Abraham Lincoln's second election, who was in favor of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, whose heart, Waldo Emerson said, "was as large as the world, but no room for a wrong." Mr. Pence is probably the only person now living in Indiana who has seen and conversed with Washington Lafayette, son of General Lafayette. He met him with another distinguished friend from France, at the Thomas Jefferson residence, Monticello, Va.

From The History of Henry County, Indiana (Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co., 1884), New Castle and Henry Townships, 518-519.

JOHN PHILIP PENCE. During the seventeen years in which Mr. Pence has been engaged in agricultural pursuits in Wabash county, he has gained the reputation of being a thoroughly up-to-date, progressive and energetic farmer. A son of the South, he was brought up in a family of agriculturists, and to his inherent knowledge and inclination - a heritage from generations of tillers of the soil-he has added wide experience and skillful application of modern methods. For some years his work as a farmer has been conducted on the estate of David C. Ridenour in Waltz township, a tract of 160 acres, and twenty-six acres of his own, to the improvement of which his own labors and management have been an important contribution. John Philip Pence, best known throughout his section of Wabash county as Philip Pence, comes from the Old Dominion state, having been born in Rockingham county, Virginia, May 3,1878, a son of John P. and Mary E. (Shutters) Pence. His parents belonged to old and honorable Virginia families and spent their lives within the confines of their native state. Philip Pence received a public school education and was reared on a farm, dividing his time between attendance at the public schools and assisting his father in the numerous duties pertaining to a Virginia homestead. At the age of nineteen years, desiring to see the country lying farther toward the west, he came to Indiana and soon became so satisfied that he decided to remain here. Enterprising and industrious, he had no difficulty in finding employment among the farmers of Waltz township, in which community he has spent his entire time. In 1901 he came to the farm of his father-in-law, David C. Ridenour, and his energetic methods soon brought about such a desirable condition of affairs that Mr. Ridenour placed him in full charge of what is generally regarded as one of the finest farms in the township. Since then there has been a record of constant improvement, including the erection of a modern residence, the enlargement of the barn, and the institution of various changes which have added to the value of the estate. Mr. Pence classifies himself as a general farmer, but the profits come chiefly from cattle raising, and the stock which is found on the farm and goes every year to market is practical evidence of his skill and judgment as a breeder of cattle. Progressive in all things, Mr. Pence favors the use of modern machinery and appliances, and his reputation as a businesslike farmer is well established in the community. On February 28, 1901, Mr. Pence married Miss Anna Ridenour, daughter of David C. and Catharine Ridenour of Noble township. To their union have been born three children namely: David C., named for his grandfather, born August 21, 1903, and now attending the public schools; Mary Catherine, born May 26, 1905, and also in school; and Harold Emerson, born June 26, 1911. All were born on the Ridenour homestead. Mr. and Mrs. Pence are faithful members of the Lutheran church, and he is serving on the board of deacons. In political views he is a democrat, but his only interest in public matters is that taken by every good citizen in those things that affect the community. [969A]

From: Clarkson W. Weesner, The History of Wabash County, Indiana (Chicago and New York: Lewis Publishing Co., 1914).

ROBERT LOWRY was throughout his active years engaged in farming in Boggs township, Armstrong county, and since his retirement has made his home in Wickboro. He was born Jan. 18, 1832, on the old farm in Boggs township then owned by his father and now by himself, son of William and Esther (Miller) Lowry.

William Lowry, the father, was born in 1799 in Indiana county, Pa., and when a young man, came to Armstrong county to work in a tannery, intending to remain here only a short time. But as time went on he married, purchased a farm and settled down to agricultural pursuits, following that calling until his death, which occurred June 28, 1872. Mr. Lowry was in turn a Whig and Democrat in politics. In church connection he was a Seceder. His wife, Esther (Miller), born in 1812, daughter of John Miller, died Sept. 30, 1881. They had the following children: Robert, John, Mary, Jane, James, Esther, Rachel and Sarah Martha. The parents are buried in the Mount Zion cemetery.

Robert Lowry grew to manhood in Boggs township, and there attended the common schools, which were not so well conducted in his day as they are at the present time. He followed farming, remaining on the old homestead and taking up the work as his father relinquished it, and he made considerable improvement in the property, which contains 140 acres overlooking the Allegheny river. There he continued to reside until 1906, when he himself gave up active labor and moved into Wickboro (now Kittanning), residing at No. 1592 Johnson street. He has always been highly respected among his neighbors and friends, has led an industrious and useful life, and deserves the respite from active cares he is now enjoying.

On De. 12, 1882, Mr. Lowry was married by Rev. Mr. Lydy, of the Presbyterian Church of Worthington, to Elizabeth PENCE, who was born Jan. 11, 1836, in Sugar Creek township, Armstrong county, daughter of George and Deborah (McKee) PENCE, who are buried in the Cowansville cemetery. George Pence was born in West Franklin township about Oct. 28, 1810, and lived to the good old age of nearly ninety-six years, dying June 1, 1906. He was a farmer by occupation. His first wife, Deborah, died at the early age of twenty-eight years, the mother of three children, Maria E., Elizabeth A. (Mrs. Lowry) and Peter, who lives in Payette, Idaho, where he is prominent as a banker. Mr. and Mrs. Lowry have had no children of their own, but they have adopted a son, Charles, who was born Feb. 2, 1885. He is now cultivating the old Lowry homestead in Boggs township, residing there with his family. He was married to Iva Slagle, and they have four children, Robert, Arnold Greer, Mildred and Bernice Elizabeth.

Armstrong County, Pennsylvania; Her People, past and Present : Embracing a History of the County and a Genealogical and Biographical of Representative Families (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1914), 458.

Among the sterling old pioneer citizens of Idaho, Peter Pence holds distinctive prestige as one who has been unusually active in advancing the progress and prosperity of this great western commonwealth. He has lived in this section of the country since 1862, and here has been engaged in numerous enterprises that have brought success to himself and that have reflected credit on his fair and honorable business methods. It is to the inherent force of character and commendable ambition and unremitting diligence of Mr. Pence himself that he steadily advanced in the business world until he now occupies a leading place among the active and representative citizens of Payette.

A native of the fine old Keystone State, Peter Pence was born in Armstrong county, Pennsylvania, October 12, 1837. He is a son of George W. and Deborah (McKee) Pence, both of whom were natives of Pennsylvania, and where the former was born in 1810. The father was engaged in agricultural pursuits and in the meat business during the major portion of his active career, and he was summoned to eternal rest in 1906, at the patriarchal age of ninety-six years. His cherished and devoted wife passed away in 1839, when the subject of this review was but eighteen months old. There were other children in the family, namely; Andrew, twin of Peter, died in childhood; Mrs. Maria Ellen Wilson, the mother of Congressman Edgar Wilson, of Boise; Elizabeth Ann, the wife of Robert Lowery, of Pennsylvania; Albert of Payette; Mrs. House, of Brooklyn; and Mrs. Handy, of Denver.

To the public schools of Armstrong, Pennsylvania, Peter Pence is indebted for his preliminary educational trailing. After leaving school he worked for his father for several years and in 1858 left Pennsylvania and went to Atchison, Kansas, whence he later went up the Missouri river to St. Joseph. In 1860 he went to Pikes Peak, Colorado, where he sojourned for a short time, eventually returning to Kansas, and there engaged in farming. In 1862 he came to Idaho, leaving the Missouri river at Atchison, Kansas, June 9th, and reaching this locality about October 1st. He traveled with ox teams, passing through many narrow escapes from Indians in crossing the continent. He settled in the Boise basin, where he was interested in mining projects, and where he remained for about one year. He then turned his attention to the freighting and packing business between Yumatilla, (sb Umatilla) Oregon, and the Boise basin and Silver City, and in 1864 he packed one load of freight into the latter place at twenty-eight dollars per one hundred pounds. In Silver City he also sold ten-pound cans of lard for ten dollars a can, oats at thirty dollars per hundred pounds, bacon at one dollar and a half a pound, this being in June of 1865. In 1866 he ran a threshing machine, and in this connection cleaned up about fifty dollars a day during 1864-4-5. At this time also provisions in the mining districts were usually expensive, flour selling for a dollar a pound, apple pies at a bakery for a dollar apiece, bacon for a dollar and a half a pound, ham for the same price, and lard for ten dollars a can.

In 1867 Mr. Pence went into the state of Washington and purchased a drove of cattle, which he brought to Idaho. He then engaged in farming and stock raising on the Payette river, about ten miles above the present city of Payette, and there remained for a number of years. In the years 1880 and 1881 he drove herds of cattle out of Payette valley into Wyoming, shipping the feeding steers to Omaha, Nebraska, and there getting three and three and one-quarter cents per pound. Since 1882 he has lived in Payette, and here he now vice-president of the First National Bank and of the New Plymouth Bank. He has money invested in a number of important business enterprises and is vice-president of the Idaho Canning Company. In politics he owns allegiance to the Republican party, and it is worthy of note here that he was the first mayor of Payette. He has served as school trustee, and during his administration was purchased the block where now stands the beautiful brick school building, surrounded by splendid shade trees set out at that time and under Mr. Pence’s supervision. In 1900 he was a state representative. He is a man of broad and deep human sympathy, his innate kindliness of spirit having won him the everlasting friendship and esteem of all with whom he has come in contact. Although seventy-five years of age, he is still hale and hearty, and it is with a spirit of satisfaction that he looks back over the past and realizes that he has been an important factor in making Idaho one of the substantial states of this great western empire.

On October 6, 1872, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Pence to Miss Anna Bixby, a daughter of Seth and Ellen Bixby, who crossed the plains from Missouri to Idaho in 1862. Mrs. Pence died July 18, 1906, in Payette, and here her loss was uniformly mourned by a wide circle of appreciative and loving friends. Concerning the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Pence, the following brief data are here incorporated; Emma Belle is the wife of F. M. Satorris, of Payette, and they have two children; Edward C. is married and resides in Boise, Idaho, and he has two children; Lloyd, whose home is in Payette but who spends his summers at Big Willow, is married and has five children; Harry B.; Walter.; and Grace, who is the wife of R. D. Bradshaw and has three children. Harry B. and Walter G. are both married and occupy the old homestead. This homestead was the first location made on Big Willow Creek, and was made in 1867, one year before the country was surveyed and it was then and is now the best stock ranch in the surrounding country. It was at this ranch in the years 1877-878 that the Snake Indians as well as the Shoshones, Blackfeet and Nez Perces started in to drive all settlers out of the Snake River and Payette valleys or take their scalps. But the frontiersmen rallied to arms, built stockades, put their families in them and kept on the lookout. Mr. Pence remembers many times taking his bed and little ones and going to the grain field to sleep and leaving the home. And then looking up many times through the night to see if the redskins had fired the home yet. Mr. Pence had two brave cowboys, Albert Wilson and Albert Packson, who stayed in the house after the family left, but finally they went to the highest hill close by where they could overlook the valley at which place they did see the Indians telegraph from one mountain top to another. This was done by firing bunches of cut off dried grass and moving it in a certain manner. Those signals would be given from one mountain top to another, telling other warriors where they were and how many scalps they had taken or where the soldiers were, etc. Finally Mrs. Pence and the small children got too restless and the dangers increasing daily, Mr. Pence left the home, and took the family to Boise City. Here he went into the army, joining General O. O. Howard with several hundred men, both infantry and cavalry, who kept the Indians moving from mountain to mountain and driving all warriors out, of Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon, through Northern Idaho into and through the Lulo Pass into Montana. Chief Joseph had by this time become head chief of all the tribes. One incident that took place on the old homestead at the mouth of Big Willow Creek; Fifteen warriors got within fifty yards of the house when Mr. Pence and his wife were alone. The only thing to do was to stand them off, which they did by getting their guns and bringing them to bear on the leaders, who were all mounted on their best ponies and dressed in full war paint. Standing in line for several minutes, having their repeating muskets on their shoulder, Mr. and Mrs. Pence bade the leaders repeatedly to go back, which they did eventually without bloodshed. Mr. Pence spends the greater part of his time with his children, whom he has started well in life, and who are now enjoying prosperity and happiness which in turn renders him the greatest happiness.

Hiram T. French, M.S., The History of Idaho (Chicago and New York: The Lewis Publishing Co., 1914.

Memoirs of Allen H. Pence

South Whitley, Indiana

(24 Jun 1848 - 7 May 1940)

Company D, 129th Indiana Volunteer Infantry

After the battle of Chicamauga, President Lincoln in Oct.1863 called for 500,000 volunteers for three years or during the war. The 129th Indiana was one of the regiments organized in that call. The enlistment was started on October 1863.

The regiment was enlisted in what is now the Twelfth Congressional District. We were ordered to drill and camp at Kendalville. In January following we were moved by train to Michigan City. Enlistments were held back and we were not sworn in until [the] latter part of January 1864.

Our regiment officers were:

• Col. - Charles Case
• Lieut. Col. - Charles A. Zollinger
• Major - Samuel B. McGuire
• Adj. - Hon. [blank]
• Quartermaster - Joseph Copp
• Surgeon - Dr. Carr
• Chaplin - Hermen Reese

Along about the middle of March 1864, we were moved by train to Nashville, Tenn. There we met six other Indiana Regiments and were organized into the First Division of the 23rd Corp. - known as Hovay's Babies.

General Hovey [sic] was our division Commander.

We started on the march from Nashville, Tenn.. to Charleston, Tenn. about the 1st of April - camped there a few weeks.

On the 7th of May the rest of the 23rd Corp [sic] came from Knoxville and we joined them for the Atlanta campaign with John M. Schoffield as our Corp Commander.

We moved to Red-Clay Ga. And there heard our first skirmishing although we were not in the fight, from there we moved to what is known as Rocky-face or Tunnel Hill.

We were placed in the second line of battle, the confederates shelled us in that position, they shot high in the pine trees and the limbs fell about us, but no one was injured.

We were moved to the battlefield of Resaka, the battle lasted two days the 15th and the 16th of May. And we did not engage in the battle until the second day-there were several wounded and killed.

The Rebels retreated on the night of the 16th of May across the Oostennla (?) River. We followed across this river, and skirmished with them until we reached Altoona Hills.

In this Altoona Range of hills was a place where we had a stiff engagement and Captian Robbins of Company "G" was wounded and died ten days later and (a) number (were) wounded. From here the Confederates retreated to Kenesaw Mt. About the first of June '64.

The federal Army followed and there was terrific fighting around this mountain for a month. The Federal losses were very heavy at this time and among those who fell was the gallant General Harker. Sherman's losses were 8670. It was here that Col. Case resigned and Lieut. Col. Jollinger was promoted to Colonel. Major McGuire became Lieut. Col. Captian (sic) DeLong was promoted to Major.

The Confederates lost one of their commanders Gen. Leondies Polk, who was killed by a shot by one of the 5th Indiana Battery Boys. On the 4th and 5th of July, 1864, the Confederate Army retreated from the heavy fortifications to and across the Chattahooche River. Our Corp was the first Federal troop to cross this river-we crossed where Soap Creek enters, and built extensive fortifications to guard the bridge head. While camped here we received a New Flag and a New Banner from Gov. Morton of Indiana.

The ladies of Angola had presented us with a flag when (we) left Michigan City, but this flag was badly torn with shot and shell. On the 18th of July we moved and captured Decatur, Ga. And the Augusta R.R. We was moved to a position within sight of Atlanta and on that day the great battle of Atlanta was fought. However, we took no part in this battle.

Our losses were very heavy among the officers who were killed was Gen.. McPherson, and on the 6th of August fought what was known as the battle of Utoy Creek. John Mason our gallant flag bearer was killed, while we were charging the rebel works. When he fell, the flag fell and covered his body.

Dave DeLong, hospital stewart (sic) removed the flag and carried it on to the Rebel works.

Our losses of men, wounded killed were very great. Our next move was to capture Railroads below Atlanta They were taken, Confederates evacuated Atlanta on the 2nd of September.

Sherman sent a telegram to Lincoln stating-"Atlanta is Ours and fairly won." Our losses on the AtlantaCampaign were 36500 men.

On October 5th found us marching again by Kenesaw Mt. To support Gen. John M. Crose, who was fighting a desperate battle at Altoona. We arrived too late for this engagment (sic) as the Rebels had retreated. We followed Gen. Hood nearly all over north Georgia and the middle of October we were at Resacka, we were ordered by train to Johnsonville Tenn. We camped here a month and were moved by train to Columbia: Tenn. -met the retreating army of Gen Schofield and made and made (sic) the famous retreat within sight of the Rebels and they did not molest us.

On the morning of the 30th of November, we went into position at Franklin and built the line of works from which the great Battle of Franklin was fought. The losses were staggering for the confederates.

The confederate loss was 6252. Generals killed were Gist, Cleburne, Adams, Strallet and Granburg. After the battle we Retreated to Nashville-on the 15th and 16th of December the battle of Nashville was fought which utterly destroyed the effectiveness of the Western Confederate Army. Generals Gordon, Brown, Carter, Cebell, Scott, Mariqualt, Inarles and Walthall (sentence unfinished.)

Losses of the confederate Army were 15000 and they lost all their artillery. Yanks loss was 2326 men. This Victory for the federal side was a great tribute to the ability of General George H. Thomas.

After this battle our Regiment with the 23rd Corp were ordered to march to Clifton Tenn. Where we were moved by boats and went down the Tennese [sic] River and up Ohio River to Cincinati, at this city we were moved by train for Washington.

We [word missing] here a month and were ordered to Fort Fisher N. Car. by boat. We stayed a few days and by boat again to Newborne N. Car. From Newbourne, we marched to what was called Wise's Cross Roads and here on the 9th and 10th of March 1865 we had one of the severest little battles that we fought. This however was our last engagment.

We marched from there to Goldsboro, N.Car. where we met Gen. Sherman's victorious Army and we all marched to Raleigh, N. Car.

On the 10th of April, we heard of the surrender of Gen. Lee's Army. I suspect lwords missing] had ever been in our lives, we knew the killing was over and we were going home to our Fathers, Mothers and Sweethearts. We didn't go immediately as we were kept to act as guards for Government property until Civil government could be established. On August 29th 1865 we were mustered out at Charlotte, N. Car.

Notes: There is no date indicating when the material was written. It was sent 13 Mar 1958 by Allen H. Pence's dughter, Susan (Pence) Parker to her grand-niece, Tamsen Pence (Mrs. David Soucher). Mrs. Parker's transmittal letter stated: "Father was 15 years of age when [words missing] to war and was past 17 years before he returned home to South Whitley, Indiana… . I did copy the history that Father gave at one of his reunion [sic] of the 129th. So hope it will be of some interest." Mrs. Soucher, in her message to me, wrote: "Allen H. Pence had two children, Sue and Cullen. Sue married a preacher, Paul Parker, and moved to Fort Wayne. Cullen was one of the founders of Boynton, Florida. He raised tomatoes and pineapples. He married Emma Ewing, the school teacher, May 10, 1904. They had two sons, Allen Ewing Pence (1905-1969) (my father) and Phil Weimer Pence. Cullen Pence died around 1910." - Richard A. Pence

LAVERNE K. PENCE when a young man familiarized himself with all details of the automobile, both from the business and the technical and mechanical standpoint. Some years ago he located at Bozeman, and in a comparatively short time has built up the leading garage and one of the chief automobile sales agencies in Southern Montana. The business is known as L. K. Pence & Co. Mr. Pence was born at Fairfield, Washington, September 14, 1892. His father, Charles F. Pence, was born in Illinois in 1869, was reared in his native state, and when a young man joined an emigrant train going overland to California. From California he moved to Washington, where he married, and he spent some time as a prospector in the Coeur D'Alene country. He also lived at Fairfield, and is now a resident of Spokane, where for several years he was an attorney and a real estate broker, but is now retired. He is a democrat in politics. Charles F. Pence married Mary Beatrice Koontz, who was born in Missouri in 1872. Laverne K. is the oldest of their children. Grace is the wife of Leslie Francis, a wholesale produce merchant at Spokane; Irlene Winifred is a student in the University of Washington at Seattle. Roy is in the Spokane High School and Carl is a pupil in the grade schools of Spokane. Laverne K. Pence received his early education at Spokane, attended high school there, and at the age of eighteen left his studies to become a mechanic for F. A. Williams, the Ford agent at Spokane. For several years he had no other enthusiasm than the automobile, and he was soon pronounced an expert in the business. In August, 1916, he was appointed traveling representative for the Ford Motor Company, and until October of the same year traveled over the States of Montana, Idaho and Washington. In October, 1917, he established his business at Bozeman, his partner being his former employer, F. A. Williams, of Spokane, until 1920. The firm of L. K. Pence & Company is now owned entirely by Mr. Pence. The garage and offices are at the corner of Babcock Street and Black Avenue. Mr. Pence handles automobile accessories, and is local agent for Ford cars, tractors and farm implements. He does business all over Gallatin County and as far as Willow Creek, Harrison and Pony. Mr. Pence is still interested in mining in Alaska, Montana and Idaho. He is independent in politics and a member of Bozeman Lodge No. 463 of the Elks. His home is in the Clark Apartments at 616 South Third Avenue. Mr. Pence married in Spokane September 8, 1916, Miss Florence Jones, a daughter of W. C. and Rosa (Marvin) Jones, residents of Spokane. Her father is a practicing attorney. Mrs. Pence is a graduate of the South Central High School of Spokane. They have one daughter, Jane Marvin, born September 24, 1918.

Tom Stout [editor], Montana, Its Story and Biography; A History of Aboriginal and Territorial Montana and Three Decades of Statehood (Chicago and New York: The American Historical Society, 1921), Vol II, 29-30.

ROBERT L. PENCE, born in Stark County, Ohio, June 2, 1835, was one of seven children of William and Nancy (Black) Pence, who were natives of Pennsylvania and Ireland respectively. Our subject left the home of his parents at the age of seventeen, to fight the battle of life for himself, and farmed for different parties till 1855, in which year, on February 22, he was married to Mary A. Ummel, born in Columbiana County, Ohio, and who bore him seven children, two only of whom are living - William E. and Hiram M. Mrs. Pence died February 10, 1866, and March 20, 1867, Mr. P. took for his second wife Magdalen Biery, also a native of Columbiana County, Ohio, by whom also he had six children - Norman H., Cora E., Corwin, Denver N., Charles E., Harvey E. Mr. Pence owns eighty acres of fine land in this township, and a one-half interest in the Forest Flouring Mill, which he purchased the spring of 1882. In politics, he is a Democrat, and in 1869 was elected Justice of the Peace, which office he still retains.

Weston Arthur Goodspeed [historical editor], Charles Blanchard [biographical editor], Weston Arthur Goodspeed [main author], Charles Blanchard (added author], Counties of Whitley and Noble, Indiana : historical and biographical, illustrated (Chicago: F.A. Battey & Co., 1882), Part 2, Nob ble County, Jefferson Township.

MARTIN, FREDERICK and HAMILTON PENCE are the children of John and Mary F. (Hoffman) Pence, natives of the "Old Dominion," where they were reared and married. They moved from Virginia to Champaign County, Ohio, in 1822. There were five children born to them, and some years after their removal to the Buckeye State the mother died. The father married for his second wife, Barbara Loudenback, and by this marriage there were nine children. The father had been a soldier of the war of 1812, and always followed farming and was a hard-working, industrious man, and respected and useful citizen. Martin Pence, son by the first wife, was born in Page County, Va., July 9, 1818. Frederick, his brother, in the same county and State, April 4, 1820; and Hamilton, in Champaign County, Ohio, January 26, 1822. These sons received but little or no education, and after the death of their mother fared very poorly at the hands of the stepmother. Long before they were able, they were compelled to perform the same and as much work as that of full-grown men. Martin left home when about seventeen, and for some years worked by the day or month, and at anything he could turn an honest penny at. His wages were small, and it was only by the hardest work and strictest economy that he succeeded in saving a little money. He was married to Miss Barbara Loudenback August 6, 1843. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, May 8, 1820. From this union were born six children, viz., Noah, John, David, Susannah, Melissa and Josephine. Noah served his country in the late war, in the Eighty-eighth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He died at Nashville, Tenn., while in his country's service. Martin lived in Champaign County, Ohio, following farming till 1850, when he came to this county and located on the farm he now owns. The place was all woods and had no improvements. He now owns 160 acres. He is a Democrat and a member of the Baptist Church. Frederick Pence also went through many hardships and privations in youth and for years after he came to this county, which was in 1850. He was fifteen when he left his parental roof and began the battle of life. Having no education, there was no opening but hard, physical labor. He went to work with a will and labored at whatever he could find to do. He married Miss Susan Jenkins April 26, 1840. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, September 12, 1819. From this union ten children were born, viz., Philander R., Rose A., Mary F., Nancy J., Amanda, John W., Bell, Sabra, Tamson and Martha. Five of these children are deceased. In 1847, Frederick and his brother Hamilton came to this county and purchased some land, paying $3.50 per acre for it. They then went back to Ohio, and in 1850 both came to this county and located on their land. At the time of marriage, Frederick had no property. He has always worked hard and has accumulated considerable wealth. He now owns 120 acres of land and a nice and comfortable home in South Whitley. He has given liberally to his children. He is a Republican in politics, and a member of the U. B. Church. Hamilton Pence left home when thirteen years of age, and up to the time of marriage had little or no means ahead. He worked by day, month and job. He and brother Frederick would chop cord wood at 25 cents per cord and make rails at 25 cents per hundred, taking in pay wheat, corn whisky or anything they could convert into money. In 1850, Hamilton came to this county and located on what is now the Goble farm, in Cleveland Township. He was married in Champaign County, Ohio, July 24, 1844, to Miss Sarah Harbour. She was born in Champaign County, Ohio, August 8, 1819. From this union there were six children, two of whom are now living, viz., Allen and Joseph. Those deceased were, Lovina, Tamson, Richard and Jason. Allen served his country in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry during the late war. Hamilton Pence, after his marriage, lived with his father-in-law some time, then moved on a small place belonging to him, where he remained until 1845, when he moved to Jefferson County, Iowa, but after living there about a year, and in Illinois, near Springfield, some months, returned to Ohio, where he remained till he came to this county in 1850. After living some years in Cleveland Township and clearing ninety acres of land, he sold it and went to Champaign County, Ohio, and purchased his father-in-law's farm, but after a year sold that, and again came to this county, where he has since resided. He owned 320 acres of land, but has given 160 of it to his sons. He is a Republican, and a member of the U. B. Church. In taking a retrospective view of the life, success and acquirements of the Pence brothers, it can be truly said of them that they were self-made men. They began life as very poor boys, but by hard work and economy, coupled with strict honesty and straight dealings, have made for themselves and families comfortable homes and secured an enviable reputation among the people with whom they have lived, and in the county which they have helped to improve. They were stanch Union men during the late war, contributing over $1,500 for sanitary and other purposes. They are ever ready to help the weak and oppressed, and have liberally contributed to all religious, educational and other worthy enterprises.

From: Historical and Biographical Sketches of Whitley and Noble Counties, Indiana (Chicago: Weston A. Goodspeed and Charles Blanchard, 1882), 298-299.

JOSEPH PENCE, of township 17, 7 north range 10 west, section 18, was born in Rockingham county, Virginia, March 10, 1814. His parents were John and Mary (Smith) Pence, both being natives of Virginia. They had three sons and five daughters; Mr. Pence, of this sketch, is the only survivor. One brother died in Davis County, Iowa, and two sisters also died in the same place. The other three sisters died in Cass county, Illinois, and the remaining brother in Scott county, Illinois. The parents both died in Rockingham county, Virginia, the father in June, and the mother in September, 1834. Mr. Joseph Pence was married in Page county, Virginia, in 1837, to Sarah A. Samuels, of the same county, born in 1812. After marriage the young couple went to Kentucky and remained until 1838, when they removed to Morgan county, Illinois, where they have resided. Mr. Pence bought 205 acres of land, which he has greatly improved. Mrs. Pence died in 1878, and her husband still mourns her loss. Mr. Pence has always been a Democrat and has held the various offices in his township, and was a member of the IOOF. Mrs. Pence bore her husband six children, namely: Joseph W., a farmer in Iowa, is a widower with nine children; Sarah Ellen, a widow who keeps house for her father. The other children are dead. The daughter married Thomas D. Chapman, who was born near Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, January 27, 1842, and was a soldier in Company 1, One Hundred and Fifteenth Illinois Infantry, serving three years and three months. He returned home somewhat broken in health and never entirely recovered, dying August 5, 1885. He left four children and widow to mourn his loss. The children were: Louie, now Mrs. P. H. Caldwell; Charles F., Albert B. and Joseph H. are all at home with their grandfather, the first named being a member of the SOns of Veterans. Mrs. Chapman was born on the farm on which she now resides, and has always lived there. She is a member of the Providence Presbyterian Church. Her husband was a member of the Masonic order.

From: Biographical Review of Cass, Schuyler and Brown Counties, Illinois (Chicago: Biographical Review Pub. Co., 1892. Reprinted by Steven