I recently read the microfilm of the Herald Newspaper 1858-1907 for Pope Co., IL. There I found the obit of an esteemed German who became a citizen of Pope Co, IL. May 2, 1907 Obit April 24, 1907 at 12:10 o’clock, this community lost an honorable German citizen in the person of Fred C Bender, who died at his home, near Rosebud, IL. The deceased was born in Boenstadt, Grand Duchy of Hesse, Germany, Jul 11, 1831, hence was 75y 9m and 13 d old. He left his native land at the age of 14, and after spending four years at work on the seas, landed in the United States at New York and shortly afterwards came ______ 17,1855. He was married to Miss Christina Beger (Berger?), of Golconda, IL. About 20 years after, they moved on the farm where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr Bender had three brothers and two sisters, only one of which now survives, Richard William, of Hudson, New York. He was one of our most energetic and prosperous farmers, and by his careful management had acquired quite a lot of wealth. Our community has lost an honest, straight forward citizen and a charitable neighbor. His health had been failing for a number of years and he was confined to his room more than six months prior to his death. Ten children were born to him, five boys Wm, Charley, Frank, Richard and Fred, and five girls, Mesdames Ellen Reed, Mollie Joyner, Minnie Neimyer, Mary Hausemann and Anna Fowler, all of who, with the exception of Wm, have families of their own. Fortunately all the children were permitted to be at their father’s funeral. On Friday amid a large concourse of relatives and friends, Eld. D Noel conducted funeral services at the Baptist church, after which interment took place in the Antioch cemetery. He leaves an aged companion, ten children, twelve grandchildren and three great grandchildren and many friends. A friend. (mailto:germany-passenger-lists@rootsweb.com)