 |
BENDER Family Information |
|
George Adolph Bender (b. 1917), nicknamed "Bud," is the last surviving Bender in his immediate family. His father, John Adolph Bender, was a prominent North St. Paul resident who played semi-pro baseball in the area. Nicknamed the "Chief" for his baseball prowess, John turned down offers to play professionally in the American Association to stay home and raise his family. To view a biography of the Chief, click HERE. He married Celia Luger, daughter of Luger Furniture Company president John N. Luger, Jr. Besides George, John and Celia had two other children, both daughters. His devotions and loyalty to his family, occupation and hometown were well known in the community. John was on the City Council and elected mayor of North St. Paul, serving the City for eight years, also serving as a volunteer firefighter. John Bender died in 1928 at the age of 42, leaving behind his three young children and wife Celia.
John's father, Michael Bender, was also a long time resident of North St. Paul. He was born in Mankato in 1861 and married Anna Catherine Rollinger in 1886. Three children were born to this couple: John Adolph, Charles and Margaret. Charles died as an infant, so John Adolph was the only bearer of the Bender name at that point. Michael Bender died in July of 1936, just ten days after his wife Anna passed away.
Michael Bender's father was John Bender, who was born in Nassau, Rheinland, Germany, on 27 June 1819, emigrating to America when he was 33 years old. John Bender married Eva Fruendl in 1856, the union being recognized as the first Catholic marriage that took place in the City of Mankato. John and Eva had six children; John Adolph (b. 1857), Henry (b. 1859), Michael Adolph (b. 1861), Charles (b. 1863),Anna (b.1864), and Barbara (b. 1867). Eva died at the age of 45, leaving John to care for the six children, whose ages at the time ranged from eleven to one. Henry and Charles died at young ages before marrying. Census records show that the two surviving boys--Michael and John--lived with their father, but not the two girls, whose whereabouts were never learned. Michael's brother John later married, but no other information is known about him or the two sisters.
It was mentioned above that in his immediate family, George Adolph (b. 1917) is the last surviving Bender. If John Adolph (b. 1857) had children, there is a possibility that other male Benders have carried on the family name, unfortunately there is no evidence of this. George married Benedine Effinger in 1937 and moved into the house on 8th Avenue, in North St. Paul, the same house that he was born in, the same house his own father--John Adolph--built. George and Benedine had two children, Judy (my mother) and Sandy. Judy died in 1991 at the age of 53, leaving behind her husband, Jim Ericson, and three grown children--Kathy, Jim Jr. (me), and Jody. Prior to her death, my mother started jotting down some of her memories and recollections. Click HERE to view what she wrote. Benedine died in 1997 at the age of 78. Sandy has two grown children and two grandchildren and currently lives in Colorado with husband Phil.
Recently, evidence has surfaced that may substantiate the claim that a family of Benders that settled in Baraboo, Wisconsin are related, but the connection--if there is one--originates in Nassau, Germany. From the Sauk County (Wisconsin) Historical Museum, it is written that a George Bender was born in Nassau, Germany on May 31, 1819. Since this is within one month of when our John Bender was born, it is very unlikely that they were brothers, unless either of the documented birthdates are inaccurate. They may have been cousins, however, being from the same small town. Unfortunately there is no record of George's death at the Sauk County Courthouse to determine anything more about his German heritage, and nothing more is known regarding John's German heritage. A second family of Benders also lived in Baraboo during that same period, but it appears as though the two families were unrelated.
The current Baraboo telephone book lists more than fifty Benders still in town, and countless others in the surrounding area. In the coming months, we will attempt to contact some of the Baraboo Benders to see if anyone has researched their specific Bender family history. In addition, an attempt will be made to make contact with any Benders remaining in Germany--specifically Nassau--in an effort to explore the Bender family further.
Last, we discovered that a Jacob Bender operated a brewery in New Ulm, Minnesota, from 1866 through 1912. This Jacob Bender was born December 10, 1834, in Muehlhausen, Baden, Germany. He came to America in 1865. I'm not sure if this person could be related, though I'd suspect not. I have been told that there are no surviving Benders from this line.
If you have any information regarding Benders in America or abroad, please e-mail me or contact me by phone during the day at 763-717-4021 or evenings at 612-781-8254.
 |
| Name & Address | E-mail Address | Notes |
| Ethel Emmer | rupster@webtv.net | Ethel is also researching Benders from Wisconsin and Minnesota. Her grandfather, Franklin Bender, was from Oklee, Minnesota. |
