BIOGRAPHY: Richard J. BENDER, Cambria County, PA 

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From Wiley, Samuel T., ed. Biographical and Portrait Cyclopedia of Cambria 
County, Pennsylvania. Philadelphia: Union Publishing Co., 1896, p. 330
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RICHARD J. BENDER, an enterprising and progressive merchant of Lilly, this 
county, is a son of Basil and Theresa (Kutz) Bender, and was born in Lilly, May 
17, 1870. Basil Bender (father) was born in Imnau, Germany, May 10, 1827, whence 
he emigrated to America when quite a young man, and located in Lilly, where he 
was employed in the coal mines until a few years prior to his death, which 
occurred in 1838.
     He was a democrat, and although not a politician, took a great interest in 
the success of his party. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church, very 
sincere and devout in his faith, he being one of the leading members in having 
the first Catholic church erected at Lilly.
     To his marriage with Theresa Kutz, who was born in Imnau, Germany, Jan. 16, 
1836, and who survives him, and now resides with her son, Richard J., at Lilly, 
the following children were born: Mary and Catherine, twins, the latter dying 
when two years old; Herman, Joseph, John, Francis, Charles, and Richard J.
     Richard J. Bender received his early education in the public schools of 
Lilly. On leaving school he commenced work in the coal mines, where he was 
employed about seven years. In 1892 he engaged in the mercantile business, 
becoming a member of the firm of Dunn & Bender. About eighteen months later, he, 
by mutual consent, bought Mr. Dunn's interest in the business, and conducted it 
himself.
     In June, 1896, he removed to his present large store-room on Main street, 
Lilly, where, by reason of his ability, fair dealing and close application to 
business, he enjoys the confidence and support of a large custom.
     In politics he adheres to the principles of the Democratic party, but does 
not take an active part in political affairs. He is a member of the Roman 
Catholic church.