Obituary

John Bender, the veteran Santa Fe conductor, died at his home on east Second street this morning at two o'clock after a lingering illness. He had been in poor health for many months and had not been able to take his run on the road since last May. He has been bed-fast for several weeks and his friends have known for some time that his death was a matter of a few days at the most. Among local railroad men, the belief is held that John Bender is the oldest conductor in point service on the Santa Fe system. He was a conductor on the Santa Fe out of Newton in the early 70's and worked almost continuously in this capacity from that time until forced to retire on account of failing health. During the early days of railroading in western Kansas, trainmen had many tough characters to deal with and many anecdotes are told by local railroad men of John Bender's stern characteristic way of handling such characters. Railroading in those days, even more than in this latter day, required men of stamina, but John Bender measured up to the occasion.Throughout his long service for the company, he was ever faithful to his employers and held the confidence of the officials to a degree enjoyed by few other employees. Mr. Bender is an old soldier but not a member of the Grand Army of the Republic. He has been a Mason since 1881, having a membership in the local Blue lodge, chapter and commandery. These organizations will be represented at the funeral, as will also the Elks, of which organization Mr. Bender was a member. The Order of Railway Conductors will also be represented. Mr. Bender is survived by his wife and three children, Mrs. Minnie Shevers of New York City, Miss Lottie and Mr. Lou. Mr. Bender was born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, January 31, 1844. The funeral services will be under the direction of the Knights Templar and will be held at the family home on east second street tomorrow afternoon at two o'clock. The body will be laid to rest in the city cemetery.The Newton Kansan.