Captain Philip H. Bence, 30th., Iowa Infantry.

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BENCE, CAPTAIN PHILIP H., was born in Floyd count}', Ind., December 22, 1818, where he resided for thirty-two years, and received his education in the common schools. In 1854 he came to Iowa, settling in this township, where he lived until the dark days of the war came, when he enlisted in company F, thirtieth Iowa Infantry, as third sergeant, and afterwards was promoted captain, taking an active part in nineteen battles. He returned home October 7, 1864, and on the 12th was taken by a band of rebel bushwhackers, into Missouri and shot.

Thus ended the life of one of Iowa's bravest soldiers, a true Christian, a kind husband and father; he left a wife and three children to mourn his loss. He was a member of the M. E. church, and Odd Fellows. Mrs. C. Bence, widow of the late Captain Pence, was born in Harrison county, Ind., and when quite young went to Spencer county, and lived two years, then returned, and three years later went to Floyd county. She was married to P. H. Bence, September 14, 1843. They had eight children, three living: George W., John W. and Theodore E. She is pleasantly located on a snug little farm of thirty-five acres. She is a worthy member of the M. E. Church; her life has been an eventful one, and not unmixed with trials and afflictions, but she has trusted in the Lord, and done the best she could.