Death of W. H. Bentzel
At 7 o’clock on Saturday evening Mr. W. H. Bentzel died at his residence, Walnut and Fifth streets, this place. He was ready to go and death came peacefully. While a sufferer for some time and required to quit work occasionally by reason of illness, it was just four months the day he died that he was unable to proceed with the discharge of his duties and took his bed for the last time. His decline to the period of dissolution was gradual but determined. A complication of diseases, notably heart failure, caused his death. The lamentable occurrence has befelt his family of a generous, affectionate protector, the community has lost one of its best, most upright citizens and the railroad company an efficient, faithful employee.
Mr. Bentzel, was born on the site of Daniel Bowers’ present residence, Market and Railroad streets, nearly fifty-three years ago. He was married April 17, 1865, to Miss Lizzie Alexander of Cumberland County. She with five children survive, the eldest of whom is Mrs. Harris B. Wilson, of Harrisburg. The other four daughters are at home. They are Misses Hattie, Carrie, Flora and Edith.
Mr. Bentzel was a war veteran of four years service. He served three years as a member of Company K, 12th Pa. Reserves, and then re-enlisted for one year in Company C, 201st Pa. Volunteers1. He was a good soldier. 2
The last ten years of his life were spent as assistant ticket agent of the P. R. R. Co. at this place, and for nine years prior he was bookkeeper for the firm of B. H. & J. Fickes.
In every line of duty he was earnest and faithful. A thoughtful, careful reader, he was quite familiar with current events. While not a politician and never sought to but refused office, he was elected school director in 1881. He was the man of positive convictions and, as a member of the Democratic party, an unobtrusive advocate of the cardinal doctrines of that party.
His death is sincerely regretted on all sides.
The home of the late Mr. Bentzel would not near hold the people who sought admittance during the funeral services on Tuesday morning at 10 o’clock.
Rev. S. C. Alexander, of the Presbyterian church, was in charge. “So teach us to number our days” was the subject of his remarks. Having paid an eloquent tribute to the character of the late Mr. Bentzel, and referring to his acceptable condition of heart for entrance into the mysteries of the future, he earnestly dwelt upon the necessity of every one preparing for the final ending of man without delay and while in the vigor of health and strength.
Rev. Robert Cochran read the service for the dead and Rev. S. P. Remer, of the Evangelical church, offered a fervent prayer. Solemn songs were sung by members of the Presbyterian and Reformed church choirs.
The funeral was attended by a delegation of Newport Castle, K. G. E., of which the late Mr. Bentzel had been a member, and the following Sir Knights were the pallbearers: Samuel Clay, Irvin Smith, Ambrose Kough, Ephraim Rider, Emil Kaufmann and W. Harry Smith.
Interment was made in the family burying lot, in the cemetery, according to K. G. E. Rites.
Currently a resident of Burke, Virginia - I'm originally from the City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I have been a student of the Pennsylvania Reserves since 1997 and thoroughly enjoy telling their story. By trade I'm a former IT Professional but presently working as a Letter Carrier for the United States Postal Service.
- Actually Co. I, 200th Pennsylvania Volunteers.
- Bentzel enlisted in Company C of the 12th Reserves, only later transferring to Company K of the latter regiment. After his enlistment with the 12th, he reenlisted (like the majority of the regiment) in the 200th Pennsylvania, where he served for one year in Company I of that regiment.
