Pence - John B. - CW Capt - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Capt. John B. Pence was found dead in bed at his home 208 East Main Street about 7 o’clock this (Monday) morning.  Capt. Pence had not been in the best of health for the past two weeks but appeared better Sunday and retired early. When he failed to respond to calls this morning it was found he had expired during the night.  Heart trouble was the probable cause of death. He was in his 78th year. A half brother, Samuel D. Ayres of California and nephew and niece, Walter and Ada Pence of Minneapolis survive. Funeral arrangements have not been made pending word from Mr. Ayres. John B. Pence was born in Frankfort, Clinton County Aug 29, 1833 and was the son of Nicholas and Julia (Bonnell) Pence.  The father was a farmer and Capt. Pence worked on the farm during the summers of his early youth to secure funds for his schooling in winter. His father died in 1835.  He was a student at Hanover College for two terms and Asbury (now DePauw) for two years. When he was 21 he began working in the dry goods store of Thomas S. Kelley at Frankfort continuing with this firm nearly two years, following which he went into the dry goods business for himself. He conducted this enterprise until the outbreak of the Civil War. In the fall of 1861 he enlisted in Company E, 40th Indiana Infantry and rose to the station of captain in this company. After a year’s valiant service, Capt. Pence was compelled to resign because of ill health. The principal engagement in which Capt. Pence took part was the siege of Corinth Miss.  Following the close of the war he engaged in the drug business at Frankfort and in 1874 came to Crawfordsville he had since lived. For many years he was superintendent of the gas company here being associated with PC Somersville in the enterprise. By the exercise of rare business acumen Capt Pence was enabled to accumulate considerable property and several years ago he retired, devoting his time to his home and the care of his interests. He traveled extensively and visited many parts of this and other countries. He was married Sept 16, 1856 to Miss Sallie E. Kelley of Frankfort, daughter of PS Kelley, his first employer. Capt. Pence was always an ardent Republican in politics and was an enthusiastic party worker. He was a member of Center Presbyterian Church in this city many years. - kbz