Perry Martin BENDER was born in 1873. As a young man, Perry acquired his first tract of land in 1890, 80 acres in Section 4 of Benton Township, running parallel to the main road from Mount Ayr to the county line, now Highway #2. He farmed this land a few years before he married Grace LaVina Van WINKLE in 1893. By 1901, Grace's father, Isariah Van WINKLE had purchased 200 acres to the north and east of Perry's land. In time Mr. BENDER became the owner of this tract of land.

The BENDERS began housekeeping on his farm and lived there all their married years. He died in 1954 and Grace in 1958. He was 81 and she 79 at the time of their demise.

In 1938 the BENDERS moved to the tenant house to the west a short distance, and a new home was built on the original site.

The BENDERS were parents of two daughters: Reva Galee, who married Harry MOREY, and Maye Ellen who was married to Robert MATTHEWS. They are all deceased. The grandchildren include Phyllis MOREY GOODALE, who now owns the original 80 acre tract of land. Phyllis' husband Charles GOODALE is deceased. Adra MOREY BAILEY married Richard BAILEY. Roberta MATTHEWS COOK also has a Clearfield address as do the BAILEYS. Kenneth MATTHEWS lived in Clearfield and was a carpenter and teacher. He is deceased. His brother Carroll lives at Diagonal and is retired from the postal service.

NOTES: Perry Martin BENDER, son of Gottlieb and Fredericka DREITZEL BENDER was born November 16, 1873, and died at the age of 80 years on August 13, 1954. He married Grace LaVina Van WINKLE on April 12, 1893.Grace was born in 1872, and died in 1958. They were interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

Maye Ellen (BENDER) MATTHEWS was born near Maloy June 7, 1898, and died at the age of 82 years on October 21, 1980. She married Robert Lloyd MATTHEWS (1894-1976) on June 14, 1916. They were interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

Reva Galee (BENDER) MOREY was born in 1895 and died in 1951. Harry D. MOREY was born in 1896 and died in 1971. They are interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

Adra Leila (MOREY) BAILEY was born January 6, 1924, and died November 29, 2010. She married Richard R. BAILEY (1927-1995) on March 6, 1953. They are interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

Phyllis (MOREY) GOODALE was born June 6, 1921, and died August 21, 1991. Her husband Charles was born June 11, 1918, and died August 8, 1971. They are interred at Clearfield Cemetery.

SOURCE: Maloy, Iowa Centennial History: 1887 - 1987 p. 98. 1987.

Courtesy of Mount Ayr Public Library

Transcription and Notes by Sharon R. Becker, August of 2011