Charles Albert “Chief” Bender was born on May 5th, 1883 at the White Earth Chippewa Indian Reservation, Brainerd, Minnesota. He was one of 13 children born to Mary Razor (Indian name: Pay shaw de o quay), who was of half Ojibwa (Chippewa) parentage, and Albert Bliss Bender, a homesteader-farmer of German-American descent.
Bender attended the Lincoln Institution, a school for Indians and whites in Philadelphia, from ages 8 to 12, and then returned briefly to Minnesota. From 1898-1901, he was a student at the Carlisle Indian School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania playing baseball for the legendary Glen “Pop” Warner. A natural athlete, Bender also participated in football, basketball and track.
In 1902, Bender attended Dickinson College (also in Carlisle) where he played baseball and football. That summer, Bender pitched for the semi-pro Harrisburg Athletic Club—earning $100.00 a month—and was discovered by Philadelphia Athletics’ scout Jesse Frisinger. Connie Mack then signed Bender to a contract with the Philadelphia Athletics for $1,800 a year, the start of a 12-year relationship with the club.
It appears that Chief was his nickname and not his status within the tribe, although he is listed in the Carlisle Records as “Charles Albert Bender, Chippewa Chief.” His brother, James Bender also attended Carlisle but was expelled, and his sister, Elizabeth, taught at Carlisle.
Additional information can be found here and here.
My grandfather was James Bender. My great grandfather was Charles Bender. I think I may be related,
I was told that there was native American in us. I would like to talk to any one that may be related
to Charles Bender. Dos any one know if there is a DNA for Bender or Marie Razor ?
Terri,
Albert bender was my dads dad he was actualy cherrokee chief of the wolf clan his english namme was joe stargell in the 1800s and 1900s before he played baseball he was also a golden box glove champion his son name was aubrey wayne stargell with is my dad I’m rachel elizabeth stargell alferd bender is my grand father
Can you email me ? Alferd was my grandfather’s brother. my email is :
Was Alferd born in Pa?
No we are from Alabama.
Actually Joe Stargell was born in 1932 he never played baseball . He did hold the Golden Gloves for several years. Joe Stargells fathers name was Not James Bender it was Millard Stargell . It was Joe Stargells great great grandfather whom was the Cherokee Indian cheif. I am the Granddaughter of Aubrey Joe Stargell whom held the Golden Gloves in Etowah county. We are Native of Alabama .
Can I have your email ?