bentleyj
Transcribed from "An Illustrated History of The Big Bend Country, embracing
Lincoln, Douglas, Adams and Franklin counties, State of Washington",
published by Western Historical Publishing Co., 1904.
JOHN WESLEY BENTLEY, who dwells
seven miles north from Reardan, was born in Putnam county, Missouri, on
August 4, 1875, being the son of Calvin W. H. and Margaret J. Bentley,
natives of Indiana. The father was a veteran of the Civil War and
died several years since. He came to Washington in 1882, bringing
his family and settling on the ranch that our subject now holds.
He was a prominent and very influential man and the G. A. R. post in Reardan
was named in his honor. The mother is still living in Reardan.
Our subject received his education in the district schools here and distinctly
remembers that in those days the country was full of Indians. After
his father's death, he remained with his mother until his marriage, then
went to the ranch and purchased eighty acres.
On December 15, 1895, Mr. Bentley married
Miss Jennie, daughter of Peter and Mary (Shriner) Hanson. Mrs. Bentley
was born in Burt county, Nebraska, and came to Washington in 1890.
Her parents are dwelling in Spokane county, now. Mr. Bentley was
the youngest of seven children, six boys and one girl. They are named
as follows, James A., Milton S., Sherman S., Joshua Eddie, deceased, and
Dorie, deceased. To Mr. and Mrs. Bentley, five children have been
born, whose names and ages are as follows: Edith, seven; Minnie, deceased
and aged six; Calvin, four; Bert, three; and John, one.
Mr. Bentley has always taken a keen interest
in the development of the country and although born in the east, has practically
resided here all his life and has been closely identified with the interests
of Lincoln county since early days. He owns eighty acres of wheat
land and eighty acres of timber land. His place is comfortably improved
and he has the respect and esteem of all who know him. He takes a
keen interest in political campaigns and in educational matters.
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