HENRY D. BENTLEY, the well-known manufacturer of piano and organ stools, of Freeport, Ill., was born in London, England, in the year 1851. He was brought to America by his parents, Peter J. and E. A. Bentley, in the same year. The father of Henry D. Bentley is Peter Johnson Bentley, who was born at Reeth, Yorkshire, England, on the 13th of February, 1811. In 1826 he moved to London, taking a position in the wholesale mercantile establishment of Bentley, Pawson & Co., Cheapside. He remained in London until May 3, 1851, when he came to the United States, arriving at Freeport, Ill., on the 9th of August, 1851. At this time he took up his residence on Stephenson street, where he has continuously lived since. Mr. Bentley came to the United States, believing it better for himself and family than to remain in London. He has always been associated and identified with the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was largely instrumental in the erection of Embury Church. His family consists of his wife, daughter, and two sons: Miss Lizzie A. Bentley, Charles F. Bentley, of Grand Island, Neb., and A. D. Bentley, of Freeport.

Henry D. Bentley was reared and educated in the public schools of Freeport; after leaving school he was employed at different kinds of business until reaching his twenty-third year, when he became engaged in the sale of musical instruments for the firm of Pelton & Pomeroy, remaining with this firm about two years. He then went to Chicago, where he was engaged in the same business for a period of five years. He then returned to Freeport and embarked in the music business on his own account in the year 1879, at his present stand, No. 144 Stephenson street. After conducting the retail piano and organ trade exclusively and successfully for a time, he began the manufacture of piano and organ stools, which business he pursues in connection with his music store, and so popular are the stools of his manufacture that they are now sold in every State in the Union.

In December, 1875, Mr. Bentley was married to Miss Elida Pattison, daughter of Richard Pattison, Esq., of Freeport, Ill. They are the parents of two children – Charles Johnson and Henry D.

Mr. Bentley is a Mason in good standing and a member of the Freeport Consistory, and takes great interest in Masonic matters. He is a liberal-minded and progressive citizen, and takes great pride in the progress of the city of his adoption.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portraits & Biographical 1888 Stephenson Co IL Pg 223