E. S. Bentley, a harness-maker residing in the village of Prophetstown, is a son of Levi P. and Julia (Montague) Bentley, and was born in Franklin Co., Vt., Sept. 9, 1837. His father was a native of the same State, a farmer by occupation, and died in his native State. His mother was also a native of Vermont, and died there. The issue of their union was five children, four of whom are yet living. Jane is the wife of Allen Leach, a farmer residing in Vermont; Mr. Bentley of this sketch is next in order of birth; Orrin D. is a sawyer by vocation, and resides in Michigan; George C. is an attorney, residing in Hancock, Mich.

Mr. Bentley was reared on a farm until he attained the age of about 17, when he went to North Brookfield, Worcester Co., Mass., where he learned the harness trade, and remained for two years; he then went to Plattsburg, N.Y., and worked in a sawmill for a time, then came to Spring Hill, this county, arriving in 1857. He was engaged in farming here until March 1860, when he went to Pike’s Peak, Col. He was engaged in mining near the latter place until the year 1862, when, in the fall of that year, he enlisted in the 1st Col. Cav., Co. F, as private, and served three years, his company being engaged mostly in fighting the Indians. He was also quartermaster saddler. He then followed his trade for about 18 months, and finally came to has conducted ever since. He keeps a good stock of harness, saddles, whips, etc., does repairing, and usually has one assistant, and is doing a good and increasing business.

Mr. Bentley was united in marriage in Prophetstown, Sept. 29, 1868 to Miss Hester Hill, a daughter of William and Ann Hill. She was born in Prophetstown, Jan. 28, 1847. The parents of Mrs. Bentley came here in November, 1834, and may be classed as among the very first settlers of the township, and are yet living, one and a half miles southwest of Prophetstown, where her father is engaged in farming. Mr. Bentley owns his shop and residence and one lot; he is a member of the Masonic Order and of the A.O.U. W.

Contributed by Debbie Thormahlen (April 2008) from Portraits & Biographical Pg 786 Whiteside County IL 1885