LIFE HISTORIES
OF
WILLIAM BENTLEY,
1640 - 1720,
AND HIS WIFE,
SARAH ELDRED,
1650 - 1731,
AND THEIR CHILDREN
Marlin G. Criddle
Salt Lake City, Utah
March 6, 2005
AMPTHILL, BEDFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND
William Bentley was christened 13 September 1640 in Ampthill, Bedfordshire, England,
son of John Bentley and Mary Betts.1 This claim is made on the basis of miscellaneous
manuscript B477w of the Rhode Island Historical Society, which states:
William Bently Born in Amphill in Bedfordshire
England and departed this Life in Kingstown
83 yrs and 11 days of His age . . .
Calculating William Bentley's date of birth from his age at death Cameron Ralph Stewart
claims that the William Bentley who was christened in Ampthill in 1640 was very likely the
William Bentley who resided in Kingstown, Rhode Island.
A William Bentley arrived in Boston on the ship "Arabella," Richard Sprague, master,
which sailed 27 May 1671 from Gravesend, Kent, England.2 Since there was another William
Bentley who married Mary Houghton in January 1675/1676 at Dorchester, Suffolk,
Massachusetts, it is impossible to say that it was the William Bentley who settled in the
Narragansett country.3
William Bentley's wife's name was Sarah. Some have claimed that her full name was
Sarah Leithfield.4 There is no contemporary evidence for this claim. Leithfield may be a variation
of the name Litchfield, or perhaps Littlefield. Anne Litchfield, daughter of Thomas Leachfield of
Massachusetts Bay Colony, married Samuel Shippee 29 December 1702 at East Greenwich,
1
Cameron Ralph Stewart, Genealogical classification by family group coding for descent from common ancestors (Long
Beach, California: s.n., c1986), v. 2, p. 1042, note 29, citing Parish register printouts: Ampthill, Bedfordshire (FHL Film 471,892).
2
Richard Anson Wheeler, History of the town of Stonington (New London, Conn.: Day Publishing Co., 1900), p. 233.
Goldie Satterlee Moffat, Supplement (1) to volume 1 of the Satterlee-ley-ly & allied families genealogies (Perris, Calif.: s.n., 1972), p.
15, where date of sailing is shown as 27 June 1769.
3
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
pp. ii-iii.
4
Gail D. Pritchard, Bentley, Rhode Island-Connecticut-New York (S.l.: typescript, n.d.), 1st p. Goldie Satterlee Moffat,
Supplement (1) to volume 1 of the Satterlee-ley-ly & allied families genealogies (Perris, Calif.: s.n., 1972), p. 15.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
1
Rhode Island.5
An unpublished manuscript claims that “Sarah Eldred by her first husband (Leithfield)
had two sons, James Leithfield and Thomas Leithfield, both freeman of North Kingstown, Rhode
Island on Dec 21, 1696.”6
Others believe that Sarah's full name was Sarah Eldred, daughter of Elder William and
(Anne Lumpkin) Eldred. This claim is based on the fact that Sarah testified in 1718 in Kingstown
that John Eldred (1659-1724) was then living on land on which his father, Samuel Eldred, had
lived 50 years previously, in 1668. The loss of records by fire, at both Yarmouth and North
Kingstown, makes it difficult, to substantiate Sarah Eldred's marriage to William Bentley. Sarah
Eldred was born 10 October 1650 at Yarmouth, Plymouth Colony.7
Unfortunately, there is no evidence which connects Samuel Eldred, who had moved
from Cambridge, Massachusetts Bay Colony to Stonington, Connection, and then to the
Narragansett country sometime before 1668, with Elder William Eldred of Plymouth Colony.8 It
may have been the case that Sarah (-------) Bentley, as a young woman, was a neighbor of the
Samuel Eldred family in 1668, and not a relative at all.
EAST GREENWICH, (AFTER 1703 PROVIDENCE, AFTER 1750 KENT,)
RHODE ISLAND
The first known reference to William Bentley in Rhode Island occurs on 9 November
1678 when he was given 12 shillings for carrying the chains used to survey the lands of the
township of East Greenwich.9
On 29 July 1679 William Bentley, along with 41 other residents of the Narragansett
country signed a petition to the king praying that "he would put an end to these differences
about the government thereof, which hath been so fatal to the prosperity of the place."10 William
Bentley's name is the first one on the petition. [describe contents]
In 1687 a dispute arose between the English and the French Protestant settlers in the
Narragansett country. The French claimed that some of the English settlers had mowed the
meadows near their settlements and had carried away the grass and hay, leaving them without
any hay for their cattle in winter.
To settle this dispute the governor, on 5 August 1687 Sir Edmund Andros, of the
Massachusetts Bay Colony, awarded one moiety to the French families and one moiety to the
English settlers. William Bentley, of Kingstown, was one of the persons who were to share the
5
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p.
1. "The Litchfield Family in American (1901-6) makes no reference to Thomas, nor to his daughter Anne, nor to a Sarah, wife of
William Bentley.
6
Eleanor Trisman, Unpublished manuscript.
7
Records of the colony of New Plymouth (Boston: from the press of William White, 1857), Miscellaneous records, 16331689, p. 12.
8
John Osborne Austin, One hundred and sixty allied families (Providence, R.I.: s.n., n.d.), pp. 90-91.
9
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p.
5, citing General Treasurer's Accounts, 1672-1711," State Archives, Providence, R.I.
10
Rhode Island (Colony). Record of the colony of Rhode Island (Providence: Knowles, Anthony & Co., 1858), v. 3, 16781706, pp. 58-60.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
2
moiety assigned to the English settlers:
All hay cut and made upon the meadows aforesaid shall be divided into two equal shares - one for the
use of James Rennels [Reynolds], James Rennels Jr., Henry Rennels, Francis Rennels, John Sweet and
11
William Bentley of Kingstown.
On 6 September 1687 he was taxed 4s. 6½d.12 One shilling was the poll tax, which gave
Bentley a right to vote. The remainder was the property tax, further proof that he was in
possession of land.13
William Bentley's name appears first in the town records in 1696 when he was listed as
one of the freemen "belonging to the Town Kingstowne alias Rochester."14
On 4 September 1701 William Bentley was paid 10 shillings for killing a wolf, an award
established by law to rid the colony of the creature.15
William Bentley was a currier by trade, and his name appears in the town records in
various transactions.16 In April 1705 he had liberty granted by the town to set up a house,
convenient for the carrying on of his currying trade.17 This land was bounded on the south by
the Annaquatucket River, and on the east by the "old Pequot Path" or "country Rhode." The
house was known as the "tan" or "taun" house.18
The land was a gift of the town, but it later became necessary to purchase the land from
John Eldred to whom it was laid out as part of his tract in 1709.19
On 29 October 1707 the General Assembly of Rhode Island appointed men to survey
the "vacant lands" in the Narragansett country. These vacant lands were the tracts that lay
beyond the settlements made prior to King Philip's war in Cocumscussuck, Pettaquamscott,
Quidnesset, Namcock or Boston Neck, Misquamicot or Westerly, several other purchases, and
the land between Cocumscussuck and Namcock in which Wickford village was located, and
where south of the village, the tan house stood.20
11
Rhode Island (Colony). Record of the colony of Rhode Island (Providence: Knowles, Anthony & Co., 1858), v. 3, 16781706, pp. 228-229.
12
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
19.
13
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 4.
14
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
15
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
16
Roeliff Brinkerhoff, The Bentley family with genealogical records of the Ohio Bentleys and known as the tribe of
Benjamin (Mansfield, Ohio: s.n., 1897), p. 4.
17
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.Roeliff Brinkerhoff, The Bentley family with genealogical records of the Ohio Bentleys and known as the tribe of Benjamin
(Mansfield, Ohio: s.n., 1897), p. 4.
18
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
19
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
20
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
pp. 7-8.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
3
After the survey was completed, the General Assembly in October 1708 appointed a
committed to hear "the claimers of the lands" as to title and "what propositions could or should
be made to the vacant lands." On 22 March 1709 the General Assembly voted to sell the
lands.21
In 1709 William Bentley, Joseph Reynolds, Joseph Reynolds, Jr. and Robert Reynolds
purchased 787 acres of land in Exeter, situated directly west of Lafayette about 1 1/2 miles and
between Exeter Hill and Huckleberry Hill, bounded on the north by Ten Rod Road, east by the
road leading to Slocumville, south by the northwest line of the Pettaquamscut Purchase and
west by Purgatory or Hardscrabble Road.22
On 3 June 1709 the following conveyance was made to:
Joseph Reynolds, Sr., Joseph Reynolds, Jr., Robert Reynolds and William Bently of 727 acres "as
platted, bounded north by the new road, South by Pettiquamscut line, East by road leading to East
Greenwich and West by vacant lands."
The consideration ran into three figures but only the last figure, "--3 pounds" is legible in
the record.23 The "new road," called also the "new country road" and the "Ten Rod Road" is
present-day State Highway 102, which still runs from the village of Wickford to Exeter.
Of the 727-acre tract, William Bentley's share was about 195 acres in the northeastern
portion, bounded on the north by the Ten Rod road, on the east by what is now called the South
County Trail or State Highway 2, placing a portion of the land in present-day North Kingstown
and the remainder in Exeter. All of the Bentley land was subsequently acquired by John
Reynolds and Jeremiah Sweet.24
Some time before 20 January 1711/1712 deeded 67 acres of this purchase to his oldest
son, William Bentley, Jr. The record of the entry must have been one of the pages destroyed by
fire, because the only proof that the transaction took place is the subsequent record of sale by
William Bentley, Jr. to Jeremiah Sweet of Kingstown, in 1713.25
On 20 or 26 January 1711/1712 he and his wife Sarah deeded 128 acres to his son
26
James.
In 1714 Benjamin Reynolds, son of Joseph Reynolds, received part of this land in 1714.
Joseph Reynolds had 255 acres in the southeastern part; Joseph Jr. had 133 acres lying west
of the road running south from Exeter Hill. Robert Reynolds had about 144 acres between his
father and his brother, Joseph. William Bentley had 195 acres in the northeast portion lying next
to the Ten Rod Road. John Reynolds acquired the Bentley Farm from James Bentley, son of
21
p. 8.
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
22
North Kingstown Land Evidence, v. .2, p.38
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 8, citing North Kingstown Land Evidences 3:4.
24
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 9.
25
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 9.
26
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
19.
23
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
4
William Bentley, about 1718.(Reynolds Family Association, 1922 Report).
On 14 June 1714 William Bentley bought 11 acres of land from Priscilla Weather, widow
of Thomas, and her son John for £13.27 On 1 November 1715 he deeded the 11 acres to his
son Thomas.28
On 17 March 1715 he appealed from a judgment of the Justice Court in his case against
James Updike.29
On 14 December 1716 William Bentley bought eight acres of land from Captain John
Eldred. The land included the tan house and a garden, which had been given to him 1705. It
was on this land Bentley continued to live until his death in 1720.30
On 1 August 1718 in connection with depositions taken relating to the highways of the
Narragansett country, Sarah Bentley testified that Samuel Eldred, father of her cousin, John
Eldred, dwelled upon the land where he then dwelled fifty years ago.31
On 12 January 1718/1719 William Cole donated land three rods long and two rods wide
for the erection of a school house "for the benefit and proper use of the said persons whose
names are hereinunder subscribed, who out of a voluntary subscription have of their own free
will given money for the erecting of a school house." William Bentley and his son Benjamin were
two of the twelve subscribers.32
The land on the other side of the Pequot path opposite the tan house belonged to the
Updikes. They brought suit against William and Benjamin Bentley for trespass. In September
1719 father and son answer the charge, but the ultimate ruling by the court is not known.33
William Bentley made his will in 1720.34 The will was among the documents partially
damaged in the 1870 fire at the Wickford National Bank, where the town records were also kept.
Bentley appointed his wife Sarah and son Benjamin as executors. He gave 5s. to his eldest son
William and like amounts to his sons James and Thomas, and daughter Jane Whitman. He
gave 8 acres of land to his son Benjamin. He gave his wife Sarah the rest of his personal
property.35
19.
19.
19.
p. 10.
27
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
28
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
29
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
30
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
31
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
19.[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p. 10.
32
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
pp. 10-11.
33
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 11.
34
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
19.
35
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (repr. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p.
19. The remaining text of the will is reproduced in [Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence:
Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p. 12.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
5
William Bentley died shortly before 9 July 1720, when the Kingstown town council
accepted the inventory of his estate. On 11 July 1720 administration was granted to Sarah
Bentley, and her son Benjamin Bentley.36
It appears that Sarah Bentley married (2) Henry Brightman 16 March 1721/1722 at
Kingstown, Newport (after 1729 Washington), Rhode Island. They were married by Elisha Cole,
Assistant.37 Henry Brightman was a widower who died at Freetown, Bristol, Massachusetts in
1728.38
Children:
1.
William Bentley, Jr.
2.
James Bentley
3.
Jane Bentley
4.
Thomas Bentley
5.
Benjamin Bentley
36
p. 11.
b.
8 Jul 1677
m(1)
abt 1700
m(2)
1 Aug 1734
d.
bef 21 Mar 1760
b.
m(1)
m(2)
b.
m.
b.
m(1)
m(2)
d.
b.
m(1)
m(2)
d.
26 May 1679
abt 1700
abt 1716
abt 1685
6 Jan 1700
19 Jun 1685
6 Jun 1706
20 May 1720
8 Mar 1778
27 Mar 1690
abt 1715
21 Nov 1762
bef 8 Jun1772
Kingstown, Rhode Island
Elizabeth Gardner
Bathsheba Greene
prob Richmond, Washington, Rhode
Island
Kingstown, Rhode Island
Dorothy Albro
Hannah -----prob Kingstown, Rhode Island
John Wightman
Kingstown, Rhode Island
Elizabeth Chamberlain
Mary Reynolds
Exeter, Washington, Rhode Island
Kingstown, Rhode Island
Patience Rathbone
Barbara Pearce
prob Warwick, Kent, Rhode Island
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
37
James Newell Arnold, Vital record of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I.: Knowles, Anthony & co., 1894), v. 5, pt. 1, North
Kingstown, p. 9. The actual record shows "Sarah and -----man."
38
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 4.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
6
CHILDREN OR WILLIAM BENTLEY AND SARAH ELDRED
1.
WILLIAM BENTLEY, JR., 1677 - 1760
William Bentley, Jr., was born 8 July 1677, probably at Kingstown, Rhode Island, the son
of William Bentley and Sarah Eldred.
For later history see separate life histories of William Bentley, Jr. and his wives,
Elizabeth Gardiner and Bathsheba Greene.
2.
JAMES BENTLEY, 1679 -
James Bentley was born 26 May 1679, probably in Kingstown, Rhode Island, the son of
William Bentley and Sarah Eldred.
On 21 December 1696 James Bentley was listed as a freeman of Kingstown, Rhode
Island.39
James Bentley married (1) Dorothy Albro, daughter of Samuel Albro and Isabel
Lawton.40 This marriage occurred sometime before 28 December 1710, when Dorothy's
grandfather, Major John Albro, a Quaker, made a will mentioning his granddaughter, Dorothy
Bentley.41
For later history see separate life histories of James Bentley and his wives, Dorothy
Albro and Hannah -------.
3.
JANE (BENTLEY) WIGHTMAN, ABT 1681 -
Jane Bentley was born about 1681, probably in Kingstown, Rhode Island, the daughter
of William Bentley and Sarah Eldred.
Jane Bentley married John Wightman 6 January 1700 at Kingstown, Rhode Island.42
John Wightman was born 16 April 1674, the son of George and Elizabeth (Updike) Wightman.43
They lived on the Great Plain, now Exeter, and are buried on a farm about a mile northwest of
Slocumville, owned in 1900 by John F. Gardiner.44
39
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
40
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
41
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 13.
42
Arnold James Newell, Vital record of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I.: Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1894), v. 5,
pt. 1, North Kingstown, p. 9.
43
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
44
Richard Anson Wheeler, History of the town of Stonington (New London, Conn.: Day Publishing Co., 1900), p. 233.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
7
On 29 June 1729 John Wightman married Virtue (------) Record, widow of John Record.
John Wightman died in 1750.45
Children:
6.
Alice Wightman
7.
Sarah Wightman
8.
John Wightman
9.
James Wightman
10.
Jane Wightman
11.
Mary Wightman
12.
Valentine Wightman
13.
Deborah Wightman
b.
m.
d.
b.
m.
b.
m.
d.
b.
m.
d.
b.
m.
b.
m.
b.
m.
d.
16 Oct 1702
8 Jun 1722
abt 1730
23 Jan 1704
1722/23
11 Mar 1707
12 Feb 1729/30
8 Feb 1787
17 Feb 1709
5 Sep 1734
29 Mar 1791
20 Mar 1712
7 Apr 1734
1714
6 Dec 1736
1717
18 Mar 1737/38
Dec 1786
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Joseph Whitford
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Anne Sweet
Hancock, Berkshire, Massachusetts
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Bridget Sweet
East Greenwich, Kent, Rhode Island
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Benjamin Spink
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Samuel A. Boone
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Rebecca Jamain
North Kingstown, Washington, Rhode
Island
1719 North Kingstown, Washington, Rhode
Island
1739 John Record
b.
m.
4.
Kingstown, Rhode Island
Job Harrington
THOMAS BENTLEY, 1685 - 1778
Thomas Bentley was born 19 June 1685, at Kingstown, Rhode Island, the son of William
Bentley and Sarah Eldred.
On 21 December 1696 Thomas Bentley was listed as a freeman of Kingstown, Rhode
Island.46
Thomas Bentley married (1) Elizabeth Chamberlain 6 June 1706 at Kingstown,
Washington, Rhode Island. They were married by John Eldred, Assistant.47 Sarter believed that
Arnold may have misread the marriage date and that Thomas Bentley married on the same date
as his sister Jane.48
45
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
46
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 7.
47
Arnold James Newell, Vital record of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I.: Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1894), v. 5,
pt. 1, North Kingstown, p. 9.
48
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 14.
Draft: November 28, 2014
© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
8
Elizabeth Chamberlain may have been the daughter of Jacob and Mary (Child)
Chamberlain of Newport, Rhode Island.49
Thomas Bentley was a cordwainer.50
On 6 May 1712 Thomas Bentley, of Kingstown, Newport (after 1729 Washington),
Rhode Island, was made a freeman of Rhode Island Colony at Newport, Rhode Island.51
In March 1718 Thoms Phillips brought suit against Thomas Bentley for trespass, etc.,
and Thomas Bentley answered that “he rightly possesseth in the right of his father, William
Bentley.”
Thomas Bentley married (2) Mary Reynolds 20 May 1720 at Kingstown, Washington,
Rhode Island.52 Mary Reynolds was the daughter of Joseph and Mary (-------) Reynolds.53
Thomas Bentley made his will 15 June 1772, when he was "of Exeter," Washington,
Rhode Island. The will mentions wife Mary, sons William and Benjamin, and grandson Caleb.
Thomas Bentley died 8 March 1778 at Exeter, Washington, Rhode Island.
The will was probated 15 April 1778 in Exeter.54
Children (by Elizabeth Chamberlain):
14.
Jane Bentley
b.
15.
Mary Bentley
b.
16.
William Bentley
b.
m.
17.
Benjamin Bentley
b.
m.
18.
Caleb Bentley
b.
19.
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Elizabeth Tillinghast
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Sarah Shipper
prob Kingstown, Newport, Rhode
Island
Thomas Bentley
d.
Children (by Mary Reynolds):
20.
Thomas Bentley, Jr.
b.
m.
d.
49
p. 14.
25 Oct 1707
22 Feb 1709
18 Dec 1710
1 Mar 1732
5 Jul 1714
abt 1737
abt 1714
11 Jul 1717
14 Feb. 1730 North Kingstown, Washington, Rhode
Island
Margaret ------13 Sep 1816
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
50
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
51
Rhode Island (Colony). Record of the colony of Rhode Island (Providence: Knowles, Anthony & Co., 1859), v. 4, 17071740, p. 141.
52
Arnold James Newell, Vital record of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I.: Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1894), v. 5,
pt. 1, North Kingstown, p. 9.
53
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 14.
54
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 14, citing v. 4, p. 43.
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
9
5.
BENJAMIN BENTLEY, 1690 -
Benjamin Bentley was born 27 Marh 1690, at Kingstown, Rhode Island, the son of
William Bentley and Sarah Eldred.
Benjamin Bentley served nearly five months as sergeant in the colonial expedition to
French Canada in 1709 in the war of the Spanish Succession, which the English colonists in
America called Queen Anne's war against France. Benjamin Bentley was paid £7.10.0.55
About 1715 Benjamin Bentley married Patience Rathbone, daughter of Thomas and
Mary (Dickens) Rathbone.56 Benjamin was a currier.57
In September 1719 Benjamin Bentley and his father lost their appeal of 1715, in the suit
of James and Daniel Updike against them in an action for trespass, etc. The Bentleys were
ordered to pay damages of £150.58
On 11 July 1720 The Kingstown Town Council granted letters of administration to both
Benjamin Bentley, and his mother, Sarah Bentley.59
On 22 October 1722 Benjamin Bentley "of Kingstown, currier" and his wife Patience sold
the eight acres he had inherited from his father to Christopher Phillips "of Kingstown, tanner."60
On 26 February 1722/1723 the township of Kingstown was divided into North and South
Kingstown. Thereafter Benjamin Bentley resided in North Kingstown.
On 9 March 1722/1723 Benjamin Bentley "of Kingstown" bough fifty acres of land in
North Kingstown from Thomas Eldred for £70. Sometime in 1724 Benjamin Bentley "of North
Kingstown, yeoman" sold the fifty acres to Job Herrington for £72.61
On 10 January 1724/1725 Benjamin Bentley "of North Kingstown, currier" purchased a
quarter acre of land in East Greenwich from Jonathan Wells of East Greenwich for £33.62
55
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 18, citing General Treasurer's Accounts, p. 140, R.I. Archives, Providence; R.I.C.R., 4:82.
56
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19. The first name is given in[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode
Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p. 17.
57
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
58
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode
Island Historical Society, 1949), p. 18.
59
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 18.
60
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 19.
61
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 19.
62
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 19, citing East Greenwich Land Evidence, no. 4, p. 83.
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
10
On 8 February 1725 Benjamin Bentley was witness to a deed from Alexander Huling and
wife Elizabeth to Alexander Brown.63
On 2 May 1727 Benjamin Bentley was admitted a freeman of the Colony, along with 11
other residents of East Greenwich.64 It appears that Benjamin Bentley was eligible to be a
freeman by virtue of his ownership of land. There is no evidence that he ever resided in East
Greenwich at this time.
On 15 April 1732 Benjamin Bentley sold the quarter-acre lot in East Greenwich to
William Havens of North Kingstown, who on 29 April 1732 took "peaceable and quiet
possession" of it. Patience Bentley did not sign the deed.65
On 26 December 1733 Benjamin Bentley's father-in-law, Thomas Rathbone, died at New
Shoreham, Newport, Rhode Island. His will made 16 November 1733 was proved 10 June
1734. Real property not previously deed to his sons was given to his wife, Mary (Dickens)
Rathbone, for life. Her death probably occurred in 1744, because on 29 August 1744 Samuel
Rathbone presented receipts from son-in-law Benjamin Bentley and others to the New
Shoreham Probate Court.66
On the second Tuesday in March 1742/1743, the western portion of the North Kingstown
was incorporated as Exeter.67 Thereafter Benjamin Bentley resided in the township of Exeter.
On 16 November 1744 Benjamin Bentley "of Exeter, Corrier" purchased one acre of land
from his nephew, William Bentley, son of Benjamin's elder brother Thomas. Sarter speculates
that Benjamin Bentley may have been a tenant of his nephew and with his wife's inheritance he
was then able to purchase the land. William Bentley was a blacksmith of Exeter.68
At this point the record becomes a little more complex. Benjamin Bentley, son of
Thomas Bentley, was also a resident of Exeter. The births of the children of "Benjamin, Jr. and
Sarah" were recorded in Exeter, as follows:
Caleb Bentley, 25 August 1739
Joseph Bentley, 25 March 1740/1741
Thomas Bentley, 4 January 1742/1743
Samuel Bentley, 4 January 1746/1747
69
Benjamin Bentley, 5 May 1749
63
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
64
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 20, citing R.I.C.R. 4:386.
65
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 20.
66
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), pp. 19, 159.[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence:
Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949), p. 20.
67
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 21, citing R.I. Colonial Records, 5:57.
68
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 20.
69
James Newell Arnold, Vital record of Rhode Island (Providence, R.I., Narragansett Historical Publishing Co., 1894), v. 5,
pt. 3, Exeter, p. 40.
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
11
Benjamin Bentley, son Thomas and Elizabeth (Chamberlain) Bentley, is often
distinguished from his uncle, by use of the term "junior," but this does not mean that he was
always thus named in the Exeter records. Sarter seems to think that Benjamin Bentley, Jr. was
distinguished as "junior" because his uncle had moved from East Greenwich back to Exeter.70
However, it seems just as plausible to argue that the older Benjamin had resided in North
Kingstown (later Exeter), and the "junior" label began to be used when the younger Benjamin
came of age, which would have been 1733 or later.
On 17 April 1745 Benjamin Bentley and Thomas Rathbone were admitted, with others,
freeman of Exeter, and on 30 April 1745 of the Colony. 71 Sarter claims that this Benjamin
Bentley was Benjamin, son of William, even though Benjamin Bentley, then about age 50, had
already been admitted a freeman in 1726.
On 19 April 1749 a Benjamin Bentley was admitted as a freeman of Exeter took the
freeman's oath.72 Sarter argues that this again was the elder Benjamin because otherwise he
would have been distinguished by "junior."
On 29 April 1750 Benjamin Bentley's son William married Mary Sweet, daughter of
William Sweet. At this date, Benjamin was called of Exeter.73
On 6 March 1756 Benjamin Bentley of Exeter sold back to William Bentley, the one acre
of land he had purchased in 1744. His wife Patience signed her name in full.74
Another complication regarding Benjamin Bentley occurred in 1762 when a Benjamin
Bentley married Barbara Pearce 21 November 1762 at Warwick, Kent, Rhode Island75 Barbara
Pearce was born 24 July 1738 at Warwick, daughter of Jeremiah and Frances (-------) Pearce,
Jr.76 The births of their three children are recorded at East Greenwich:
Sarah Bentley, b. 31 August 1764
Albethany, b. 22 March 1767
77
Parmelia, b. 3 June 1769
At January term of the Court of Common Pleas for Kent County at East Greenwich,
Benjamin Bentley, "of East Greenwich, Marriner" was plaintiff in an action for damages of "£5
Legal Money" against Randall Holden, Jr., "of Warwick, Marriner." Holden defaulted and Bentley
was awarded judgment of £45.6.1 "Old Tenor of the equivalent in legal money with costs.
70
p. 21.
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
71
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 21, citing R.I.C.R. 5:108.
72
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 22.
73
John Osborne Austin, Genealogical dictionary of Rhode Island (Albany, N.Y.: J. Munsell's son, 1887, repr. Baltimore:
Genealogical Publishing Co., 1969), p. 19.
74
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 22.
75
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 22.
76
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 18.
77
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 24.
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
12
On 8 June 1772 the inventory of Benjamin Bentley, deceased, was taken at Warwick,
Kent, Rhode Island. The estate was valued at £30.15.6. Two children, not named, were
mentioned. Administration was granted to his widow, Barbara.78
Sarter concludes that Benjamin Bentley, mariner, was the same as Benjamin Bentley,
son of William, "as no other Benjamin Bentley seems to have been eligible."79 This conclusion
requires acceptance of the following:
(1)
Benjamin married a second time at about age 72;
(2)
Benjamin was about 48 years older than his second wife;
(3)
His second wife was 13 years younger than his youngest child by his first wife;
(3)
Benjamin fathered three children at age 74, 77, and 79; and
(4)
Benjamin changed his occupation from currier to mariner sometime after about
age 54 (1744) and before about age 75 (1765).
Sarter does not explain why Benjamin Bentley, mariner, could not have been Benjamin,
son of Thomas, and husband of Sarah Shippee. His last child was born in 1750. It is also
possible that Benjamin Bentley, mariner, could have been a previously unknown son of James
Bentley, or that he emigrated from another colony or from England. In any case, it does not
seem very likely that Benjamin Bentley, mariner, was the same person as Benjamin Bentley,
son of William and Sarah (------) Bentley.
Children (by Patience Rathbone):
21.
Sarah Bentley
b.
22.
Margaret Bentley
b.
23.
Jemimah Bentley
b.
m.
24.
Elizabeth Bentley
b.
25.
William Bentley
m.
b.
m.
24 May 1717
28 Aug 1719
16 Feb 1721
4 Feb 1738
29 Dec 1723
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
Kingstown, Newport, Rhode Island
William Fisk
North Kingstown, Newport, Rhode
Island
2 Sep 1744 Israel Tripp
10 Apr 1725 North Kingstown, Newport, Rhode
Island
29 Apr 1750 Mercy Sweet
`
78
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
pp. 17, 25, citing Warwick R.I., wills, no. 3, 1761-1781, pp. 285, 318).
79
[Emilie Sarter,] One branch of the Bentley family of Rhode Island (Providence: Rhode Island Historical Society, 1949),
p. 17.
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© 2014 Marlin G. Criddle
13