Amos Bentley

As printed in 1882

AMOS B. BENTLEY.

The subject of this sketch was born December 26, 1822, in Trumbull County, Ohio. His parents, although quite old, are still living, and reside on the farm where they commenced their married life sixty years ago. Amos Bentley was educated in the common schools of his day. He commenced the study of law at the age of eighteen years, and during his study taught school in winter to sustain himself during the summers in applying himself. He was admitted to the bar of the supreme court at Columbus, Ohio, April 17, 1845, and in the year 1852 he went to California, from whence, after about one year, he returned to Ohio and shortly after immigrated to Worth County, Iowa. There he remained until the year 1858, when he left the cold climate of Northern Iowa and came to Nodaway County, Missouri. Mr. Bentley is not only well versed in the law but is a school teacher of considerable experience, and is also a splendid mechanic. He has resided most of the time on Platte River, in Jackson Township of this county, with the exception of five years, during which time he was engaged in the practice of law at Maryville, and for a part of that time Hon. Lafe Dawson was a partner with him in that profession. Mr. Bentley's life has been an active one since his settlement in Nodaway County, and there are probably few men in the county whose attainments are so varied, at the same time so perfect. He was county judge for one term, and served with credit to himself and to the county. During the war Mr. Bently cast his lot with the Union. He was formerly a Democrat, but of late years he has espoused the Greenback cause. He is a man of good judgment, possessed of a keen sense of justice, and is a firm advocate of law and order. In September, 1843, ne was united in marriage with Miss Adelia D. Black. She was born August 26, 1826, in Cattaraugus County, New York. Mrs. Bently accompanied her husband to Nodaway County, where she shared with him the hardships and privations of pioneer life, bearing her part with that fortitude and endurance so characteristic of her. Some years ago she had a narrow escape from wolves while hunting horses on the prairie, but being equal to the occasion she used the horse for a breastwork, while, by menacing the wolves with a stick, and by shaking her apron at the hungry, carnivorous pests, drove them away. Mrs. Bentley is an excellent neighbor, and is now enjoying a happy old age, surrounded by her children and her large circle of friends. Their family consists of six children: James, Helen (deceased), Frank, Mary H., Anson and Martin V. Mr. B. is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has 69 acres of good land, most of which is under cultivation, and his improvements are excellent. During the war he was captain in the state militia, and was never known to take or confiscate any property of individuals except when authorized so to do.

As printed in The history of Nodaway county, Missouri, containing a history of the county, its cities, towns, etc., biographical sketches of its citizens (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.