[2] Born in Strathroy, Ontario, Bentley married Margaret Lettice West in 1883.
[5] After his predecessor Charles Magrath decided not to seek reelection because of pressure at his company, Bentley—who was then town alderman—was appointed by acclamation as mayor.
[4] Most of his term was spent dealing with the local effects of a worldwide economic depression.
The North Western Coal and Navigation Company, one of the area's largest employers was hit with closures and layoffs, and town growth practically ceased.
at the end of his second term, Bentley saw interest in local settlement increase and the NWCNC's financial performance improve.