Born on a farm in Halfmoon, New York, Bentley moved to Jersey City, New Jersey, in 1825 and became a lawyer in 1834.

He married Margaret E. Holmes on October 13, 1842, and they had two children – Peter and Rosaline.

In addition, he was Vice-President of the Savings Bank of Jersey City, Treasurer and later Director of the Gas Company and Treasurer of the Jersey City and Bergen Plank Road Company.

He died in Jersey City on September 26, 1875, and was buried in the Old Bergen Church cemetery in Jersey City.

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