J.J. Bentley, P.O. Davis, was born April 23, 1829 in Richmond, Ontario Co., New York.; is a son of Preston D. and Sophia James Bentley; his parents were natives of Rhode Island; they came to Macomb County, where his father died in 1851, aged sixty-three; his mother married again, to Rev. J.E. Davis (see sketch of B.R. Davis) and died July 19, 1879, aged eighty five. Mr Bentley, of his sketch, came to Michigan with his father in 1841, when twelve years of age. He was married, November 23, 1853, to Cynthia, daughter of Bissell Robinson, born September 29, 1834; her father was born in Massachusetts January 15, 1805, and came to Michigan in 1831, and is still living in Oxford, Oakland County; her mother was a native of New York, born February 9, 1811, and died March 10, 1867. Mr. Bentley and wife have 3 children - Fred, born November 22, 1857; Effie, June 11, 1861 (Mrs. McGregor); Cora G. May 29, 1866, resides at home. The family are members of the M.E. church in Davis, Ray Township. Mr. Bentley sold his farm in Ray, and owns a house and lot in Davis. He acts with the Republican party, and has served four years as Justice Of The Peace.
