P. W. BENTLEY, gunsmith and dealer in sporting goods at No. 206 West Front street, Bloomington, is a native of Kentucky, born in 1831. Young Bentley, during his earlier years, worked on the farm in summer and attended schools through the winters until nineteen years of age. He then learned the carpenter trade, which he followed from 1849 to 1854, in the meantime also being engaged as a contractor and builder.

He came to McLean County in 1855, settling first in the village, of Heyworth, and thence, in 1864, removed to Bloomington, soon afterward engaging in his present business. He subsequently purchased a lot, put up a substantial brick building, and employs two men.

Mr. Bentley was married in 1853 to Miss Mary J. Hooton, a native of Clark County, Ky., and the daughter of Nicholas Hooton, who now makes his home with our subject.

The residence of Mr. Bentley and his family is pleasantly situated at No. 519 West Jackson street, and they enjoy the confidence and respect of the community in a marked degree. Mr. B. is independent in politics, and socially belongs to the Masonic fraternity and Knights of Pythias.

Portrait and biographical album of McLean County, Ill. : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens of the county, together with portraits and biographies of all the governors of Illinois, and of the presidents of the United States.  (Chicago:  Chapman Brothers, 1887), 348.  Transcribed and annotated by Judy Rosella Edwards.