Daniel BENTLEY

Other Events:

• _UID: C825D34D1FD545D8AE301141D55B7C8C8657

Notes:

The Rowan County court minutes dated 8 August 1778 lists those persons who "refused or neglected" to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Sate. Included in the list for Capt. Lyon's District is the name of Daniel Bentley, and the names of Bentley neighbors: Mesheck Davis, John Willcockson, Snr., Mark Whitacre, Adam Hall Snr., Samuel Willcoxson and Israel Willcoxson being also on the list. Evidently Daniel Bentley and his future brother-in-law, Meshack Davis, neglected to take the oath for they both would later apply for Revolutionary War pensions.

Thomas's son, Daniel, received a pension for serving as a soldier.

After having served as a soldier and returned home, Daniel married Nancy Lewis, their Rowan County marriage bond dated 8 February 1782. Daniel Bentley and Peter (his mark) Lewis signed the bond. Nancy Lewis was a member of the family who established the Lewis Quaker Meeting House that existed as early as 1771 about two miles north-northeast of the Bentley homestead. Shortly after their marriage, Daniel and Nancy left Rowan County in 1782 with Thomas and Hannah Bentley and the rest of the family to settle in the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Daniel and Nancy would later remove to Washington County, Virginia, for a few years and then on to Perry County, Kentucky.

On 17 April 1795 Daniel Bentley and Benjamin, the only "two sons and heirs" of Thomas Bentley, deceased, sold both of the tracts of land Thomas had purchased in 1783, withholding 25 acres for the use of Hannah Bentley, "widow & relict of Thomas Bentley." This land was sold to Jacob Bollinger. Witnesses were sons-in-law of Thomas Bentley who were Meshack Davis and William Yonts. This is a very important deed for it establishes the fact that Thomas and Hannah Bentley were the parents of Daniel and Benjamin Bentley.

The deed states as follows, "Know all men by these parents; that this indenture made this 17th day of April in the year of our Lord 1795 between Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY both of the county of Lincoln and State of North Carolina of the one part and Jacob Bullinger of the county and State aforesaid of the other part. Witnesseth for and in consideration of the sum of 80 pounds to the said Daniel and Benjamin BENTLEY in hand paid the said Jacob Bullinger the receipt whereof is hereby acknowledged and they the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY have bargained sold and aliened enf_____ and confirmed and by these presents doth bargain sell align enf _______ and confirm unto the said Jacob Bullinger his heirs and asigns forever under the condition and exceptions hereafter mentioned two parcels and tracts of land joining each other one situated lying and being in the county and state aforesaid on both sides of Indian Creek between two tracts of land formerly granted to Francis Beatty including a shoal beginning at a black oak thence east 126 poles to a hickory thence south 127 poles to a black oak thece west 126 poles crossing the creek to a white oak then north to the begining containing by survey 100 acres being a tract of land granted to Francis Beatty by a patent bearing date December 22 AD 1768 and by Robert Armstrong and Hugh Beatty executor of the said Francis Beatty deceased and by a virtus of a power given then by the will of the said Francis Beatty conveyed to Thomas BENTLEY by a deed bearing date January 1, 1783 and the said Thomas BENTLEY dying intestate the aforesaid tract of land by due and regular course of law descended to the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY the only sons and heirs of the said Thomas (BENTLEY) deceased. The other tract joining running into and intersecting the above described land on both sides of Indian Creek begining at a white oak on the east side of the creek abnd runs north 42 degrees west 180 poles to a white oak then south 42 degrees # 180 poles to a hickory thence crossing the creek to the begining containing by estimation 200 acres but only 120 acres is intended to be conveyed or so much thereof as may remain after the claim or interference of the above described land is satisfied which runs into a big tract of the title older and better whereby a part is lost being a tract of land surveyed for Thomas Welch and granted to him by a patent bearing date May 5, AD 1769 and conveyed by the said Thmas Welch to Thomas BENTLEY by a deed bearing date January 1, AD 1783 and at the decease of the said Thomas BENTLEY who died intestate left to his two sons and heirs Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY and now by them conveyed in manner and form aforesaid excepting notwithstanding 25 acres out of what remains on the south side of the creek for the purpose and to the use of Hannah BENTLEY widow and relict of the said Thomas Bentley deceased and to be left and remain to her the said Hannah BENTLEY her heirs and asigns forever being the land on which the said Hannah now lives and improves and the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY heirs of Thomas BENTLEY aforesaid for themselves and Thier heirs doth hereby set over and convey to the said Jacob Bullinger his heirs and assigns together with the before mentioned premises as there described and the aportenances and hereditaments thereunto belonging or appertaining and also all woods ways waters and water courses and all the right interest profits and estate of then the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY in any manner or sort appertaining to belonging to the premises to have and to hold the said lands tenements and hereditaments hereby dold with their appurtenances to the said Jacob Bullinger to the only proper use and behoof of him and the said Jacob Bullinger his heirs and assigns forever and the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY for themselves and their heirs doth hereby promise covenant and agree to and with the said Jacob Bullinger his heirs that they the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY and Thier heirs executors and administrators shall and will warrant and defend the said premises to the said Jacob Bullinger his heirs and assigns forever against the lawful claim or claims of all persons whatsoever which might in any manner affect or incumber the premises contrary to the true intent and meaning of these presents provided nevertheless that this warranty shall not extend and it is hereby expressed and declared to be the true intent of the parties contracting that it does not extend so as to make the said Daniel and Benjamin BENTLEY any way liable to the said Jacob Bullinger or his heirs or assigns for the before mentioned deficiency or loss in the last describes tract or as to the 25 acres intended to be reserved for the use of Hannah BENTLEY aforesaid and it is also expressly provided to be the meaning and intention of the parties contracting that the 25 acres as aforesaid referenced for the use of Hannah BENTLEY is not included neither shall it by any possible construction either in law or equity by considered as included in this deed of conveyance made in manner and form as aforesaid. In witness whereof the said Daniel BENTLEY and Benjamin BENTLEY hath hereunto set their hands and affixed Their seals the day and year 1st above written."

Daniel Bentley

Benjamin Bentley (their marks)

Lincoln County

April Session 1795

The within deed was proven in open court by the oath of William Yonts and ordered to be registered.

Witnesses: Meshack Davies (his mark)

William Yonts



Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 17, page 211.

"1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesnâ??t give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146."

Daniel Bentley moved to KY after 1800.

On the first day of January, 1830, Daniel Bentley, seventy-eight years old [born 1752], appeared at the Perry County, Kentucky, Court in order to make application for a Revolutionary War pension. He declared on oath that
"the year forgotten at Rowan County CH [Court House] N Carolina he enlisted for 2 years in the company commanded by Burris in the 7th Regiment..he supposes in N Carolina line on continental establishment but it may have been the 7th Regiment on Virginia line on continental establishment either Regiment was commanded by Col. Campbell..that he continued to serve in the said corps until the expiration of his term of service when he was discharged from the service by Capt. Burris at the place of his enlistment aforesaid.."

Daniel also made oath that "he resides a considerable distance from the court house and for several years has been confined at home by disease besides he was told that he had no chance to succeed unless he had a discharge or could prove his service." Continuing Daniel swore "That he is by occupation a farmer but so old and diseased he is unable to work he has no family but his wife Betsey ___ years of age unable to support herself they are supported by the charity of their children grown and left them and kind neighbors."

Anthony Hall and Thomas Stuart gave oath before the court they knew from their own knowledge that the statement of Daniel Bentley as to his enlistment under Capt. Burris in the 7th Regiment North Carolina line on continental establishment was true having seen him enlist and they knew he served in the continental line for about two years. Stuart was present and saw Bentley discharged by Capt. Burris at the place stated and they "have long known said Bentley and that he is to be relied upon as a man of strict integrity."

Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley are buried in the hilltop Bentley family cemetery located near Neon Junction in Letcher County. His tombstone reads "Daniel Bentley Born in England Died Jan. 15, 1839." Nancy's tombstone reads "Nancy Wife of Daniel Bently Born in England Died Oct. 4, 1843."

There has been heavy discussion among descendants as to the phrase "Born in England" which is found on both Daniel and Nancy's tombstones. In looking at the stones of Daniel, Nancy, John, and Margaret one notices all the stones are similar in appearance with a rounded top and the picture of a flying dove within the circumference of a circle at the top of the stone. An ascending dove, or flying bird, represents rebirth; the transport of the departed's soul to Heaven.

One would venture to guess these stones were all erected within a close time period of each other; thus perhaps offering an explanation the place of birth on Daniel and Nancy's tombstones was given by a descendant and erected at a later date. Land records seem to confirm Daniel's parents, Thomas and Hannah Bentley, were in Maryland at the time of their marriage, so it seems more reasonable to think Daniel was born in the Frederick County area of Maryland.

Daniel married Nancy LEWIS 8 Feb 1782, Rowan County, NC. Nancy was born Abt 1759; died 4 Oct 1843, Letcher Co. KY. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

Married:
North Carolina Marriages, 1759-1979
Groom's Name: Daniel Bentley
Bride's Name: Nancy Lewis
Marriage Date: 08 Feb 1782
Marriage Place: Rowan, North Carolina
Indexing Project (Batch) Number: M75225-8
System Origin: North Carolina-EASy
Source Film Number: 317002

1. John Quiller BENTLEY was born 1788, North Carolina; died 3 Jul 1858, Letcher Co. KY.

Other Events:

• _UID: 4168F341AC0F4C7284C37E08BFEE534568B0

Notes:

Conjecture on his reasons for migrating to Maryland from James W. Miller:

"I was always told that there were two Bentley boys ousted from England. I always thought that one of them was Thomas. But I just assumed the other was a brother never thought to ask the name of the other. I was told that they were ousted for shaving on Sunday which was aganist their relegious belief in England.

On the Registers of Servants sent to Foreign Plantations web site, there's a listing of a Benjamin Bentley from St. Olave, Southwark, Surrey, age 19 in Nov 12 1739, occupation cordwainer, destination Maryland, 4 year indenture, father and mother dead, Nathaniel Wilson, London, agent. I wonder if this could be Thomas' brother?"

The Pennsylvania Gazette, Feb 27, 1734
Run away from Henry Smith's plantation above Tulpehocken, the 12th Inst a servant man named Tho. Bently, aged eighteen years, fresh colour'd, something freckled, had on a brown Kersey, blue coat cloth cap, Indian shoes and stockings, a garlix shirt; took with him the following goods belonging to his master; twelve yards of strowds, three Indian blankets, twelve pounds of powder, twenty bars of lead, two dozen clasp knives, one shot gun, a roan horse marked I.D. on the near shoulder or buttock, or both, with a narrow white slip on his forehead; the said servant went in company with Wm Mark, a hired man to the Henry Smith, pretending to go Indian trading. Whoever takes up the said Bently, and brings him to Philadelphia, to Edward Shippen, shall have three pounds and reasonable charges paid by, Edward Shippen.

His age being given as 18 years would have him being born about 1716, the right age of "our" Thomas Bentley. Between the years 1734 and 1739 Thomas's masters may gave changed. Thomas would have been about 23 at this time.

He may have been an indentured servant in the service of Rev. Joseph Hooper in 1739 in Maryland "with 2 years to serve."

On Friday, July 12, 1739, the Rev. Joseph Hooper , Rector of St. Paul's Parish of the Episcopal Church of England of Baltimore Co. passed away. Included in the inventory in his will are several indentured servants, among them a "Thomas Bentley serv w/ 2 years to serve".

Thomas, in wishing to come to America, evidently indentured himself to someone who was willing to pay his passage by ship. Clara W. Shook of Taylorsville was one of the first researchers in western North Carolina to make the connection that Thomas Bentley of North Carolina was from the Frederick County, Maryland, area.

His indenture would have ended in 1741, and the one thing which probably kept him in the area was a certain young woman named Hannah, who would later become his wife.

MARYLAND RECORDS

Thomas Bentley received a patent in Baltimore Co., MD, for 50 acres named Hill Spring, the patent reading 'hath due unto him fifty acres" indicating it may have been land allowed by law of the time period to which indentured servants were entitled to for meeting the "conditions of plantation." In later records Thomas Bentley has been referenced as a "planter."

Thomas Bently Pat[ent] 50 acres Hill Spring}

SOURCE: MSA No. SM2, Land Office (Patent Record), Volume PT 1, pp. 165-166, abstracted by Mary Kay Coker

"Know ye that for and consideration that Thomas Bentley of Baltimore County hath due unto him fifty acres of land within our said province by virtue of a warrant for that quantity granted him the twenty eighth day of July Anno Dom Seventeen hundred forty four as appears in our land office and upon such conditions and terms as are expressed in our conditions of plantation of our said province...[on instructions of various dates made in London]...We do therefore hereby grant unto him the said Thomas Bentley all that tract of land called Hill Spring lying on the south side of great pipe creek...for fifty acres more or less...Given under our great seal of our said province of Maryland this twenty second day of January Anno Dom Seventeen hundred forty four [1745]. Witness our Trusty and well beloved Thomas Bladen Esq Lieutenant General and chief Governor of our said province of Maryland chancellor and keeper of the great seal."


Settlers of Maryland 1679 - 1783, Consolidated edition. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Co., (2002), page 49, gives the following references concerning Thomas Bentley:

1) Bal[timore] Co., Hill Spring, 50 acres, 22 Jan 1745, ref[erence] PTI/165 (Patents 1743-1747, [microfilm number] SR7482.

2) Fdk [Frederick] Co., Carolina Addition, 35 acres, 3 Apr 1761, ref BC21/266; BC 23/188 Certificates 1761-1764, SR7518; Patents 1762-1765, SR7520.

3) Fdk [Frederick]Co., Slavery, 100 acres, 21 Nov 1763, ref BC26/321; BC27/292 Patents 1762-1767, SR7523; Certificates 1762-1765, SR7524.

One wonders if Thomas Bentley, if having served time as an indentured servant, was making a statement in naming the 100 acre tract "Slavery."

Thomas Bentley's land lay on the Great Pipe Creek (also called Big Pipe Creek). His first land grant of 50 acres, Hill Spring, was in at the time Baltimore County from which Frederick County would be formed later and which is today in Carroll County. Deeds of successive land owners referenced Bentley's Branch which was named after Thomas Bentley.

Hill Spring, the land first patented to Thomas Bentley is now part of the historic Shriver mill/museum in Union Mills, MD, Carroll County.

On 21 June 1751 Jacob Banker purchased the Hill Spring tract from Thomas Bentley of Frederick Co., MD. His wife, Hannah, relinquished her dower rights to the said land.

"Jacob Banker [purchaser] recorded 21 June 1751. Made 29 May 1751 between Thomas Bentley of FC [Frederick County], for 39 pcm [pounds current money], tract called "Hill Spring," on south side of Great Pipe Creek, M&B [metes and bounds] given; for 50 acres. Signed Thos. Bentley, before Nath Wickham, Nathl Wickham 3d. Thomas Bently ack. deed, and at same time Hannah Bentley, wife of Thomas Bentley examined apart released dower [before Nath Wickham and Tho Beatty]. Receipt. AF [alienation fee] paid."

SOURCE: Frederick County Maryland Land Records, Liber B Abstracts, 1748-1752, by Patricia Abelard Andersen, p. 45 (and copy from courthouse)

On 5 June 1767 Thomas Bentley of "Roan" [Rowan] Co. NC sold land to Jacob Banker. Hannah again relinquished her dower rights.

"Jacob Banker [purchaser] recorded 6 June 1767, made 5 June between Thomas Bently of the County of Roan in the Province of North Carolina, for 168 [pounds] Penn., sells parcel called Carolina, and also one tract called Addition to Carolina, containing 108 acres and 35 acres. M&B given. Said tract Carolina containing 280 acres taken up by Dr. Charles Carroll and sold to Thomas Bentley in 1751. Signed Thomas Bently before Jos Wood, Joh Fee [in German]. Receipt. Ack. and Hannah wife of Thomas Bentley released dower, before Jos Wood, Thomas Price. AF paid."

SOURCE: Frederick County Maryland Land Records, Liber K Abstracts, 1765-1768, by Patricia Abelard Andersen, p. 100 (and copy from courthouse)

The List for rent Due on Land in Frederick County, 1768-69, lists "Thomas Bentley, gone to Carolina."

Perhaps the reason Thomas Bentley sold his Pipe Creek area land in Frederick Co., MD, was because the Germans/Pennsylvania Dutch(German) and Brethren were beginning to move into his valley. Thomas may have wanted to be more aligned with the Quakers and thus his move to the Bear Creek area of Rowan(Davie) County, NC. He lived here within a just a few miles of the Lewis Quaker meeting house.

NORTH CAROLINA RECORDS

Thomas Bentley first appears in Rowan Co., NC, in the 1768 tax list where he and his son, Benjamin Bentley, are listed at one poll each.

Rowan Co., NC, List of Taxables, 1768

List of Morgan Bryan, Davie Co., NC, "Forks of the Yadkin" of today)

Thomas Bentley 1 [poll]
Benjamin Bentley 1 [poll]

Source: Rowan County List of Taxables, 1768, NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC, CRX 244)
------------

Source: Jackson, Ron V., Accelerated Indexing Systems, comp.. North Carolina Census, 1790-1890. Compiled and digitized by Mr. Jackson and AIS from microfilmed schedules of the U.S. Federal Decennial Census, territorial/state censuses, and/or census substitutes.

Name: Thomas Bently
State: NC
County: Rowan County
Year: 1768
Database: NC Early Census Index
--------------

Thomas Bentley probably made excursions into the present day Forks of the Yadkin area from Maryland seeking the land he wished to claim before he moved his family. The French and Indian War began in 1754 and attacks of the Cherokee Indians forced many settlers in the area to flee to safer parts.

In 1759 the Squire Boone family (father of Daniel Boone) was forced to flee to Virginia for a short time Squire Boone's home was in northern Davie County. With the end of the Indian War in 1763, some of the earlier settlers began to return to their lands. However, this area was part of the Earl of Granville's district. No settler was able to obtain a land grant in the district from the time of Granville's death in 1763 until the state of North Carolina opened its land office in 1778.

Benjamin Bentley was quick to obtain a state grant for the Bentley land in 1780 to protect the Bentley house and holdings. Others applying for lands grants were his adjoining neighbor, John Wilcockson, who had married Sarah Boone, sister of Daniel Boone; Daniel Lewis, Alex Cearns/Carns, Anthony Peeler, James Carson and Thomas Maxwell.

On 17 December 1769 Thomas Bentley wrote a letter requesting that his son be permitted to sign the Rowan County marriage bond, issued by Thomas Frohock, allowing Aaron Freeman to marry his daughter, Mary Bentley, as follows:

Sr [Sir] if you please to let Aaron Freeman have licence for my daughter Marry [sic] Bentley I am Sattisfied so far let my son sign the licence bond I hope you are in better health then when I saw you last No more at present but your humb servt [humble servant]

December ye 17th day 1769 [signed] Thos Bentley

Wits [Witnesses] present

Benjamin Bentley (his mark)

James Freeman (his mark)


Rent Rolls 1771-1772

Frederick County, Maryland

Rent Due on Land in Frederick County, 1771-1772

A List of Persons who stand charged with lands on Frederick County which are under such circumstances as rendered it out of the Power of George Scott, Farmer of the said County to collect the Rents and therefore Claims Allowance under his articles for the same - from March 1771 to March 1772.

Included in the alphabetical listing are the names:

Jacob Banker

Thomas Bentley

At the 9 August 1771 session of Rowan County Court, Thomas Bentley's flesh mark, or livestock brand, was recorded as a "Crap and a Hole in the Right ear & a Crap of the Left."

The minutes of Rowan County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions, book four, page 128, show that Thomas Bentley, among others, appeared in court 4 November 1777 and swore an oath of fidelity to the State of North Carolina.

Thomas Bentley appears to have been a patriot in his political conviction for he and others, including neighbors, Wm. Frohock and Anthony Peeler, appeared in Rowan County Court and swore an Oath of Fidelity to the State of North Carolina. The Forks of the Yadkin was a hotbed of Tory, or Loyalist, activity during the Revolutionary struggle for independence.

An excerpt from James W. Wall's Davie County: A Brief History, page 24, details the following concerning sentiments in the forks of the Yadkin during the struggle for independence:

"Extreme cruelties, persecution, murder, and looting were practiced by members of both philosophies. The Moravian records note that in 1776 'we heard that up on the Yadkin many who sided with the King were driven from house and home by persecution; and that these people were hiding in the woods in our neighborhood.' This is the first mention of 'Outlyers,' as they were called. The year 1780 seems to have been the worst. The Moravian records refer to 'infrequent acts of robbery and murder' in that year. On October 4, 1780, the Moravians reported, 'We hear that on the Atkin [Yadkin] a party of Tories has fallen on the people, but only on those who had formerly done the same to them.'"

Thomas and his son, Benjamin, sold supplies to the revolutionary cause as can be found the Revolutionary Army Account is the State Archives in Raleigh, NC. Thomas' son, Daniel, received a pension for serving as a soldier.

The following is a transcript by James Miller of the original voucher which can be found in Revolutionary Army Accounts in the NC State Archives, Raleigh, NC.

"No. 246 State of North Carolina, Rowan County, This may Certify that as Commissioner for the County aforesaid, I have purchased from Thomas Bently thirty five Bushels Corn at the Prices ascertained in Spanish milled dollars, by a resolution of Congress dated the 25th February 1780 amounting in the whole to Twenty Six & one fourth Spanish milled dollars, which Sum is to bear Interest at 6 pcent until paid, agreeable to the act of General Assembly in such case made. By me this 6th day of Decr in the year 1780. Alexander Long, C. P."

"No. 148. State of North Carolina. Rowan County, This may Certify that as Commissioner for the County aforesaid, I [have] purchased from Benjamin Bently Thirty bushells Corne at the Prices ascertained in Spanish milled Dollars, by a resolution of Congress dated the 25th February 1780, amounting in the whole to Twenty two & on[e] half Spanish milled Dollars, which Sum is to bear Interest at 6 P[er] Cent until paid, agreeable to an Act of General Ass[embly] in Such Case made. By me this 13th day of Decemr in the Year 1780. Alexander Long, Commiss."

Thomas Bentley was paid for services or supplies rendered to the Revolutionary cause as detailed in a manuscript volume in the custody of the North Carolina State Archives titled "Revolutionary Army Accounts."

Hillsborough, Treasury Office, "A list of Specie and Currency Certificates, received from the County Treasurers, Entry Takers" October the 3rd 1785.

John Brevard, Sheriff of Rowan County, paid Thomas Bently the principal amount of 10 pounds, 10 shillings and interest of 2 pounds, 10 shillings.

His descendants can enroll in the DAR based on this service. Mrs. Margie Bertie of Titusville, FL, had Thomas Bentley's name added to the roster in 1987, DAR National Number 06918939 A658, DAR Computer code Number 3-037-FL.


Thomas was also in the same district at Richard Whiteaker, 1778 Rowan Cty, N C

In the 1778 Rowan tax list of Capt. Lyon's District, lists is one "Thomas Bentley junr" with property valued at 609 pounds and who is evidently Benjamin's father, since no record has been found to verify or substantiate Thomas Bentley had a son named Thomas, Jr.

In Walter Clark's The State Records of North Carolina is found an undated petition where Thos. Bentley subscribed his name along with twenty-six other individuals who were residents of the Bear Creek area of Davie County. This petition, directed from John Crouse to North Carolina's Governor, Thomas Burke, can be dated as 1781 or 1782 as these were the years Burke served as governor.

Many of the subscribing witnesses to Jacob Crouse's petition, who were living in the Forks of the Yadkin area, share a Frederick County, Maryland, connection; some also lived in the Great Pipe Creek area where Thomas Bentley owned land before moving to the "Forks" area.

NC State Records Book 19, pg 926-927, Petition on behalf of John Crouse, " Petitioner of the Society of Dunkards", 1782. This petition to the governor of the state of NC includes the names of 27 Dunkards/ Brethren/ Quakers from the area of Dutchman's Creek in the forks of the Yadkin River in NC. Many of these men apparently are named in Rowan Co deeds of 1770-1790's, including Thomas Bentley. This document very likely establishes Thomas' religion as Brethren, or Quaker.

It is interesting to note that the Quaker's migration route from PA in early 1700's went south to MD to the Pipe Creek area which is the location of Thomas' first land deed. Many of these MD Quaker settlers eventually went on down south to the Yadkin River area in NC, where Thomas settled as well.


On 7 December 1779 Thomas Bentley made entry for 100 acres of vacant land lying on the water of the South Yadkin River adjoining Benjamin Bentley, Anthony Peeler, and Carson's [James Carson] land, which he made over, or assigned, to Alexander Carons [Cairns/Carnes].

In Wynette Parks Haun's Halifax District North Carolina Superior Court of Law & Equity 1785-1790 (Bills & Answers), 1797-1805 (Minutes) , pages 135-137, is found the Inventory of the Sale of the Estate of William Frohock, Jan 28, 17__. Thomas Bentley and many of his neighbors from the "forks of the Yadkin" were at this sale since William Frohock was a near neighbor. On page 134 of the court minutes the Court ordered that the Clerk of the County Court of Rowan issue letters testamentary to Thomas Frohock, executor of the estate of William Frohock, deceased, with the will annexed. This was the same Thomas Frohock to whom Thomas Bentley wrote the letter about his daughter Mary's marriage to Aaron Freeman. At the Frohock sale Thomas Bentley purchased one check reel at the price of 1 pound, 1 shilling , 6 pence.

On 1 January 1783 Thomas Bentley bought 100 acres for 30 pounds on both sides of Indian Creek in Lincoln County from Robert Armstrong and Hugh Beaty, executors of the last will and testament Francis Beaty, deceased, of Mecklenburg Co., NC. ; originally grated to Francis Beatty 22 December 1768 & No. 101. Robert Armstrong (seal), Hugh Beaty (seal); Wit: Francis Beaty, Wallace Beaty. Recorded Oct Term 1783. ( Lincoln County, NC, Deed Book 2, pages 631, 632)

In 1783 Thomas and Hannah Bentley purchased property from Thomas Welch on Indian Creek, NC. 

Also on 1 January 1783, Thomas also bought 120 acres from Thomas Wilsh (Welch), planter, for 20 pounds; part of 200 acres originally granted to Thomas Welsh 5 May 1769 & No. 343, and the remainder of the tract is lost by an older right. This land also lay on both sides of Indian Creek. Thomas Welsh (his mark); Wit: Forney G. Norman, Wallace Beatty. Recorded October Term 1783. (Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 2 page 636.)

Thomas Bentley died in 1789 and this property went to their only sons, Daniel & Benjamin with 25 acres reserved for Hannah. 

In 1789 Thomas, about 73 years old, may have begun to experience poor health as on the fourth of May ...

"To All People to Whom These Presents Come, I, Thomas Bentley of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina & on the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine Send Greeting Know ye, that I, Thomas Bentley, for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife and for also other good causes and considerations met thereunto moving here given granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Hannah Bentley, all my goods, chattels, Lesses, debts, plate, jewels, working tools, one Negro man named Saul, and all my other substance."

In presence of Thomas Bentley (his B mark)

Test. Francis McNemar

Lamuel Saunders

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 508


In 1782 Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to the Indian Creek area of eastern Lincoln County, North Carolina. Accompanying Thomas and Hannah were Daniel and Nancy (Lewis) Bentley; Meshack Davis, who had married Thomas and Hannah's daughter Lydia about 1774 in Rowan County; Richard Whiteaker, and his wife Rachel Bentley; and Thomas and Hannah's daughter, Margaret, who would later marry William Yonts in Lincoln Co. NC.


CENSUS U S North Carolina 1790 Sixth District Lincoln County.

In Maryland, Thomas Bentley was very involved with the families of German Baptist Brethren (Dunkards) and also Quakers. His wife, Hannah, is most likely the daughter of one of these families in the Frederick County area. Likewise, he was associated with families of these same faiths in the Bear Creek area of the Forks of the Yadkin area of old Rowan County in what is today southern Davie County, North Carolina.



ABOUT THE BENTLEY HOUSE

Mr. Armand T. Daniel purchased the former Bentley property in 1945. His research and remodeling efforts of the log house were featured in the Davie County Enterprise Record, August 7, 1975, page 1B, as follows:

The Bentley House Over 200 Years Old

For over two years Armand Daniel tried to sell what he thought was just an old frame house on his property.

It wasn't until years later he discovered underneath the exterior of boards and paint was an old log house dating back more than two centuries.

Benjamin Bentley, according to Daniel's research, was apparently in this vicinity when the Boone expedition first came this route through Davie County. His research shows this location as being the first known community in the county and it was named "Bentley."

Daniel says there was the Bentley School, Post Office trading post, and in fact it was the community for the entire group of our first settlers.

Archibald G. Carter lived in this old log house. He purchased Bentley around 1823 and the school was then known as the "Baldy Carter School."

The original house was two 20 ft. x 20 ft. square rooms downstairs separated by a 10 foot wide entrance way and they were studded together by four 50-foot long logs. The upstairs floor space was the same.

Daniel, who is in the process of restoring the old house, recently moved one of the 50-foot logs with the help of nine other men. "It took ten of us to get that log down," Daniel said, "and I just wonder how many men it took to put it up there."

And after more than 200 years, these logs are just as solid as ever.

Daniel has a map of the entire farm, dated in 1800, which has helped him considerable in his research.

He has also found on the land an old ice pond, where ice was frozen then cut into blocks and stored in the ice house, located near-by. He is in the process now of filling in the pond.

Behind the main house is what he called a summer house.

"This is where the kinds slept in the summertime because it was too hot upstairs in the main house," he explained.

The summer house was three stories, including a basement and two stories above.

When Kerr Clement purchased this tract of land in 1929, he remodeled the house and it has since been remodeled again. In the original portion of the house the double rafters are significant of the remodeling. The old rafters of the log cabin are easily detected.

When Daniel bought this property 35 years ago and even rented the house, he had no idea it was an original log cabin built over two hundred years ago. Daniel's research shows this to be the best house in Davie County when it was built in the 1700s and remains today one of the better built houses, he says.

Daniel has now torn away all except the original log cabin and when the renovation is complete he says it will be good for another 200 years.

His remodeling plans include building seven bedrooms and seven bathrooms along with the other necessary rooms.

"And I'm gonna build an outdoor kitchen, he said, with a patio between it and the main house."

Daniel plans to invest a great deal of time and money into this project. Upon completion he says he will move his family here from their present location, which was formerly the John Wilcoxson House featured in another edition.

Mr. Daniel was never able to complete his remodeling of the Bentley House before he passed away in 1979. During the four years he worked on the house he was able to add a two-story addition to the rear of the house, plus adding a brick façade to the exterior, three dormers across the front roof, and a slate roof on the entire house. The house sat empty for 26 years until 2005 when it was lost to an unforgivable act of arson.

Davie County Enterprise-Record
Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005 page 1.

Teens Charged With Setting Fire To House
by Mike Gunning
Davie County Enterprise-Record

Two students at South Davie Middle School were charged with arson after they confessed to burning down a 200-year-old house in Cooleemee. Police have not released their names because of their ages.

The boys, ages 14 and 13, cut school last Thursday and during the morning hours entered the Family Dollar Store on Wilkesboro Street, said Davie Sheriff's Detective Robert Trotter. They were charged with larceny of one cigarette lighter and a box of cigars, which the boys smoked after breaking into the unoccupied house at the corner of Daniels Road and Carter Lane, the detective said.

At 11 a.m. neighbors reported seeing smoke billowing from the structure and called the fire department. "I could see the smoke all the way from the firehouse. It was coming up pretty good," Chief Wayne Williams of the Jerusalem Fire Department said. Jerusalem is approximately three miles from the scene.

William's unit was the first to respond, and he immediately noticed the fire had spread to the woods behind the house. Williams knew he had to call in back up.

"We were concerned with the way the wind was blowing that day." Williams said. "Plus, it was difficult to put the fire out because the house was being used to store hay for feed."

Cooleemee and Mocksville departments assisted. Lt. Andy Lipscomb of the Mocksville Fire Department said there was not much left of the house when they arrived.

"It was burned up pretty good," Lipscomb said. "The house was a total loss."

Trotter and Detective Stuart Parker investigated. Trotter said that neighbor's reported seeing two boys in the area. After driving around, Trotter said they spotted the boys who matched the description.

"We asked a few questions, then brought all the parents in for a complete interview at the sheriff's department," Trotter said, "they admitted to starting the fire and stealing a lighter from the store. It was no accident."

According to court records, one of the suspects has a prior arson conviction, and is on probation for that offense. The other child has no prior convictions.

Letter to the Editor, Davie County Enterprise-Record, March 3, 2005, written by Evelyn Daniel, Marjorie D. Foster, and the Daniel Family.

Firefighters Tried to Save Historic Structure

To the editor:

With life moving at the speed of light, sometimes it's easy to overlook the simple acts of kindness and bravery. Like the dedication, commitment and work ethics of our volunteer firefighters. On Thursday, Feb. 17, one of the oldest homes in Davie County was destroyed by fire. My family has owned the old log "Bentley House" since 1945. According to the historical records and genealogical research done by my late father, Armand T. Daniel, the home was constructed between 1780 and 1784. Benjamin Bentley is credited with the original construction of one grandest and largest homes in the area now called Davie County. The original house consisted of two rooms, 20x20 ft. each, constructed of hand hewed forest pine logs spanning 20 feet each. The rooms were spaced 10 feet apart leaving a total of 50 feet of width. Two 50-ft. pine logs were then laid on top of the structure across the front and back. An upstairs story, called a garret, of the same size was placed on top with addition 50-ft. logs spanning the width. The original Bentley House was 2,000 square feet, a very large home for the period. In the early 1800s, a 20x20 kitchen was added 15 feet away and later enclosed for a dining room. Other floors and rooms had been added throughout time. My father, during his period of restoration before his death in 1979, had added more rooms for a total of 8,500 square feet. Unfortunately, he was never able to complete his dream but he had uncovered the history of the home and had the major architectural designs on display.

The log framing in the house and the enormous additions made it a unique place. Although restoration had to be abandoned after my father's death, it held many memories of my childhood while he worked on it in his final years. Many historians have come from as far away as Ohio just to view the home. The 225-year-old logs went up in a flash. The slate roofs came crashing down. The volunteers of the Jerusalem Fire Department and others spent the entire day pumping water and foam on the remains. We knew the structure could not be saved, but hoped the surrounding buildings, trees and land could be spared. The wind made for a terrible day to fight a fire. The smoke was horrendous, yet the firefighters stood among the rubble for more than eight hours. They had to cut a very old burning oak tree near the structure along with employing the use of a bulldozer. All of this was a very dangerous job. I did mention a volunteer job. Most fire departments in the county were involved in some way, either assisting or on backup call. The refilled water and foam trucks just kept coming. As I understand it, at least 55,000 gallons of water, that's more than 42 tanker truck loads, plus 25 gallons of concentrated foaming solution at a cost of over $650 were used in the containment of the fire. We especially want to thank the brave men and women of the Jerusalem, Mocksville and Cooleemee departments for the majority of the work. There may have been other departments that I failed to see, but we want to thank any and everyone who assisted in controlling the calamity. The sheriff's department, the EMTs, the US Forest Service, the Fire Marshall, the NC Wildlife, we had them all. Everyone worked well together, and we understand the responsible parties have been detained. It;s a sad day when we lost part of our history to such a senseless act perpetrated by two teen-age boys.

The moral here is, please support your local fire departments. Let them know you are thankful for their dedication and humbled by their unselfish donation of their own time to help someone in need. Buy their chicken pie dinners or whatever else they sell. Or, lend a hand, it's the least we can do.

Marjorie D. Foster, Evelyn Daniel and the Family of the late Armand T. Daniel Mocksville

Sources used in the article "Thomas Bentley of MD, and Old Rowan/Lincoln Counties, NC (2006)"

Walter Clark, The State Records of North Carolina, XIX (Goldsboro, NC: Nash Brothers, 1901), pp. 926-927.

Jo White Linn,"List of Taxables in Rowan County, 1768," North Carolina Genealogical Society Journal (November 1983), p. 207 [NC State Archives stack file number CRX 244, Rowan Co., NC].

Rowan County, Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Jo White Linn, Abstracts of the Rowan County Minutes of the Court of Pleas & Quarter Sessions 1775-1789, p. 26
.
Jo White Linn, "List of Men Whose Property was Threatened with Confiscation," Rowan County Register, III (August 1988), p. 630.

Richard A. Enochs, Rowan Co., N.C., Vacant Land Emtries 1778-1789, entry number 2374.

Rowan County Deed Book 9, p. 277.

James W. Wall, Davie County: A Brief History, (Raleigh: North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, 1976), p. 25.

North Carolina State Archives, "Revolutionary Army Accounts," Volume IX, p. 104, folio 4.

Rowan County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Perry County, Kentucky, Order Book A, p. 221, November term 1830.

Lincoln County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

James Bentley's Power of Attorney to William Hines, Iredell County, NC, Deed Book T:387.

Lincoln County Marriage Bonds, NC State Archives, Raleigh.

Transcription by Joanne Smith Pirkle Wright, Birmingham, AL, of NC Revolutionary War Pension Application #2747 made by Meshack Davis; transcript made from microfilm in Birmingham Public Library.

Died:
LINCOLN COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA DEATH BOOK, BOOK 17 PG 211

Thomas married Hannah 1746, Maryland. [Group Sheet]

Other Events:

• _UID: 29BE86B77C894422BE194D0F57DE1AC7D887

Notes:

She was most likely a daughter of one of the Quaker families who resided in the area.

On 21 June 1751 Jacob Banker purchased the Hill Spring tract from Thomas Bentley of Frederick Co., MD. His wife, Hannah, relinquished her dower rights to the said land.

On 5 June 1767 Thomas Bentley of "Roan" [Rowan] Co. NC sold land to Jacob Banker. Hannah again relinquished her dower rights.

Lincoln Co., NC Deeds Book 18, Sept 1, 1785, Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley to George Savage & Catharine Bollinger [all of Lincoln Co.] for 20 sold 25 acres on waters of side of Indian Creek, being plantation she lives on; being land accepted in the deed that Daniel Bently made to Jacob Bollinger and being tract the was left to Hannah Bentley by "infremtion"; part of tract sold by Thomas Welch to Thomas Bentley.  Signed Hannah's mark and Daniel Bentley.  Witness, Benj Moore, Richard Whitaker and William Yonts. [Note: Husband of Margaret Bentley]
3 Wit. oath Jan 1797 by Benjamin Moore. Book 18, page 145. [Note: Benjamin Moore was the Constable. 

1879 fourth of May that year he conveyed to his wife, Hannah for the natural love and affection "which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife" all his goods, chattels, leases, plate jewels, working tools and one negro man named Saul.

To All People to Whom These Presents Come, I, Thomas Bentley of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina & on the fourth day of May in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred & eighty nine Send Greeting Know ye, that I, Thomas Bentley, for and in consideration of the natural love and affection which I bear & have unto Hannah Bentley, my beloved wife and for also other good causes and considerations met thereunto moving here given granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Hannah Bentley, all my goods, chattels, Lesses, debts, plate, jewels, working tools, one Negro man named Saul, and all my other substance.

In presence of Thomas Bentley (his B mark)

Test. Francis McNemar

Lamuel Saunders

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 3, page 508


In the 1790 Lincoln County census, Hannah Bentley was listed as the head of household with three other females in her house which are probably the younger daughters, or grand-daughters, which are not yet married, and one slave. Thus it can be determined Thomas died between the dates of May 4, 1789, and the census of 1790. Hannah sold to her "daughter," Margaret Bentley, all her goods, chattels, and plantation for "natural love and affection" on April 1, 1793.

To all People to whom these Presents shall come, I, Hannah Bentley, of Lincoln County in the State of North Carolina and on the first day April in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety three send greeting know ye that I, Hannah Bentley for and in consideration of the natural love and affection I bear and have unto my daughter Mergert Bentley and also for other causes and considerations met hereunto moving have given and granted and by these presents do give grant & confirm unto the said Mergret Bentley all my goods & chattels my land & plantation my debts plate, jewels working tools one negro man named Saul and all my other substance whatsoever moveable & immoveable of what kind Nature & Quality soever the same are and in what place or places. Soever the same shall be found as well as in my custody of possessions as in the possession or hands power & custody of any other person or persons whatsoever, or all those goods & chattels land & plantation, debts and all the other aforesaid premises unto the said Margaret Bentley her heirs Executors & admrs [administrators] to her and their own proper use forever and I the said Hannah Bentley all & singular the aforesaid goods & chattels & premises to the said Margaret Bentley her executors admrs I assign against all persons & do warrant and do forever defend and by these presents. In witness thereof I have set my hand and affixed my seal the day & year first above written.

Test. Francis McNemar Hannah (her mark) Bentley

Lydia (her mark) McNemar

Lincoln County April Sessions 1793) The within deed was proved in open court by the oath of Francis McNemar and ordered to be registered. Witness: Jo Dickson Cle [Clerk]

Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 16 page 371.

During the January 1795 court session for Lincoln County, the court ordered that "Hannah Bentley be notified to attend our next County court to administer on the Estate of Thomas Bentley her late husband otherwise Letters [of administration] will issue accordingly." At the April 1795 court session letters of administration were issued to Hannah, "?widow & relict," with Jacob Ricard and Jacob Bollinger as her securities in the sum of 400 pounds.

Hannah Bentley, acting as administrator of her deceased husband's estate, stated in a document to the Lincoln County Court dated 8 July 1795 that Thomas Bentley, in his life, had at different times given parts of his property to his children to provide for and to advance them and that also before his death had made a deed of appointment for the purpose of supporting her in the event that she survived him. She knew of no debts due from the estate.

Hannah proceeded to name the articles that had been conveyed to her, consisting of livestock, household articles, a negro boy named Saul, one big Bible, and other farm and clothing articles. Hannah signed her mark upon the document.

On 1 September 1795 the widow Hannah Bentley and her son, Daniel, sold to George Savage and Catherine Bollinger the plantation on which Hannah lived.

1 September 1795. Hannah Bentley & Daniel Bentley of Lincoln County to George Savage & Catherine Bollinger, both of Lincoln County, for 20 pounds, a tract of land that Thomas Bentley bought of Thomas Welch in Lincoln County on the waters of Indian Creek on the south side of the creek, it being the plantation she [Hannah Bentley] now lives on. It being the land [25 acres] that was accepted [excepted] in the deed that Daniel Bentley made to Jacob Bollinger [doesn't give boundaries] Signed: Hannah Bentley (her mark), Daniel Bentley. Witnesses: Benj. Moore, Richard Whiteakker, William Yonts. Lincoln Co., NC, Deed Book 18, page 146.

Hannah seems to have lived with son, Benjamin, in Alexander County, NC after Thomas' death. 

Hannah was approximately 70 -75 years old when she sold this land. She had sold all her possessions to her daughter, Margaret Bentley, two years earlier. It is possible Hannah sold her goods and land so she could migrate with the families of her son Daniel Bentley and son-in-law Richard Whitaker to Washington County, Virginia, where they appear in the personal property tax lists for the years 1803, 1804 and 1805. Hannah probably died in Washington County, Virginia. She was not enumerated in the 1800 Lincoln County, NC, census.