Bradshaw Family History
Sharon Bentley
![Female](img/tng_female.gif)
1. Sharon Bentley Sharon married . Unknown [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 2. Thomas Bentley
was born 1690, Virginia; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina.
- 2. Thomas Bentley
Generation: 2
2. Thomas Bentley (1.Sharon1) was born 1690, Virginia; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina.
Thomas married Mary Beasley. Mary (daughter of Samuel Beasley, daughter of Thomas Bentley, Jr and Mitchell Taylor Bentley) was born 1695, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 3. Thomas Bentley, Jr
was born 1725, Massachusetts; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina, USA.
- 4. Mary Bentley
Thomas married Hannah Beasley 17 Dec 1769, Rowan County, North Carolina. Hannah (daughter of Robert Francis Beasley and Mary Bentley, daughter of Catherine Bentley and Drucilla Bentley) was born 29 Dec 1714, North Carolina; died 1793, Lincoln County, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 5. Frank Lee Dils
was born 30 Oct 1899, Aurera, Indiana.
- 6. Gloria Lee Dils
was born 11 Oct 1926, Covington, Kentucky; died 17 Sep 1974.
- 7. Joshua Freeman
was born Abt 1770, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 8. Jesse Freeman
was born Abt 1772, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 9. Moses Freeman
was born 14 Sep 1774, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 10. Thomas Freeman
was born Abt 1777, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 11. Isaac Freeman
was born Abt 1780, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 12. Freeman
was born 1781, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 13. Aaron Freeman
was born Between 1782 and 1783, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 14. Freeman
was born 1784, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 15. James Freeman
was born 1785, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 3. Thomas Bentley, Jr
Generation: 3
3. Thomas Bentley, Jr (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1725, Massachusetts; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina, USA.
Notes:
The earliest record of Thomas Bentley, an early settler of Rowan (now Davie) County, North Carolina is found in the 1768 Rowan County, North Carolina List of Taxables of Morgan Bryan's District. Here he and his son, Benjamin, are listed separately at one poll each. Thomas was born about 1725. In the 1778 Rowan County Tax List he is listed as "Thomas Bentley junr" indicating that his father may have been named Thomas Bentley. According to family tradition these Bentleys or their ancestor had migrated to North Carolina from Virginia, but it is not known where Thomas Jr. was born.
On 17 December 1769 Thomas wrote a note that his son, Benjamin, might sign the bond for his daughter, Mary, to marry Aaron Freeman. Benjamin did sign the bond for his sister to marry, along with James Freeman. In Rowan County Court, 9 August 1771 Thomas Bentley registered his livestock brand as a "crop and a hole in the right ear and a crop in the left ear."
Although Thomas' political affiliation is unknown, it is found that on November 4, 1777 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.
By 1783 Thomas and his family began moving from Rowan County. Thomas, his wife Hannah, and some of the children moved to Lincoln County, North Carolina. His son, Benjamin, sold the land he owned in Rowan and moved to Cedar Run - South Yadkin River area of Iredell (now Alexander) County while the other son, Daniel, moved to Lincoln County, North Carolina. Daniel Bentley married Nancy Lewis by bond in Rowan County North Carolina February 8, 1782. As he and his parents were moving to Lincoln County, it appears he could not bear to leave his sweetheart behind.
On January 1, 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 Francis Beaty. On this same day, Thomas also bought 120 acres from Thomas Wilsh (Welch), planter, for 20 pounds. This land also lay on both sides of Indian Creek.
By 1789 Thomas may have begun to experience poor health as on the fourth of May that year he deeded 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.
In the Lincoln County census, Hannah was listed as the head of household with three other females in her house, which are probably the younger daughters which are not yet married. Thus it seems that 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. Margaret Bentley married by bond in Lincoln County on September 25, 1794 to William Younce (Yonts). Christian Eaker was the bondsman for the marriage.
December 1780, he was considered as a "Patriot" by selling corn at a price of 75 cents per bushel.
Thomas married Hannah Beasley 1745, Maryland, USA. Hannah (daughter of Robert Francis Beasley and Mary Bentley, daughter of Catherine Bentley and Drucilla Bentley) was born 29 Dec 1714, North Carolina; died 1793, Lincoln County, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 16. Mary Bentley
was born 1748, Rowan County, North Carolina, United States; was christened 11 Apr 1748, Saint John,Newcastle Upon Tyne,Northumberland,England; died 1833, Buncombe County, North Carolina, USA.
- 17. Benjamin Bentley
was born 1750, Bear Creek, Mocksville, Davies, Rowan, Colony of North Carolina; died 15 Mar 1839, Wilkes, North Carolina, United States; was buried 1839, Iredell, North Carolina, United States.
- 18. Daniel Bentley
was born 8 Feb 1752, Frederick County, Province of Maryland; died 15 Jul 1839, Neon, Letcher County, Kentucky, USA; was buried , Rich Whitaker Cemetery, Van, Letcher, KY, USA.
- 19. Lydia Bentley
was born 1755, Rowan Co., NC; died 15 Jul 1847, Gilmer, now Fannin, Georgia; was buried 1847, Union Co., GA.
- 20. Esquire Squire Bentley
was born 1770; died 1851.
- 21. Patience Bentley
was born 15 May 1774, Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA; died Jun 1860, Lincoln, North Carolina, United States.
- 22. Margaret Bentley
was born 1775, Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States; died 1829, Perry County, Kentucky, United States.
- 23. Rachel Bentley
was born , Frederick, Maryland, United States; died Bef 1810, North Carolina, United States.
Thomas married Mahaly Hall. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 24. Mary Bentley
Thomas married Mitchell Taylor Bentley 8 Feb 1782, Rowan County, North Carolina. (son of Edward Dean Bentley) [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 21. Patience Bentley
was born 15 May 1774, Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA; died Jun 1860, Lincoln, North Carolina, United States.
- 25. John Quiller Bentley
was born 1789, Rowan County, North Carolina; died 8 Jul 1859, Letcher, KY, USA.
- 26. Mary Beasley
was born 1695, North Carolina.
- 19. Lydia Bentley
was born 1755, Rowan Co., NC; died 15 Jul 1847, Gilmer, now Fannin, Georgia; was buried 1847, Union Co., GA.
- 27. Solomon Bentley
was born 1792, North Carolina, United States; died May 1860, Letcher, Letcher County, Kentucky, United States.
- 28. Daniel Bentley, Jr
- 16. Mary Bentley
4. Mary Bentley (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1)
5. Frank Lee Dils (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 30 Oct 1899, Aurera, Indiana.
Frank married Della Bentley 1 Feb 1925, Latonia, Kentucky. Della (daughter of Charity Reeves and John Vent Bentley, daughter of John Vent Bentley and Charity Reeves) was born 25 Sep 1900, Covington, Kentucky; died 26 Oct 1995, Florence, Kentucky; was buried , Ft Mitchell, Kentucky. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 29. Gloria Lee Dils
was born 11 Oct 1926, Covington, Kentucky; died 17 Sep 1974.
- 29. Gloria Lee Dils
6. Gloria Lee Dils (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 11 Oct 1926, Covington, Kentucky; died 17 Sep 1974.
7. Joshua Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born Abt 1770, Rowan County, North Carolina.
8. Jesse Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born Abt 1772, Rowan County, North Carolina.
9. Moses Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 14 Sep 1774, Rowan County, North Carolina.
10. Thomas Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born Abt 1777, Rowan County, North Carolina.
11. Isaac Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born Abt 1780, Irdell County, North Carolina.
12. Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1781, Irdell County, North Carolina.
13. Aaron Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born Between 1782 and 1783, Irdell County, North Carolina.
14. Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1784, Irdell County, North Carolina.
15. James Freeman (2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1785, Irdell County, North Carolina.
Generation: 4
16. Mary Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1748, Rowan County, North Carolina, United States; was christened 11 Apr 1748, Saint John,Newcastle Upon Tyne,Northumberland,England; died 1833, Buncombe County, North Carolina, USA.
Mary married Aaron Freeman 17 Dec 1769, Rowan County, North Carolina. Aaron (son of James Freeman) was born Abt 1745, Chowan County, North Carolina; died Bef 1830. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 30. Joshua Freeman
was born Abt 1770, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 31. Jesse Freeman
was born Abt 1772, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 32. Moses Freeman
was born 14 Sep 1774, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 33. Thomas Freeman
was born Abt 1777, Rowan County, North Carolina.
- 34. Isaac Freeman
was born Abt 1780, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 35. Freeman
was born 1781, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 36. Aaron Freeman
was born Between 1782 and 1783, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 37. Freeman
was born 1784, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 38. James Freeman
was born 1785, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 39. John Freeman
was born 1793, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 40. Freeman
was born 1795, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 30. Joshua Freeman
17. Benjamin Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1750, Bear Creek, Mocksville, Davies, Rowan, Colony of North Carolina; died 15 Mar 1839, Wilkes, North Carolina, United States; was buried 1839, Iredell, North Carolina, United States.
Notes:
Benjamin Bentley, in 1795, made a trip to Lincoln County from Iredell County to help his brother, Daniel, settle their father's estate. On April 17, 1795 they sold to Jacob Bullinger (Bollinger) the two tracts of land that Thomas had bought in 1783. However, 25 acres were withheld from the 120 acre tract for the use of Hannah Bentley "widow and relict of Thomas Bentley" (Lincoln County Deed Book 17 page 211). It is this deed that establishes the fact that Benjamin and Daniel are the sons of Thomas Bentley as the deed reads that Thomas Bentley died intestate and by regular course of law (the land) descended to Daniel and Benjamin Bentley "the sons and their heirs of the said Thomas, dec'd." On September 1, 1795 Hannah and Daniel sold to George Savage and Catherine Bolinger the plantation on which Hannah lived. They probably done so Daniel and his family could migrate to Kentucky, as he did so by 1800. Hannah was not listed in the 1800 Lincoln County Census, so it thought that she also went with Daniel to Kentucky, where he has the distinction of being the "first Bentley in Eastern Kentucky."
On July 8, 1795 Hannah Bentley, as administrix of her husband's estate, wrote to the court that Thomas Bentley, in his lifetime, had at differnet times given parts of his property to his children to provide for and advance them and also before his death had made a deed of appointment for the purpose of suporting Hannah in the event that she survived him. This document goes on to say that she considered these articles as her property and not to be divided among the children. She also knew of no debts due from the estate. Hannah then proceded to name the articles that had been deeded to her, consisting of livestock, household articles, a negro boy named Saul, one big Bible, and other farm and clothing items. She signed her mark on the document.
According to family tradition Benjamin's family ancestry came from Virginia to settle in North Carolina. Benjamin Bentley, along with his parents, brother, and sisters lived in old Rowan (now Davie) County on Bear Creek, a few miles south of Mocksville. In the 1768 Rowan County tax list of Morgan Bryan is found that Benjamin Bentley and Thomas Bentley are included at one poll each. Benjamin was most likely married at this time as he was living separately from his father.
Benjamin was a "wheel-deeler" when it came to purchasing land. Early in life he amassed enough property and land (over 1,500 acres) to be considered part of the planter class of society. He was also a slave owner as was his father. On June 30, 1778 Benjamin entered a claim for 640 acres of land on Bear Creek in Rowan County. The state of North Carolina on March 21, 1780 granted him this land by Grant No. 97. It sold for fifty shillings every 100 acres and joined the lands of William Frohock, Anthony Peeler, Thomas Bentley, and Abraham Welty.
The Bentley house still stands in this area in 1985 a few miles south of the town of Mocksville on an unpaved road just of Hwy. 601. Although later land owners added onto the house, the originial portion is a two-story log structure which consists of two 20 X 20 foot square rooms downstairs separated by a 10 foot wide entrance way. The upstairs floor space was the same. This location was one of the first known communities in Davie County and was named "Bentley."
Located behind the main house was a summer house where the children slept in the summer as it was too hot to sleep upstairs in the main house. The 1778 tax list of Capt. Lyon's district in Rowan County shows Benjamin's value to be 336 pounds and that of his father, "Thomas Bentley, junr." to be 609 pounds. Benjamin also served as a constable in Rowan County from Feb 16, 1771 to Feb 1772.
On June 29, 1778, NC Grant No. 329 was made to Benjamin Bentley, assignee of Uriah Davis, for land lying at the head of the South Yadkin River in Rowan County joining Soloman Davis. Also on November 13, 1778 the state by Grant No. 1375 granted Benjamin 100 acres on the North Fork of Rocky Creek, beginning at the mouth of the big branch above the Tumbling Shoals in "Rowan" County. Benjamin transferred this land to George Hinds (Hines). Benjamin Bentley evidently moved his family to Iredell (now Alexander) County about 1784 as this is when he began selling his land on Bear Creek. He had the year before on October 10, 1783 received Grant No. 457 for 150 acres as a branch of the South Yadkin River near the "Cedar Knob" in Rowan County, about five miles north of Taylorsville. As Iredell was formed in 1788, it is here that Benjamin begins to appear in the court records. At the first court session of the newly formed county, Benjamin Bentley, Adam Hall, and others were appointed a jury to lay out the Cove Gap Road.
While Benjamin moved his family to Iredell County, his father and mother, Thomas and Hannah Bentley, moved the rest of their family to Linclon County about 1783.
Benjamin married Jane Holman 1764, Lincoln, North Carolina, United States. Jane (daughter of Phoebe Bentley and Joseph Keller) was born Abt 1750, Rowan, North Carolina, USA; died 1839, Lincoln, North Carolina, USA. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 41. Moses Bentley
was born 1769, Bear Creek, Rowan, North Carolina, United States; died 1 May 1827, Burke, North Carolina, USA.
- 42. Esquire Bentley
was born Abt 1770, Alexander, North Carolina, United States; died Abt 1851, Alexander, North Carolina, United States.
- 43. Drucilla Bentley
was born Abt 1772, Bear Creek, Rowan, North Carolina, USA; died 1865, Rowan, North Carolina, USA.
- 44. James Bentley
was born 1775, Iradell, North Carolina, USA; died 13 Feb 1837, Sumner, Tennessee, USA.
- 45. Benjamin H. Bentley, Jr
was born 1775, Wilkes, North Carolina, United States; died 7 Sep 1854, Buncombe, North Carolina, USA.
- 46. James Martin Bentley
was born 1775, Iradell County, , North Carolina, USA; died 13 Feb 1837, Letcher, Letcher, Kentucky, United States.
- 47. Mary Bentley
was born 1780, NC, USA; died 15 Apr 1855, Alexander, NC, USA.
- 48. Catherine Bentley
was born 1781, Wilkes, Georgia, United States; died 1850, Kentucky, United States.
Benjamin married William Yonts Abt 1798. William (son of Lewis and Campbell) was born Between 1771 and 1776; died Abt 1836, Perry, Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 49. Caleb Bentley
was born 1843, Irdell County, North Carolina.
- 50. Nancy Jane Lewis
was born Abt 1767, England, United Kingdom; died 4 Oct 1845, Perry County, Kentucky.
- 51. Henry Hines
was born 1750, North Carolina; died 1800, , North Carolina, USA.
- 52. Elizabeth Bentley
was born 1798, Wilkes, North Carolina, United States; died , Blairsville, Union, Georgia, United States.
- 53. Hannah Bentley
was born 8 Dec 1800, Rowan, North Carolina, USA; died 9 Mar 1892, Lincoln, Washington, Virginia, USA.
- 54. Margaret Peggy Bentley
was born 1806, North Carolina, USA.
- 55. Joel Kerley
was born 1802.
- 56. William Bentley
was born 1814, North Carolina, United States.
- 57. Martin Bentley
was born 1815, Rowan, North Carolina, USA.
- 41. Moses Bentley
18. Daniel Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 8 Feb 1752, Frederick County, Province of Maryland; died 15 Jul 1839, Neon, Letcher County, Kentucky, USA; was buried , Rich Whitaker Cemetery, Van, Letcher, KY, USA.
Notes:
Daniel moved to Kentucky after his father died.
Daniel married Betsey Crace. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 58. Joseph Bentley
was born 1799, Floyd County, Kentucky, United States; died 25 Mar 1864, Letcher, Letcher County, Kentucky, United States.
Daniel married Nancy Jane Lewis 8 Feb 1782, Rowan, North Carolina, USA. Nancy (daughter of Benjamin Bentley and William Yonts) was born Abt 1767, England, United Kingdom; died 4 Oct 1845, Perry County, Kentucky. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 59. Thomas Bentley
was born 1785, North Carolina; died 1860, Letcher County, Kentucky, USA; was buried , Old Bentley Cemetery, Whitaker, Letcher, KY, USA.
- 60. Benjamin A. Bentley
was born 1788, Rowan County, North Carolina, USA; died 28 Aug 1857, Pike County, Kentucky; was buried , Letcher, KY, USA.
- 61. John Quiller Bentley
was born 1789, Rowan County, North Carolina; died 8 Jul 1859, Letcher, KY, USA.
- 62. Lewis Bentley
was born 1790, North Carolina; died 31 Dec 1871, Floyd County, Kentucky, United States.
- 63. Solomon Bentley
was born 1792, North Carolina, United States; died May 1860, Letcher, Letcher County, Kentucky, United States.
- 64. Daniel Bentley, Jr
- 58. Joseph Bentley
19. Lydia Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1755, Rowan Co., NC; died 15 Jul 1847, Gilmer, now Fannin, Georgia; was buried 1847, Union Co., GA.
Lydia married Meshack Davis 7 May 1774, Rowan, North Carolina, USA. Meshack was born Abt 1749, Baltimore, Maryland, USA; died 15 Oct 1852, Gilmer, Georgia, USA. [Group Sheet]
20. Esquire Squire Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1770; died 1851.
21. Patience Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 15 May 1774, Frederick, Frederick, MD, USA; died Jun 1860, Lincoln, North Carolina, United States.
Patience married Lewis. [Group Sheet]
22. Margaret Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1775, Lincoln County, North Carolina, United States; died 1829, Perry County, Kentucky, United States.
Margaret married William Yonts 26 Sep 1794, Lincoln County, North Carolina. William (son of Lewis and Campbell) was born Between 1771 and 1776; died Abt 1836, Perry, Kentucky, USA. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 65. Sarah Yonts
was born 13 Jun 1796.
- 66. Mary Yonts
was born Between 1800 and 1802.
- 67. William Yonts, Jr
was born 1808.
- 68. Solomon Yonts
- 65. Sarah Yonts
23. Rachel Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born , Frederick, Maryland, United States; died Bef 1810, North Carolina, United States.
24. Mary Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1)
25. John Quiller Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1789, Rowan County, North Carolina; died 8 Jul 1859, Letcher, KY, USA.
John married Nancy Bentley. (daughter of Lewis Bentley and Nancy Hannon) [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 69. Dicy Bentley
- 70. Margaret
- 71. Jeny Bentley
- 72. Charity Bentley
- 73. Priscilla Bentley
- 74. Sarah Bentley
- 75. May Bentley
- 76. Esther Bentley
- 77. Roady Bentley
John married Margaret Hamilton 18 Feb 1816, Floyd County, Kentucky. Margaret (daughter of Lydia Bentley and Solomon Yonts) was born 1797; died 1 Jan 1841. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 78. Esquire Bentley
was born 1821, Letcher County, Kentucky.
- 79. Thomas Bentley
was born 1825.
- 80. Mary Ann Bentley
was born 12 Mar 1830.
- 81. Benjamin Bentley
was born 1839.
- 69. Dicy Bentley
26. Mary Beasley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1695, North Carolina.
Mary married Thomas Bentley. Thomas (son of Sharon Bentley) was born 1690, Virginia; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 82. Thomas Bentley, Jr
was born 1725, Massachusetts; died Abt 1789, Lincoln County, North Carolina, USA.
- 83. Mary Bentley
- 82. Thomas Bentley, Jr
27. Solomon Bentley (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 1792, North Carolina, United States; died May 1860, Letcher, Letcher County, Kentucky, United States.
Solomon married Betsey Crace 4 Mar 1819. [Group Sheet]
Children:
- 58. Joseph Bentley
was born 1799, Floyd County, Kentucky, United States; died 25 Mar 1864, Letcher, Letcher County, Kentucky, United States.
- 84. Nancy Hannon
was born 1795, North Carolina.
- 85. William Bentley
- 86. Sally Bentley
- 58. Joseph Bentley
28. Daniel Bentley, Jr (3.Thomas3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1)
29. Gloria Lee Dils (5.Frank3, 2.Thomas2, 1.Sharon1) was born 11 Oct 1926, Covington, Kentucky; died 17 Sep 1974.