JULIA ANN (WATT) BENTLEY was born April 18, 1835 in St. John, New Brunswick, and died at her home in Milledgeville, Ill., Monday, Feb. 17, 1908, at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 29 days. Her early life was spent among the strenuous pioneers of this country, her father being a ship builder. She was married to Edward C. Kelley, April 24, 1853. To this union were born eight children. They came to Milledgeville, Ill., May 7, 1868, but on the journey the family contracted small pox and only one month after their arrival Mr. Kelley died. In 1871 Mrs. Kelley was married to John Bentley. To this union were born five children. Five children preceded her in death. Those left to mourn the loss are the husband and eight children, twenty-one grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The surviving children are Clarence E. Bentley of Polo, Ill., Wm. W. Bentley of Azusa, Cal., Sarah A. Eastabrook and George W. Kelley of Freeport, Ill, James E. Kelley of Chicago, Ill, Henry H. Kelley and Carrie W. [Kelley] Stowe of Morrison, Ill. Horace H. Kelley of Rock Falls, Ill. In early life Mrs. Bentley united with the Baptist church but on her arrival at Milledgeville she united with the Methodist church and always remained a faithful member. She was also a member of the Woman's Relief Corps and has been Chaplain of that order since its organization, with the exception of two years. Perhaps no woman in Milledgeville was more generous, sympathetic and helpful to those in trouble than Mrs. Bentley. She had a kind word for everyone and always knew the helpful thing to do or the cheery word to say to those in sorrow. Mrs. Bentley was a true wife and faithful mother. She will be greatly missed, not only by her aged husband, her many children and grandchildren, but by a host of friends and neighbors. Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock and were in charge of Rev. L. P. Warrington. Interment in Bethel cemetery.

Contributed by Karen Fyock - Undated scrapbook clipping

From Illinois Genealogy Trails website