OS8809 - Bentley Family

Wilmott E. and Soley Bentley (nee Crumbie) with their children on their anniversary. Wilmott Bentley was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, the son of Thomas Bentley and Esther (Johnson) (Greer). The family moved to the Aspdin area in Muskoka, where he started school. On March 3, 1915, he married Soley Crumbie, whose mother was Emily Aijling. Soley was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, but her family moved to the Weston area while she was still an infant. Wilmott and Soley had six sons and one daughter and were members of the United Church. Their son Elmer was born Dec. 19, 1915. They moved to Beeton and their son Wilmott was born there February 7, 1917 (buried in Alton, ON). The family bought a farm on the 11th in Tecumseth and there son Mervyn was born August 24, 1919. In December 1919, Wilmott bought a farm on Lot 1, Concession 5, West Gwillimbury. Dewitt was born October 14, 1921, Carl was born November 10, 1923 (deceased June 10, 1938, buried in Bond Head Cemetery), James was born June 16, 1925, and Dorothy on May 12, 1927. Mervyn took over the farm in 1948. Wilmott and Soley moved to Utterson, Muskoka. Wilmott was an assessor and building inspector for the Township of Stephenson until his retirement. They celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries at Allensville. Wilmott died April 1, 1977, and was buried in Bond Head Cemetery. Back Row, from left to right: Mervyn, James, Dorothy, Dewitt, Wilmott, Elmer. Front Row: Mr. Wilmott E. Bentley, Mrs. Soley Bentley.