Wheelock Bentley

The Prince Edward Island Agriculturist: 20 August 1888; Page 5; Columns 3&4; “The Laying of the Corner Stone of the Methodist Church.” The article states that meetings to build a church began in the fall of 1887. Hon. G.W. Bentley donated the land the church was built on, and $2,000.00 was fund raised to build the church. The article also lists the first board of Trustees. The church was built by H.A. Compton of Summerside, and Mr. John Cann poured the foundation. The corner stone was laid on 13 August 1888 by Rev. C.W. Hamilton. The general superintendents were Rev. Dr. Carmen and Dr. Williams.

The Island Farmer: 19 September 1889; Page 5; Column 1; “New Methodist Church in Kensington.” The new Methodist Church is set to open next Sunday. It was built by H.A. Compton of Kensington. Compton hired Messrs. Thos. Beattie and Jason McNeill “Master Builders.”

KENSINGTON Agriculturalist 7/18/1887

For fourteen or fifteen years, Kensington, then known as Barrett's Cross, attracted very little attention; the building of the railway, however, caused quite a "boom," and it is now one of the most important and rapidly growing towns in the province. Surrounded on all sides by a rich section of country, thickly settled and carefully cultivated by thrifty, industrious and independent farmers, it has the natural backing that is necessary to give it a solid and substantial character. It will continue to grow, and its growth will not be of a mushroom, ephemeral character, but will be of a permanent nature. The business men of the place know this, and adapt themselves to these favorable conditions, and are therefore spared the pain and loss that too often follow from rash speculation. The trade of Kensington is progressive, keeping fully up with the times, yet it is on a firm, solid base that temporary depressions cannot affect to any perceptible extent. The town is well and handsomely built, the streets being formed by the six public roads that converge at this point. The stores, dwellings, shops and numerous warehouses are all the best of their class, and give the village a fine appearance. At the head of the various business establishments we may place the extensive firm of Reuben Tuplin & Co., "London House," general dry goods, grocery and hardware dealers, direct importers, and the largest dealers in farm produce, of which they ship an enormous quantity. The store of this firm is equal in size, appearance, and quality of goods, to the leading city establishments in similar lines. Their store, warehouses and outbuildings, if placed together, would of themselves form quite a little village. There is really nothing in the line of merchandise, needed by the people, that cannot be found at Tuplin & Co.'s, at the lowest city prices. The next firm is that of Bowness & Anderson, established about two years ago, and which has already worked up a very large trade. Messrs. Bowness & Anderson carry a fine stock of general merchandise, and deal extensively in produce. Their various lines are full and complete, and offered at prices that ensure them a large and continually increasing share of patronage. The oldest mercantile establishment in Kensington is that of G. W. Bentley, the present Commissioner of Public Works, where there is displayed a full assortment of lines of goods usually found in a first-class village store, and at reasonable prices. Mr. Bentley has a number of customers who have largely patronized his store since he commenced business. He also deals largely in produce. Mr. John Burke, proprietor of the "Kensington House," handles extensively farm machinery of all kinds, and exports immense quantities of oats and potatoes. Mr. H. A. Leslie, "Scotia House," deals in groceries, confectionery, etc. He is well known as one of the most successful "brant killers" on the Island. Dr. Darrach's Drug Store is one of the most tasteful, best arranged, and well furnished institutions of the kind in the province. Everything about it seems in good order, while it is scrupulously clean, and bright. The Telephone Exchange is located here. The clerk in charge is Mr. Wickham, son of Mr. William Wickham, of Summerside. Two Doctors � Darrach and McNeill � genial and popular disciples of Esculapius, administer to the bodily needs of the afflicted. There are three merchant tailoring establishments in the place, those of Hugh McLeod, John Noonan, and Robert Whitehead. At either of these one can get a suit of clothes, a coat, vest, or other garment, of the best material, cut according to the latest fashion, and substantially made, at a price comparing favorably with that of town or city establishments. Two harness makers � Mark Pound and Robert Moase, supply the best goods in their line, and do a large and paying business. Four shoemakers, Cornelius Hennessy, B. J. Murphy, Geo Horton and Thomas Larkin, care for the "soles" of the people. Their work rivals that of our own P. T. Fanning, which is saying a good deal for their skill. Several dressmakers and milliners � whose names we did not take down, as we are very diffident about making such inquiries of ladies � help the female sex to keep up with the latest styles. Messrs. E. Proctor, Wm. McLeod, John Hynes, and J. Higgins, are the blacksmiths of the place, and are busy enough to remind one of the lines of Longfellow, - "Beneath a spreading chestnut tree, The village smithy stands" Mr. Proctor is also the manufacturer of the well known potato digger that has been received with so much favor by the farmers of this part of the country, and which has saved so much hard labor during harvest time. Two fine hotels, the "Eureka House," William Mead, proprietor, and the "Kensington House," John Burke, proprietor, well fitted and furnished with every comfort, supply the wants of the traveling public, while Mr. G. B. Sim's hotel, to which we referred last week, is rapidly approaching completion, and will materially add to the accommodation in this line. Nothing indicates the progress of a place better than the school, and Kensington school is a good index to the growth of this town. We remember, only a very few years since, when one small school room was sufficient for the needs of Kensington. It was taught by Mr. John Sharpe, a veteran in the profession, who has since resigned the ferule, and retired in the quiet of his farm home. Now there is an excellent first-class school with three departments, fitted and furnished in a style in keeping with the age. A fourth room, now used as a lodge room, can be converted into a fourth department whenever necessary. The Principal is Mr. John A. Matheson, the second department is in charge of Miss Amelia J. Palmer, and the third is presided over by Miss Bridget Duffy. We had the pleasure of hearing the geometry class in the principal's room, and judging from that recitation, the instruction imparted in this school, which is highly spoken of in the Superintendent's report, is of a very thorough nature. Building operations, during the last year have been very brisk, and a good many structures are at present in course of erection. The handsomest public building in Kensington is the recently completed Anglican Church, situated on the side of a gently rising hill overlooking the town. It is indeed a very pretty structure exteriorly, being finely proportioned and designed, and heavily buttressed. The main entrance is in the tower, which is at the southwest corner of the building, and which is surmounted by a neat, prettily finished spire. The color of the walls is a light drab, with dark window, door and eave finishings. The roof is dark, contrasting well with the body of the church. The interior is really beautiful, with pure white walls, the ceiling being nicely arched and finished in stained pine, which gives a pleasing effect. The cornice is finished in blue and light and dark drab. The windows are of cathedral glass, which gives a softened and subdued light. The chancel is really beautiful, being highly finished and tastefully carpeted. The altar at the extreme rear of the sanctuary, is richly decorated, yet in keeping with the other appointments. An organ chamber to the right of the chancel contains a fine tuned chapel organ. The pews are well finished in ash, and are roomy and comfortable. There is but one aisle in the centre, which is also carpeted. Everything about this new and perfectly proportioned church seems neat, tasty, and harmonious, and the building is a credit to the Anglican congregation of Kensington, who have spared no expense in replacing the old fashioned church in which they so long worshipped, by such a beautiful sanctuary. The designs were made by Mr. W. C. Harris, architect, and Mr. Nelson Evans was the contractor. The choir in connection with this church is said to be one of the finest on the Island. The parsonage, near the church, was built this spring, and is a very handsomely designed, well proportioned and tastefully finished cottage. It is painted a light olive green, with dark facings. These new church buildings will doubtless be inspected by hundreds of people on Tuesday next, when it is hoped there will be a large gathering at the tea party, the object of which is to pay off the balance of debt remaining on the church and the parsonage. The new Presbyterian Church is, on the outside, a plain, substantial, unpretentious structure: the interior, however, is finished in fine style. The walls are pure white and the ceiling is high, imparting a bright and cheerful air to the chamber. The pews are arranged in three rows, and are roomy and comfortable. They are trimmed with walnut, oak and bird's-eye maple, and being all cushioned, have a decidedly handsome appearance. The gallery at the north end is constructed on the most approved plan, and is finished in harmony with the body of the church. The pulpit is of walnut and burl, with a commodious platform in front, and looks very nice. This church can seat about three hundred very comfortably. To the right of the entrance is a neat classroom. Mr. James McKinnon, Kensington, was the contractor who built this church, and the painting and graining were done by Mr. John T. Ramsay. The work is a credit to these artisans. The ladies of the congregation provided the handsome carpets which adorn the pulpit, platform, stairs, aisles, and classroom. Among the buildings in the course of erection, and approaching completion, is a large store, by Mr. H. A. Leslie. Mr. John Hill has completed a fine residence. He hauled it from Malpeque last winter. Mr. William McEwen, of New London, has built a fine house and barn on a splendid farm which belonged to the estate of the late Stephen McMillan, and which Mr. McEwen has purchased. Mr. Andrew Bowness is finishing a snug little cottage for another party. Mr. Archibald Ramsay has a cottage well underway, which he intends to occupy shortly. Mr. Robert Johnson has recently built a neat house. Mr. Jas. Saunders has completed a dwelling near the old school house. Mr. Wm. Paynter lately erected a new cottage, which he now occupies. Mr. Reuben Tuplin has finished a fine tailor shop, which is not yet occupied. Besides these there a number of additions and changes being made that add much to the general appearance of the town. There do not seem to be any idle mechanics in Kensington: Unless a man wishes to remain idle, he can find plenty of work at good wages. Kensington is ahead of most towns of its size in having a fire department, with engine, engine house, such of the efficiency of the engine itself, however, we are not prepared to speak; but in the unfortunate event of a fire, the men composing the corps may be depended upon to do their duty. We must not close the hastily written sketch without a reference to the presiding genius of the railway station and telegraph office � Mr. A. E. Clarke. "Sandy" is one of the institutions of the place, genial, affable and obliging, is a general favorite, and a very efficient railway official. He is taking an active part in the preparations for the tea that comes off on Tuesday next, and his exertions will do much towards ensuring its success. We must extend our thanks to him for many courtesies received at his hands.

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from theislandregister.com

New Vessel Registrations, 1884

Submitted by Christine Gorman

As printed in The Daily Examiner, Charlottetown, P. E. Island, Jan. 2 , 1885:
New Shipping
LIST OF NEW VESSELS REGISTERED AT THE PORT OF CHARLOTTETOWN, P. E. ISLAND, DURING THE YEAR 1884
NEW SHIPPING 1884...
Oct. 25 - Schr. Mamie, built at Lot 11, P. E. I., 15 tons, owned by George W. Bentley, Kensington.

The Canadian Parliamentary Companion, 1885

From the library of Donna Collings. Published 1885, Ottawa, J. Durie and Son., and printed at Montreal by the Gazette Printing Co.

   The Canadian Parliamentary Companion - 1885

Prince Edward Island.
(Entered Confederation 1st July, 1872.)...
House of Assembly

(Elected June 1882; Expires 1886)...

Members.

Number: 30; sessional allowance, $172 and mileage...

Bentley, Hon. George Whitefield Wheelock. (Prince, 4th District)

S. of Thomas and Hannah Bentley, who emigrated from England. B. at Margate, P.E.I., 21st Dec., 1842. Ed. there. M., 9th Feb., 1870, Emma Jane, dau. Of William Dennis, Esq. A merchant and farmer. Apptd. a mem. of the Ex. Co. and Commr. of Public Works. 29th Jan. 1887. First returned to Ho. of Assem. at g.e. 1879, and re-elected at last g.e. A Conservative. - Kensington, P.E.I.

BENTLEY, George Whitfield Wheelock, son of Thomas Bentley. Born on December

21, 1842 at Margate P.E.I. Married to Emma Jane Dennis daughter of William

Dennis of Margate P.E.I. Nine children; Georgie married Patterson Walker,

Mamie married Gus White, Charles W.S., WILLIAM Emerson married to Florence

Alice Earle, THOMAS Whitefield married to Linda Irene Moore, Lorena Maude,

Mary Emma. A Farmer-Mercantile Businessman. A Conservative. A charter

member of Mount Zion Masonic Lodge 1884-1885. Owned the schooner "Mamie" which was constructed for him at Lot 11 by Barnabas Trowsdale. Commissioner of Crown

Lands, He donated the land for the Kensington Methodist Church in 1888.

Died on April 9, 1909. Buried at the Kensington People's Cemetary,

Kensington P.E.I.

from Weldon Laird