Born in Belmont County, Ohio. Enlisted in the 170th Ohio Infantry (National Guard) for 100 days. Mustered in as a Private in Company C at Bellaire, Ohio on 13 May 1864. Mustered out with his Company at Camp Chase, Ohio on 10 Sep 1864. Enlisted in the 193rd Ohio Infantry for one year on 11 Feb 1865. Mustered in as a Private in Company H at Camp Chase, Ohio on 12 Mar 1865. Mustered out with his Company at Winchester, Virginia on 4 Aug 1865. A charter member of Gen. Lyon Post No. 26 of Toledo, Lincoln County, Oregon. Served the Post as Junior Vice Commander in 1886. Died at his home in Jefferson, Marion County, Oregon. Some military records spell his first name as "Bently".