John Willard Bent (1890 - 1977)

Born 20 Dec 1890 in Belleisle, Annapolis, Nova Scotia, Canada

Ancestors

Husband of Muriel Marguerite (Sponagle) Bent — married 13 Jun 1916 in West Dublin, Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, Canada

Descendants

Died 1 Feb 1977 at age 86 in New Glasgow, Pictou, Nova Scotia, Canada

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Christopher Bent [send private message]

Biography

John Willard Bent was born on 20 Dec 1890 in Belleisle, Municipality of the County of Annapolis, Annapolis County, Nova Scotia, Canada. He was the son of Herbert Willett Bent and Alice Jane Whitman. Variations on his given name include: John Willard, Jack, John Williard.

Until 1914 John's occupation was that of a farmer's son working on the family homestead where he grew up in Belleisle. In addition to mowing hay and other farm work on their own farm, Herbert and his eldest sons, John and Harry, would also do work for neighbors. They had a team of Morgan horses, a brother and sister pair.

On or shortly before June 24, 1914 the Nova Scotia Methodist Conference stationing committee made the determination as to where Methodist Ministers would be stationed for the year. John was "received on trial" as a Methodist minister to assist Rev. Lund in Petite Riviere Parish, Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia. This meant that he was on probation as a clergy member while preparing for full membership. A probationary member was on trial as to character, preaching ability, and pastoral effectiveness. He continued in this capacity until his decision to enlist in the army.

During this probationary period in Lunenburg County, John boarded in the West Dublin home of Captain Newton Sponagle's family. Captain Sponagle had a daughter by the name of Muriel and soon John initiated a courtship. As it turned out, he was not the first clergyman-in-training to marry a daughter of Captain Sponagle. Muriel's older sister, Florence, had married Rev. William Harry Rackham seven years earlier, the result of a courtship similarly initiated while Harry was boarding with the Sponagles during his probationary period.

John married Muriel Marguerite Sponagle, daughter of Capt. James Newton Sponagle and Emma Selena Remby, on 13 Jun 1916 in West Dublin, Municipality of the District of Lunenburg. The ceremony was performed by Rev. W. Harry Rackham, brother-in-law of the bride, at the Methodist Church immediately adjacent to the Newton Sponagle family home. Official witnesses were Myrtle Remby, cousin of the bride, and Florence V. Rackham, sister of the bride. At the time, John was a 25-year-old clergyman-in-training who had enlisted as a private in the Army three months earlier to the day. Muriel was 23 years of age. Both were residents of West Dublin and neither of them had been married before.

John and Muriel had seven children together: four sons, John Lorraine "Larry" Bent, Allison "Al" Willard Bent, Harry Sponagle Bent and Herbert Newton Bent; and three daughters - twins Ruby Marguerite Bent and Ruth Remby Bent, and Lois Verne Whitman Bent.

In John's service record there is a document entitled Particulars of Family of an Officer or Man Enlisted in C. E. F. which is dated 12 August 1916, which suggests that John began his military training with the 219th (Highland) Battalion at this time. The document contains a few interesting details. The middle name of his father is recorded as "Willard", identical to John's middle name, when in fact his father's middle name was "Willett." One question asks if he is insured, to which the reply is yes and a notation follows listing three insurers: Manufacturer's Life, Methodist Ministers Relief, and Clergymans Cooperative Association. John's regimental number is recorded as 282580.

Based at Camp Aldershot near Kentville, Nova Scotia, the CEF had begun recruiting in early 1916 throughout the province as part of a four-battalion Nova Scotia Highland Brigade. The 219th recruited personnel from the counties of Halifax, Lunenburg, Queens, Shelburne, Yarmouth, Digby, Annapolis and Kings. Training was ongoing throughout the summer with some 7000 or more soldiers being trained for infantry duty at any given time. Although some buildings were temporarily constructed for messes, cookhouse and camp hospital, most of the soldiers were housed in canvas tents.

On October 12th, in Halifax, Private John Willard Bent was among some 4000 soldiers who boarded the SS Olympic which had been converted for use during the war as a troop carrier. She was a White Star liner and sister ship of the Titanic. By early evening the next day, the SS Olympic set sail for Liverpool, England. Five days later, on the evening of October 18th, the ship pulled into the bay near Liverpool and dropped anchor for the night. The next morning she pulled into the dock and John disembarked. Soon thereafter, he would have taken the train, along with other members of the 219th, to Camp Whitley for further training. Following the training, he was transferred to Bramshott.

On January 23, 1917 the 17th Canadian Reserve Battalion was formed from the 17th, 193rd and 219th Batallions. It was at Bramshott, on February 9th and with the rank of sergeant, that John received his first physical examination since initially being recruited 11 months earlier. As a result of the exam John was classified as B3 - suitable only for sedentary work. His disability was recorded as being flat footed on his right foot. The doctor recorded the following explanation: He states that he had his foot it fractured two years ago. The arch of his foot is now breaking down and he is unable to do route marches. Foot becomes painful on walking or standing. As a result he was exempted from marching or any tasks that required standing for long periods. To help alleviate the condition, John wore rubber heels on his boots instead of the usual metal plates that were worn by soldiers to protect the boot heels from wearing down, often referred to as "clickers" because of the sound they would make while walking or marching on hard surfaces.

It was on that same day that John was assigned to the Canadian Casualty Assembly Centre, attached to the 17th Battalion. The centre was where the wounded were assessed for either further treatment or return to duty.

On March 13, 1917, he was assigned to the Nova Scotia Regimental Depot at Bramshott, a facility used to assemble, store and administer equipment and materials. Two months later, on May 11th, he was reassigned to the Canadian Forestry Corp HQ in Sunningdale. From that point on he served with the CFC at several different locations in both England and Scotland until the war ended. Among these postings was an assignment to C.F.C. #55 District at Stirling in Scotland which began on 19 November 1917. Four months later, on 21 March 1918, John was assigned to YMCA duties at Stirling, in which capacity he served for 51 days. John's son, Don, has in his possession an engraved gold watch presented to him from the privates of 121 Co. C.F.C. It reads: Presented to Sergt. J. W. Bent Canada YMCA In recognition for Faithful Services Rendered to us the Privates of 121 Co. CFC Avemore Scotland. There is a dent on the back where John got hit with the ball playing cricket. He told his son Don that the watch saved him from getting a broken hip.

On July 18, 1919, John was transferred from CFC to the Canadian Camp at Whitley. Within a week he had embarked for home aboard the HMTS Winifredian, arriving in Halifax on July 31st. His demobilization discharge from the army came two days later on August 2, 1919. At the time of his discharge, his rank was recorded as sergeant and John was eligible for an Army Class C Badge "For Honourable Service," although none were available at the time of discharge.

Now he was once again a civilian. John's brothers, Harry and Stan, had already returned in the weeks prior to John's arrival home at the family homestead in Belleisle. Photos in his sister Carrie's collection give testimony to the happy reunion. Especially poignant was John's first meeting with his two-year-old son, Larry, who had been born after John had left for service overseas.

Following his return from the war John enrolled at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, where he studied for his Theology certification with a view to being formally ordained as a Methodist minister in the near future.

On Tuesday May 4, 1920, John and Muriel, with their young son, Larry, were on hand at the family homestead in Belleisle to celebrate the 40th wedding anniversary of John's parents. Also present were John's brothers, Harry and Roy, as well as his brother Stanley who, with his young wife Mildred, were visiting from the Boston area. John's sister, Carrie, and her husband, Leonard Gesner, were also in attendance with their young son, Herb. That evening John preached in the Belleisle hall and would preach a second time before their visit to Belleisle ended.

On May 12th John and Muriel, who was by this time about six months pregnant with their second child, left with young Larry for West Dublin to visit Muriel's parents. It appears that Muriel remained in West Dublin on the family homestead with son Larry while John returned to Sackville to continue his studies. In August of that year, another son, Al, was born at West Dublin.

John received his Certificate in Theology in 1921 and was ordained in 1922. His father, who had always been very involved with the church, was the Bridgetown circuit delegate to the Annual Conference that year and had the pleasure of seeing his son John ordained. Following his ordination, John was supplied by Mount Allison that same year to the River Hebert Methodist Church. And so it was that he settled in River Hebert with his wife and two young sons, Larry and Al, serving the community until 1924. Two of his four sons, Harry and Herb, were born while John was ministering in River Hebert.

The Bridgetown Weekly Monitor, in the local news column for Belleisle on May 23, 1923, reported: Rev. J. W. Bent of River Hibert, came home on Thursday evening [May 17th] on account of illness of his father, Mr. H. W. Bent.

On Thu. 24 May 1923 a time of grieving began with his father's passing. It was only just the year before that Herbert was the circuit delegate to the Annual Conference where he had witnessed his son John being ordained. The celebration of that time was now in stark contrast to the heavy loss of his beloved father, whose guidance and cheery smile would be much missed. John, with his three brothers, were pall bearers for the funeral, which was largely attended, a reflection of the high esteem in which his father was held by all who knew him.

The Bridgetown Weekly Monitor, in the local news column for Belleisle on June 13th, included this item: Rev. and Mrs. John W. Bent, who were summoned home owing to the illness and death of their father, returned to their home at River Hebert on Wednesday[June 6th].

In 1925, all Methodist and Congregational Churches and a majority of Presbyterian Churches were amalgamated to form the United Church of Canada. St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church and River Hebert Methodist Church united to form Trinity United Church. The former Presbyterian Church was used by the new congregation and the Methodist church became a church hall. That same year, John was assigned to Immanuel United Church in Amherst, serving as its minister from 1925 to 1929. For the duration of his service at Immanuel he and his family lived in the church manse located at 62 West Pleasant Street at the corner of Hickman Street. Two more children, twin girls Ruth and Ruby, were born in 1928 while he was ministering at Immanuel.

Of interest is a notice in the August 11, 1926 edition of Bridgetown's newspaper, The Weekly Monitor, giving a brief account of an auto accident involving John and Muriel: The many friends of Rev. J. W. Bent and Mrs. Bent will be sorry to learn they were victims of a serious auto accident one day last week. Their car was overturned by a large one just out of Truro.

Also of interest is the Belleisle local news section of Bridgetown's newspaper, The Weekly Monitor, on December 8, 1926 which reported on a memorial service in Amherst during which John gave an impassioned address: On November 7th, a memorial service was held in Amherst, for the men who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War. At this service Rev. J. W. Bent gave the address. In the course of his remarks Rev. Mr. Bent referred to the epic days of the Great War, when the valor of the Canadian troops was proven upon the fields of France and Flanders. He paid great tribute to the men who made the supreme sacrifice and urged the necessity of keeping their names in constant memory. He remarked upon the causes leading up to the war and asked those present if they were living up to the ideals for which the soldiers fought and died. The address given by Mr. Bent was declared to be the finest of its kind ever heard at such a service. Rev. Mr. Bent mentioned above is one of Belleisle's young men who is doing good work in the ministry of the United Church of Canada.

By 1930 John had decided to shift his career. Although he continued to preach on occasion, he gave up the full-time ministry and took on a job as an agent for the Children's Aid Society in Amherst. We can only speculate as to his reasons. The Great Depression was in its early stages and everyone felt the effects. With six children to raise, perhaps the income of an agent was better than that of a minister. Also, in 1930 he might have been due for a posting to a new parish and may not have wanted to uproot his school-aged children from Amherst. Whatever his reasons, he made the change in his career and continued as an agent of Childrens Aid in Amherst up until 1943.

Of course, this also entailed a change in residence because leaving his full-time ministry meant relinquishing the benefit of living in the church manse. So the family of six moved into a rented house at 28 West Pleasant Street. It was there, in the early days of spring 1931, that another child arrived on the scene, daughter Lois.

Sometime between 1932 and 1937, John and his family changed residences once again, moving to another rented house at 15 Victoria Street West. By all accounts this was the favourite residence of all the children.

On Wed. 24 Sep 1941 a happy family occasion was celebrated with the marriage of John and Muriel's son Allison to Joann Evelyn Hagerman. John had the privilege of solemnizing the ceremony in his capacity as a minister of the United Church of Canada.

Exactly when they moved into 15 Victoria Street West may be uncertain but there is no ambiguity as to when their residency there ended...April 29, 1942...Muriel's 49th birthday. A fire in the chimney flue next door produced sparks that set the roof of their house on fire. The Halifax Chronicle-Herald reported the occurrence in the May 1st edition: A roof fire at the residence of Rev. J. W. Bent did considerable damage when a spark from a nearby house landed on the shingles and fanned by wind immediately developed into a blaze. The fire worked through the roof into the attic but the department was able, after a short time, to bring it under control. The chief damage to the lower floor was from the water. It is understood there was insurance on the building owned by John Hum, but none on the furniture.

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, the children were temporarily scattered to various friends and neighbors. Within a very short time John had secured new rental accommodation at a house located at 50 Victoria Street West, where they lived until the following year.

On 17 Oct 1942 once again John had the honour of performing the marriage ceremony for one of his children when son Harry married Muriel Mae Miller at Immanuel United Church. On a sad note, however, this would be the last time John would do so. The near future was about to bring about a major change in John's life, one that had a difficult impact on his wife, Muriel, and their seven children, most especially the three daughters who were still in their teens.

By May 1943 son Herbert had enlisted in the Air Force. He was the last of their sons to enlist, Al, Harry and Larry having done so in 1941 and 1942. Just weeks later, on June 3rd, John resigned from the ministry and, as far as can be determined, he also left the employ of Children's Aid around the same time (by September 1943, and perhaps earlier, a Mrs. Minnie Frazee had become the agent). During the ensuing months he may have been seeking new employment because he appears to have removed to Halifax, where he took employment with Wartime Housing Limited, a government agency that built and renovated homes for war workers. It appears that he and Muriel separated at this time and the three girls remained with Muriel in Amherst.

John next settled down with Phyllis Bertha Bennett, daughter of George Frederick Bennett and Margaret Bell Card, sometime in 1944. There were four children born to John and Phyllis: two sons - Donald Bent and Stephen Bent; and two daughters - Frances Bent and Mary Bent.

Sometime in 1944 John removed to the Saint John area until about 1948/49, living at various times in Saint John, Renforth and Rothesay. While in Saint John they lived in a place not far from Kings Square and John worked, for at least some of that time, for the Simms Brush Factory. Either before or after his time at Simms, John was almost hit by a car while he was selling carpets door to door. The car tore one of the samples right off the case he was carrying.

On 2 Feb 1946 John experienced a sad event in the passing of his beloved mother. Along with his three brothers, he acted as a pall bearer at her funeral. Curiously, one of her obituaries cites his name as Rev. John Bent, even though he had left the ministry several years earlier. All three of Alice's obituaries cite John's place of residence as Saint John, New Brunswick.

In the period between 1948 and 1951, John and his new family moved first to Wallace Bridge and then to Belmont. Around the spring of 1951, the family settled in New Glasgow in a house on Lorne Street. John went to work for Eastern Woodworkers, a lumber mill and house building Company. He studied and got his papers to become a Stationary Engineer and he ran the boilers at the plant, making $40 a week. Don recounts how John was a good provider: He worked 16 hours a day to provide for us with a big garden and raised hens and sold eggs and dressed fowl and produce at a little corner store not far from where we lived on Lorne Street.

But although the arrival of son Stephen in 1957 was cause for celebration, a serious setback beset John and his family around that year, when John suffered a debilitating stroke. It left him paralyzed on his entire left side. He never worked again. His left hand never was usable and he couldn't walk without someone supporting him and pushing his foot forward. After a long hospital stay he was home for a while but then they sent him to Halifax to the Veteran's Hospital. His family moved to Halifax to be with him. Then John was sent back to New Glasgow when there wasn't anything more they could do for him. He lived at home until he died at the Aberdeen Hospital. Phyllis was faced with somehow supporting the family without the income that John had brought in as a stationary engineer. His eldest son left school in Grade 10 and hitch hiked to Ontario to pick tobacco to help out at home. It was back breaking work for which Don got paid $22.00 a day clear, no deductions, which was good money in those days.

As to John's character, his son Don recounts how his father treated the family well, instilling in them values of honesty and truth, and teaching them the importance of education and religion. Strict but fair. His nature was quiet and reserved, hard to rile but a strong temper when riled. And John was a fine example of the Bent sense of humour. A sense of humour, OH YES he was always pulling tricks on us, it wasn't safe to get out of bed on April 1 or Halloween you never knew what he had planned for ya. Dry dry whit, sharp as a tack. Loved to tease and would say stuff like riddles to make you think.

John died, at age 86, on Tue. 1 Feb 1977 at Aberdeen Hospital in New Glasgow, Pictou County, Nova Scotia. Interment took place in Lorne Street Cemetery, New Glasgow.

OBITUARY - John Willard Bent
Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia - February 2, 1977 - Page 26

New Glasgow - John W. Bent, of 577 Lorne St., New Glasgow, died Tuesday in Aberdeen Hospital. Born in Bell Isle, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bent. He was a stationary engineer with Eastern Woodworkers and a member of Trinity United Church. Surviving are his wife, the former Phyllis Bennett; two daughters, Frances (Mrs. Ronald Quinn), New Glasgow; Mary (Mrs. Fred Vanlarken), Cape Breton; two sons, Donald, Abercrombie; Stephen, New Glasgow; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Harry, Granville Ferry*; and Roy, Bridgewater*. The body is at his residence, where a family service will be held Friday at 2 p.m., Rev. Dr. Roy DeMarsh officiating. Burial will be in the Lorne Street Cemetery.
Note: "Granville Ferry" should probably read "Granville Centre" and "Bridgewater" should probably read "Bridgetown"

HEADSTONE INSCRIPTION
JOHN W. BENT
PRIVATE
219 BATTN. C.E.F.
1 FEB 1977 AGE 86

CENSUS RECORDS

1891 Census: John Bent (3 months) enumerated in the Belleisle poll district with parents, Herbert Bent (34), head of household, farmer, and Alice Bent (32), and a sister, Carrie Bent (7). All born Nova Scotia, Methodist.

1901 Census: John W. Bent (10) enumerated in Belleisle poll district with parents, Herbert W. Bent (44), head of household, farmer, and Alice J. Bent (42), and four siblings: Carrie F. Bent (17), Harry H. Bent (8), Stanley W. Bent (4) and *LeRoy E. Bent (1). All born Nova Scotia, English origin, Methodist. There is also enumerated in this household another family, presumably that of a farm labourer employed by Herbert Bent. This family consists of: Avard L. Hudson (29), farm labourer, and his wife Winnie M. Hudson (24), plus their infant daughter, Vera M. Hudson (about 8 months), each of whom was born in Nova Scotia. Avard and Vera, Scotch origin, and Winnie, English origin. Avard is Baptist, while Winnie and Vera are Methodist. *Note: His name was actually ElRoy, not LeRoy as recorded.

1911 Census: John Bent (20), single, farmer's son, enumerated in Belleisle and Youngs Mountain Road poll (residing in Granville) with parents, Herbert Bent (55), head of household, farmer, and Alice Bent (53), and three siblings: Harry Bent (18), Stanley Bent (14) and Elroy Bent (11). All born Nova Scotia, English origin, Methodist.

1921 Census: John Williard Bent (30), married, a student for 7 months, enumerated in Polling District no 5 (residing in Belleisle) with wife, Muriel Marguerite Bent (28), and their two children, John Lorraine Bent (3) and Allison Bent (10 months). They are all residing with John's parents, Herbert Willett Bent (65), head of household, retired farmer, and Alice Bent (62). All born Nova Scotia, English origin, Methodist.

• Biography by Christopher Bent, grandson of John Willard Bent

Sources

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Nova Scotia Births, Marriages, and Deaths (Database with Images)
CITATION: BIRTH VITALS - John Willard Bent
Birth Registration: Year: 1904 number: 92404818 [1]

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - December 31, 1890 - Page 3 [2]
CITATION: BIRTH NOTICE - (a son) Bent
Bent - At Belleisle, Dec. 20th, the wife of Herbert Bent, of a son.

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Nova Scotia Births, Marriages, and Deaths (Database with Images)
CITATION: MARRIAGE VITALS - John Willard Bent and Muriel Marguerite Sponagle
Registration: Year: 1916 number: 12745 [3]

REPOSITORY: Christopher Bent Genealogy Collection, Windsor, Ontario
SOURCE: Transcribed by Christopher Bent from a photocopy of the announcement
CITATION: WEDDING ANNOUNCEMENT - John Willard Bent and Muriel Marguerite Sponagle
Captain and Mrs. J. N. Sponagle announce the marriage of their daughter Muriel Marguerite to Private John Willard Bent Tuesday evening, June thirteenth ninetine hundred and sixteen at seven o'clock at the Methodist Church, West Dublin, Nova Scotia.

REPOSITORY: Christopher Bent Genealogy Collection, Windsor, Ontario
SOURCE: The Chronicle-Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia - February 2, 1977 - Page 26
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from newpaper clipping
CITATION: OBITUARY - John Willard Bent
New Glasgow - John W. Bent, of 577 Lorne St., New Glasgow, died Tuesday in Aberdeen Hospital. Born in Bell Isle, he was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bent. He was a stationary engineer with Eastern Woodworkers and a member of Trinity United Church. Surviving are his wife, the former Phyllis Bennett; two daughters, Frances (Mrs. Ronald Quinn), New Glasgow; Mary (Mrs. Fred Vanlarken), Cape Breton; two sons, Donald, Abercrombie; Stephen, New Glasgow; seven grandchildren; two brothers, Harry, Granville Ferry*; and Roy, Bridgewater*. The body is at his residence, where a family service will be held Friday at 2 p.m., Rev. Dr. Roy DeMarsh officiating. Burial will be in the Lorne Street Cemetery.
Note: "Granville Ferry" should probably read "Granville Centre" and "Bridgewater" should probably read "Bridgetown".

REPOSITORY: Find A Grave (Database with Images)
SOURCE: Lorne Street Cemetery, New Glasgow, Pictou County, Nova Scotia, Canada
CITATION: MEMORIAL - John Willard Bent
Find A Grave Memorial #193732745 [4]

REPOSITORY: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
SOURCE: 1891 Canadian Census (Database with Images)
CITATION: CENSUS - Nova Scotia | Dist: 26, Annapolis | Sub-Dist: C, Belleisle | NA mfm# T-6308 | pg 38 | Family 207 [5]

REPOSITORY: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
SOURCE: 1901 Canadian Census (Database with Images)
CITATION: CENSUS - Nova Scotia | Dist: 26, Annapolis | Sub-Dist: C, Belleisle | NA mfm# T-6446 | pg 7 | House 72 | Families 73 [6]

REPOSITORY: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
SOURCE: 1911 Canadian Census (Database with Images)
CITATION: CENSUS - Nova Scotia | Dist: 37, Annapolis | Sub-Dist: 2, Belle Isle & Youngs Mountain Road poll (Granville) | NA mfm# T-20355 | pg 6 | House: 68 | Family: 69 [7]

REPOSITORY: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
SOURCE: 1921 Canadian Census (Database with Images)
CITATION: CENSUS - Nova Scotia | Dist: 56, Digby-Annapolis | Sub-Dist: 24, Polling District No 5 - Belleisle/Phinney's Cove | pg 5 | House: 45 | Family: 49 [8]

REPOSITORY: Internet Archives
SOURCE: D. W. Johnson, author - DIGITALLY IMAGED BOOK (Compilation) - Methodism in Eastern British America: Including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Bermuda - From The Beginning Till The Consummation Of Union With The Presbyterian Congregational Churches In 1925 [9]
Published by: The Tribune Printing Co., Ltd., Sackville, New Brunswick
CITATION: pg 117 - Petite Riviere … The following is the list of pastors: …. 1912, A. Lund, assisted in .13 by P. L. Findlay and in .14 and .15 by J. W. Bent.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Halifax Herald, June 25, 1914, page 2
Transcribed by David Bent from microfilm held at Toronto Reference Library
CITATION: LUNENBURG, June 24 - The final draft of the Nova Scotia Methodist Conference stationing committee is as follows:
[Then follows a long list of places and names, including the following:]
Liverpool District, Petite Riviere - Alfred Lund; John W. Bent; Willis J. Layton, who has leave of absence; Supernumerary: Joseph S. Coffin.

REPOSITORY: Library and Archives Canada, Ottawa, Ontario
SOURCE: Soldiers of the First World War - CEF (Database with Images)
CITATION: DIGITIZED SERVICE FILE - John Willard Bent Regimental #: 282580 | Reference: RG 150, Accession 1992-93/166, Box 664 - 18, Item 39120
View digitized Attestation paper: [10]
View PDF of complete service record: [11]

REPOSITORY: Veteran Affairs Canada
SOURCE: Remembrance, Remembering Those Who Served - Diaries, Letters, and Stories from the First World War
CITATION: Diary of 2nd Lieutenant Bernard James Glynn [12]

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: United Church of Canada Archives, Victoria College, Toronto
CITATION: Personnel File of John Willard Bent.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: United Church of Canada Archives, Victoria College, Toronto.
CITATION: Walkington, Douglas. Methodist Ministers in Canada, 1903-1925

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - May 5, 1920 - Page 2 [13]
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - Belleisle
Item #1 - Mr. John W. Bent, student at Mt. Allison, preached in Belleisle Hall Tuesday evening.
Item #2 - Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bent and son, of Sackville, are visiting at the home of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. H. W. Bent and Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Bent arrived on Tuesday the 20th and are visiting at the same home.

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - May 19, 1920 - Page 3 [14]
CITATION: WEDDING ANNIVERSARY - Herbert Willett Bent and Alice Jane Whitman
Married Forty Years - The home of Mr. And Mrs. Herbert W. Bent, Belleisle, was the scene of a very interesting event on Tuesday May 4th when the bride and groom of forty years were at home to their friends. The parlor was prettily decorated with potted plants and cut flowers and looked most inviting. The bride, gowned in a lovely dress of taupe broadcloth and silk (the gift of her eldest son during his stay in England as a soldier) looked very youthful and happy. They were assisted in receiving by their daughter, Mrs. Rev. C. L. Gesner, of Advocate Harbor gowned in black silk. Mrs. John Bent also wore black silk, Mrs. Stanley Bent royal blue satin, while Miss Susie M. Troop. gowned in a dainty frock of white with blue trimmings looked very sweet as she welcomed the guests at the door. The gifts consisting of China and Silver, were very nice. Refreshments were served in the dining room which was trimmed in daffodils and potted plants. After a very enjoyable evening the guests at the hour of ten returned to their homes wishing the bride and groom many more years of happy wedded bliss.

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - May 19, 1920 - Page 2 [15]
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - Belleisle
Mr. and Mrs. John W. Bent and little son Lorain(sic) who have been visiting Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Bent, left on Wednesday for West Dublin to visit Mrs. B's(sic) parents, Capt. and Mrs. Sponagle. While here Mr. Bent preached twice which was very much appreciated by his old friends.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Mount Allison University, Sackville, New Brunswick
CITATION: Correspondence from Cheryl Ennals, Archivist.

REPOSITORY: Internet Archives
SOURCE: Johnson, author - DIGITALLY IMAGED BOOK (Compilation) - Methodism in Eastern British America: Including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Bermuda - From The Beginning Till The Consummation Of Union With The Presbyterian Congregational Churches In 1925 [16]
Published by: The Tribune Printing Co., Ltd., Sackville, New Brunswick
CITATION: pg 62 - River Hebert … The following ministers have been stationed here: … Supplied from Mt Allison; 1922, J. W. Bent.

REPOSITORY: Internet Archives
SOURCE: Johnson, author - DIGITALLY IMAGED BOOK (Compilation) - Methodism in Eastern British America: Including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland and Bermuda - From The Beginning Till The Consummation Of Union With The Presbyterian Congregational Churches In 1925 [17]
Published by: The Tribune Printing Co., Ltd., Sackville, New Brunswick
CITATION: pg 60 - Amherst … 1925, John W. Bent.

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - May 23, 1923 - Page 1 [18]
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - Belleisle
Rev. J. W. Bent of River Hibert, came home on Thursday evening on account of illness of his father, Mr. H. W. Bent.

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - June 13, 1923 - Page 3 [19]
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - Belleisle
Rev. and Mrs. John W. Bent, who were summoned home owing to the illness and death of their father, returned to their home at River Hebert on Wednesday.

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - August 11, 1926 - Page 4
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from NSA mfm #1060
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS: Belleisle
The many friends of Rev. J.W. Bent and Mrs. Bent will be sorry to learn they were victims of a serious auto accident one day last week. Their car was overturned by a large one just out of Truro.

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, 8 December 1926, page 1
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from NSA mfm #1060
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - Belleisle
On November 7th, a memorial service was held in Amherst, for the men who gave their lives for King and Country in the Great War. At this service Rev. J.W. Bent gave the address. In the course of his remarks Rev. Mr. Bent referred to the epic days of the Great War, when the valor of the Canadian troops was proven upon the fields of France and Flanders. He paid great tribute to the men who made the supreme sacrifice and urged the necessity of keeping their names in constant memory. He remarked upon the causes leading up to the war and asked those present if they were living up to the ideals for which the soldiers fought and died. The address given by Mr. Bent was declared to be the finest of its kind ever heard at such a service. Rev. Mr. Bent mentioned above is one of Belleisle's young men who is doing good work in the ministry of the United Church of Canada.

REPOSITORY: Christopher Bent Genealogy Collection, Windsor, Ontario
SOURCE: Family Photographs
CITATION: A photo of four-year-old twins, Ruth and Ruby, taken at the 28 West Pleasant Street address indicates that John and his family were still residing there in 1932. A photo of Lois and the family dog, Lucky, was taken at 15 Victoria Street West in 1937.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Oxford Journal News, Oxford, Nova Scotia - August 29, 1940
Transcribed by David Bent from microfilm held at Toronto Reference Library
CITATION: LOCAL NEWS - J. W. Bent
Rev. J. W. Bent of Amherst is supervising the placing of British children in Cumberland County homes.

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Nova Scotia Births, Marriages, and Deaths (Database with Images)
CITATION: MARRIAGE VITALS - Allison Willard Bent and Joan Evelyn Hagerman
Registration: Year: 1941 number: 108337 [20]

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Halifax Herald, Halifax, Nova Scotia - May 1, 1942 - Page 9
Transcribed by David Bent from microfilm held at Toronto Reference Library
CITATION: NEWS STORY
House Damaged By Roof Blaze
Amherst, April 30 - A roof fire at the residence of Rev. J.W. Bent did considerable damage when a spark from a nearby house landed on the shingles and fanned by wind immediately developed into a blaze. The fire worked through the roof into the attic but the department was able, after a short time, to bring it under control. The chief damage to the lower floor was from the water. It is understood there was insurance on the building owned by John Hum, but none on the furniture.

REPOSITORY: Nova Scotia Archives, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Nova Scotia Births, Marriages, and Deaths (Database with Images)
CITATION: MARRIAGE VITALS - Harry Sponagle Bent and Muriel Mae Miller
Registration: Year: 1942 number: 116313 [21]

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Halifax Herald, 20 Oct 1942, "Weddings", page 4
Transcribed by David Bent from microfilm held at Toronto Reference Library
CITATION: WEDDING: Harry Sponagle Bent and Muriel Mae Miller
Amherst, Oct. 19 - A pretty wedding of interest to a wide circle of friends took place at Immanuel United Church, Saturday afternoon, at 3 o'clock, when Muriel Mae, eldest daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Miller of Sackville, became the bride of Sgt. Pilot Harry Sponagle Bent, R.C.A.F., son of Rev. and Mrs. J. W. Bent of Amherst. The double ring ceremony was performed by the groom's father, Rev. Mr. Bent, assisted by Rev. Harry Burns, pastor of Immanuel Church. The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, looked attractive in her floor length dress of white sheer, and long tulle which fell from a coronet. She carried a bouquet of American Beauty roses. Her bridesmaid, Miss Dora Milner of Sackville, was attired in shell pink sheer with matching hat, and carried an old fashioned nosegay. The groom was attended by his brother, AC2 Lorraine Bent, R.C.A.F., Victoriaville, Que. Messrs. Herbert Bent, brother of the groom and William Munro, Jr., were ushers. The wedding music was played by Miss Lena Babcock, organist of the church. Miss Greta Babcock was soloist. The church was attractively decorated with pine and dogwood berries, ferns and flowers.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Halifax & Dartmouth City Directories, 1944, 1945. Compiled and published by Might Directories Atlantic Limited, Halifax.

REPOSITORY: Canadiana Online
SOURCE: The Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - June 13, 1923 - Page 4 [22]
CITATION: OBITUARY #1 - Herbert Willett Bent
Belleisle was saddened on Thursday, May 24th, when it became known that Herbert Willett Bent had passed away. Mr. Bent was stricken while attending church three weeks before. His condition first was not considered serious and hopes were entertained that he would soon be himself again. But after two weeks illness his physician realized that his end was near. His children who were away were summoned to his bedside. The end came very gradually as stated above. Mr. Bent was a man who lived an active life being associated with the Belleisle Warehouse acting as manager. He also was a faithful member of the Upper Granville Methodist church when for a number of years he superintended the Sabbath School. He was also a charter member of Belleisle Division being W.P., at the time of his death. He leaves to mourn their loss his widow (nee Miss Alice Whitman) of Lawrencetown. His five children, namely Mrs. Rev. C. L. Gesner, of Port Granville; Rev. J. W. Bent, now stationed at River Hebert; Harry, of Belleisle, Stanley and ElRoy at home. All five children were with him when the end came. Howard and John Bent, of Tupperville, are brothers and Mrs. (Rev.) A. M. McNintch is his only sister. The funeral took place from his late home on Sunday and was very largely attended. The pastor Rev. J. H. Freestone officiated assisted by Rev. H. Rackham, of Lawrencetown. The underbearers were his four sons. The choir most beautifully rendered "We are passing down the Valley, One by One." The floral tributes were beautiful consisting of the following. Pillow from wife and children, wreath from grand-children, pillow from the members of The Belleisle Fruit Co, spray from Belleisle Division, wreath from Granville Sunday School, wreath from the children of Belleisle School, wreath John and May, cut flowers Sue Troop, also cut flowers from many other friends. Interment took place at Granville Centre on Sunday p.m., where the burial service of Division of the Sons of Temperance was read by Deputy Harry G. Parker. The sympathy of the entire community goes out to Mrs. Bent and family in this their hour of deep affliction.

REPOSITORY: Patricia (Gesner) Harrison Family History Collection, Middleton, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Publisher and date of publication not indicated
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from clipping in Gesner scrapbook
CITATION: OBITUARY #2 - Herbert Willett Bent
On May 27th, the mortal remains of Mr. Herbert W. Bent were laid away in the cemetery at Granville Centre, Annapolis County, N. S. The service was in charge of Rev. John H. Freestone, his pastor, assisted by Rev. Harry Rackham, M. A., of Lawrencetown. In the passing of Mr. Bent the Granville part of the Bridgetown Circuit loses one of its oldest and most faithful members and workers. For over thirty years he has efficiently carried on the Sunday School and his willing help has always been felt in all the other departments of the Church work when needed. The community, as well as the Church, has suffered an irreparable loss. He was a man of deep spiritual emotion and his cheery smile and witty word are going to be sorely missed. The immense concourse of people from far and near who attended the funeral made a worthy tribute to the value and esteem in which our deceased brother was held by all. The pastor spoke upon the aged Paul's triumphal saying "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith: "expressing his conviction that this exactly fitted Brother Bent. The secret of the Brother's life he said, was revealed in his favorite text from Psalm 37:5. "Commit thy way unto the Lord: Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass." Mr. and Mrs. Bent have given one son to the Lord in our ministry, and their daughter is the much beloved wife of Rev. C. L. Gesner, and the remaining sons - Stanley, Harry and ElRoy, promise to be as serviceable and faithful as their father. We were in the presence of death - but of death made glorious through the blood of the redeemer and all felt the note of triumph that threaded its way all through the service. Mr. Bent has served God and his church in almost all the offices it is possible for a layman to occupy, last year being the circuit delegate to the Annual Conference where he had the pleasure of seeing his son John ordained.

REPOSITORY: David Bent Genealogy Collection, Halifax, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The Halifax Herald, February 5, 1946
Transcribed by David Bent from microfilm held at Toronto Reference Library
CITATION: OBITUARY #1 - Alice Jane (born Whitman) Bent
Granville Centre, Feb. 4 - There passed away on Friday* after a brief illness at the home of Mrs. Alfred Hogan, Mrs. Alice Jane Bent, one of the oldest and most highly esteemed residents of Granville, at the age of eighty-seven years. She was Miss Alice Jane Whitman, before her marriage to Herbert Bent of Tupperville, who predeceased her. Surviving are one daughter (Carrie) Mrs. (Rev.) L. Gesner of Lawrencetown, and four sons, Rev. John Bent of St. John; LeRoy**, Harry, and Stanley, of Granville. The funeral service was held Sunday afternoon at the Upper Granville United Church with the Rev. W.C. Pickett officiating. The interment was in Wadeville Cemetery. The four sons were the pall bearers.
Note: The obituary states Alice died on Friday. That would be February 1st. Her death certificate and gravestone say she died February 2nd.
Note: "LeRoy" should read "Elroy"

REPOSITORY: Patricia (Gesner) Harrison Family History Collection, Middleton, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: Weekly Monitor, Bridgetown, Nova Scotia - February 6, 1946
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from clipping in Gesner scrapbook
CITATION: OBITUARY #2 - Alice Jane (born Whitman) Bent
Belleisle, Feb. 4 - The community here was saddened to learn on Saturday morning that Mrs. Alice J. Bent had "passed on" from the home of Mrs. Alfred Hogan with whom she was spending the winter. Although she had been in failing health for a number of years, she was confined to her room for only about four weeks. Mrs. Bent was born in Lawrencetown June 15, 1858, the youngest daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rice Whitman and was the last surviving member of her family. Sixty-four years ago she married Herbert W. Bent of Bentville. After their marriage they lived for a short time in the U.S.A. then came to Belleisle where they made their home until Mr. Bent's death in 1923. Since then she has lived with her children, the last nine years having been spent with her daughter. Mrs. Bent was a devoted member of the United Church and when able, took an active part in church and community life, always willing to do her share. A kind neighbor and one who enjoyed contact with people, she was keenly interested in missions and for years was president of the local auxiliary. She delighted to sew and knit for people in need, to whom missionary boxes are sent each year. She possessed a bright, keen intellect, which remained with her until the last. She leaves to mourn their loss, one daughter, Carrie, Mrs. (Rev.) C. L. Gesner of Millstream, N.B. and four sons, John of Saint John, N. B., Harry of Granville Centre, Stanley and Roy of Upper Granville. All four boys have served in either World War I or II and her grandson, ElRoy Bent, made the supreme sacrifice. Besides she leaves 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. The funeral service which was held from the Upper Granville United Church, was largely attended by relatives and friends, some of whom came from quite a distance to pay their last respects to one dear to them all. Rev. W. C. Picketts based his comforting remarks from the words, "When even was come He said let us pass over to the other side." The music was in charge of the choir, assisted by Dr. Stone and Mr. Jas. Todd of Bridgetown, and consisted of the hymns "Unto the Hills", Abide With Me,' "In the Garden", and a duet, "Saved by Grace" by Dr. Stone and Mr. Todd. The floral tributes were very beautiful. Interment was in Wadeville cemetery.

REPOSITORY: Patricia (Gesner) Harrison Family History Collection, Middleton, Nova Scotia
SOURCE: The United Churchman, date not indicated
Transcribed by Christopher Bent from clipping in Gesner scrapbook
CITATION: OBITUARY #3 - Alice Jane (born Whitman) Bent It is with genuine sorrow that friends in the community of Upper Granville, Nova Scotia, learned of the death of Mrs. Alice Bent on February 2nd. She was born in Lawrencetown in 1858, the youngest daughter of the late Rice and Susan Whitman, and the last surviving member of that family. Sixty-four years ago she married Herbert Bent of Bentville, Annapolis County, who predeceased her in 1923. Mrs. Bent had lived her married life in Granville and was a devoted member of the United Church there. She taught in the Sunday School for many years, and was always willing to do her share in promoting the work of Christ's Kingdom. Particularly interested in Missions, she was President of the local auxiliary for some time, and a Life Member of the Society since 1913. She delighted to knit and make quilts for the mission boxes for Labrador and did a great deal of knitting for the Red Cross during the war periods. She possessed a keen intellect and friendly disposition and she had a host of friends who mourn her passing. She had been in failing health for a number of years, but was only confined to her room four weeks and bore her suffering in patience and trust. She leaves to mourn her loss, one daughter Carrie, Mrs. (Rev.) C. L. Gesner, Millstream, N. B., four sons, John, of Saint John; Harry, of Granville Centre; Stanley and Roy, of Upper Granville, all of whom served in World War I or II. There are also fourteen grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. One grandson, E. Roy Bent, was killed in Egypt, three and a half years ago when his plane crashed. The largely attended funeral service was held in the Granville United Church conducted by the pastor, Rev. W. C. Picketts, who spoke from the words of Jesus, "When even was come, He said, let us cross over to the other side." Mrs. Hagan, church organist, was in charge of the music, and the choir, assisted by Dr. Stone and Mr. Todd of Bridgetown, sang "Unto the Hills," "Abide With Me," and "In The Garden," a favorite of the deceased. A duet "Saved by Grace", was sung by Dr. Stone and Mr. Todd. The beautiful floral tributes included a wreath from Lawrencetown Auxiliary, in which town Mrs. Bent had spent several years with her daughter, Mrs. (Rev.) C. L. Gesner; also a wreath from the friends and neighbors of Belleisle and Upper Granville. The four sons were pall-bears. Interment was at Granville Centre.

REPOSITORY: P. & K. MacDonald Funeral Home [23]
SOURCE: OBITUARY - Phyllis Bertha (born Bennett) Bent
CITATION: New Glasgow - Phyllis Bertha Bent, 87, New Glasgow, passed away Sunday, July 15, 2012 at home. Born in Wallace Bridge, she was a daughter of the late George Fredrick and Margaret Bell (Card) Bennett. During the Second World War, she served with the Canadian Women's Army Corps. In earlier years she had been employed as a Nurses Aid at the Aberdeen Hospital, as a waitress with Flickers Restaurant and for the late Dr. Milne. Phyllis enjoyed listening to Country music, gardening, fishing, boating and spending time with her cats. She always provided “a home away from home” for many young people over the years. Phyllis was a kind and thoughtful lady who always put others before herself. Surviving are her daughters, Fran Bent, Four Mile Brook; Mary Bent (David MacIntyre), Ainslie Glen; sons, Donald “Don” (Jean Coady) Bent, Abercrombie; Stephen Bent, New Glasgow; sister, Vera Baxter, Halifax; brothers, Walter Bennett, Wallace Bridge; Richard Bennett, Lyon’s Brook; 11 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, John Willard Bent; sisters, Edith, Alice, Blanche and Irene; brothers, Lyman, Stewart and Lloyd. A private funeral service has taken place with interment in Lorne Street Cemetery, New Glasgow.

REPOSITORY: Christopher Bent Genealogy Collection
SOURCE: Harry Sponagle Bent (deceased)
CITATION: Personal knowledge conveyed by Harry to his son, Christopher Bent.

REPOSITORY: Christopher Bent Genealogy Collection
SOURCE: Ruth (born Bent) Peddle (deceased)
CITATION: Personal knowledge conveyed by Ruth to her nephew, Christopher Bent.

REPOSITORY: Donald John Bent Sr.
SOURCE: Personal recollections
CITATION: Correspondence from John's son, Don Bent.

REPOSITORY: Donald John Bent Sr.
SOURCE: Personal recollections as related to Don by his father, John
CITATION: Correspondence from John's son, Don Bent.

REPOSITORY: Donald John Bent Sr.
SOURCE: Personal recollections as related to Don by his father, John, and mother, Phyllis
CITATION: Correspondence from John's son, Don Bent.

• All sources formatted Repository/Source/Citation contributed by Christopher Bent