Bentley House
The Bentley House stands at the northwest corner of Elm and Butler Streets. The Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home is currently utilizing the structure.
Matthew Bentley and family, English Jews who immigrated to the United States in 1843, built the home. The Bentley family initially took up residence in Ohio. In 1846, they purchased a lot in Ludlow (an additional parcel was purchased in 1850). On this property the Bentley House was constructed (1849-1850).
Mathew Bentley Sr. operated a liquor dealership from the home for many years. In the formative period of Ludlow’s history, Mathew Bentley served on the city council.
Mathew and his wife Mary were the parents of six children: Lewis (b. August 15, 1840), Rosa (b. 1842), Mathew Jr. (b. 1844), Isabelle (b. 1846), Charles (b. 1849), and Louisa (b. 1853). Only Lewis Bentley remained in Ludlow. Following his parent’s deaths, the home became his. Lewis, his wife Alice and their children lived in the home for many years. Alice died on February 24, 1922. Lewis followed her on June 6, 1931. Both are buried in Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati.
The home was sold to Peter “Pete” Manchikes and his wife Amy. In approximately 1946, Raymond P. Catherman purchased the house for use as a funeral home, which eventually evolved into the Ronald B. Jones Funeral Home of today.
Tenkotte, Paul, Rival Cities to Suburbs, University of Cincinnati Dissertation, 1989, Vol. I, p. 321; United States Federal Census, 1860; Kentucky Death Certificates 1922 and 1931.
