Born in Hanover Co., VA, 1733, and his will was proved in Albermarle Co., January 1831. He lived for a few years in Louisa Co., but finally bought a home on Biscuit Run, three miles south of Charlottesville, VA., in Albemarle Co., in the year 1764. He married first, a Miss Austin; second a Miss Jones of Culpepper Co. He was a successful planter and owned a number of negro slaves. He was a man of fine character, well beloved by his neighbors, a leading member of the Baptist Church, and very active and zealous in religious work. He could read his Bible from memory, and always lead the singing in church. In 1817 he transferred all his property to his son Robert, although his death did not occur until 1831, at the great age of 98. He had six children by first wife. (includes listing of 14 children) ("The Gentry Family in America" by Richard Gentry, 1909; published by Grafton Press, NY)

Departed this life of Friday, the 3rd of December, in Albemarle County, Mr. Benajah Gentry, in the 98th year of his age. He has left an aged and affectionate wife, many children, relations and friends to bemoan his loss. He was a professor of religion for 50 years, and acted in the capacity of deacon in the Baptist Church, at Pine Grove, until prevented by the infirmities of age. He was not one of those professors who barely have the name; but by a pious walk and godly conversation, adorned the doctrine of his profession. Reader, could you have witnessed his last struggles - hear his many prayers offered to his God, in whom his faith was unshaken, and heard him call on the pious Brother who was present, 'to help him to praise God forever and forever.' (which were the last words he was heard to utter) - methinks it would have been sufficient to convince the stoutest heart, that his hope would carry him through the valley and shadow of death, in which he feared no evil. He was at times tortured with the most excruciating pains for upwards of a month; yet he expressed in all his conversation an entire resignation to the divine will. He was a most striking example of that faith which kindles love in the heart, and produces the sweet fruits of meekness, gentleness - and every Christian grace and virtue. He is lost to his pious wife and children on earth, but they are consoled in the belief, that his sanctified spirit rests with unutterable joy in the work of love, there they will soon meet him, to join with him, to swell the chorus of perfected praise forever.
Communicated.
(The Religious Herald - State Baptist paper; Dec. 17, 1830, Pg 199, Col. 5; in VA Baptist Historical Society, University Richmond, VA)

Will of Benejah Gentry of Albemarle Co., VA dated 6 Jun. 1820; proven in court 3 Jun. 1831 (Albemarle Co., VA Will Book 10, Pg 185-6) names:
Wife Anny
Son Robert Gentry
Dau Fanny Gentry
Son John Gentry
Sons William Gentry and Thomas Gentry
Daughters Jane Fulcher and Cathy Gentry
Daughter Sarah Sarden (sic)
X
Benejah Gentry
his
mark`
Executors: William Dunkum, James Gentry, and Robert Gentry
Signed in the presence of Jeremiah A. Goodman, Rowland H. Goodman, William Dunkum
("Gentry Family Gazette & Genealogy Exchange" Number 58, March 1995; Vol. X, Pg 43-45 - incomplete text)

Benajah Gentry, DAR Ancestor #A044120
Service Description: Juror, Albemarle Co. 1779; Confiscated property of Tories
b ca 1733 Hanover Co., VA
d 3 Dec. 1830, Albemarle Co., VA
(DAR Genealogical Research System)