Hugh A. Bentley

Hugh A. Bentley (1909–1984) is known for launching a cleanup drive to get rid of crime and corruption in Phenix City, Alabama, in the early 1950s. He was beaten, and survived an assassination attempt with a dynamite bomb.

Personal life Bentley was born on August 15, 1909, in Phenix City. He was the youngest of seven sons. His father, Calvin Bentley, operated a grocery store. His mother was Minnie Bentley. Phenix City was located across the river from Fort Benning, and its vice dens were a lure for servicemen. After efforts to create civic betterment associations, such as the Christian Laymen's Association and the Good Government League, he organized the Ministers Alliance, which turned over to the Russell County Grand Jury evidence of organized crime in Phenix City.

Violent altercations His house was dynamited in January 1952 while he was away. No one in the family was seriously injured, although his son Hughbo was hurled from his bedroom by the explosion.

Murder of Albert Patterson In 1954, Albert Patterson, supported by Bentley and the RBA, successfully ran for the Democratic nomination for state Attorney General. On June 18, 1954, Patterson was killed by four gunshots.

Motion picture In 1955 the motion picture The Phenix City Story included a portrayal of Bentley by the actor Otto Hulett. In 1958, Bentley's life story, in particular his efforts in the Russell Betterment Association, was presented on the TV program This Is Your Life. After the cleanup of Phenix City, Bentley continued to support community improvement, as well as serving as a Sunday School teacher. He died on April 13, 1984, in Phenix City.