Background
Brentnall was born at Riddings, Derbyshire and educated at Alfreton.
Brentnall was born at Riddings, Derbyshire and educated at Alfreton.
Honorary Brentnall was sent by the British Wesleyan Conference to New South Wales in 1863 to join the ranks of the Wesleyan ministry in that colony. An affection of the throat, however, necessitated his resignation about 1883. Brentnall then bought an interest in the Brisbane Telegraph, and joined the literary staff, becoming Chairman of the Company upon the retirement of the Honorary
James Cowlishaw in October
1885. Brentnall was a director of several companies, including the Queensland Deposit Bank and Building Society, and the Queensland General Insurance Company, Limited.
Although a lifetime appointment, he held it until the abolition of the Council on 23 March 1922. Brentnall died in Brisbane in 1925 and was buried in Balmoral Cemetery.
He was survived by two daughters: Flora and Charlotte Amelia.
He was a Member of the Queensland Legislative Council. Brentnall was appointed a Member of the Queensland Legislative Council on 17 April 1886. Brentall was also a member of the Coorparoo Shire Council and served as its chairman in 1888 and 1889.