The Kent Families of Portage County, Ohio

ZENAS KENT was born in Middletown, Conn., July 12, 1786. He came of good old Puritan stock, a nobility of descent which rests its claim upon a robust manhood and hardy virtue. His father was a carpenter and joiner by trade, and carried a musket in the war for American independence.

When Zen as Kent was a boy, even New England had made but a beginning in the development of the common school system, and though he made the best of his opportunities — exhausting the facilities of the country school of that time and place— his early advantages were very limited, as compared to the common-school privileges enjoyed by the youth of to-day. Mr. Kent has left at least one monument of the methodical perseverance with which he addressed himself to every task. A copy of Adam's Arithmetic, published in 1802, which Mr. Kent used at school, is now in possession of his son Marvin. It is a well-thumbed book, now yellow with age, and a plodding student has left his impress on every page; indeed, he has left considerable additions to the original text. The publisher had had the forethought to bind numerous blank pages with his letterpress, to stand the pupil instead of the slate, and to remain a record of his industry. On these leaves young Kent carefully worked out and proved every example in the book. Here was a combination of excellent traits — application, method, thoroughness — in which the boy well foreshadowed the man. He entered his work on the leaves of the book of his life, and he left not a blank page in it all. In selecting a pursuit in life Zenas Kent those the trade of his father and to make himself master of it.

By the time he reached his twenty-fifth year young Zenas Kent was united in marriage with Pamelia Lewis, a native of Farmington, Conn., a young woman of most excellent traits, and withal a fitting helpmeet for him. Her father, like the elder Kent, was a veteran of 1776, and a carpenter and joiner by vocation. The two young people joined their honest hands and humble fortunes for the battle with the world. In 1812 Zenas accompanied his father's family to the far West. The family located in Mantua, Ohio, where the elder Kent died at an advanced age. Zenas had left his young wife in (Connecticut while he went prospecting in the Western wilds, and as soon as he had chosen a place for his home he returned for his wife. Together they set out for the tedious journey to the West, and arriving in Ohio, settled in Hudson, then a township of Portage County. This was a fortunate selection for Mr. Kent. Here he met Capt. Heman Oviatt, to whose friendship it was his pleasure to acknowledge himself indebted for many kind offices. Here he built a tannery for Oweti Brown, father of John Brown, of Ossawatomie fame. Mr. Kent taught school in the winter while he remained in Hudson. His friend, Capt. Oviatt, impressed by Mr. Kent's upright walk and industrious habits, was disposed to do him a good turn, and help him to start fairly in the world. Conferences led to conclusions, and in the summer of 1815 the firm of Oviatt & Kent was formed, to conduct a typical pioneer store, in Ravenna. Thither Mr. Kent went to erect a building before the firm would begin business. The site chosen was that upon which the Second National Bank now stands. With his saw and plane and hammer Mr. Kent helped to put up the wooden building which was to serve for store and dwelling. This building was subsequently moved to the south side of Main Street, in Little's Block. After the firm of Oviatt & Kent had been in successful operation for several years Mr. Kent was able to refund the money advanced by Mr. Oviatt, and the firm dissolved, leaving the junior partner in sole control of the business.

In 1826, while managing his growing business, Mr. Kent entered into a contract to erect the court house, which still stands in Ravenna, one of the most substantial buildings of its kind in the State. In its early days it was looked upon as a wonder in architectural art. From 1831 to 1850 Mr. Kent was senior partner in the firm of Kent & Brewster, which did a profitable trade in Hudson. In the meantime Mr. Kent was accumulating a store of the world's goods, and making investments where there was fair prospect of good returns. In 1832 he joined David Ladd in the purchase of a tract of land, embracing between 500 and 600 acres, in the township of Franklin, now the village of Kent. This tract embraced the water-power of the Cuyahoga River at that place. The connection of Mx*. Ladd with this property was short, Mr. Kent soon becoming sole proprietor. In the year of the purchase he erected Kent's Floiiring Mill, the product of which has been held in high repute for more than the third of a century. The mill produced the first flour shipped from northern Ohio to Cleveland, going by way of the Ohio Canal.

Having dissolved business connections with Mr. Ladd, Mr. Kent made arrangements with John Brown to carry on the tanning business in an establishment already under way. In 1836 he sold his large tract to the Franklin Land Company, which afterward became the Franklin Silk Company. In 1849 the Franklin Bank, of Portage County, was established, and Mr. Kent was chosen its President. This important post he held until 1864, when the Franklin Bank gave place to the Kent National Bank, of which he was also made President, holding the position at the time of his death.

In 1850 he began the erection of a cotton factory and a private residence in Franklin, where his interests had centered. Thither he removed, on the completion of his dwelling-house, in 1851. In the spring of 1853 he was elected Treasurer of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad Company, tilling the position efficiently for one year. In April, 1860, he moved into an elegant mansion which he had built on Euclid Avenue, Cleveland. While on a visit to Kent on the 21st of October, 1864, death took from him the partner of his early toils and of his years of ease. Thus bereft, he longed for quiet and repose, and in the following month he returned to Franklin (the name of which had been changed to Kent) to pass the remainder of his days.

Mr. Kent's business career was that of an industrious plodder, who gained success by deserving it. He was possessed of a great fund of solid common sense, to which it had pleased God to add an indomitable will, native business tact, energy that never flagged, and, above all, an unyielding integrity, which gained him the confidence of all with whom he had relations. He was a cautious, methodical business man, not given to speculation, watchful of little things, and thrifty. An instance will show how early he held his integrity and the good opinion of his fellows. While President of the banking department of the Franklin Silk Company he required to be placed in his hands the means to redeem the company's issues, remarking that he would put his name upon no paper without the power to protect it from dishonor. The arrangement was effected. Notwithstanding the disastrous termination of the silk company, thanks to Mr. Kent's honor and forethought, its paper was all redeemed at face value.

His life-record was made up of deeds that reflect luster on his memory, and mark him as one of the pioneer noblemen of the West. In personal appearance Zenas Kent was tall of stature, erect and graceful of carriage, dignified of mien. Little given to society, he was, nevertheless, affable and agreeable in all of his relations. Though fair and equitable dealing made him popular as a tradesman, his retiring nature forbade many intimate friendships. While malice did not enter into his heart, the very firmness of his character made him quick to present an abuse of his confidence. Beneath a dignified exterior, bordering at times upon austerity, he wore a warm and sympathetic heart. He held a kind act in tender remembrance, and the few friendships he formed remained unbroken to the end of his days. His tastes were simple and his habits the most correct. He never used tobacco or stimulants of any kind, and for thirty years did not have an hour's sickness.

Mr. Kent was blessed with a family of thirteen children, nine of whom survive him. These he lived to see arrive at maturity, all occupying positions of prominence and influence in their respective homes. The surviving children are Mrs. Harriet Clapp, of New York City; Henry A., Edward and George L., of Brooklyn, N. Y.; Marvin, Charles H. and Mrs. Amelia L. Shively, of Kent, Ohio; Mrs. Frances E. Wells, of Brownsville, Penn., and Mrs. Emily K., wife of R. B. Dennis, Esq., of Cleveland, Ohio. Of the four children deceased, Mrs. Eliza A. Poag died in Brooklyn July 4, 1864; three — Louisa, Amelia and an unnamed infant — lie in Ravenna Cemetery. Zenas Kent died suddenly, at his residence in Kent, October 4, 1865, in the eightieth year of his age. His remains were interred in Woodland Cemetery, Cleveland's beautiful city of the dead. In a lovely spot, removed from the hurry-burly of a busy world, under the shade of the cypress and willow, by the side of the wife of his bosom, sleeps all that is left to earth of a man who fought the battle of life bravely, and left a good name — the best of all heirlooms.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

MARVIN KENT, projector and ex-President of the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad (now New York, Pennsylvania, & Ohio Railroad), was born at Ravenna, Portage Co., Ohio, September 21, 1816. His father, Zenas Kent, was a joiner and carpenter by trade, who, when a young man, made the acquaintance of Capt. Heman Oviatt. He discovered in Mr. Kent business qualifications of a very high order, and in 1815 he induced him to engage in mercantile business at Ravenna. The executive and financial ability which Mr. Kent displayed, coupled with enterprise and methodical management of his affairs, soon placed him in the front rank among the reputable and successful business men of northern Ohio.

It was in his father's store that young Marvin Kent received his first and most valuable instruction in correct business methods and habits. Up to the age of nineteen his time was divided between his father's store and the schoolroom wherein he combined, in the acquirement of a knowledge of books, a practical knowledge of business and dealings with men. He received such education as was afforded at Tallmadge Academy, under the instruction of E. T. Sturtevant, A. M., Principal, and Claridon Academy, under the instruction of Rev. Sherman B. Cantield. In his nineteenth year his father entrusted him with the purchase of his spring stock of goods, and for this purpose he visited Philadelphia and New York, with special instructions to buy on his own judgment, and to disregard the advice tendered by others, relative to the investments had in contemplation. His father was pleased with his purchases and the business sagacity displayed by his son. The year following his becoming of age, Marvin became associated with his father in mercantile business, at Franklin Mills, Ohio (now Kent), but he soon relinquished this, by reason of the precarious condition of his health, and assumed the management of a tannery, in a building erected by his father and Capt. John Brown (of Harper's Ferry notoriety). While thus engaged he was married to Maria, daughter of the late Col. William Stewart. He conducted the tannery for some time, with success, and in 1844 returned to mercantile pursuits, becoming, at the same time, largely interested in the manufacture of flour. In the latter business he continued without interruption, for about twenty years.

In 1850 in company with others he engaged in the manufacture of windowglass, at Franklin Mills, and erected and placed in successful operation extensive works. It was during the same year that he entered upon the most imperant enterprise of his life, and which secured to him a business reputation coextensive with the inauguration and completion of a gi'eat public transportation route between the East and the West. He devised, planned and projected, in 1850, the Atlantic & Great Western Railroad, designed to connect the Erie with the Ohio & Mississippi Railroad, thus forming a grand trunk line, with uniform gauge throughout, from New York to St. Louis. In 1851 the necessary legislation was procured, but in order to secure the charter he was obliged to subscribe for the full amount of stock required by law for the organization of the company, as well as to indemnity some of the first Board of Directors for the payment of one share subscribed by each to render them eligible for election, which fact furnishes a significant illustration of the want of faith in the success of an undertaking of that magnitude at that time. The organization of the new company was completed, and Mr. Kent made its first President. The position he filled with a success characteristic of his great business tact, energy, and ability, until the final completion of the road in 1864, save an interval of three years. On the 21st of June, of that year, he had the proud satisfaction of looking back over many years of unremitting labor and anxiety at last crowned with success, and also of driving home the last spike in the last rail. In his maiden speech on that occasion, he referred to the fact that on the fourth day of July, A. D. 1853. he broke ground for the new road, by I'moving the first shovelful of earth with his own hands. There were none then to withhold from Mr. Kent a most generous compliment for the completion of this road, which, uniting the Erie and Ohio & Mississippi Railways, formed a grand continental line from New York to St. Louis. The construction of this road encountered, perhaps, more obstacles and greater opposition than any other in the country. Yet Mr. Kent showed himself equal to any and every emergency, and with heroic faith and one purpose, he made success possible and victory a verity. The Portage County Democrat, of June 3, 1863, contained this truthful tribute:

" The location of the shops at Franklin Mills is doubtless due to the position and influence of Marvin Kent, Esq., the President of the road, who resides at that point. If any man ought to be gratified and benefitted by the location of the shops it is President Kent. He was not only the early friend of the road, but if we are correctly informed, he originated the idea of its construction. In carrying forward this great improvement to its completion, he has toiled and struggled for over twelve years amid doubt and discouragement, amid jeers and steers and obloquy. While others hesitated, he stood fast; when the faint-hearted turned aside, he persevered with unfaltering nerve and courage; when timid friends forsook, he succeeded in raising up other friends, and in attracting capital to this great work; and thus, with a patience, a courage, an assiduity, and unswerving fidelity to a single aim that reaches the point of real heroism, has he held on his way through twelve laborious years of fluctuations, vicissitudes, and uncertainties, neglecting or abandoning his private business, pledging or imperiling, or at least casting into the hazard of success, his large private fortune, for the benefit of his cherished enterprise. And yet he has labored all this time without general appreciation, the select few more intimately associated in official relations with him only knowing and appreciating his trials and his toils. But it is time the man to whom more than to any other the country is indebted for its great and leading road should be understood and appreciated, for every man and every community benefited by the construction of this road, owes to Marvia Kent a debt of gratitude. He is to be congratulated on the success which the intelligence, the ability, and the fixed and resolute purpose which he has brought to bear on the enterprise, have accomplished. Who, under these circumstances, can grudge to Mr. Kent the location of the extensive machine-shops in the place of his residence? Who more than he, and what community than the one favored by his residence among them can be more entitled to the benefit?"

Upon the successful completion of this road, Mr. Kent substantially retired from active business, to the enjoyment of private life. Upon the death of his father in 1865, he became his successor as President of the Kent National Bank, which position he has held ever since. In October, 1875, he was elected State Senator from the Twenty-sixth District of Ohio, and he served his constituents with credit and ability. Mr. Kent is a gentleman of varied experience and of varied business qualifications — equally capable as an engineer or as financial manager to conduct a great public work. He has remarkable tenacity of purpose, and once resolved as to the value of an enterprise, no ordinary obstacle can prevent him from carrying it out. He is a man of liberal views and generous impulses, and has in a great variety of ways aided in advancing the material welfare of those among whom he lives. He has been a generous promoter of every business enterprise in the city of Kent, which bears his name. There are enduring monuments of his public spirit on every hand in the community in which he lives, such as public and private edifices, business blocks, mills and factories, and about them all there is an evidence of permanency and durability, of exactness in details, and adaptability to the uses designed.

As an evidence that Mr. Kent has been disposed to serve himself last, he has just completed one of the most elegant and palatial private residences m northern Ohio. Within and without there are evidences of a cultured taste in art and adornment, but never at the expense of utility and the every-day uses of domestic life. Mr. Kent has in every respect been a successful man, and prominent among the secrets of that success are untiring energy, methodical methods of work, and strict integrity.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

ZENO KENT, farmer, P. O. Aurora, was born on his present farm in Aurora Township, this county, February 20, 1821, son of Zeno and Emily (Granger) Kent, natives of Connecticut, who made a permanent settlement in Aurora Township, this county, in 1810. They were the parents of eight children, three of whom are now living: Julius, a farmer in Chagrin Falls, Ohio; Zeno, and Delight, wife of Mr. Gillman, of Iowa. Mr. Kent died March 27, 1837, and his widow, February, 1865. Our subject was reared on the farm, and received such an education as could be obtained at the schools of Aurora and Ravenna in those early days. In 1848 he was married to Miss Almira, daughter of Thomas and Rebecca Gould, who were natives of Vermont. Mrs. Kent died November 27, 1867, leaving six children: Helen H.; Leroy Zeno; Charles E.; Emily D., wife of Arthur Stanton; Dora and Nora. Keno Kent is one of the oldest living residents and natives of this township. He has followed the occupation of a farmer during his life, and is now owner of 340 acres of good land, besides having given each of his sons a farm to start them in life.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

EDGAR M. KENT, farmer, P. O. Mantua, was born November 22, 1828, in Aurora Township, this county, son of Amasa and Eleanor (Johnson) Kent, natives of Tolland, Conn., who came to Mantua Township, this county, at an early period and here passed the remainder of their days. Amasa Kent died January 4, 1881, his wife having preceded him May 1. 1870. Our subject, their only child, was married June 17, 1852, to Eloisa C, daughter of Demas and Rachel Harmon, who were the parents of five children, Mrs. Kent being the second. Demas Harmon died in 1842, and his widow subsequently married King Noney, and is now a resident of Mantua. Mr. and Mrs. Kent have five children: Annie A., wife of Albert A. Giles (have one child: Georgiana); Demas E.; Zenas A., married to Emma E. Plumb; Eleanor E.; Ai-thur H. Mr. Kent, who lives on his father's old farm, is one of the leading farmers of Mantua Township, a member of the Disciples Church; he is a Republican in politics.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.

JOSIAH KENT, farmer, P. O. Mogadore, Summit County, was born May 16, 1811, on the farm which he now occupies in Suffield Township, this county; son of Martin and Abigail (Hale) Kent, natives of Connecticut, who after livinonineteen years of their married life in New Hampshire, moved to this colntj and settled in Suffield Township in 1806. They came with a two-horse team and while crossing Conneaut Creek the ferry-boat sunk and it was with diffioalty that they saved their goods. Martin Kent was thrown into a fever through the exposure, which compelled him to remain in Cleveland several weeks while the family came on and settled on a new farm which they bought of Royal Pease. They built the first frame house in the township, which is still in use by the family, and brought up the following six children: Martin, Jr. (deceased); James (deceased); Almira (Mrs. Andrews) deceased; Eliza (Mrs. Greene) deceased; Abigail (deceased), and Josiah. The parents have long since passed to their reward. They were members of the Presbyterian Church and enjoyed the esteem of all who knew them. Our subject married, December 1, 1836, Miss Lucia T. Miller, and has six children.

As printed in the source¹. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.