Charles H. Kent, who has won prosperity through his well-directed efforts as a farmer and stock-raiser, his home being a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres on sections 5 and 6, Massillon township, was born August 5, 1860, in the township where he yet resides. He represents one of the early families of the county, his parents being J. M. and Mary (Ferguson) Kent, both of whom were natives of Ohio. They removed from the Buckeye state to La Salle county, Illinois, thence coming to Iowa.
Charles H. Kent was reared upon the farm which is yet his home and bore his share in the work of early development and improvement here. The common schools afforded him his educational privileges and when not busy with his text-books he aided in the work of the fields. Later he took charge of the home farm, his previous practical training well equipping him for the duties that devolved upon him in that connection. As a companion and helpmate for life’s journey he chose Miss Jane Jeffrey, to whom he was married in Massillon township on the 28th of November, 1883. She was born and reared in that township and as boy and girl they attended school together, the acquaintance of their early youth ripening into love that was consummated in marriage twenty-seven years ago.
For a year or two after their marriage Mr. Kent continued upon the home farm and then rented another place near by for three years. He afterward purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old home property, which he yet retains. He has always made the necessary repairs, has built a good barn and keeps everything in excellent condition. He has tiled much of the land, thus enhancing its productiveness. Substantial improvements have been made and all the accessories and conveniences of a model farm are here found. Mr. Kent has also purchased ten acres of timber land. He annually harvests good crops as a reward for the careful cultivation of his fields, and he also raises high grade shorthorn cattle, Chester White hogs and good horses.
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Kent have been born eight children: Oscar E., who is married and has secured a homestead claim near Lewiston, Montana; Bessie, a music teacher; Blanch, at home; Elmer A., who assists in carrying on the home farm; Inez May; Raymond M.; Howard Marshall; and Clifford Leroy, who died in March, 1902, in his thirteenth year.
The family are well known in this part of Clinton county and the members of the household occupy an enviable position in the social circles in which they move. In his political views Mr. Kent is a republican and has served as school director but otherwise never sought nor desired office. He prefers to concentrate his energies and time upon his business affairs, and his life exemplifies the strong and salient qualities of the successful farmer who realizes that unremitting care and attention and unfaltering industry are the basis of all honorable success.
