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         J. L. KENT, a farmer of Louisa County, Iowa, residing on section 3, Port Louisa Township, came to Wapello, Iowa, with his parents in 1848. His father, Amos Kent, was a native of New Jersey and a shoemaker by trade. He emigrated to Licking County, Ohio, where he resided for six or eight years, working at his trade, and then in 1848 became a resident of Wapello, Louisa County, where he engaged at shoemaking until his death, which occurred Aug. 21, 1873, when seventy-one years of age. His wife still survives him, and is now residing in California. They reared a family of eight children, three of whom are still living: Nancy, wife of R. M. Beach, of Los Angeles, Cal., J. L., the subject of this sketch; John G., a shoemaker, now residing in Grand View. Our subject learned the shoemaker’s trade with his father, and remained a resident of Wapello from 1848 until March, 1854, when with his parents he removed to Grand View. He lived there until April, 1861, when, responding to the country’s first call for volunteers, he enlisted in the 1st Iowa Infantry for three-months service. When his term expired he returned to Louisa county, where he remained one year, and then went to Newark, N. J., on a visit. While in that State he again enlisted in the late war, becoming a member of the 13th New Jersey Infantry in 1864, and served until peace was declared. He participated in the battles of Wilson’s Creek and Bentonville, and numerous skirmishes, and was with Sherman on his famous march to the sea.

Returning to Grand View in November, 1865, Mr. Kent then engaged at his trade of shoemaking for about three years, when in 1868 he purchased sixty acres of land on section 3, Port Louisa Township, where he has resided continuously since, having added to his possessions until he is now the owner of 120 acres, which are finely cultivated and highly improved.

In the month of June, 1868, the marriage of J. L. Kent and Loretta J. Blanck, a native of Louisa County, was celebrated. Mrs. Kent is a daughter of William Blanck, one of the pioneers of the county. Three children have been born of their union—Carrie S., Nettie and Belle, all of whom are yet at home. Socially, Mr. Kent is a member of the G. A. R. Post, while politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party. He has held various school offices, and is now serving his third term as Justice of the Peace. He is a man who takes an active interest in public affairs, and is one of the leading men of Port Louisa Township.