Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 502
REV. R. W. H. BRENT, an honored pioneer of Muscatine of 1852, was born in Virginia in 1810, and was descended from an old and prominent family of the common-wealth. His ancestors were ship-owners, and largely represented in the merchant marine of the South. He was married at Baltimore, Md., in September, 1839, to Miss C. E. Miller, a daughter of Edwin I. Miller. Mrs. Brent was born in Baltimore, Md.,in 1812. After their marriage the young couple emigrated to Illinois in 1841, and Rev. Mr. Brent was transferred from the Baltimore to the Rock River Conference, and was assigned to a circuit in Peoria. He became prominent if the ministry of his church in Illinois, and continued his labors in that field until 1850, when he retired from active service. In 1852 he removed with his family to Muscatine, Iowa, where he engaged in merchandising, at first as a dealer in general merchandise, and later in hardware. He was appointed Postmaster under Gen. Grant during his first term as President, and served five years, also afterward holding other local offices.

Mr. and Mrs Brent were the parents of five children, four sons and one daughter: Theodore R., who married Miss Mary E. Reece, of Muscatine, and is now a resident of Pasadena, Cal., where he is engaged in the real-estate and contracting business; Richard H., who is also a resident of Pasadena, and a partner of his brother, married Miss Ella Jenkins; Mary L., the only daughter, resides with her mother at Pasadena, Cal.; William O., wedded Miss Fannie Sumner, of Muscatine, and resides in Pasadena Cal., where he is engaged in business with his brothers; Ed J., the youngest, is one of the proprietors and the general manager of the Muscatine Manufacturing Company, manufacturers of sash, doors and blinds. He married Miss Fannie E. Grinsted, of Litchfield, Ill.

The Rev. Mr. Brent was a plain, unassuming man, earnest and honest in his convictions, and enjoyed the confidence, respect and esteem of his fellow-citizens without an exception. His life was consistent with his professions and holy calling, while he taught by example as well as precept, and left the world better for his having been in it. His death occurred Feb. 20, 1886.

---

Back to 1889 History of Muscatine Co. Index Page

Back to the Muscatine Co. IAGenWeb Index Page