Manasseh was at one time the Highway Commissioner, Served on the Board of Review for Township, and as Township Supervisor.

Bio of Dr. Rockwell Kempton:
Dr. Rockwell M. Kempton was born in North Adams, Hillsdale County, Michigan, December 1, 1888. He decended from Puritan ancestry both through his father's and his mother's side. Seth Kempton (7), Capt; John (5) Samuel (4) Ephraim (3) Ephraim (2) Ephraim(1) was the first Kempton to arrive in Adams Townshp about 1830. The mode of travel in not certain but it is believed that the came by, ox cart. He brought a large acreage of land when he, his wife, Lucy Brown, and seven children settled in the Township (Adams). He was born in Plymouth, Massachusetts in 1773. After spending some time with his father in Rockport, Maine, he migrated West. He died in 1836, and his wife(1778-1872). Both are burried in North Adams, Michigan. Their son David born 1805 in Hampden, Maine died in North Adams, Michigan. He was a man who believed in letting his sons do most of the farm work. It was by his second wife Charlotte (Way) Godfrey that he had Manasseh Kempton, father of our subject. Manasseh Kempton, was a very fine citizen of the community, bought part of his father's farm and in 1875 married Harriett Bagley, daughter of Joseph Bagley and Lydia (Noyes) Bagley who was the mother of Rockwell M. Kempton. She was born in 1853 and died in 1930. Both are burried in North Adams, Michigan. Their son, Rockwell Kempton, spent his early years with his father on their farm, one mile west of the Village of North Adams. He graduated from the North Adams Public Schools in 1908. During his childhood, he was closely associated with his uncle, Dr. Franklin Noyes, who lived in the village and , through this close association he became greatly interested in medicine, often attending operations preformed by his Uncle in his home. Manasseh Kempton, his father had saved about $ 1,400.00 to help his son through his first two years of Hillsdale College where he took his premedical work. However, an astute saleman convinced Mr. Kempton that he could double his money by investng in a new soap factory which was to be constructed in the community. The result was sad, as all was lost in the venture. However, this did not deter Rockwell in his desire to go to college. He worked his way though the two years at Hillsdale, was a member of Alpha Tau Delta Faternity and won several honors in debating. After five years of teaching school he entered the University of Michigan, to continue his medical studies. This was interrupted for a short period when he was drafted as No. 1 from Hillsdale County, to enter the military service for World War 1. Fortunately President Wilson soon declared that all medical students should return to school as they might be needed much more as graduate doctors later. Fortunately the war ended the year he graduated from the University of Michigan in 1918. In 1917 he married Elsie Blanche Eggleston. She had attended Hillsdale College during the same years as he and had graduated in 1914, majoring in piano. Needless to say, her efforts in teaching music during the next three years greatly helped with the medical education. After two years of intership in Pediatrics Dr. and Mrs. Kempton located in Saginaw, Michigan, in 1920 where Dr. Kempton established a pratice in Pediatrics. He served as an active member of the staffs of Saginaw General in 1942-1943. To him goes the credits of organizing the excellent pediatric departments at both the Saginaw General and St. Mary's Hospital, where he served for many years. In the early thirties, before it was commonly done in large medical centers, newborn care was recognized in Saginaw as a pediatric, not an obsterical problem. With this premise Dr. Kempton took over the supervision of the newborn nurseries in the three hospitals in the city. This was a pioneer activity, which has since been accepted nationally. His professional affiliations, besides a member of his local medical and state societies were: a Fellow of the American Medical Association, Fellow of the College of Pediatrics and a member of the University of Michigan Pediatric Society and of the Detroit Pediatric Society. Dr. Kempton had many hobbies but the one perhaps he enjoyed the most was the history. Indian lore and archeology of the Saginaw Valley. A small collection was placed in the school foyer which the Saginaw Board of Education honored him by naming it "The Kempton Elementary School." The rest of his collection is in the University of Michigan Archelogical Museum Dr. Kempton was for many years a member of the Board of Warden and Trustees of the First Congregational Church. He was a member of the Rotary Club, Saginaw Club and Saginaw Valley Torch Club. Dr. Kempton passed away April r, 1952, and his ashes were placed in the Oakwood Mausoleum, Saginaw, Michigan.
Written by Mrs. Rockwell Kempton
(Elsie Blanche Eggleston Kempton)

Seth Kempton came with his brother Zachariah to Harbor Island. He was a young man and unmarried. When he left this place in 1825 he settled in Hampden. His wife was Lucy Brown., of Orrington, by whom he had seven children -- Seth, Zachariah, Harvey, Joseph, Lucy, Lucinda, and Eliza. Joseph settled in Colorado, Eliza and Harvey in Iowa, whence Mr. Kempton's whole family moved in 1839. The other children settled in the western states, and none of them ever returned to their place of birth. Mr. Kempton died in six weeks after his arrival in Iowa. The property on Harbor Island belonging to the Kempton brothers was bought by Silas Hardy. After trading there a few years this property came into the possession of William Stinson. Hardy and Oliver Lane, Mr. Stinson's heirs, now own it (1898).

The first member of the Kempton family to come to Michigan was Seth Kempton who settled on Section 10, Adams Township, Hillsdale County. Since he is called Seth Kempton, Jr. in the county records, presumably his father was Seth, Sr. His mother's name is known to have been Lucy Brown. Seth Jr. was a native of Maine, a Thompsonian doctor by profession, and the first physician in Adams Township where he took up land in the early thirties. He married in Hillsdale County, Delilah Blackmar, daughter of Judge Lyman Blackmar of the nearby Township of Moscow and they became the parents of several children. While the children were still very small, Seth was taken suddenly ill and died, leaving his widow to face life in the wilderness alone. Word was immediately sent back to Maine and Seth's mother, Lucy Kempton, and his brothers, David B. and Harvey Kempton, with their families, came to Delilah's assistance. They bought land from a speculator and came to be numbered among the Township's most substantial citizens.

Seth Kempton served as the first Township Clerk in Adams and held office from 1837 to 1839.

Zachariah Kempton came to Harbor Island from Hampden, Maine in 1821 and stayed about four years. He, together with his brother, who came at the same time, built a house and store on Harbor Island, and did considerable trading. They bought and cured fish and fitted out vessels. He soon brought his family here. His wife was Mary Evans and they were the parents of five children -- Frank, David, Zachariah, William, and Jane. In 1898 they were all dead except Zachariah, Jr. and William. Mr. Kempton was a carpenter; he learned his trade of his father, who was a shipbuilder and one of the pioneer settlers of Frankfort. This Kempton family came to Frankfort from Plymouth, Mass., where they settled when they came from England. No member of this family is now living in New England (1898) except a niece of Zachariah; she is the wife of Alfred H. Slatten, of Hampden Corner, Maine.

Husband James Noyes does not show on 1870 and two oldest children are living with Stephen Kendall, perhaps father of Lydia.

Jackson County, Iowa Marriages says his middle initial was R.; Merrill Memorial says H.

He served as a Sergeant in Company G. 10th Kansas Inf. and was listed in the 1890 Special Schedule - Surviving Soldiers, Sailors and Marines, and Widows, etc. S.D. 2, E.D. 65, Oregon.

Her surname is frequently given as "Kenny", but the only evidence for her surname is in the record of his second marriage, where he is called "widower of Susanna Keno" [Leiden Docs 70].

"A. S. Kent, watchmaker and jeweler, was born in Massachusetts, in March, 1852, where he resided until 1875, when he came West, and first stopped in Minnesota; from there he went to Dakota, then to Nebraska, and then to Missouri, where he was located for a year, and
then he came to Kansas, and located in Nickerson, in January, 1879, and erected one of the first business buildings in the place, 20 x 60 feet, two stories. After remaining here about six months he went west and came back in 1881, and started his present business. He carries a stock of about $3,000, and is doing a good business, being constantly kept busy at his trade, watch repairing. He is a member of the Nickerson Brass Band, and has been Treasurer of Grant Township two years, and a member of the Council of the city of Nickerson two years."

Local news article (approximately 1888? - Webb City, MO?)
"A. S. Kent has received a picture of the old homestead on Kent's Island, new
Newberryport, Massachusetts. It was one of the first buildings erected n the colony of Massachusetts to be used as a dwelling or as a fort for defense. It was built about 1638 and has been in the Kent family in a direct line of ownership from father to son from that day to his, and is now occupied by a brother of Mr. Kents. Its massive walls are as sound and as strong as when first occupied nearly two- hundred and fifty years ago."

1880 Census - Town of Gothic, Gunnison County, Colorado - 25th day of June, 1880
Page 16, Line 21
Kent, A. S., W M Age 28 - single - Carpenter - Place of birth: Massachusetts
Father's birth - Massachusetts; Mother's birth - Massachusetts

1900 Census, Wyandotte County, Kansas, Quindaro Township, Cissna Village, June 1,
1900, Robert M. Barnett, Enumerator, page 122-A, 855/54. Dwelling 11, family 12.

A. S. Kent, head, March, 1853, age 47, married 6 years, born Massachusetts, car
repairer
Fannie, wife, March 1865, age 35, born Missouri
Louis, son, Nov. 1894, 5 years, b. Missouri
Leonard, son, Dec. 1896, 3 years, b. Kansas

1900 City Directory for KCK lists Albert S. Kent, residing Cissna cor. Browne

1910 Census, Wyandotte County, Kansas, 12th Precinct, 1139 Greeley, Dwelling 118,
family 124. April 21, 1910, Katharine L. Means, Enumerator:

Albert S. Kent, age 59, married 16 years, watchmaker
Francis V., age 46
Lewis J., age 15
Leonard N. age 13
Albert S., age 9
Baldwin, Charles, brother-in-law, age 55, single, dealer stock - own account

1912 City Directory lists Albert S. Kent at 1139 Greeley Avenue. Occupation
Watchmaker

1875 - Left Massachusetts
Minnesota
Dakota
Nebraska
1878 - September - Missouri - Pink Hill (one year)
1879 - January - Nickerson, KS
1879 - June - Gothic, Gunnison Co., Co. (1880 census - listed as carpenter)
1881 - Back in Nickerson, KS
1892 - July 4 - In Webb City, MO

Always an invalid, and never married. 

He moved from Cape Ann to Plaistow, where he was published, Nov. 30, 1751, Highway Surveyor in 1756, and was schoolmaster 1758-60. He was a Lieut. in Goffe's Regiment of foot, raised in Province of New Hampshire for conquest of Canada, 1760. Returning from that expedition, he became with other comrades interested in Cohas Valley and meadows, and was one of the founders of the towns of Newbury and Haverhill in N.H. grants. From 1762 to 1886 the family homestead was in Newbury, Vt., when it was transferred to Lancaster, N.H., the home of Richd. Peabody Kent in 1825.

Jany 29. 1759 A Petition of Jacob Kent of Plaistow in the Province of New Hampshire, Yeoman, administrator of the Estate and Guardian of all the Children of Jonathan Page late of Plaistow aforesaid, Joiner, deceased, Praying that he may be impowered to sell the Estate laying in Haverhill in the County of Essex.

Mrs. Kent, when nearly 90, used to relate that when the Colonel was gone to meeting. one Sunday, three bears came and looked in at the door upon her.

Newbury May 31st 1782 At a Legal Meeting of Sd. Town on Said Day being a full Meeting....

                                              Jacob Kent TOWN CLERK. 
In a list of original grantees of the Town of Newbury by deed from Benning Wentworth, dated March 18, 1763, Jacob Kent. Town Clerks, June 12. 1764, Col. Jacob Kent. First Justices, Col. Jacob Kent.

Probably the same who was Judge of Probate, Orange Co., Vt., 1786 to ྗ, and Sheriff 1842-3. One Jacob Kent was living in Rowley, Mass., in 1886. There were taxed in the City of Boston, the year 1822, Henry S. Kent, JACOB H. KENT, Martin Kent, John Kent, Moses Kent. One Jacob Kent of Newbury became shareholder in the Amesbury Cotton Factory in 1814. JACOB KENT, Dustin Z. Kent, and Helmer B. Kent resided Grand Isle, Vt.

JACOB,6 son of Capt. Stephen,5 while yet young went to Salisbury, Mass., and there engaged in a factory, and was associated with Paul Moody, who was in Lowell at one time. Both were noted for their genius. Jacob d. of apoplexy Feb. 14, 1829, aged 53. He mar. three times. By his 1st wife, . . . Morrill, he had 1 child

JAMES KENT,1 bro. of Richard Kent, Jr., and Hunt, in his "Hist. of Essex Co.," says son of Richard, Sr., landed first at Ipswich in 1634, and proceeded by water to Newberry in 1635.

"1633. First settlers of Newbury, uniform tradition asserts that they came by water from Ipswich, through Plum Island sound and up the river Quascacunquen [now river Parker] to the place they had selected as their future habitation. Tradition asserts that they landed on the north bank of the river, about one hundred rods below the spot where the bridge now stands, and that Nicholas Noyes was the first person who leaped ashore. The company was few in number, and probably consisted of Mr. Henry Sewall and servants, William Moody, his wife and four sons, Andrew Short, Henry Short and wife, Mr. John Spencer, Mr. Nicholas Easton, his wife and son John, RICHARD KENT, SENIOR, and STEPHEN KENT, brothers, with their wives, RICHARD KENT, JUNIOR, and JAMES KENT, brothers," etc., etc.

Persons admitted to ffreedom by this Court [19 May, 1669] & those yt. tooke their oaths are set doune first, ys yt tooke it not are und ye line: James Kent, Newb. Jno Kent.

He probably mar. in this country, as no wife is mentioned on his arrival from England. He left one son, JOHN,2 who inherited Kent's Island from his uncle Richard, Jr., and thence in perpetuum to the eldest male heir, viz.: John's son, Col. Richard, and to his son, Capt. Richard.

This occasioned the following petition: "To the honored general court now Sitting in Boston, the humble petition of some of Newbury Wee humbly crave the favour that your honors would be pleased to Consider our little Zebulon and to ease us of that Charge which at present we are forced unto by our goeing to Salem to enter our vessells and thereby are forced to stay at least tow days before we can unload, besides other charges in going and Coming -- That some meet person might be appointed to receive the enter of all Vessells. and to act and doe according as the law directs in that case and we shall be bound forever to pray for your honors. May, fifteenth 1683"

                                                       John Kent and 1 0 others. 
August 22d. 1689 Brig "Merrimack" of Newbury, Captain John Kent, was Captured by pirates in Martin Vineyard Sound.

Aug. 19th. 1689 The Council, having been informed, that Thomas Hawkins and others were acting as pirates order the sloop "Restitution" with forty men. Joseph Taxter, master, to go after them. These pirates took &c. &c. They captured the brig "Merrimack" of Newburyport, Capt. John Kent, on the 22nd in "Martin Vineyard Sound."

1689 -- CAPT PEAS sent after Pirates in the sloop "Mary" of Boston He came up and fought one in "Martin Vineyard Sound." Capt Pease is killed, but the pirate is taken by his crew.

(In a foot-note to the above from Mr. Felt's "Annals of Salem.") These Pirates Captured the Brig Merrimack of Newburyport, Capt. John Kent on the 22d in Martin Vineyard sound.

They killed him and wounded some of his crew.

EXTRACT FROM DEPOSITION OF THOMAS POUND THE PIRATE.
Boston 19th Octobr 1689 On or about the twentyeth day of August met with a Briganteen belonging to Newbury, John Kent master from New Yorke, and sent the Boat with ffour or ffive hands on board said Briganteen, and brought her neer to or Sloop's side, out of which Briganteen wee tooke Eighteen halfe barrels of Flower, two hogsheads of Sugar and one hogshead of Rhum and three small Armes and so dismist the Briganteen.
JULY 24, 1690. Writt to Major Saltonstall and sent him a Barrel of Salt in Token of my Remembrance of him and sympathy with him in his dangers and confinements, dwelling in a fronteer Town as he does &c Sent ??. Skipar Jno. Kent of Newberry.

MARCH 2. 1704 Resolved that the sum of Sixteen Pounds & sixteen Shillings & ten Pence be allowed & paid out of the publick Treasury, to the persons respectively to whom the same is due in full of an acct presented Viz. To John Woodman for Ferriage Three Pounds five shillings & four Pence. To John Kent master of the Sloop "Planter" Nine Pounds. To divers Persons sent Post &c Four Pounds eleven Shillings & Six pence. Wch Resolve being Read at the Board was Concurr'd and is Consented to J. Dudley.

April 24th. 1711 John Kent of the island had his barn burnt by tobacko with six oxen and four calves and a goose, that was bringing young ones. (Sewall's diary.)

After careful research I think it probable that the John Kent of Newberry referred to in the following items was John, son of James, as above:

On February ninth, 1683, the Court of Assistants "order that the port of Boston to which Charlestown is annexed, and the port of Salem, to which Marblehead, Beverly, Gloucester, Ipswich, Rowley, Newbury and Salisbury are annexed, as members, shall be the lawful ports of this Colony, where ships and other vessels shall lade or unlade any of the plantation's enumerated goods, or other goods from foreign parts and no where else," and so forth.

John Kent owned half of Kent's Island; the other half was given to his son by his great-uncle Richard, for whom he was named. There was a house on the island standing in a pear orchard at the south of an old barn owned by Joseph,5 then Paul,6 but John2 probably resided in the old homestead built in 1700, and still standing in 1830. He appears to have been a man of property, of energy, and good character.

Took the Freeman's oath on Feb. 25, 1668.

JOSEPH KENT1 appears in Dedham, Mass., in 1645, where he arrived from England in company with his brother Joshua, who had previously resided there. There was a Joseph in New Hampshire, 1689. There can be but little doubt that Elizabeth Harder of Braintree was connected with this family, as is shown in her will, viz.:

WILL OF Elizabeth Harder, 1, 4th, 1664. I Elizabeth Harder of BRAINTREE, doe make this my last will, God hauing giuen mee only one Daughter, which is my only Childe. I: doe giue and bequeath my whole estate, mooveable & Imooveable unto her, her heirs & assigns foreuer, excepting such legacyes as are heerafter Specified. & doe Constitute & ordain her my sole executrix of this my Last will & Testament & Doe Intreate my Louing Friends, William Needham & Samuel Tomson, of Brantrye to be my Ouerseers. I giue unto Elisabeth Saunders. my. Daughter's Child œ20. with my Bed I. lye on, with all belonging to it, to bee paid at the age of 18 yeares, or at the day of marriage, and if Shee Dye, if my Daughter haue Farther Issue, I giue it unto the next Child & if not then to Remaine unto my Daughter, I Giue unto JOHN KENT & JOSEPH KENT, 40s apiece to bee paid within two yeares after my Decease--I Giue unto Joshua Kents three Daughters 20s apiece, to bee paid to them when they are 18 yeares old, or at the Day of Marriage, I Giue unto Benjamin Thomson 40s: to bee paid unto him within halfe a year after my Decease I Giue unto John Day. œ5. to be paid unto him when he is 20 yeares old, upon Condition he Liue with my Sonne or Daughter till hee be twenty year Old

                                                           Elisabeth H arder. 
Test Samuell Bass. John Basse who deposed Octr 6th 1664.

We whose names are here underwritten do freely upon our admission to be inhabitants of the town of Swansey assent to a written agreement made between the Church of Christ now meeting here at Swansey, and Captain Thomas Willett and his associates; as the said agreement is Specified and declared in the three proposals aforewritten, With the several Conditions and explanations thereof, concerning the present and future Settlement of this township--In witness, we have hereunto Subscribed (1669)

                                                     Joseph Kent 
COURT ACTION. 1675. Joseph Kent of Swansey complaineth against Nicholas Tanner of the same town for detaining and hindering of him of his right of what he was attested to in Swansey: and for withholding a copy of the records of his attestation notwithstanding authority against it. The jury find for the plaintiff. Samuell Dunham being one of the jury.

COURT ORDERS. June 7, 1681, Joseph Kent was mentioned to be propounded to be a freeman. June 6, 1682, Joseph Kent was made a freeman. July 7, 1681: "Forasmuch as there have bine some differences lately amongst the inhabitants of the towne of Swansey, respecting the laying out of lands in that towneshipe, this Court doth heerby rattify and confeirme whatsoever the former comitty have don respecting the pmises, and have made choise of Capt. John Browne, Leift Willam Ingraham, Sergeant Hugh Cole, Samuell Luther, Job Winslow, and Joseph Kent, to be a comittee in the townes behalfe for the regulateing of matters in difference concerning lands alreddy layed out in that townshipe, and what defects doe or shall appeer unto the said comittee above named, shalbe made up of the lands undevided, and for any further devision of lands in the towne, that are to be devided, that it may be don and pformed by the propriators, they haveing liberty by this order to choose a comittee for the lawing out of land according to the three fold ranke."

"In reference unto sixteen or seaventeen bushells of Indian corne, taken from Joseph Kent, of Swansey, and improved for the releife of some souldiers, in the time of the late lndian warrs, this Court have ordered that it, or the vallue thereof, to be repayed by the Treasurer."

Charles V. Chapin, of the City Registrar's office, City Hall, Providence, R.I., has the following to say regarding Joseph:

We know that Joshua went to England in 1644, and returned next year with his two brothers. After that date John Kent is mentioned several times in the records previous to 1673, when he was received into the church at Charlestown. Joseph Kent is mentioned in the tax-rate of 1659. In 1664 Elizabeth Hardier of Braintree left 40 shillings each to John and Joseph Kent, and 20 shillings each to Joshua Kent's three daughters. From this we may reasonably infer that Joshua, John, and Joseph of Dedham held a similar relationship to her. But we have no record of Joseph in Dedham after 1659. The first we hear of Joseph is in Block Island. This island was settled in 1661, largely by Braintree people. When Joseph went to Block Island I do not know. Sheffield, in his history, says: "Joseph Kent of Swansea joined the settlement in 1661 or 1662." What his authority is I do not know. I have examined the Block Island records, which are in bad condition, and can find nothing. He was certainly in Block Island May 4, 1664, when he petitioned the legislature. The fact that this Joseph named his sons Joseph, Samuel, and Joshua, and that John Kent of Charlestown named his sons John, Joshua, Joseph, Samuel, and Ebenezer, would be some indication of a relationship to each other and to Joshua. I also find in Plymouth Col. Records that in 1681 Joseph Kent was appointed guardian of Joseph Cahoone, and that in 1690 Hannah, dau. of John Kent of Charlestown, married Joseph Cahoone. Perhaps Hannah became acquainted with him in the house of her uncle Joseph.

Baylies gives Joseph Kent as the signer of a covenant in Swansea in 1669, but I doubt if he was there as early as that. The latter names on that document probably came later than the date of drawing it up. The Swansea records say Joseph Kent was admitted an inhabitant 15 Dec., 1673, and his name frequently appears in the records after that, but not before.

Arnold in his History of State of Rhode Island, Vol. 1, p. 306, says: "May, 1664. The first regular assembly, as established by the Charter, met at Newport in May. The affairs of Block Island were definitely settled at this session. Three messengers, James Sands, Thomas Terry, and Joseph Kent, appeared from the Island to signify their obedience to His Majesty's will."

1850 Census for "The Town of Newbury, County of Essex, State of
Massachusetts. August 6, 1850, by Daniel Adams

Dwelling 15, Family 20
Joshua N. Kent, age 33, Farmer, 6700 Value. Born Massachustts
Sarah N. D., 34, born Mass.
Otis L., age 3
Leonard N. age 1
Ann Monican, age 14, born in Ireland

1860 Census: June 27, 1860; Dwelling 926; family 1003
Joshua Kent, age 42, farmer, real estate 5000, personal property 1000
Sarah N., age 42
Otis L., age 13
Leonrd N. age 11
Albert S. age 9
Edward, age 7
Warren, age 17, real estate 2500, personal property 500
John Kent, age 56, Farmer, real estate 1500, personal property 500
Hanffry Hales ??, age 18, farm laborer, b. Ireland

1870 Census: June 18, 1870, Amos Poore
Dwelling 137; family 159
Joshua N. Kent, age 53 farmer, real estate 6500, personal property 1400
Sarah N. , age 53
Otis L., age 23, work at farming
Albert S., age 19, work at farming
Edward, age 17, work at farming.

1880 Census; June 14, 1800 - Newbury
198/230
Joshua N. Kent, age 63
Sarah N., age 63
Leonard N., age 31 = son, shoe pattern maker
Edward, age 37, son, farmer
John, age 76, brother, farmer
Edgar Ross, age 36, servant, farm laborer, b. New Brunswick
Sand Whitney, age 21, servant, farm laborer, born Maine
Cornelius Crowley, age 30, servant, farm laborer, born Ireland
Nettie J. Baker, age 18, servant, domestic servant, born New Hampshire

Source for Otis L. Kent:
1880 Census, Newbury
198 / 231
Otis L. Kent, age 33, milk dealer, farmer, b. Massachusetts
Emily A., age 34, wife
George O. age 7, son

Among the names of the Kents on record in the counties of England are the following, which may belong to this family:

YORKSHIRE RECORDS, YORKSHIRE FINES.
1566. Michaelmas Term, 8 and 9 Elizabeth. Plaintiff, William Rayner. Deforciants, Richard Kent and Ann his wife. Nature and situation of the property, messuage and a cottage with lands in Hertishede.
WILLS IN THE YORK REGISTRY -- proved year 1638-9. Bundle for January. Testator's name, residence, and occupation: Kent, James, Bramley. Date of will: Dec. 11, 1637. Bundle for June. Testator's name, residence, and occupation: Kent, Robert, Heddingley (a fragment). Date of will: (???), 1636.

REGISTER OF ST. NICHOLS ACOUS, LONDON.
1613. Baptisms, June 20. Elizabeth Kent, daughter to JAMES KENT, at the ffrench Church. Note. -- This bap., although here stated to have taken place at the French Church, occurs in the Dutc h Church Register as "t'Kint."
Apl. 28, 1616. Anne Tkint the daughter of Jaques Tkint at the Duch Church.

1617-8. Mary Tkint the daughter of Jaques Tkint at the Duch Church.

10. Elizabeth Tkint the daughter of Jaques Tkint and Elizabeth his Wyfe in the duche Church.

1622. Jaques Tkint the Sonne of Jaques Tkint and Elizabeth his wife in the Duch Church. Note. -- Christian name given as "Jacob" in the Dutch Register.

Mch. 7, 1623-4. James Tkent the Sonne of Jaques Tkent and Elizabeth his Wife Duch Church. Note. -- Christian name given as "Jacob" in the printed Dutch Register.

1683-4, Jan. 14. Mary Kent daughter to John Kent.

Marriages: 1573, July 12. Henry Kent and Jane Gabbett.

1592, Nov. 1. Willeam Kent and Jane Killingbecke.

1640, Nov. 5. Willeam Kent of Stradford Lanton in the Countie of Essex yeoman and Marie Tumrike of the parish of St. Michell Cornhill.

STAPLEHILL OF DARTMOUTH.
Agnes uxor William Kent of Dartmouth mar. lic. 19 Jan. 1615-16 Exeter. Anne mar. 22 Jan. 1615-16 at Townstall to William Kempe. Note. -- Evidently the same as William Kent and evidently one with Anne.

ARCHDEACONS OF SUDBURY, COUNTY CAMBRIDGE.
1621. Theophilus Kent; he was a sufferer in the grand rebellion.

PARISH OF ROTHERHAM.
The family of Kent, who have been numerous in the parish of Rotherham, and have produced several clergymen, may seem to have a claim to William Kent the artist, who did so much to improve the public taste in gardening. Vertue says that he was a native of Yorkshire, and the following entry in the parish register of Rotherham agrees well with the time of his birth: 1684, March 27, bap. William Kent.

THE CHURCH. INSCRIPTIONS.
Kent, William, son of Richard of Kimberworth, gent., died 16 Sept., 1680, aged 10. Elizabeth, his wife, buried 30 May, 1693, aged 49. Richard of Kimberworth, gent., died 29 June, 1711, aged 67. William, son of Richard, gent., died 12 May, 1724, aged 44. (Several others of recent date.)
CHESHIRE RECORDS. Harrwich Hundreds. Rectors of Coppenhall: George Massy (...) resigned the living on a pension of five marks, payable out of its fruits, and his successor William Kent (probably of a family of that name settled in or about Northwich) also resigned on a similar pension, "out of the Chapel fruits."

HARLEIAN SOCIETY RECORDS. Marriage Allegations in the Registery of the Vicar-General of the Archbishop of Canterbury:

May 18, 1665. George Kent of St. Dustan's East, Gent. Bachr about 29 & Susanne Tomkins of Same Spr. about 25 & at own dispose; at St Gregory's London.

1665-6, Feb. 12. Richard Kent of St. Margaret's Westminster, Gent. Bachr abt. 23 & Bridget Harris of St. Paul's Convent Garden Spr abt. 23 & at own dispose; at St Clement Danes or St. Mary, Somerset, Lond.

LIST OF EMIGRANTS TO AMERICA, 1600 TO 1700.
ten yeares theire Names as followeth Viz Edward Kent age 19 years (indorse) 9 Dec. 1685 et al.
The men whose names are contained in the within written list are Shipt upon the acct of John Rose & company on board the Jama Mercht to be landed & disposed of in Barbados or in Jamaica: John Rose.

Receipt for one hundred Prisoners on Mr Nepho's Acco to be Sent to Barbadoes Prisoners in Dorchester Goale to bee Transported: Peter Kent.

On March 4, 1634 he became a freeman.

RICHARD,3 son of John,2 James,1 mar. 1st, 1709, Sarah Greenleaf, possibly a relative of Judge Greenleaf, whose dau. mar. C. J. Parsons. Richard and Sarah had nine children, all of whom d. under 20 years of age except Richard.4 Mr. Kent was Col. in the militia and a Justice of the Peace, when these offices were deemed more honorable than they are at the present day. In 1733 he acted as a Justice in Boston. He resided in Newburyport most of the time, but not on Kent Island; and he was engaged in trade, accumulating considerable property. His 1st wife d. Apl. 12, 1723; and he was mar. 2d, by Rev. L. Bradstreet, Sept. 8, 1724, at Charlestown, to Widow Hannah Carter, dau. of Rev. Nath'l Gookin, Pastor of Church of Christ in Cambridge, and widow of Vincent Carter of Charlestown, whom she mar. Aug. 10, 1711. Col. Richard d. in 1740, aged 67. His 2d wife, who survived him several years, is said to have been somewhat of a grave formal person of the old school, and anxious to maintain her rank in society. She d. Mch. 20, 1758, in her 67th year; a commemorative sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Lowell. Her will was proved Apl. 3, 1758, and she made devise to son Nath'l Carter, and to her children by Col. Kent. Col. and Mrs. Kent are buried on the top of "Burying Hill, near the old mill and pond," and placed over the grave is a heavy freestone slab, with a slate in the shape of a heart let into it, bearing an inscription. Mrs. Kent by her first husband had a son Nath'l Carter, who became one of the three richest merchants of his time in Newburyport.

The following, taken from court, State, and town records, indicate that Col. Kent was held in high repute:

MAY 28 1718 THE NAMES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES County of Essex -- Newbury Cpt Richard Kent

MAY 27. 1719 The names of the Representatives County of Essex -- Newbury -- Cpt Richard Kent

Nov 5. 1719 A message came up from the House by Cpt Prebble & Cpt Kent to desire that his Excellency would lay before the Papers relating to the Danger from the Indians & the Papers relating to the abuses in Pitch & Tar.

JUNE 15. 1721 A PETITION OF RICHARD KENT OF NEWBURY ESQ. Shewing that at a Court of Quarter Sessions of the peace held at Newbury in September last, he preferred a Complaint Settg forth that being possessed in Fee of a house & Land near a place called Watts Cellar in Newbury which he had Quietly Enjoyed for some considerable time, and Improved and fenced in the Land without any disturbance, but that on or about the 17th of Sept. Jonathan Greely, Elias Pyke and Anthony Downer, under pretence of a Warrt Granted by Henry Sommerly Esqr did come to the petitioners house & pull Down the Garden Fence and did spoil and wast the Sd. Garden to the grt Damage of the petitioner that the sd Court Continued the Consideration of his sd. Complaint to Decr Following, That the petitioner supposing that the Court would act no further on his Complaint, Title of Land being Concerned in the Controversy, did bring his writt of Trespass upon the case against the sd Jonathan Greely. Elias Pyke and Anthony Downer for Illegally. Pulling down and Carrying away his Garden fence, to be tried in December last, but it being alleged that the petitioners complaint aforementioned was under Consideration of the Court of General sessions, at the same time Holden, The Court would not proceed to tryall of his action untill his Complaint be withdrawn, upon the withdrawing of which his said action was Continued to the next Inferiour Court of Common pleas: when the petitioner recovered Judgment against the Defendant for œ6. 11/ -- being the Damage sued for and Costs, from which Judgment the Defendants appealed to the next Seperior Court held at Ipswich In the County of Essex in may last when and where the Writt was Barred upon the pleas Reserved that the Inferiour Court and the Judgment of the said Court Reversed and the appellants recovered Costs against the petitioner: and for as much as he conceives himself Greatly Injured in his Rights and is without Remedy in the Law, Humbly praying that the Judges of the Superiour Court may be Impowered to proceed to a Tryall of his sd action De Nova (upon his making a new Entry) as if no pleas in bar had ever been made or that he may have Such other relief, in the Premises as to their Wisdom and Justice shall see meet. In council Read & ordered. That a hearing be had on this petition on Wednesday the Twenty first Instant and that the petitioner serve the adverse party with a copy thereof.

June 16, 1721 The petition of Richard Kent Esqr and the order therein in Council as Entered yesterday -- In the House of Representatives Read and Concurred with the Following Amendment Viz: that the hearing be deferred to the Second Wednesday of the next fall Session in Council Read & Concurred Consented to Samll Shute

March 7. 1721 A hearing was held this day on the Petition of Richard Kent Esqr as entered June 5th 1721 befor the Whole Court

ON THE PETITION OF RICHARD KENT ESQE March 8. 1721. In Council a hearing having been yesterday had before the Whole Court on this Petition The Board are of opinion that the Petitioner hath his Remedy for the Tryall of his Title against Richard Currier Jeremiah Stevens and Thomas Lambert for taking Down & Carrying away his fence. Therefore ordered, That the petition be dismissed. In the House of Representatives Read and Concurred Consented to Samll Shute

PROPRIETARY HISTORY OF CHESTER, N.H.
"At a meeting of the Committee Sept. 29. 1721 -- Capt. Richd Kent and others. were admitted Proprietors." In a Schedule of the Proprietors' names of the town of Chester appears: Capt. Richd. Kent.
Capt. Richard Kent was of Newbury and sold his right to John Tyler of Boxford in 1727 for œ100.

Table containing the Names of the Original Grantors of Chester with the number of their lotts Capt Richard Kent:

  HL. ADD OH 2P2D. 3dD 4thD. 5thD. 6thD.
  5 43. 6. 3. 112. 89. 4. 23.

DEC 17 1723 A MEMORIAL of Benjamin Lynde & John Turner Esqrs. two of the Surviving Commisrs of the œ100,000 Loan for the County of Essex Shewing that Daniel Rogers & Henry Somerly Esqrs. are taken off by Death & Walter Price Esqr is Disabled by Sickness & Refuses to act in Said office That the memorialists have applyed to the quarter sessions for Said County Desiring them to fill up said Vacancies, who had appointed Several persons to that office, but they Refused to under take it & therefore praying that this Court would supply the said Vacancies with some Suitable persons. In the House of Representv Read & Voted that Captn Peter Osgood & Capt Daniel Epes of Salem & Capt Richard Kent of New bury be added to the said Commisrs who are in all things directed to observe the Laws Respecting the Letting out & Calling In the said hundred Thousand pounds Loan & the Interest that may arise thereon

In Council Read & Concur'd. Consented to Wm Dummer.

THE GENERAL COURT passed the following resolve or order June 4, 1725: "Whereas at the anniversary of the town-meeting in the town of Haverhill in March last there happened to be two contending parties who assembled at the meeting-house, and did there and then choose two Sets of town-officers, whereby great difficulties arose in the said town, and Considerable expense occasioned in the law: and it is feared that no good government Can be supported unless some Speedy care be taken to prevent these disorders. For preventing whereof, and to put an end to said Strife, it is ordered by this General Court, that Joshua Swan and Nathaniel Peasley Constables for the town in 1724 be and are bereby required to warn the freeholders and Other inhabitants to assemble at the meetinghouse in Haverhill on the ninth of June at ten o'clock A.M. and then and there choose all the town officers which the law requires to be chosen in the month of March annually; and that Richard Kent Esqr [of Newbury] be desired to be present at the said meeting; and he is empowered to moderate the affairs, and no other person be allowed to vote but such as are lawfully qualified," etc., etc. A meeting was accordingly held on the ninth of June, and Richard Kent presided.

DEC 30. 1725 A MEMORIAL OF RICHARD KENT, ESQR Praying that this Court would give order for the Payment of his accompt of Time & Expence in two Journeys to Haverhill to attend as Moddrator of their Town Meeting by Direction of this Court. The said acct amounting to œ7.4 -- In the House of Representves Read & Resolved that the sum of Five Pounds four shillings be allowed & paid by the Town of Haverhill to Richard Kent Esqr in full Discharge thereof In Council Read & Concur'd. -- Consented to Wm Dummer

May 25. 1726 The Names of the Representatives for the Several Towns County of Essex -- Newbury -- Richard Kent Esqr

Nov 28. 1726 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Resolved that the sum of Fifteen Pounds be allowed & paid out of the publick Treasury to Richard Kent Esq to be paid by him to Hugh Pike of Newbury in consideration of the misfortunes & Difficulties he has undergone &c &c Decemr 3. 1726 An accompt presented by Richard Kent Esqr of his Time and Expence in attending on his Honour the Lieut Governr at the late Ratification of the Peace at Falmouth amounting to the sum of œ20-10-10 In the House of Representatives Resolved That the sum of twenty Pounds ten shillings and ten pence be allowed and paid out of the publick Treasury to the accomptant Richard Kent Esqr in full Discharge thereof In Council Read and Concur'd -- Consented to Wm. Dummer.

Dec 21. 1726 Major John Quincy, Major John Chandler & Coll Richard Kent brought up the votes of the House for two Truck Masters (to reside at Richmond and St Georges River) Severally, and being joined by Spencer Phips, Thomas Palmer & Edward Hutchinson Esqrs Sorted & number'd the Votes for Truck Masters until the Elections were finished after which &c &c.

Decemr 28 1726 An accompt presented by Richard Kent Esqr of Expresses Sent in His Majestys Service & Horse Hire for Several Persons sent Express in the years 1723 & 1725 amounting to the Sum of œ3.2.8 In the House of Representves. Resolved that the sum of Forty three Shillings & four pence be allowed & paid out of the publick Treasury to the Accomptant Richard Kent Esqr to be by repaid to whom it is respectively due in full Discharge of the within account. In Council Read & Concur'd -- Consented to Wm Dummer

TO THE HONOURABLE William Dummer Esqr Lieut Governor and Commander in Chief in and over his majesties Province of the Massachusets Bay in New England and to the Honourable His Majtts Counsell:

WHEREAS Capt Cornwall has seen cause to Complain of Ill treatment from the Honble. Colo Brown Colo Noyes and myself and has taken the the freedom of terming of us Eminently disafected to his majesties service. In answer to Said Complaint So far a I was knowing or any way concerned I would Humbly offer that this Gentleman Capt Cornwall never did as yet give me the oppertunity of treating of him either well or Ill for he never Spake one word to me or wrote a word to me neither Sent any message to me on any acount whatsoever and I know not how I can serve a man, that will not give me the oppertunity and as to what he has bin pleasd to say Concerning one Mr Moore an officer belonging to His Majties Ship "Shernis" and that he the said Mr moore Shewed Colo. noyes and I the man to wit Georg Beachum painting of a boat that I must deny as absolutly falce for I know nothing of It. I have likewise asked Colo Noyes least there should be anything Said to that Efect which I might not observe and he tould me that he did not heare the Said More say one word to that purpose, the Said moore never told me his name, his office, neither that he was an officer, and as for George Beachum I never heard of any person of that name before, but I went out and Enquired of the people of our Town who Informed me that there was a man of that name that had lived in the Town near about one yeare and three quarters and that he had bin Rated to the province Tax as a Town Inhabitant but the select men afterward found him So poore that they forgave him his Rates and ware afraid that he would come to be a Town Charg, So that there was no Temtation of consealing or with'holding of this man, but I Should have bin glad to have gratified Capt Cornwall for our own advantage the Saveing of the Town from Charge. So that if I could have seen anyway that I could have acted Safely I should redyly aplied my Self to the buisnes and don all in my power for the Securing and conveying of him to Capt Cornwall for wee Should have bin glad to be rid of him, So that if I have omited my duty through Ignorance I must pray your Honours pardon and hope I shall be beter Informed of my duty for the future. And as to that part of the Complaint Colo noyes saying that Some times Captains of men of war used their men Ill which occasioned their runing away your Honours are not unaquainted that he is a very aged Gentleman and being very Ill I must leave that part of the Charge to be answered by him if he shall ever recover his helth

                                  I am your Honours most obedient Serv ant 
                                                              Richard  Kent 

PROPRIETARY RECORDS, CONCORD, N.H., 1732.
Upon application to Richard Kent, Esq., of Newbury, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the County of Essex, Nathaniel Abbott was authorized to call a meeting of the proprietors to be held at the meeting-house in Pennycook September 14, 1732.... Also, notification to Nathaniel Abbott to call meeting dated Newbury, 10th Aug., 1732.
                                 (Signed) Richard Kent Justice of the  Peace 
May 29. 1734 The names of the Representatives Returned to serve in this Great and General Court or assembly are County of Essex Newbnry Richard Kent Esqr.

JUNE 18. 1734 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTV. Read & ordered that ... & Colo Kent with Such as the Honble Board Shall join be a comtee to take the within Message ["Governors message about giving Commissions to the Indians"] under Consideration and make Report of what they may think proper for the Court to do in answer thereto.

Col. Kent is said to have been a friend of and at one time aid to Gen. Pepperell.

DEC 17. 1734 A PETITION OF COLO RICHARD KENT, setting forth his Services in a former Indian War under Colo Hilton that a Considerable number of Indians were then Killed that the petitioner advanced Several sums for the Encouragment of his Company by which he has lost above Seventy pounds that the Petitioner's uncle John Hobbs (to whom he is Sole Heir) was Slain in the Narraganset war for which no Consideration has been made in the Grant to the Narraganset Soldiers Praying for a Grant of Land in Satisfaction for the service and Losses aforesaid: IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENT Read & in answer to this petition Ordered that the Petr. have leave by a Survey and Chainman on oath to Survey and lay out Three Hundred Acres of the unappropriated Land of this Province adjoining to some Township in full for the Services within Mentioned, as well his own as the Right and Gratnity of the Said John Hobbs who was Killed in the Narraganset war and Return a plat thereof to this Court within twelve months for Confirmation In Council Read & Concurr'd. Consented to I Belcher

JUNE 6. 1735. A PLAT OF THREE HUNDRED ACRES of Land Granted by the General Court to Richard Kent Esqr. Surveyed by Richard Hazzen Surveyor & Chainman on Oath, lying adjacient to the Town of Rumford: begining at a stake & Stones by Rumford line thence Runing West 17 Deg. South on Said line about two hundred and twenty five poles, to a white Ash Mark'd K by Merrimack River. thence Runing up Said River about two hundred and ninety two poles to a horn beam Marked R K thence East ten Deg. north about two hundred & twenty five poles to a Pitch pine Mark'd RK. thence about two hundred & Eight poles to the bounds first Mentioned. In the House of Representa Read & ordered that the Plat be accepted and the Lands herein delineated and described be and hereby are Confirmed to the said Richard Kent Esqr. his heirs and Assignes forever. Provided the Plat exceeds not the quantity of three hundred acres of land, and does not Interfere with any former Grant. In Council Read & Concurr'd Consented to J Belcher.

RICHARD,4 son of Col. Richard,3 John,2 James,1 was a Captain in the Militia, and is said to have always served his men with rum when he turned them out for drill. He is said to have led a Bohemian life. When 25 years of age his father died, and he entailed his estate to his oldest son, etc. When Wm. Bartlett of Newbury was 90, he is said to have remarked that when he was 12 Capt. Richard Kent bought a horse for which he paid $1,000 in silver money. He did little of benefit for the public, spending most of his time in amusement. He d. May 8, 1760, aged 45, and lies buried at Withington's Meeting House church-yard. He mar. about 1740 Anne Hale of that part of Newbury afterwards called Byfield.