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Below is a family biography included in History of Lee County, Iowa published by Western Historical Company in 1879.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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KENT, JOSIAH, retired; was born in York Co., Penn., March 30, 1805; he was brought up there and in Mifflin Co. until 18 years of age; he went to Ohio for a short time; returned to Pennsylvania, lived in Pittsburgh and learned the plasterer’s trade. He married Miss Anna Maria Rothrock, a native of Centre Co., Penn., Oct. 16, 1834. They came to Iowa, located in Lee County, in the spring of 1842, and engaged in farming, haying bought a claim here while living in Pennsylvania; he continued living on his farm until about one year ago, when he gave up his farm to his sons, and came in the city to reside. Mr. Kent has always acted with the Democratic party; was a member of the convention, in 1847, when the State Constitution was formed; in 1848, he was elected Representative to the State Legislature, and has held town and school offices. They have had six children, only two survive — William G., Frank B. — both living on the farm, a short distance from the city.

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This family biography is one of 668 biographies included in The History of Lee County, Iowa published in 1879.  For the complete description, click here: Lee County, Iowa History and Genealogy

View additional Lee County, Iowa family biographies: Lee County, Iowa Biographies

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