- EDWARD J. KENT, dealer in wall-paper, paints, glass, etc.,
is one of the leading business men of
- Janesville, and also does house, sign and decorative painting.
He is a native of England, born in Kent, on the 13th day of February,
1834 and is a son of John and Susan KENT. His boyhood days were
spent in his native county until sixteen years of age, when he
went to London, and there learned the trade of painting and decorating,
which he has followed almost continuously since. Thinking to
better his condition by becoming a resident of America, in 1869
he bade good-bye to home and friends and crossed the Atlantic.
After landing in this country, he at once continued his journey
until reaching Janesville, Wis., where he settled permanently.
For some time he worked at his trade in the employ of others,
and in 1870, established business for himself. He is located
at the corner of Dodge and River streets, and employs on an average
from eight to twelve men. He carries a complete stock of wall-paper,
paints, glass, etc., and his establishment has become a leading
one in its line in the city. By fair dealing and good work he
has built up a good business.
- In October, 1865, while residing in London, England, Mr.
KENT was united in marriage to Miss
- Louisa RUSH, who is a native of that city, and a daughter
of William RUSH. A family of ten children, three sons and seven
daughters, have been born unto them: Eddie, the eldest, died
before the removal of the family from England; William married
Miss Ida PHELPS, and resides in Auburn Park, Ill.; Alice is now
the wife of Will ARRIS, a resident of Janesville; Ada wedded
Frank PECHIN, and resides at Huron, Dak.; Winnie resides with
her parents; Arthur is a railroad man, residing at Huron, Dak.;
Annie is the wife of Charles HEMMING, of Rockford, Ill.; Clara,
Lulu, and Nettie dwell at home. With the exception of the two
youngest children all were born in England. Mrs. KENT and the
older children are members of the Congregational Church.
- In political sentiment, Mr. KENT is a supporter of the Republican
party, and socially, is a member
- of the A.O.U.W.; the Wisconsin Lodge, No. 14, National Union.
He is a wide-awake, active business man, progressive and public-spirited,
and since becoming a resident of Janesville, has won many friends
who hold him in high regard.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, pp. 220.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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