Abel Kent Jr.

The 1800 census of Abel Kent

I have only one census record for this Abel Kent. It lists his name as Abel Kent, Jr. and shows him living in 1800 in the Township of Nicholson in Luzerne County. In 1800 Susquehanna County did not exist yet. Susquehanna County was carved out of Luzerne County. In 1813 Nicolson (by then part of Susquehanna) and according to The History of Susquehanna County" published in 1873, Herrick was within the limits of Nicolson. Abel's son Carlton was born in Clifford. An Abel Kent died in 1808 according to the books I have read on the history of Susquehanna County. The 1800 census record can be seen here.

The name directly above Abel Kent, Jr. is Gideon Kent who was the brother of Abel Jr., therefore also the son of Abel, Sr. The 9th name after Abel Kent Jr. is Abel Kent. The name at the top of the second page is Elisha Kent. The 8th name under Elisha is another Abel Kent. It appears he has senior after his name. There were 3 men named Abel Kent here in 1800. A father, a son and an unknown. Therefore, any references I have read, could be about any one of the three men. Some references do indicate a father-son relationship or indicate a Junior or Senior. I will indicate Jr. or Sr. when it has been clarified.

The only probate record from the death of Abel Kent Jr. lists his wife Diadema (Horton) and his son Carlton as executors of his estate. The document can be viewed here.

Book Sources

Genealogies of the Different Families Bearing The Name Of Kent by L. Vernon Briggs 1898
History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania by Emily C. Blackman 1873
Wyoming Historical and Geological Society. Proceedings and collections of the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society 1938
A history of Wilkes-Barré, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania : from its first beginnings to the present time, including chapters of newly-discovered early Wyoming Valley history, together with many biographical sketches and much genealogical material / by Oscar Jewell Harvey
United States Census Records
Pennsylvania Archives Records
Centennial history of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania. By Rhamanthus M. Stocker 1887

Abel Kent 1768-1813

Abel Kent was born about 1768 in New Ashford, Massachusetts to Abel Kent (Sr.) and Thankful. As much as I have searched for information regarding Thankful, I have been unable to find conclusive evidence of her surname and heritage. I have seen the personal research notes of a woman who researched this family in the early part of the 20th century who lists Thankful's name as Horton, but I have been unable to verify this yet. I am still researching this family and the Horton family. He married Diadema Horton on 11 May 1788 in New Ashford, Berkshire County, Massachusetts. This page will contain source documents and stories I have found about him. He died in 1806 in Herrick, Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania and is buried in the Lyon Street Cemetery in Herrick. His headstone was added to the Find A Grave website in June 2012 and his memorial and headstone can be viewed here.

Abel Kent in The Pennsylvania Archives

Pennsylvania Militia Document 1

There are a few records of Abel Kent Jr. in the Pennsylvania Archives that pertain to the Militia of the state. Abel Kent Jr. was a Lieutenant who was registered in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. The first record is from "Series 6 Volume IV, Military Abstracts from Executive Minutes Volumes 1-9 1790-1817 (page 663)". The heading of the page (listed on the previous page) is "A Return of Officers in the Militia of the County of Luzerne". Abel Kent Jr., Lieutenant is listed under the 2nd Company under Captain Joseph Potter. The record can be viewed here.

Pennsylvania Militia Document 2

The second document is another list from the Pennsylvania Militia. It is a list of newly commissioned officers of the militia for the Counties of Luzerne and Northampton as they were presented to, and approved by the Governor. The name "Abel Kent jun Lieut." appears next to "of the second Company in the fourth Regiment". A transcription of that record from the Pennsylvania Archives can be viewed here.

Wilkes Barre Highway Document 1

The Pennsylvania Archives document the sale of shares that were awarded and paid for by residents for the new road that was being built referred to in these documents as "Coshecton and Great Bend Turnpike road" (now the Wilkes Barre Highway). They refer to these residents as "subscribers". There is an Abel Kent listed on this page showing that he purchased 5 shares for $250.00. A few of the names on this list are familiar. Elisha Harding and Walter Lyon were neighbors of Abel in the 1800 census. The document can be viewed here.

Coshecton and Great Bend Turnpike road Document 2

The second series of documents are regarding the same road. These pages list multiple county shareholders. On this page lists 3 men named Abel Kent from Luzerne County. The first, Abel Kent holds 4 shares, Abel Kent Jr. holds 2 shares, another Abel Kent holds 2 shares. The previous page, which gives more detail can be viewed here.

Saturday, January 16th, 1813

The Pennsylvania Archives document that on the above dated Abel Kent was appointed and commissioned by the governor to be a justice of the peace in the Township of Clifford in Susquehanna County.

Misc. Brief Information

There is some information about Abel available from various resources. This section will list the information and it's sources.

Orphan’s Court Sale — To be held Aug. 8th, the real estate of William CAMPBELL, deceased, a tract of land in Clifford Township, bounded by Walter LYON, Abel KENT, containing 116 acres; for such estate and on such conditions as the said CAMPBELL had and held the same at an immediately before his death. Asa DIMOCK, Esq. and Abel KENT, Admin’rs.
30 June 1810 Luzerne County Federalist

From "The History of Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania"

The first settler arrived in Susquehanna County in 1789. In 1790-1792 Abel Kent and his brother Gideon arrived with their families.

Abel Kent with his brothers Carlton, Gideon and John lived in the area. This passage mentions another Carlton who was the son of Abel. It also mentioned Gideon's sons Gideon and Durham. The old road passed their settlements and the area was known as "The Kent Settlement". Abel was a taverner as early as 1798 and his brother John kept a public house until 1812. The book says that Abel Kent died in 1806. The book is clearly referring to Abel Kent Sr.

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