Jacob Ford Kent

Jacob Ford Kent (September 14, 1835 – December 22, 1918) was an American general during the Spanish–American War. Kent also served in the Union army during the American Civil War.

Early life and the American Civil War Kent was born in 1835 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Rodolphus Kent and Sarah Deily. His Great-Great-Grandfather was Col. Jacob Ford, of Morristown, NJ (whose home was General George Washington's headquarters 1779–80). He attended the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1861 and served in the Union army during the Civil War.

Indian Wars Following the Civil War Kent returned to field duty with the 3rd U.S. Infantry with the rank of captain. He served on the frontier in Montana, Colorado and Nebraska. In 1885 Kent was promoted to major of the 4th U.S. Infantry and stationed at Fort Omaha. While he was posted in Nebraska the Ghost Dance War took place culminating in the Wounded Knee Massacre. Major Kent and Captain Frank D. Baldwin were placed in charge of charge of the Wounded Knee investigation by Major General Nelson A. Miles.

Spanish–American War and later life When war with Spain began in May 1898, Kent was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the First Division of the Fifth Army Corps, destined for Cuba. and Colonel Charles A. Wikoff, commanding the Third Brigade, was killed; within half an hour, three more officers were to assume command of the latter brigade. However U.S. forces took the heights and Kent's division participated in the subsequent Siege of Santiago. He was appointed brigadier general in the Regular Army in October, 1898. He was transferred to the Philippines where he briefly served before he retired late in 1898. Kent died in 1918.