Thomas L. L. Brent

Thomas Ludwell Lee Brent (August 9, 17841845) was an American diplomat. He was born in Virginia. He worked as a part of the United States diplomatic service in Spain and Portugal. After this, he became a notable landholder in Michigan.

Early life Thomas Ludwell Lee Brent was born on August 9, 1784, in Stafford County, Virginia. His father was Daniel Brent.

Brent arrived in Madrid in May 1815, and had his official status recognized by the Spanish government on August 28. Brent was in charge of the legation until George W. Erving presented his credentials to the government in August 1816. After Erving left his post in April 1819, Brent took charge as interim chargé d'affairs until May 18, 1819, when John Forsyth presented his credentials. He left Spain August. He served as interim chargé d'affairs of the legation to Portugal starting in June 1824.

Michigan land holdings After his career in the diplomatic service, Brent, along with his wife, settled in Flushing Township, Michigan. According to Edwin Orin Wood, he was one the most prominent early settlers of the locality. Brent was one of several eastern and southern capitalists to buy large amounts of land in the new western states in the 1830s. In 1836, Brent bought around 70,000 acres of government land in Genesee and Saginaw County. Many of the early settlers of the township worked on Brent's estate at some point. His son, Henry, did not take an interest in his father's estate, instead focusing on the construction of musical instruments.

Brent Creek, a hamlet in Flushing Township, is named for Thomas L. L. Brent.