| Col.Frederick Fayette Dent, father of Julia Boggs Dent, wife of President Ulysses S. Grant , Eldest son of Georg Dent (1756) and grandson of Col. Thomas Dent (1630), who served as Surveyer General of the Maryland Colony. Thomas Dent's land holdings were crown grants and were passed on ot George Dent who lost them by the time Frederick was raised because George had endorsed notes for friends. From the obituary of Frederick Dent of March 23,1873 in The New York Times," Mr. Frederick Dent, father-in-law to the President, died Monday night at the White House. Mr. Dent was 88 years, having been born Oct.6,1786. He was a native of Maryland and the eldest son, who left home when quite a lad, and made his wayto Pittsburgh, where he had a rich uncle. Mr. Thomas Crummel. The boy had a high indenpendent spirit, and did not quite like the treatment he recieved from his rich relatives. He had made friends in Pittsburgh, and a gentleman of the city advanced money to him that he might begin business. Taking a stock of goods with him, he proceeded down the river to Louisville, and opened a commission house for provisions. He was soon enabled to return the borrowed money, and after trading prosperously in Louisville, he removed to St.Lewis,Missouri. In that city he accumulated wealth, and having married a Pittsbough beauty, Miss Wrenshall, he became one of the most prosperous and prominent men of the city. His six children - four sons and two daughters, were all born in St.Lewis. Mr. Dent was a leading Democrat in his state, and even boasted that he not only voted for every Democratic President, but had been present at their inaugurations. He never held political office, though some very desirable positions were tendered him.The farm near St.Lewis that still belongs to the family was purchased by Mr. Dent for a summer residence; but gradually the family yielded to the seduction of country life and gave up their residence in the city altogether. Mr.Dent at that time was quite wealthy, and was a man of large heart and generous disposition. Many of his neighbors were poor, having only pre-empton titles to their land. When they were not able to secure their homes Mr.Dent invariably advanced the money required. The childern recieved the best education that could be given. As the daughters grew up they entered society and were belles. General Frederick Tracy Dent his eldest son, and General Grant were classmates at West Point. After their class graduated, young Grant, by invitation, accompanied his friend home. There the President met and fell in love with Julia Dent, who soon became his wife. Mr.Dent was fond of his son-in-law, and desired that he should resign from the army and remain with the family. This he did at a later period. Whenever Mr.Dent need money he would sel valuable pieces of land and share the proceeds with all who needed his assistance. In this way his property melted away, until about the time of the war he had nothing but the farm left and suffered in a measure for ready money. His beloved wife had died, his children were married and scattered, so that when Mrs.Grant had a home in Washington to which she could invite him, he gladly came and was never allowed to return to St.Lewis to live again. He was always treated with the greatest deference and respect by the President and family." Ref. New York Times News Paper Oct. 1873 Colonial Families of the United States pg. 202-203, 152-153 Daughters of the American Revolution #12037 pg. 14 , #46120 pg. 54 The Maryland Dents pg. 87 |