PERRIN KENT, an old settler of Macoupin County who is well and favorably known throughout Virden Township, had his nativity in Stock Township, Harrison County, Ohio, February 3, 1835. His father, so far as is known, was a native of the same State, and the grandfather, Absalom, (a native of Pennsylvania) was one of the pioneers of Ohio, who resided upon a farm in that State for many years. From there he came to Illinois about the year 1830, and settling in Macoupin County, bought land west of Carlinville. He was very successful in the conduct of his affairs and eventually owned large tracts of land in different parts of the county. After the death of his beloved and faithful wife he made his residence with his children and his last days were passed in Chesterfield.
The father of our subject received his early education and training in Ohio, and resided there for several years after his marriage. It was in 1838, when accompanied by his wife and five children, he came to Illinois, traveling by way of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers. He located first in Knox County, Ill., and lived there for two years before coming to Macoupin County. He became one of the first settlers of Virden Township, making his home upon a tract of land given him by his father on section 18.
At the time of this settlement the country was sparsely settled and deer and other kinds of wild game abounded and where Girard and Virden now stand the land was owned by the Government. He improved his farm and resided upon it until about the year 1863, when he sold this property and bought land in North Otter Township, where he resided until called hence by death. His wife's maiden name was Diana Hevlin. She was of Ohio parentage and birth, her father being Isaac Hevlin. She died on the home farm in Virden Township, leaving her family to greatly mourn her loss as her faithful devotion and loveliness of character had greatly impressed her life upon theirs.
When three years old Perrin Kent first came to Illinois with his parents and although he was only five years of age when he first saw Macoupin County he remembers well the incidents of pioneer life here. He received the education granted in the pioneer schools and the faithful home training of the domestic circles, and resided under the parental roof until he reached the age of eighteen after which he traveled for awhile. In 1863 he settled upon the farm which he now owns upon section 18, Virden Township.
In 1860 Mr. Kent was happily united in marriage with Martha A. Welters who was born in Jessamine County, Ky., and is a daughter of Noble B. and Elizabeth (Davis) Walters, natives of Ohio and Virginia respectively, who came to Illinois about the year 1845. they settled in Sangamon County, making their residence there for some years. The father died while on business in McLean County, Illinois. The mother passed away after coming to Virden Township. Of the children who came to share the love and care of Mr. and Mrs. Kent two only are living, Noble A. and Willie. Our subject is truly interested in national affairs and keeps himself well informed in regard to political movements. His convictions have led him to ally himself with the Republican party with whom he casts his vote and influence.
A vew of Mr. Kent's attractive home is shown in connection with his biographical sketch.