Benjamin Dent, Jr. 1750-1835 Public Service Private Maryland Militia Ancestor of Garth E. Bowling Ancestor of Garth E. Bowling, Jr.

Benjamin Dent, Jr. (d. 1835) was the grandson of John Dent II (d. 1733), who was the oldest son of Captain John Dent (d. 1712).

John Dent II petitioned “Dent’s Inheritance,” which was located in the present area known as Dentsville, and the property was divided among his sons upon his death. As a result, Benjamin Dent, Sr. inherited a portion of this tract of land.

Benjamin Dent, Jr. was likely raised on this property in east-central Charles County. In 1755 he married Anne. According to the 1800 census, they lived in Trinity Parish, Charles County. There was one male adult over 45, one female between 26 and 45, two girls under 10, one free person, and two slaves. There were twelve other Dent families recorded in the same parish.

Benjamin Dent, Jr.’s siblings included: Gideon Dent, John Brewer Dent, Shadrick Dent, Zachariah Dent, Titus Dent, Chloe Dent Waters, Kezia Dent Burroughs, Johannah Dent Higdon, and Susannah Dent.

When the Revolution began, Private Benjamin Dent, Jr. became part of Captain Benjamin Lusby Curry’s Company, 12^th Battalion, Charles County Militia. In this company, there were seven Dents, including three of his brothers: Sgt. Zachariah Dent, Private Shadrick Dent, and Private Titus Dent. The oldest brother, Private Gideon Dent, served with Captain Clarkson’s Company. John Brewer Dent is the only brother whose military service has yet to be confirmed. He and his wife, Priscilla, are buried at the top of a hill at the end of Vom Hainberg Place, just off of Keech Road in the Dentsville area. Their stone, which have been destroyed by housing developers and new homeowners, used to say:

In memory of

John B. Dent

of Maryland

Who departed this life

April 24^th 1838

Aged 7_years, 5 months

and 9 days.

In memory of

Priscilla Dent

(of Maryland)

who departed this life

May 24^th 1845

Aged 84 years, 4 months

and 27 days.

Benjamin Dent, Jr. and Anne had five children. They were Wilson Dent, William Benjamin Dent, Eleanor Dent, Susan Cecilia Dent, and Jane Dent Penn, the great-great-great grandmother of Garth E. Bowling, Jr. Benjamin’s and Anne’s place of burial is unknown, but is likely they are resting in the Dentsville area.

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