Administrative Information

Access Restrictions

Collection is open to research.

Use Restrictions

There are no restrictions.

Preferred Citation

James Randal Kent Letter, Mss. Collection 2001.14, Kegley Library, Wytheville Community College, Wytheville, VA

Acquisition Information

Donated by Ruth Ann Chitwood in 2001 as part of the W. Randolph Chitwood Collection.

Biographical Information

James Randal Kent, son of Colonel Joseph Kent and Margaret McGavock, was born 23 October 1792. He married Mary Cloyd (1800-1858) and had six children. He owned a large farm at Buchanan's Bottom in Montgomery County where he died 29 May 1867. His daughter Cynthia was born 16 July 1820 and married Dr. Henry Moss Bentley on 14 March 1837. Before his death on 19 December 1846, the couple had four children including William Weldon Bentley (b. 1839), James R. Kent Bentley (b. 1841), Mary Cloyd Bentley (b. 1843)(married Wilbur F. Nicholson), and Lucy Gaines (b. 1846) (married William T. Hart). Cynthia and her husband lived at Weldon in Pulaski County, Virginia.

Scope and Content

In this two page letter dated 12 October 1862, James Randal Kent writes his daughter Cynthia Kent Bentley, the widow of Dr. henry Moss Bentley, about spread of diphtheria and his dismay that her son James R. Kent Bentley (Kent) has rejoined the Confederate Army considering his eligibility for a deferral as an overseer. He also advises her about shipping salt, provisions for her livestock, crops and family matters.