His Great-Great-Grandfather was Col. Jacob Ford, of Morristown, NJ (whose home was General George Washington's headquarters 1779–80).

Kent won brevet promotions during the war for "gallant and meritorious service" at the battles of Marye's Heights, Spotsylvania and Petersburg.

[2] Following the Civil War Kent returned to field duty with the 3rd U.S. Infantry with the rank of captain.

While he was posted in Nebraska the Ghost Dance War took place culminating in the Wounded Knee Massacre.

[3] When war with Spain began in May 1898, Kent was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the First Division of the Fifth Army Corps, destined for Cuba.