Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1877-05-22
Edward Kent.


sociate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court,
hss been previously announced. Up to the Sun
day preceding his death he had been enjoying
fair health, but on that day returned from long
walk faint and exhausted From that time he
gradus ally sank till five O'Clock Saturday morning,
when he breathed his last.
Judge Kent was born in Concord, y. H., Jan.
I, 1902, and graduated at Harvard University IN
1921, in the same class with Ralph Waldo Emer'
son and Josiah Quincy. Immediately after leav-
ing college he began the study of law, which he
pursued one year IN his native place, and two
! years under the guidance OF Benjamin Orr OF
| Fopsham, in this State. lie at eTwards attended
course of lectures by the tate Chancellor Kent,
| in New York city. After completing his studies
| he came to Maine and settled At Bangor in 1873,
| where he formed partnership with the late Jonas
Cutting, which existed till the latter was raised TO
| the bench IN 1854. In 1927 he was appointed
CHIEF Justice of the Court of Sessions OF Penob-
scot county, and from 1929 TO 1888 represented
Bangor in the Legs aiure. In 1886 he was chosen
mayor of that city, and again in 1881 In 1886
he was the wing candidate for Governor, but was
defeated by the democratic nominee, Gov. Dun
lap. The next year, however, he was elected
over Gorham Parks, largely on account of his
personal popularity. the whig party was largely
in the minority. la the succeeding year he was
az ain a candidate, but was defeated by Gov ar
| field; and the same was the case IN 1859. In
| 1910, the wear of the memorable Harrison cam
paiyn Gov Kent again headed the gubernaorial
ticket of the wings, and was again pitted against
Gov. Fairfield. The contest was one oil the most
exciting ever witnessed in the State, and the
triumph of Gov. Kent gave great impetus to the
National cause of the wings, and was hailed by
them all over the country as the harbnger OF VIC
tory. The famous lines beginning Have you
heard the news from Maine I" to which 1t gave
rise, are familiar to almost everyone.
During his first administration, Gov. Kent rec
commended TO the Legislature the system then
adopted under which oul public lands have been
gradually taken up by settlers 1t was during his
second administrat ion that the boundary question
with England caused so much excitement IN this
State aud nearly resulted in The question
had been open for sixty years, or from the pro-
visiona treaty of peace negotiated on the part OF
the British government by Richard Oswald in
1882. The boundary therein adopted brought the
American frontier within twenty miles OF Quebec,
commanding the St. Lawrence and cutting of all
communication between the Canadss and the
British maritime possessions. This defect IN the
boundary the British government determined 10
rectify. and so contended that Oswalds line Ian
far south OF the boundary as claimed by the u. 5.
Against this claim on the part of England, Gov.
Kent earnestly protested, insisting in his messages
to the Legislature on the maintenance OF our ter
ritorial rights unabridged, as defined by the
treaty of 1888. At the conclusion of the Web
ster-Ashburton treaty, which gave up the line Of
and OTIS, were sent to Washington to protest on
behalf of the State against its ratification. Gov.
Kent drew up q remonstrance addressed to the
senate, but Mr. Webster brought about confer
ence with The Maine delegation in Congress, and
the paper, after long discussion was suppressed,
and the treaty ratified.
Gov Keut was again a candidate for governor
in 1871, but was defeated by Gov. Fairfield. In
1918 he was one of the delegates at large to the
national convention which nominated Gen. Tsy-
lor, and was the first to present his name. On
Gen, Taylor's ccession he was appointed consul
at Rio Janeiro, and resided there four years,
10 the spring OF 1854 he returned to Bangor,
and resumed the practice of the law. Five years
later be appointed associate justice of the SUI
preme Court, Of which forty years before his un-
Gle Prentiss Mellen, had been appointed chief
justice. At the expiration of his term be was
ro.appointed. In 1878, on account OF his age he re-
tired, and was succeeded by the Hon. John A. Pc
tiers. His last public service was as member of
the commission to revise the State constitution.
In 1855 Colby University conferred upon him the
title of Lib. ID.
Judge Kent one of the pioneers Of the Re-
publican party, and took an active part in the
campaign of 1876. Soon after his judicial ap-
pointment he withdrew from politics.
Judge Kent was twice married. His first wife
was Miss johnson OF Hillsborongh, n H., by
whom he had several children, all OF whom are
now dead. His second wifes maiden name was
lockwood. She, with one son, survives him.
For half century Judge Kent has enjoyed the
respect and confidence OF the people Of Maine.
Public honors came to him early and stsid late
At thirty five his fellow citizens elected him TO the
chief magistracy; at seventy-three they called
him to aid by his ripe experience and sound judy
mcnt. in the work of remodeling the constitution
of the State. lie adorned every station which he
called to fill. Every duty devolved upon aim
carefully and conscientiously performed. He
was an able lawyer, an upright judge, a dignfed
and energetic chief magistrate. HIS private like
his public life was without stain. Few men
have been more honored in life, and the memory
OF few will be more reveIed in years to come.