Marvin Kent Collection

Marvin Kent was born in Ravenna Ohio to Zenas and Pamelia Kent. He was educated at both Tallmadge and Claridon Academies.

Kent married Maria Stewart in 1840. The couple had two sons, William and Henry.

Kent worked in businesses owned by his father for a time as supervisor at a tannery and at the Kent Flouring Mill. Kent founded a glass works in the 1850s.

By 1851 Kent had joined the railroad industry and helped to plan and develop the Atlantic and Great Western Railroad. He also served as its first president. The railroad was completed in 1863. Kent ensured the town of Franklin Mills, where some of his father’s businesses resided, was named a hub for the railroad. The shops and business opportunities this brought with it to the area led residents to rename the town in 1864 in honor of Marvin Kent. From then on Franklin Mills became known as Kent, Ohio.

Kent also went on to serve as bank president at Kent National Bank. He was involved in politics as well and served as an Ohio State Senator, elected in 1875.