John C. Brent, banker, P. O. Paris; born Feb. 5, 1836; son of Charles S. Brent, who was born in this place, Jan. 28, 1811. The mother of John C., was Matilda Chambers, daughter of Gov. John Chambers. The grandfather of John C., was Hugh Brent, a native of Prena, Williams Co., Virginia; he was born Jan. 18, 1773. In 1799, he married Elizabeth Langhorne, who was born 1782, in Lynchburg, a daughter of Maurice Langhorne. Hugh Brent came to Kentucky in the fall of 1789, with his brother-in-law, Capt. Thomas Young, locating in Lexington, until 1792, when he became a citizen of Paris, and engaged in business up to 1824; he was a successful business man, and by his uniform courtesy and kindness, he won the love and the esteem of all those who had any business relations with him; one of his prominent traits of character, was his love for peace and its promotion. He had four sons and two daughters, viz: Jack, Thomas Y., Hugh I., Charles S., Sarah B. and Betsey. Charles S. Brent was thrice married; first to Susan Taylor; she died, leaving one son, Hugh, now of Covington, Ky. His second wife was Matilda Chambers, who was born March 17, 1815; they were married in 1835; she died Aug. 28, 1866, having borne him twelve children, nine of whom are living. His last wife was Mrs. Martha Ford, born in Pennsylvania, daughter of Benjamin J. Page. Mr. Brent died Feb. 16, 1881; he was raised a farmer, lived near Paris, on the farm; came to town in 1849, and engaged in banking until the war began, then engaged in the commission business in 1862, and in 1869 resumed banking; was president of the same up to the time of his death. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1833, and was twelve years Elder of the same; and in 1839 and ’40, he represented his county in the Legislature; he was a man whom the people esteemed as a valued citizen of the Commonwealth. He successor, John C., was educated here in Paris and graduated at Frankfort, under B. B. Sayre. August, 1862, he was commissioned as First Lieu. of Co. B., 9th Kentucky Cavalry, afterward promoted to Major, was in active service some time, afterward served on Court Martial, as Senior Major. Upon his return home he engaged in business with his father, as partner in the commission business. In 1869, he was appointed cashier of the Citizen’s Bank, which position he yet fills. In 1866 he married Nicolie, daughter of Nicholas and Martha (Page) Ford; he was a native of this place; she of Pittsburg. Mr. Brent and wife are members of the Episcopal Church. Of the brothers and sisters living, are Elizabeth, who resides in Covington, wife of John Marshall; Sprigg J., Charles S., Thomas I., Kelly and Matilda, in Paris; also Belle, wife of Charlton Alexander; Henry C., resides in Kansas City, Missouri, attorney at law.
Source: Perrin, William Henry. History of Bourbon, Scott, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, Kentucky. Chicago: O. L. Baskin & Co., 1882.