Kent, Abdiel, 1805-1887.

Abdiel Kent was born on November 10, 1805 in Calais, Vermont, the son of Remember and Rachel (Bliss) Kent. When he was 21 he moved to New Hampshire where he studied the mason's trade and opened a factory. He returned to Calais around 1830 and established a boot and shoe factory. In 1832 the factory added merchandise. In 1837 he became partners with his brother, Ira, and the store became "I. & A. Kent, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers". This shop operated for about 40 years. In 1837 Abdiel also built a brick house and kept a hotel until 1847. Ira and Abdiel also bought the Joe Robinson sawmill in 1837, which remained in the Kent family for 60 years. They started a harness making business in 1842, which operated for 20 years and bought a brick making business. In 1844 he and other people established a starch factory. They owned a woolen factory, mills, and a hotel in Craftsbury, Vermont, built and stocked a store and owned the Norcross mill in Woodbury, Vermont. They also owned the Ira Brown sawmill in Calais. Abdiel Kent died November 2, 1887.