John Herman Dent

Senator Dent was born in Johnetta, Armstrong County, Pa., March 10, 1908, the son of Samuel and Genevieve Dent; educated in Armstrong and Westmoreland public schools; the Great Lakes Naval Aviation Academy and ICS (correspondence school); member of the local council of United Rubber Workers 1923-1937, served as president of Local 18759 and on the executive council; also member of the international council; Jeannette City Councilman, 1932-1934; served in the United States Marine Air Corps 1924-1928; member of the state House of Representatives 1934-1936; elected to the state Senate in 1936; reelected, serving 1940-1958; Democratic floor leader in state Senate 1939-1958; operated the Kelden Coal & Coke Co. of Hunkers, Pa., and the Building & Transportation Co. of Trafford and Jeannette, Pa.; elected to Congress, 1958, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Augustine B. Kelley; reelected through 1979; was not a candidate for reelection in 1978.  He resided in Greensburg, Pa. and married the former Margaret Dent.  He died in Jeannette, Pa., on April 9, 1988.