Frederick Tracy Dent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Frederick Tracy Dent
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| Born | December 17, 1820 White Haven, Missouri, U.S.
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| Died | December 12, 1892 (aged 71) |
| Resting place | Arlington National Cemetery |
| Alma mater | United States Military Academy Class of 1843 |
| Spouse(s) | Helen Louise Lynde |
| Children |
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| Parent(s) | Frederick Fayette Dent (father) Ellen Bray Wrenshall (mother) |
| Relatives | Julia Grant (sister) Ulysses S. Grant (brother in-law) |
Frederick Tracy Dent (born December 17, 1820 – died December 23, 1892) was an important American general. He was also the brother-in-law of President Ulysses S. Grant.
Contents
Early Life and Family Connections
Frederick Tracy Dent was born on December 17, 1820. His birthplace was White Haven in St. Louis County, Missouri. His parents were Frederick Fayette Dent and Ellen Bray Dent.
Frederick went to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1843. One of his classmates was Ulysses S. Grant. Later, Ulysses Grant married Frederick's sister, Julia. Their son, Frederick Dent Grant, was named after Frederick Tracy Dent.
Military Career Highlights
Service in the Mexican-American War
After graduating, Dent joined the 6th US Infantry. He fought in the Mexican–American War. He was recognized for his brave actions in battles like Contreras and Churubusco. He was promoted to first lieutenant and then captain for his courage.
Frontier Duty and Civil War
Dent spent 16 years serving on the frontier. He took part in the Yakima War. In March 1863, he became a major in the 4th US Infantry. He was sent to New York to help prevent possible riots.
In March 1864, he was promoted to lieutenant colonel. He then became a special assistant, called an aide-de-camp, to General Grant.
Becoming a Brigadier General
On April 5, 1865, President Abraham Lincoln chose Dent to be a brigadier general of volunteers. However, President Lincoln died ten days later. This meant Dent's appointment was not immediately approved.
Later, President Andrew Johnson officially nominated him. The U.S. Senate confirmed his promotion on February 23, 1866. Dent left the volunteer army on April 30, 1866.
On July 17, 1866, President Johnson nominated Dent again. This time, it was for the honorary rank of brigadier general in the regular army. The Senate approved this on July 23, 1866.
Post-War and Retirement
From 1869 to 1873, Dent worked as a military secretary for President Grant. He commanded Fort Trumbull in Connecticut in 1875. He also commanded the post of St. Augustine in 1881.
He retired from the military in 1883. He first lived in Washington, D.C.. Later, he moved to Denver, Colorado, where one of his sons worked as a lawyer.
Personal Life and Legacy
Frederick Tracy Dent was married to Helen Louise Lynde (1836–1922). They had three children together:
- Margaret Lynde Dent (1854–1921), who married Lafayette E. Campbell.
- John Cromwell Dent (1857–1933)
- Sidney H. Dent (1861–1933)
Frederick Tracy Dent passed away in Denver on December 23, 1892. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
See also
- Bibliography of Ulysses S. Grant
