Robert N. Kent (d. 1865)

 

Obituary from The Polk County Press, December 20, 1865:

DEATH OF ROBERT KENT.—We have been handed a letter from Wm. H. Kent to Mrs. W. C. Guild, written and dated at Madison on the 11th inst., conveying the painful intelligence of the death, by a terrible accident, of Robert N. Kent, of this place [Osceola, Wis.], member of Co. D, 2d Wis. Cavalry.  While the train conveying the regiment was passing through Cairo, Ill., Robert fell from the top of a car, and was caught under the wheels, which cut off his leg, hand and head, killing him instantly.  He was so badly mutilated that it was impossible to send his body home, and he was burried [sic] at Cairo.

Robert N. Kent was a son of Andrew Kent, Esq., of this town, and enlisted as a private in the winter of 1863, for the town of Osceola, and was the youngest volunteer sent to the war from the town.

He has served in the 2nd. cavalry about two years, was distinguished as a daring and brave soldier, and was beloved by his comrades in arms.  His terrible death coming so unexpectedly has sent sorrow to the hearts of his parents and friends, too deep for pen to describe.  They have the universal sympathy of all who knew him, and though no field of battle drank his blood, he will be cherished and remembered as one of our fallen heroes, who lost his life to preserve that of his Government.