Figure of the Week

Frederick Dent (1848-1918) was often called “Fed” or “Federal” Dent.  He was the son of Scott Dent (c.1820-1874) and Sophie Guy of Stafford County, Virginia.   Frederick married Sarah E. Knight (1840-1918), the daughter of Lewis K. Knight (c.1820-1893).  He partnered with his brother-in-law, Capt. Wesley Knight (1846-1937), in the timber business, the shipping for which was conducted from Coal Landing on Aquia Creek.  For a number of years, Frederick Dent and his wife lived very close to the new Ebenezer Methodist Church on Eustace Road (Route 751).  Here they conducted the “Hard Corner Bargain House,” which was a tiny general merchandise store.  Sarah (Knight) Dent served as an uncertified doctor treating ailments and injuries in her neighborhood.  In 1889, Frederick Dent was overseer “of Coal Landing Road.”