PROF. FRANK P. BRENT
Was born in Nelson county, Virginia, Oct. 14, 1852, a son of James
H. and Mildred W., daughter of Colonel Jonah Pierce, a veteran of
the war of 1812. Her mother was Sallie Cheatwood, of Amherst
county. Both parents are living and in good health. His father is
of English descent, his ancestors settling in the Northern Neck of
Virginia in the 17th century. Prof. Brent married Mattie Buxton
Porter, daughter of John L. Porter of Portsmouth, who was the
designer and constructor of the famous Confederate Ram "Merrimac,"
he being at that time chief constructor of the Confederate navy, holding
a similar position in the U. S. Navy before the war. He is the
son of Joseph Porter and Frances (Pritchard) Porter. Mrs. Brent's
mother is Susan B., daughter of James and Sarah (Lockhart) Buxton,
of Nansemond county. Mr. and Mrs. Brent have four children born
in the order named. Frank Pierce, Mildred B., John P., and James
H., jr. Prof. Brent was educated at Cluster Springs High school,
Halifax county, Norwood High school, and University of Virginia,
graduating from the latter in 1874, and since that time has been engaged
in editorial and literary work, and teaching in different schools
and colleges until the present time. He is now principal of Onancock
Academy, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and has succeeded in
building up a flourishing school. He is a contributor to several of the
leading newspapers and magazines of this country, and is a public
speaker of high repute. He is a member of several beneficiary orders
and is now Master of Chesapeake Lodge of Ancient Free and Accepted
Masons. His postoffice address is Onancock, Va.
