In May 1882 Myron Kent was the first person to plat Mora, Minnesota in the United States.[1] He was also the first postmaster, built the first building[1] and business. Kent served on the first school board of Mora School, established in 1883.[2] Later in life he was tried and convicted of murdering his wife[3] Julia Laird by the state of North Dakota and was sentenced to death. After the death penalty in North Dakota was abolished his sentence was commuted to life.[4]
Myron Kent | |
|---|---|
| Born | William Wilder Pancoast August 27, 1844 Medina County, Ohio |
| Died | June 6th, 1912 (aged 67) Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Burial place | Fairview Cemetery, Bismarck, North Dakota |
| Occupation(s) | Land Developer and Businessman |
| Known for | Founder of Mora, Minnesota |
| Criminal charges | Murder 2nd Degree |
| Criminal penalty | Death (later commuted to life in prison) |
| Criminal status | Convicted |
| Children | 1 Earl Kent |
| Parents |
|
Biography
editEarly life
editKent was born as William Wilder Pancoast and lived in Ohio for his early years.[5]
Marriage and children
editMyron Kent married Julia Laird, daughter of a wealthy businessman in Pine County on New Year's Eve. 1882.[6] They had one child together, named Earl Kent.[7]
Death
editOn June 6, 1912, Myron Kent suffered a heart attack while in prison serving a life sentence and passed away.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b Troolin, Amy; Foster, Earl J. (2012). Kanabec County. Arcadia. p. 53. ISBN 9780738590561.
- ^ Troolin, Amy; Foster, Earl J. (2012). Kanabec County. Arcadia. p. 89. ISBN 9780738590561.
- ^ Shutter, Marion Daniel, ed. (1897). Progressive Men of Minnesota. Minneapolis Journal. p. 181.
- ^ "Early Mora History | Mora, MN". www.ci.mora.mn.us. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
- ^ "THE MYSTERIOUS LIFE of MORA'S FOUNDER" (PDF).
- ^ a b "Newspaper called North Dakota murder trial 'remarkable'". InForum. 2009-12-20. Retrieved 2023-04-13.
- ^ "Mandan Historical Society". www.mandanhistory.org. Retrieved 2023-04-13.