Jacob Ford Kent

Jacob Ford Kent (1835-1918) was a United States general during the Spanish-American War.

Kent was born in 1835 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and attended th United States Military Academy at West Point. He graduated in 1861 and served in the Union army during the Civil War. He also served in the regular army during the Indian Wars.

In May, 1898 he was appointed brigadier general of volunteers and assumed command of the 1st Infantry Division, V Corps destined for Cuba. His forces landed at Daiquiri and at the Battle of San Juan Hill his division led the main attack on San Juan Hill while the Rough Riders led the attack on nearby Kettle Hill. Kent's division sustained heavy casualties during the assault. Hamilton S. Hawkins, commanding the 1st Brigade was severely wounded. Colonel Charles A. Wikoff, commanding the 3rd Brigade was killed and within half an hour 3 more officers were to assume command of the brigade. However U.S. forces took the heights and Kent's division participated in the subsequent Siege of Santiago. He was appointed brigadier general in the regular army in October, 1898. He was transferred to the Philippines where he briefly served before he retired late in 1898. He died in 1918.