John H. Dent (politician)

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John Herman Dent (March 10, 1908 – April 9, 1988) was a Democrat member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania.

Contents 1 Early life and education 2 Business activities 3 Government activities 4 Sources

[edit] Early life and education

John Dent was born in Johnetta, Pennsylvania, to Samuel and Genevieve Dent. He was educated in the public schools of Armstrong and Westmoreland counties, the Naval Station Great Lakes, and through correspondence school courses.

[edit] Business activities

He was a member of the local council of the United Rubber Workers from 1923 to 1937, and served as president of Local 18759, on the executive council, and as a member of the international council. He operated the Kelden Coal & Coke Co. of Hunker, and the Building & Transportation Co. of Trafford, and Jeannette.

[edit] Government activities

He was a Jeannette City Councilman from 1932 to 1934. He served in the United States Marine Air Corps from 1924 to 1928. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives from 1934 to 1936, and a member of the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1936 to 1958. He was the Democratic Floor Leader in the State Senate from 1939 until 1958.

He was elected in 1958 as a Democrat to the 85th United States Congress, by special election, January 21, 1958, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Augustine B. Kelley, and was reelected to the ten succeeding Congresses. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1978.

[edit] Sources

• Biography at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• The Political Graveyard

Preceded by Augustine B. Kelley

Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 21st congressional district 1958-1979

Succeeded by Donald A. Bailey