Background
Brent, Joseph Lancaster was born on November 20, 1826 in Charles County, Maryland, United States. Son of William Leigh B. and Maria (Fenwick) Brent.
Brent, Joseph Lancaster was born on November 20, 1826 in Charles County, Maryland, United States. Son of William Leigh B. and Maria (Fenwick) Brent.
Educated Georgetown College, District of Columbia.
Served in artillery and cavalry, C.S.A. Chief of ordnance under General John B. Magruder in Virginia, chief of artillery and ordnance under General Richard Taylor in Louisiana, 1862-1864. Colonel artillery, April 17, 1864.
Brigadier general C.S.A., October 1864. Commanded “Brent’s Cavalry Brigade” (2d, 5th, 7th and 8th Louisiana) cavalry.
Commanded front lines extending from Arkansas line to Gulf (including forts on Red river) at time of General East. Kirby Smith’s surrender.
Commanded wooden gunboats which captured United States ironclad Indianola on Mississippi river in February 1863. After war practiced law in Baltimore until 1870, then engaged in farming and sugar planting until 1889, retired.
Served in artillery and cavalry, C.S.A. Member California legislature, 2 terms. Member Louisiana legislature 2 terms.
Married Rosella Kenner, April.