Obituary: Thomas Alexander Trent

Thomas Trent Passes Away

Old Pioneer died at His Home in Osceola on Friday Evening at the Ripe Age of Over 91 years

Was a Civil War Veteran

Funeral services Were Conducted at the Home on Monday Afternoon. Interment at Maple Hill.

The death of Thomas A. Trent at his home on South Main St. on Last Friday evening at 6:30 brought sadness to the hearts of many. Mr. Trent had only been sick for about ten days suffering from a cold. He had been able to sit up and read his newspaper the day before he passed away.

The funeral services were conducted at the home on Monday afternoon at 2:30 o’clock by Rev. C. S. Burnette. A large number of sorrowing friends and relatives were at the last rites. Burial followed in the Maple Hill cemetery.

The ball bearers were: Chas. Edwards, Harry Talbott, Verne Hicks, Will Temple, Loyd Simmons and L. W. London. Those who sang at the funeral, Mrs. Ed. Banta, Miss Tot Scott, Dr. E. W. Paul and William Beard.

At the time of his death, Mr. Trent was 91 years, 5 months and 10 days of age. If he had lived until June 28th, he and his wife would have celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

In addition to his wife, Mrs. Mary E. Trent, he was survived by the following children: Chas. W. Trent, Custer, South Dakota; Wm. W. Trent, Denver, Colorado; James L. Trent, San Jose, California; Mrs. C. E. Whitlock, Denver; Mrs. H. S. Lauder and Mrs. Emily Trent of Osceola. One son, Thomas A. Trent, Jr. died about six years ago.

Thomas A. Trent, was born in Owens county, Indiana, on Oct. 6, 1834, his parents being William and Susanah Dyer Trent. He removed to Iowa when he was but 17 years of age and has lived here continually ever since. He was married to Mary E. Parrish on June 28, 1857, at the home of the bride six miles northwest of Osceola. The nuptial rites were performed by Rev. B. C. Johnson of Osceola. Many friends were present at the wedding.

When Mr. Trent and his wife first moved to Osceola the limits of the town were marked by streets one or two blocks distant from the business section. Now the blocks extend many times that distance.

When the Civil War broke out Mr. Trent joined the Union forces to fight for his country and was assigned to the 39th Iowa, Company D, under Capt. L. D. Bennett. C. W. Neal and Aaron Lewis of this city were also members of the same regiment. The three men saw services together during three years and at the close of the war returned to Osceola where they became members of Post 173, Department of Iowa, Grand Army of the Republic. Mr. Trent remained a member of the G. A. R. to the time of his death. He was at one time a member of the Blue Lodge of the Masonic order.

Mr. Trent was a good citizen and stood high in the community and the county where he lived so long. His death brings sadness to the many friends who knew and loved him. His passing away takes another member of the “thin and fading line” of the old soldiers who risked their lives in their country’s cause. Peace to his ashes.

- Published in The Osceola Tribune, Osceola, Iowa, April 22, 1926