Source: Pennsylvania, A History, George P. Donehoo, (New York: Lewis Historical Publishing Co., 1926), p. 15
Surnames: Dent, Hewitt, Roder
To intelligently direct a business enterprise is not the task of an ordinary man. It requires a man with brains, and one who has the power to use them, an excellent example of this type being found in the person of Henry H. Dent, president of The Dent Hardware Company, of Allentown.
Mr. Dent is a native of England, having been born there in 1861, the son of Joseph and Sarah (Hewitt) Dent. His parents were also natives of England, coming to this country in the year 1866, bringing their family of children with them. They located in Newark, New Jersey, and there the father carried on business as an architect and builder. they were the parents of thirteen children, among whom were the following: Mary, Emma, Elizabeth, Sarah, Julia, Nellie, Henry H., whose name heads this review; and Edwin.
Henry H. Dent attended the public and high schools of Newark, graduating from the latter-named, after which he entered upon his business career. At first he filled various clerical positions, then engaged as a bookkeeper with firms of Newark, his native city. In 1889 he moved to Allentown, and there secured a position as bookkeeper. His executive and business ability became recognized and in 1893 he became superintendent of the Allentown Hardware Company. In 1895 The Dent Hardware Company was incorporated and Mr. Dent was chosen its president, an honor to the man and an honor to the company. After a period of thirty years directing the affairs of this concern, Mr. Dent remains at the helm., his mind always alert for new and progressive ideas. It represents today (1925) one of the leading industries of Allentown.
Mr. Dent married, in 1880, Jessie Roder, of New Jersey, and they became the parents of two children: Harry C., and Walter R.
Last Modified