John H. Dent
John Herbert Dent was an officer in the United States Navy during the Quasi-War, the First Barbary War, and the War of 1812. He was acting captain on the ''USS Constitution" during the attacks on Tripoli in 1804.Early years
Born in Charles County, Maryland, Dent was the eldest son of Congressman George Dent and Anne Dent. His family had arrived in Maryland in the early Colonial days and had a long history of public service. With his parents we moved to Columbia county, Georgia.Navy career
At the age of sixteen he was appointed a midshipman 16 March 1798. The Department of Navy had just been created by Congress in response to increasing attacks on merchant ships.
He served on USS Constellation when she captured the French frigate Insurgente on 1 February 1799, and after serving on USS Constitution in the Mediterranean, commanded the schooners Nautilus and Scourge in Preble’s squadron during the First Barbary War, taking part in the attacks on Tripoli. He was in command of Hornet from 1806 to 1809.
During the War of 1812, he was senior officer in charge of U.S. Naval affairs in Charleston, South Carolina.Dates of ranks
On 7 February 1809, Dent married married Elizabeth Anne Horry. They had eight children.Later years
Captain Dent never returned to Maryland. He took up plantation life in St. Bartholomew’s Parish in South Carolina, where he died on 29 July 1823.
Dent is buried in Jacksonboro, South Carolina in Bethel Cemetery.Namesake
The destroyer USS Dent was named for him.
