John Kent
Premier of Newfoundland 1858-1861
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| Rank: | Second 1858-1861 |
| Date of Birth: | 1805 |
| Place of Birth: | Wexford,Ireland |
| Emigrated: | 1820 |
| Profession: | Politican and Campaigner |
| Political Party: | Liberal Party of Newfoundland |
| Predecessor: | Philip Francis Little |
| Successor: | Hugh W. Hoyles |
Kent was born in Wexford, Ireland in 1805, Kent Arrived in Newfoundland in 1820 and worked for his uncle Patrick Morris. He was influencal in establishing a large Irish population on the island. He was elected to the first House of Assembly in 1832 as a Liberal. He worked for the reform movement along with William Carson and Morris. He later became Colonial Secretary under Philip Francis Little.
He became Premier after Little resigned in 1858. He won the election of 1859 but his government lost a vote of confidence in 1861. The following election was divided along religous line with Catholic largely voting Liberal and Protestants largely voting Conservative. The election ended being lost after serious violence erupted in Harbour Grace. Kent later retired and want back to his business. He died in St. John's in 1872.
