John H. Dent

A Representative from Pennsylvania. Born in Johnetta, Armstrong County, Pa. , March 10, 1908. Educated in the public schools of Armstrong and Westmoreland Counties, the Great Lakes Naval Aviation Academy, and through correspondence school courses. Member of the local council of United Rubber Workers 1923-1937, serving as president of Local 18759 and on the executive council. Also member of the international council. Jeannette City Councilman, 1932-1934. Served in the United States Marine Air Corps 1924-1928. Member of the State house of representatives 1934-1936. Elected to the State senate in 1936. Reelected in 1940, 1944, 1948, 1952, and 1956, and served until elected to Congress. Democratic floor leader in State senate 1939-1958. Operated the Kelden Coal &. Coke Co. Of Hunkers, Pa. , and the Building &. Transportation Co. Of Trafford and Jeannette, Pa. Elected as a Democrat to the Eighty-fifth Congress, by special election, January 21, 1958, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Augustine B. Kelley. Reelected to the ten succeeding Congresses and served from January 21, 1958, to January 3, 1979. Was not a candidate for reelection in 1978 to the Ninety-sixth Congress. Was a resident of Greensburg, Pa. , until his death in Jeannette, Pa. , on April 9, 1988.