By Fred Hendricks

The Kent Family Farms trace nearly 200 years during historic events in Ohio. Volumes of stories have been written about the Native American Wyandot tribe that once inhabited the land now farmed by Mickey Kent. The land was also hunted by other Native Americans such as the Delaware. James Harris Garton, grandfather of Mickey Kent’s grandmother, built a log cabin on the land he began farming in 1820. One of the Garton children married into the family of Samuel Norton. Samuel Norton was an early pioneer who settled in the Ohio territory during 1819. Norton helped establish what would become the Crawford County Ohio seat of Bucyrus.

When farmers unearth Native American artifacts they often pause in wonderment of the hallowed ground they nurture. The very land tilled by the Kent Family may have been crossed by the Delaware warriors when they captured Colonel William Crawford before his torture and execution north of nearby Upper Sandusky. The land of north central Ohio is laced with storied history while producing bumper crops year after year.

Home’s Picturesque Location
Crawford County is very flat with the exception of indentations carved by waterways. A small hill rises out of the western Kent Farm. This area defied tilling and subsequently served as pasture land for a small beef herd. The hill overlooks the Grass Run Creek that flows along the north side.

After their marriage, Mickey and Susan Kent dreamed about a home atop that hill with its picturesque view. “The creek was difficult to ford in the spring or after a heavy rain. For a dependable crossing, we were able to locate a sturdy bridge in West Virginia. With the installation of that bridge in 1997, we had regular access to our hill pasture. After reviewing numerous plans and subsequent construction, our dream home was completed in 1998. It has proved to be a good location to raise our children, son Cody along with daughters Zoe and Kenzie. We still refer to the farm where we live as ‘the pasture’ because of its former use,” Mickey commented.

The Kent Family home has a feeling of warmth and comfort along with great visibility of the surrounding area. Susan reflected on their selection of home style, “The location of the home provides built-in privacy. There is a mature tree-line between the home to the north and the road that runs along the creek. We selected a two story home with abundant windows that allowed light to fill the space. The open feeling is complemented with ceilings that extend to a pleasant height. With this openness, the sun provides light and warmth even during the cold, overcast winter days. When I’m not working in my home office, I enjoy the spacious kitchen as I prepare family meals.”

The home became unique to the Kent’s generational taste including a touch of notable architecture. “We had the front entry designed with a similar feel to the home of my grandfather; spacious, high brick-stone archway and a heavy wood door. When we step through the door, we’re reminded of that old house. A few heirloom pieces provide ancestral memories from our family’s past. A favorite among these is the dining room set from Susan’s grandmother,” Mickey reflected.

Farming Operation
The Kent farming operation dates back to 1972 when Mickey worked with his Dad, Vernon. They tilled 212 acres and rented an additional farm with 135 acres. The farm enterprises included beef cattle, hogs and grain along with hay to feed the livestock. “As the operation was transferred to me, I began increasing the acreage and phased out the livestock. We are currently farming a thousand acres of our own and renting another 870 acres. The livestock is limited to seasonal 4-H projects for Zoe and Kenzie.

“We recently acquired land that adjoins a farm owned by the Kent Family for years. This parcel includes a wooded area with wetlands. We plan to develop this to enhance the habitat for wildlife with the construction of a pond. Our son, Cody, who has a great passion for conservation and wildlife, is contributing to this development.

“We are fortunate in having a full-time employee/assistant farm manager, Donnie Schifer, who is gifted with farming skills and mechanical ability. The Schifer Family resides in a log cabin that Donnie constructed a few years ago. The cabin is located in a wooded area on the farm. We’ve been able to extend the working life of our farming equipment through Donnie’s mechanical skills.

“My dear sister, Verna Schifer, who lives nearby, helped with our farming operation during the growing and harvesting season for a number of years. As our farming operation grew, it required professional accounting methods. A valued friend, Lyle Angene, who is very skilled in this area, handles the bookkeeping for us. Lyle is also a willing helper in the field during family emergencies,” Mickey elaborated.

The Kent Family has been proactive with conservation practices. These applications include; stream bank preservation, windbreak construction and the implementation of tillage practices to safeguard soil and water.

Family Activities
Susan Kent is an actuary for Nationwide Insurance. The vast majority of her job responsibilities are carried out from her home office. This allows Susan to oversee the family’s priority of school academics. By her choice, Susan is not actively involved in the farming operation.

Susan highlighted the Kent children’s activities, “Cody was a member of Wynford High School’s successful Envirothon Team. Relating to this interest, he placed first at the Ohio State Fair with his presentation on Ohio Amphibians. He is currently studying zoology at Ohio Wesleyan University.

Zoe shows a strong inclination with the farming operation. She was active in the Wynford High School FFA chapter, including a member of the parliamentary procedure team. An agriculture business major at The Ohio State University, Zoe is a past member of the OSU cheerleading squad. Amidst her busy schedule, Zoe enjoys operating the farm equipment during the planting and harvesting seasons. She will be the eighth generation to work the Kent Family Farm following graduation from Ohio State.

Kenzie has taken after both of her older siblings with an active schedule. She teamed with a friend to make a presentation on Owls at several events. Their determination resulted in an award at the Ohio State Fair. Kenzie has also participated in national YMCA gymnastics competition, including; Philadelphia and San Diego.

Mickey is active in Farm Bureau and our local Soil and Water Conservation District. Our entire family is involved in the Upper Sandusky First Presbyterian Church with enjoyable relationships.”

Mickey conveyed these final reflections, “I cannot remember when farming was not a high priority for me. It was always my desire to follow the precedent set by my father and grandfather. I have pictures of my grandfather’s two threshing machines. While small by today’s standards, those machines suggested the progressive steps he took in making it possible for two sons to become full time farmers. I am sure my grandfather would be pleased with the legacy he left; descendants with farming operations that support families in today’s agriculture environment.”

About the author: Fred Hendricks owns SunShower Acres, Ltd. of Bucyrus, Ohio, a dairy cattle consulting business. Mr. Hendricks is also a freelance writer covering an assortment of farm related topics. He may be contacted at email: fwhendricks@gmail.com.