title: Myron Kent
text: # Myron Kent
  
  In May 1882 Myron Kent was the first person to plat Mora, Minnesota in the United States. He was also the first postmaster, built the first building and business. Kent served on the first school board of Mora School, established in 1883. Later in life he was tried and convicted of murdering his wife Julia Laird by the state of North Dakota and was sentenced to death. After the death penalty in North Dakota was abolished his sentence was commuted to life.
  
  ## Biography
  
  ### Early life
  
  Kent was born as William Wilder Pancoast and lived in Ohio for his early years.
  
  ### Marriage and children
  
  Myron Kent married Julia Laird, daughter of a wealthy businessman in Pine County on New Year's Eve. 1882. They had one child together, named Earl Kent.
  
  ### Death
  
  On June 6, 1912, Myron Kent suffered a heart attack while in prison serving a life sentence and passed away.
  
  