Portrait of Joseph Lancaster Brent, a lawyer from Maryland who helped the L.A. ranchers to secure their land titles, also became a member of the State Assembly of 1855-6. His influence was so strong, as a leader of the local Democrats, that it is stated he could nominate any candidate at will. He was a studious man and acquired most of Hugo Reid's library on Indian subjects. Brent is named for him. He gave up his California commission and went South to join the Confederate army when the war broke out. He was given the rank of Brigadier-General. He never returned to California, but settled near New Orleans where his latter days were spent.
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