William ent

William Ent was born on April 29, 1790 in Pennsylvania. He married Sarah Bender on March 20, 1813 at Market Square Church. Not much is known about his early life or apprenticeships, but the next year Ent enlisted in Captain James Sproat’s Company of Pennsylvania Militia.

“Among the companies in service were the Germantown Blues, for many years Germantown's best known military command. Chestnut Hill supplied a company under com-mand of Captain John Huston, Jr. A member of the latter company, John Stallman, who lived until the eighties, was the last survivor of the War of 1812 in this neighborhood. 

William Ent recruited seventy-five men for the service in Germantown, and they adopted the name Germantown Blues. They wanted to make Ent captain, but he would accept no higher office than orderly sergeant. James W. Sproat was the first captain. With funds collected in the town a flag was bought and presented to the company on Washington's Birthday, 1814. The ceremonies took place in front of the house of the Rev. Samuel Blair, at the north corner of Germantown Avenue and Walnut Lane. Miss Mary Roberdeau recited a presentation tribute composed by Charles J. Wister. 

After the war the Blues were a volunteer company. In those days there was a decided distinction between volunteer companies and the militia. All able-bodied male citizens from 18 to 45 years of age were enrolled in the militia and were required to attend drills twice a year or pay a fine. The militia musters were the occasion of a big frolic. The men were not uniformed and most of them had no weapons, drilling 'with brooms, pitchforks or perhaps cornstalks. Volunteer companies, however, were usually well equipped at their own expense and well drilled, they taking part in periodical parades, shooting matches and encampments. 

According to the constitution of the Germantown Blues, in 1819, the members were to pay for their accoutrements, except muskets and bayonets, and no member could vote until he had a uniform. Absence on parade days and non-attendance at drills were punishable by fines. Commissioned officers were elected by the members, and the captain appointed the non-commissioned officers. A band-was attached to the company at that time.”  

Germantown, 1683-1933 the record that a Pennsylvania community has achieved in the course of 250 years : being a history of the people of Germantown, Mount Airy and Chestnut Hill. Edward W. Hocker, Germantown, Philadelphia, Pa. 1933

According to Military Goods and Dealers by Bazelon and McGuinn, Ent received government contracts for drums in 1834, 1835, 1837, 1839, 1840, 1844, and 1846.  I located another order by the War Department on February 2, 1845 for "44 drums complete."  Ent continued to make drums through the Civil War until the time of his death, his shop being located at Queen and Green Streets in Germantown.