Charles Bent
Charles Bent Photograph of Territorial Governor Charles Bent at the Bent Home in Taos, New Mexico Governor of New Mexico In office September 1846 – 19 January 1847 Preceded by Juan Bautista Vigil y Alarid (last governor of Mexican period of New Mexico) Succeeded by Donaciano Vigil Personal details Born November 11, 1799 Charleston, West Virginia Died January 19, 1847(1847-01-19) (aged 47) Taos, New Mexico Nationality United States Occupation Trader Charles Bent (November 11, 1799 – January 19, 1847) was appointed as the first civilian Governor of the newly acquired New Mexico Territory by military Governor Stephen Watts Kearny in September 1846. Bent had been working as a fur trader in the region since 1828, with his younger brother William and later partner Ceran St. Vrain. Though his office was in Santa Fe, Bent maintained his residence and a store in Taos. On January 19, 1847, he was scalped and killed by Pueblo attackers during the Taos Revolt.