Military Figure. Kimble Bent was a Maine-born American who lived a colorful life among Maori people of New Zealand. After serving in the United States Navy for three years, he enlisted in the British Army as a soldier in the 57th West Middlesex Regiment of Foot. After being sent to New Zealand, he deserted and joined the rebelling native Maori people, Ngāti Ruanui Iwi during Tītikowaru's War, a later campaign during the New Zealand Wars. Bent enlisted in the British Army in 1859, first being sent to India and onwards to New Zealand where his acts of petty theft, drunkenness and disobedience saw him receive twenty-five lashes along with a prison sentence. After his return to camp, Bent deserted in June of 1865 and fell into the hands of native leader, Tito Hanataua, who kept him as a servant. During the war, Bent recalled aiding the Hauhau rebellion and helping with preparing defenses and tending to wounded. He was married into the iwi and later put under the care of Chief Rupe. Bent was present at Ngāti Ruanui's major stronghold Te Ngutu-o-te-manu when it was attacked by the British forces, which included Major Gustavus Von Tempsky, who fell during Battle of Te Ngutu o te Manu. After the conflict, Bent identified Von Tempsky's remains. Bent accompanied Tītokowaru until his war ended and subsequently lived with local Iwi, hiding in fear of imprisonment by the British. During this time, he worked a series of professions including tattooist. In 1903, Bent was interviewed and photographed by author James Cowan, who published the book "The Adventures of Kimble Bent: A Story of Wild Life in the New Zealand Bush" in 1911, detailing his life and his stories when he fought alongside rebel Iwi during the New Zealand Wars against the British Crown forces. In the late 20th century and 21st century, other books have been written about his adventures, but critics claim his adventures were highly enhanced by the authors.