Hunt, George F.

MUFFLEY, STONE, MURPHY, MCGRATH

Posted By: BCGS
Date: 12/9/2009 at 11:21:59

George F. Hunt, who since 1905 has been conducting a prosperous jewelry store in the heart of Waverly, on East Bremer avenue, is one of the progressive and successful merchants of this city. He keeps a well selected stock of goods and his customers alway find him gracious and accommodating, while his work enjoys a reputation for durability and artistic execution. Mr. Hunt was born in this city on June 29, 1865, and is a son of Smith R. Hunt, of Corning, Benton county, New York, and Louisa (Muffley) Hunt, also a native of that county and state. The paternal grandfather was E.J. Hunt. The original American ancestors of the family were four brothers, who came to this country in the Mayflower and the genealogical record of the family is without flaw and perfectly preserved from that time to the present. The great-grandfather of Mr. Hunt fought in the war of the Revolution and a great-uncle, William H., took part in the conflict of 1812. An uncle, Hiram, took up the Union cause during the Rebellion and it is evident that members of the family have always manifested a high conception of American patriotism.

Smith R. Hunt, father of our subject, came to the west about 1858 and made settlement in Bremer and Butler counties. He was a forceful man, of great business ability, and made a success as a grain buyer. He was also one of the chief promoters of the Dubuque & Dakota Railroad, which system was later merged into the Chicago and Great Western. He lived to be eighty-seven years of age, passing away on September 24, 1912. His wife is still living. William Muffley, father of Louisa Muffley, also took part in the Civil war and was seriously wounded in that conflict.

The father of George F. Hunt was twice married and had one child by his first union. Mr. Hunt, of this review, was born of his union to Louisa Muffley, of which there also was a sister, who passed away several years ago. George F. Hunt spent his school days in Waverly, but in 1882, when seventeen years of age, proceeded to Grand Forks, North Dakota, accepting a position in the First National Bank of that city. He later became private secretary of the president of that institution, Horace G. Stone, now a prominent lawyer of Chicago. Mr. Stone's importance is evident from the fact that he was one of the receivers of the Minnesota Chief Thresher Company, and Mr. Hunt was with Mr. Stone while he was so engaged. Our subject remained as Mr. Stone's secretary for about ten years, when he married, but after that event made his way to California and located in San Diego, there remaining for two years. He then returned to Waverly and engaged in the grocery business continuing for three years and meeting with a considerable degree of success. He then interested himself in horse raising, keeping a string of race horses and making a financial success of the venture. He then spent a few years in various localities, being, during most of that time, however, bookkeeper and assistant auditor of the Minneapolis Tribune and acting also as private secretary for Mr. Murphy, its owner, editor and publisher. He continued in that position until his return to Waverly in 1905, when he established his present business, in which he has been eminently successful. Under his guidance the business has steadily increased and Mr. Hunt has become one of the prosperous merchants of the city. While his business ability is undeniable, a great deal of his success must be attributed to his pleasing personality.

Mr. Hunt was united in marriage to Miss Catherine McGrath, a native of Minnesota and a daughter of John McGrath, also an honored veteran of the Civil war. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt have one son, Hiram, who is now attending school in Waverly. Mr. Hunt today owns a most splendidly equipped store, where he carries a complete and select line of jewelry. He is largely assisted by his good taste in pleasing his customers and it is, therefore, but natural that his patronage has become extensive and profitable. Although not active in politics, Mr. Hunt can ever be found on the side of progress and advancement and has done much toward promoting the welfare of the city. Among other thngs, he has organized the band which has furnished many hours of entertainment and amusement for the inhabitants of the city. Fraternally he is a Knight of Pythias and popular in that organization. He enjoys in full measure the respect of the business fraternity of Waverly as well as the regard and esteem of the general public.

History of Bremer County, Iowa Vol. II 1914