M. E. Hunter

HUNTER, CHASE, SAMPSON, CARPENTER, DENNISON, WARD, BEECHER, FISK, DENNISTOR

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 11/14/2011 at 14:44:40

M. E. HUNTER, a representative agriculturist of Lincoln Township, Grundy County, residing on section 13, was born in Ogle County, Ill., in 1853. The family was probably founded in America during early Colonial days. The grandfather, L. S. Hunter, was born and reared in New York, and followed farming throughout his entire life. On selling his land in the Empire State, he removed to Ohio, locating near where Sandusky now stands. That city was then a mere village. The following year the Black Hawk War was brought to a close, and he emigrated with his family to Illinois. The journey was made with teams and they passed through Chicago, which was then known as old Ft. Dearborn and which contained only a blacksmith shop. The journey was continued to Ogle County, where the father purchased land from the Government and began the development of a farm. He married Sarah Chase, and unto them were born the following children: Jane, now deceased; Maris, now Mrs. Sampson; Julia, wife of William Carpenter, Amanda, wife of H. Dennison; George; Alfred and L. S. Mr. Hunter was one of the pioneers of Ogle County, locating there among the Indians on an unbroken prairie, where few traces of civilization and progress could be found. He became a prominent and influential citizen. In politics he was a Whig.

L. S. Hunter, the father of our subject, was born in New York, and at the age of ten years accompanied his parents to Illinois, where he was reared to manhood. Throughout life he followed farming. He married S. F. Carpenter, who was born near Worcester, Mass., of which state her parents were also natives. At an early age, she was left an orphan and was reared by relatives. She acquired an excellent education in a young ladies’ seminary in her native state, and attended school with Mrs. Henry Ward Beecher. When a young lady she came with her brother to Illinois and engaged in teaching one of the first schools in that part of the state in which they located. She received $12 per month for her services, and from that sum saved enough to purchase one hundred and sixty acres of land in Stephenson County. Mr. Hunter entered land from the Government, and in those early days hauled his farm products to Chicago. In 1882, he sold his property in Illinois, and the following year came to Iowa, locating in Cedar Falls, where he lives a retired life. He owns a farm in Lincoln Township, and also one in Buena Vista, Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter are members of the United Brethren Church, and since the dissolution of the Whig party, which he supported, he has been a Republican. The family numbers five children: M. T., M. E., Harriet A. (wife of J. M. Fisk), Frank and Clara.

Under the parental roof our subject was reared to manhood, remaining at home until twenty-four years of age. He received an excellent education in the high school of Pecatonica, Ill., and in the Bloomington Normal School. He began life for himself by operating part of the old homestead, and in 1878 his father paid $800 for him on the farm which is now his home. He had himself saved from his earnings about $1,200. He is an industrious and energetic man, and his success in life is due to his well directed efforts.

In Black Hawk County, Iowa, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Mary C., daughter of Henry and Amanda Dennistor. She was born in Black Hawk County, where her parents settled at a very early day. Their union has been blessed with one son, Clarence H. The parents hold membership with the United Brethren Church, and are people who hold an enviable position in social circles on account of their many excellencies of character.

In his political views, Mr. Hunter is a Republican, but the honors and emoluments of public office have no attraction for him, as he prefers to give his entire time and attention to his business interests. He now owns two hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land, and so well has he cultivated and improved this tract that it is considered one of the best farms in the county.

Source:
Portrait and Biographical Record
of Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, Iowa
1894