Iowa
Old Press
Daily Iowa State Press
Iowa City, Johnson, Iowa
November 23, 1899
William Hunt
The death of Councilman William Hunt has brought a deep sorrow to
his many friends and to the people of Iowa City where he was so
well known and highly esteemed. His long and active business
life, his unblemished character and kindly personality had
surrounded him with a greater number of warm friends than it
falls the lot of most men to secure, and to them his sudden and
tragic death comes with all the weight of personal grief. Mr.
Hunt was born in Tipperary county, Ireland, July 21, 1839. He
came to America, a boy of sixteen, landing at New Orleans and the
same year made his way to Iowa City. Here he went to work with
the energy and industry that marked his entire life. He entered
upon business as a butcher, and was for many years engaged in the
market trade, on his own account, and associated with the late
Frank Kimball and Mr. Stebbins. On the dissolution of the firm he
went into the hotel business and erected the large house on
College street known as the Hunt Hotel, which he conducted with
special success for many years. He was a member of the city
council in 1878-9. In March last he was again elected to the
council, and the strength of his popularity and high standing was
clearly shown in the exact reversal of the political majority of
his own ward. Few men were better known in Iowa City and none
held in higher estimation than Mr. Hunt. His long and active life
of 45 years in this place was full of good works. In his business
prosperity he never lost sight of kindliness and charity, and
there are scores and scores who today mourn the death of a true
friend who was to them a friend indeed. Mr. Hunt was married
August 19, 1866, to Miss Annie Boylan, of this city. The children
are Mary, wife of John Reynolds, of Windham, John W., a prominent
attorney of this city, Misses Maggie and Nellie. His home was one
where love and affection held full sway, and in the great pall of
sorrow that has fallen upon them so suddenly the stricken widow
and children have the sincere sympathy of the public who share
with bowed hearts their grief. Mr. Hunt was a prominent member of
St. Patrick's church, and from its organization had been active
in all its work in Iowa City. He was also a leader in the
founding and building of St. Patrick's school. In the work of the
parish, as in his own business affairs, he was always zealous for
the best and enduring, looking to the solid and lasting qualities
of all with which he was associated. The funeral services of this
good man and honored citizen will take place at St. Patrick's
church at ten o'clock tomorrow morning.
[transcribed by C.J.L., April 2005]