Pg 463

         STEPHEN G. HUNT, a prominent farmer residing on section 22, Morning Sun Township, became a resident of Louisa County in 1844. As with others, he was forced to endure the trials and privations incident to pioneer life, but has lived to see the time when Louisa County furnishes every convenience to her inhabitants. He was born in Wayne County, Ind., Aug. 27, 1824, and is a son of Charles and Hannah (Boone) Hunt, the father a native of North Carolina and the mother of Pennsylvania. She was a cousin of Daniel Boone, the explorer of “the dark and bloody ground,” and her family moved to Kentucky in a very early day. Charles Hunt and his wife were also pioneers of Indiana, settling in Wayne County, where Stephen was born and received his education. In 1841 they removed to Iowa, settling in Franklin Township, Des Moines County, where they remained until 1844, when Mr. Hunt purchased 300 acres of land in Morning Sun Township, upon which our subject now resides. The life of Stephen Hunt has always been that of a farmer. His father being delicate in health, the care of the farm and of the family early devolved upon him, but although quite young he discharged his duties faithfully and well. On the 5th of July, 1853, he was united in marriage with Miss Josephine N. Curran, who was born in Carroll County, Md., Jan. 18, 1833, and who is a daughter of Francis and Mary M. (Dell) Curran, who were also pioneers of Louisa County, of 1837.

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hunt took possession of the old home farm, where they have since resided. Nine children came to grace their home, six of whom are still living: Milton G., who wedded Miss Margaret E. Hamilton, a native of this county, is engaged in farming in Canaan Township, Henry Co., Iowa; Sarah is the wife of D. D. Hamilton, a resident farmer of Morning Sun Township; John C., whose home is in Osborne City, Kans.; William P., who now has charge of the home farm; Mary F., wife of John T. Kenyon, a farmer of Canaan Township, Henry Co., Iowa; Sophronia A., yet residing with her parents; and three children who died in infancy complete the number.

Mr. Hunt has ever been one of the leading citizens of Louisa County, has always taken an active interest in her public affairs, and is a stalwart supporter of the Republican party. He has given his children all good common-school educations, such as will fit them for the practical duties of this life. To each one of his daughters he has given a 30-acre tract of land, and to his son in Henry County he gave a farm of 160 acres in Kansas, and still has 130 acres of land in his home farm. His liberality to his children is but an example of his entire life; and his honesty and integrity, his willingness to help those in need, and his kindness and sympathy to those in distress have won for him the confidence of the community and the respect of all with whom he comes in contact.