RALPH REID HUNT.

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         Ralph Reid Hunt, a prominent factor in educational circles of Louisa county, is now serving his third term as county superintendent of schools. His birth occurred in Marshall township, this county on the 16th of January, 1879, his parents being Henry R. and Laura L. (Hornsby) Hunt, both of whom are natives . . .

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. . . of Ohio. Their marriage was celebrated in Louisa county, the father coming here with his parents when a boy and the mother taking up her abode here in the early ‘60s. They now make their home at Mount Vernon, Linn county, Iowa. Unto them were born seven children, five of whom are yet living.

         Ralph Reid Hunt remained under the parental roof until he had attained his majority. Following his graduation from the high school he worked in a printing or newspaper office for three and a half years. On the expiration of that period he took up the profession of school teaching, acting as principal at Columbus City for three years. In 1906 he was elected county superintendent of schools, displaying such efficiency in fulfilling the duties of this responsible office that he has been twice honored by reelection and is now serving this third term.

         On the 10th of September, 1902, Mr. Hunt was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Pearl Parsons, who was born in Louisa county on the 23d of January, 1885, her parents being Douglas D. and Jessie L. (Hook) Parsons, of this county. Douglas D. Parsons passed away in 1903 and his widow afterward gave her hand in marriage to Abe Parsons, a son of Thomas Parsons. Mrs. Hunt, who was one of a family of three children, is now the mother of two, namely: Reid L., whose natal day was July 14, 1903; and Helen Douglas, whose birth occurred on the 29th of September, 1904.

         Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Hunt has supported the men and measures of the republican ticket. Fraternally he is identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to Lodge No. 246 at Columbus City. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and likewise belongs to Black Lodge, No. 281, K. P., having filled nearly all of the chairs in the latter. His wife is identified with the Rebekahs and the Pythian Sisters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are devoted and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church. They have spent their entire lives in Louisa county and are well known and highly esteemed within its borders.