Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1889

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 479
WILLIAM A. HUNTER, a retired farmer residing in West Liberty, and a pioneer of Muscatine County of 1842, is a native of Somerset County, PA., born in 1824. He is a son of Samuel and Rosanna (Lafferty) Hunter, who were also natives of the Keystone State. On the paternal side he is of Irish descent, his paternal grandfather, Alexander Hunter, being a native of Ireland, while on the maternal side he is of Scotch origin. Samuel Hunter was a farmer by occupation, and in 1842, accompanied by his wife and children, emigrated to Iowa, where he made his home until his death, which occurred in 1848. He and his wife were the parents of seven children, William, of this sketch, being the eldest; Joseph, a farmer of Wapsinonoc Township; Ellen, who died in 1848; Mary, wife of William Phillips, a resident farmer of Wapsinonoc Township; Sarah, deceased wife of William Lane, who is also engaged in farming in the same township; Samuel, who died in 1868, and John, also deceased. Mrs. Hunter survived her husband many years, her death occurring in 1870. They were both members of the Christian Church, and people highly esteemed for their many excellencies of character.

Our subject was reared to farm life and received such education as the country schools of a new community afforded. After the death of his father, with the aid of a brother, he took charge of the home farm of 160 acres, and developed from the raw land one of the most beautiful and highly cultivated farms in the township. In 1849 he was united in marriage with Barbara Fraseur, one of Ohio's fair daughters, after which he rented a farm for two years. At the expiration of the time, by industry and economy, he was able to purchase a farm, and became the owner of the 160 acres on section 23 of Wapsinonoc Township, and immediately began its improvement and cultivation. One child, Charles W., was there born to them, but died in infancy. On the 16th of October, 1879, Mr. Hunter was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, and shortly after he left the farm where so many happy years were passed, and removed to West Liberty, where he is now living a retired life. He was again married in 1881, becoming the husband of Elizabeth Ball, a native of Ohio, and a daughter of James Ball, whose sketch appears on another page of this volume.

In his earlier years Mr. Hunter belonged to the political party known as the Know-Nothing party, but on the organization of the Republican party he became one of its supporters, and yet casts his ballot with the same. His life has been one of industry and usefulness. He is now the owner of 175 acres of land, besides some town property, which had been secured by his own efforts of patient toil and energy. His life for almost half a century has been identified with the history of Muscatine County, its interests have been his interests, its growth and prosperity are largely due to his efforts.

Mr. Hunter and his wife are members of the Christian Church, in which he holds the office of Deacon, and none are more universally respected than they.

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