Mount Ayr Record-News
Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa

Will HUNT of Redding observed his one hundredth birthday anniversary on Sunday. The Rev. Mr. HUNT is able to live alone here in his home and is quite active. His wife, the former Anna CRECELIUS, passed away in 1966. His only living son, Geroge, and his wife of Nebraska City, Neb. were prevented by illness from spending the day with him. Three other children, Maudie, Alfred, and Harold, have died.

Mr. HUNT says he has fifteen grandchildren and as for the great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren, he is not able to give a correct count, that there are many of them all about the country.

He began 74 years ago in 1896 to preach for the Holiness Church of Christ, joining a missionary association at Tabor. He has traveled many thousands of miles as an evangelist and says if he had it to do over, he would be glad to preach again.

He received over 75 cards and messages of contragulation (sic) and was interviewed at his home by persons from radio stations KMA and KSIB. Station KQTV also made a visual tape here, which was seen Sunday night.

Mr. and Mrs. Ed EIGHMY of Grant City, Mo. were his hosts at dinner Sunday. Afternoon callers included Mr. and Mrs. Paul CLARK, the Rev. and Mrs. George SWAN of Blockton, and Mrs. and Mrs. Cleo BOWNES, Mrs. NORRIS and Mr. and Mrs. ARCHIE of Athelstan.

His niece, Mrs. Susie SUTHERLAND, who will be ninety later this month, lives nearby and spends nights and part of each day keeping house for him.

Des Moines Register
Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa

"Uncle" Will HUNT celebrated his 103rd birthday a few weeks ago and is shown with some of the flowers given him by friends across the nation. Uncle Will, as he is referred to by many, also holds his most valuable possession, the Bible.

He states that this is the sixth or seventh Bible that he has worn out and can't remember how many times he has read it completely through. He was an active minister for many years in and around the Midwest. His home is Redding, Ia.

SOURCE: Redding, Iowa: The First Hundred Years: 1882-1982 p. 82.

Compilation and submission by Sharon R. Becker, September of 2009