The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1894-04-13
WILLIAM H. HUNT.
Appreciative Testimonial to the Career Of
an Honest and Useful Man.

The trustees Of the Insane Hospital at
a recent meeting adopted the following
memorial to the late William HI. Hunt,
who was a member of the Board
Since our last meeting the membership
of our Board has again been invaded
by death. Our highly esteemed associate,
the Hon. William H. Hunt, has been re-
moved from us. We do well to pause.
if only briefly, to recount some OF the
incidents of his long and useful life as
well as some of the traits of his well bal
anced character. Mr.. Hunt was born in
Salem, Mass, on March II, 1918. Soon
after this event his father removed his
family to Chariestown of the.same State.
When of suita bic age, the son attended
the public and private schools of that
Town until fourteen years OF age. he
then went to work in wholesale shoe
and leather store in Boston. In loAO ne
Joined his father IN the tanning and
mercantile business at Liberty, Waldo
county, Maine. AT the death of his
father in 1872, he took the business of
the firm upon his own shoulders. Soon
after this transaction the great Boston
fire occurred, by which he lost his whole
property At the same time he was $50, :
GOO in debt His prospects now seemed
park indeed. But with the quiet cour-
confidence born of long and successful
experience, he placed himself in a
position, through the agency of the
bankrupt law. where he could again
start in the tanning business unham-
nered. In due time he recovered from
his reverses, and, assuming anew his
obligations to former creditors, he paid
them every dollar of his Indebtedness,
Including interest. In 1882 Mr.. Hunt
was Joined n.business by his soni-in-law,
J. J.Walker, ESQ.,, and the partnership
was continued until his death Feb. 2Sth,
1894. Mr.. Hunts answering Integrity,
sound Judgment and wise councselS gave
him great influence in the town of his
residence. His townsmen would gladly
have honored him with any Official posi-
ton within theirsgift, but he declined
such honors. His sense OF justice and
sympathetic temperament led him early
into the anti-slavery ranks. The Tenn
perance movement found in him an early
and reliable friend. He was an honored
leader and an esteemed ofhcer In the
church of his choice. He was superin-
tendent of the Sabbath school, and for
many years leader of the church choir.
In the latter part of his life Mr.. Hunt
was induced to accept several important
official positions. In 1887 he was APP
pointed n memberof the Executive Coun-
Gil. a position he held during the admin
istrations of Governor Bodwell and Mar
BILE. In 1889 he was elected to the State
Senate, where he served for TWO terms
For a term of four..years he was mem
brrof the Republican State Committee
In April, 1892, he was appointed trustee
of the State Insane Hospital IS Gov.
Burleigh. His antecedents were prophet
ic of usefulness in his new position, and
the prophesy has been verified. Business
ability. modestv. purity OF purpose, fidel-
itv to trust. a spirit of helpfulness and a
kindly presence were the qualities he
brought to the discharge Of his new
duties. His sympathy for the unfortu-
marked trait Of his character. To theil
pitiful and pathetic pleadings ne lent q
patient ear. Any. promise n ne MAGE AZ
them. however trivial. was faithfully
fulfilled. The personal qualities that
have been enumerated gave Mr.. Hunt a
trustees and officers of the Institution.
We part with him in sadness. He has
done his work we'll and rests in peace.