The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1896-03-10
GEORGE S. HUNT
Dies Suddenly Yesterday in Hon. C. f
Libby's Office.

The community received a shock OF
more than usual severity yesterday after
noon by the intelligence of the sudden
death of Mr.. George S. Hunt of the we'll
known firm of George S. Hunt & Co.
The shock was all the more severe be-
cause up to within very few moments,
of his decease. MIR. Hunt appeared in his
usual good health and had been talking
pleasantly with friends about matters
Of mutual interest
1t was about o'cl1ck in the afternoon
whom Mr.. Hunt excused himself to callers
at his counting room, saying that he
had a meeting of the directors of the
International Steamship Company to at
tend at the Office Of Hon. Chas F.Libby.
He walked off with the same brisk
alert step that always characterized him
and in d few moments was at his desti-
nation. Upon arrival at Mr.. Libby's
office he took a seat in chair by the east
window, and MIR. j. B. Coyls occupied
one close by him. Mr.. Libby was In
his inner Office, but the door between
the two offices was open. Several of the
directors of the steamship company were
present, besides MIR. Coyle, including
Capt. j. S. Winslow, and Mr.. Coombs of
Bath.
After Mr.. Hunt had taken his seat
Mr.. Coyie said laughingly to Mr.. Hunt
II have a modest request to make of
you, Mr.. Hunt
"Well," replied Mr.. Hunt smiling,
"you are modest man, what is it?''
He had hardly said these words when
Mr.. Coyle noticed that sudden pale
ness oyerspread his face, and Mr.. Hunt
threw his head back. Mr. Coyle imme.
diately bent forward and askeS: care
you sick, Mr.. Huntr'
Mr.. Hunt did not answer, but threw
his head back, at the same time max
ing gurgling noise.
Mr.. Libby came out of his office, hear
ing the conversation, and despatched a
messenger for some lavender salts, while
a physician was telephoned for. DR..
Charles D. Smith responded within 1C
minutes. When he arrived Mr.. Hunt
was still sitting in his chair. The doc
tor placed him on the Office table to give
him an opportunity to rally, but the
heart had ceased to beat. 1t was his
opinion that Mr.. Hunt died from paraly-
sis of the heart.
George s. Hunt was the only son of
Frederick E. and Eliza K. (Smith)
Hunt. He was born in Derry, N. H.,
February 8th, 1929. His father was ma
tive of Northfield, Mass. He spent most
of his life as merchant in New Hamp-
shire and Massachusetts,. He died In
1910, aged SO. His mother was daugh-
ter OF Capt. Nathaniel Smith of Glouces-
ter, Mass, an East Indian shipmaster.
She died in 1910 at the same age as her
husband. Their children were Ann e.
(deceased). George S., Abigail Smith,
(deceased), and Susan E., wife of Albert
II. Breed Of Lynn. Mass.
One year, prior to his fathers and
mothers death, George S. Hunt came
to Portland to spend the winter with q
relative, Mr.. William Allen, and on &C.
count of the loss of his parents, and con-
sequently his home, he remained an
adopted and accepted member of the
Allen family for 81 years. Until the age
of Is he attended the grammar and high
schools of Portland, at which time, un-
aided peeunia1ily, he started out for him.
self. For five years he was q clerk in
jobbing fruit store. In 1858 he became
clerk for p. F. Varnum, jobber OF flour
and grain; here be remained for four
years. In 1857 he spent two months in
the island of Cuba during which time
be formed large business acquaintance
and while there, entered into arrange
ments with several Cuban merchants to
export their products. In May, on his
return, he opened an office on CONNER
cial street, and began general commits
sion business with Cuba, exporting lum-
Der and general merchandise and receiv-
ing sugar and molasses. In that year a
heavy financial crisis came up in the
business men of the country. yet, SO we'll
were his pIazs made, that Mr. Hunts
first years business was carried through
without loss, though with little pro-
fit. A second and third visit to Cuba in
1S59-60 gave him increased opportuni
ties for the extensive business which he
still continues, to the time Of his death
and ranked him among the most enter
prising, active and successful business
men of Portland. In 1859 he first inter
ested himself in shipping and had
interests in a large number of vessels
that belong to this district.
In 1874 Mr.. Hunt associated with him
in business, Joseph P. Thompson and
frederick Allen, both formerly clerks
in the house. Mr.. Allen still retains his
partnership with Mr.. Hunt. but Mr..
Thompson has retired. Mr.. Hunt also
established later the firm of Geo. s. Hunt
and Cram, sugar brokers, with Mr.. Geo.
o. K. Cram. Mr.. Hunt was associated
with many local enterprises and was
always prompt to render aid and counsel
in their management. He was direc.