Daily capital journal. (Salem, Oregon) 1903-1919, 1913-07-14
OF 1S47 IS
CLAIMED BY DEATH
John A. Hunt Had Taken Part in a
Prominent Way in Upbuilding
Of State or oregon.

Marion county and the state Of Ore
gon lost another old pioneer and valu-
able citizen last night when John A.
Hunt passed away at his home on the
farm located in the Waldo Hills yester-
day morning at o'clock after a brief
illness.
The Hunt family is deserving of espe-
cial prominence in record of the lives
of men who have shed lustre upon the
history of Oregon for many reason, not
the least of which are the facts that it
is one Of the Oldest English families to
be founded in America, as well as one
of the earliest pioneer families in the
state of Oregon. Its representatives
have won fame on the field Of battle,
in the legal arena, in statecraft, in lit
erature and in various other fields of
endeavor,
His "Home- Coming"
John A. Hunt inherited from his
Quaker ancestors sterling traits of char
acter and the thrift of industry which
have enabled him to win a place among
the most successful and honored citi.
zens Of the Willamette valley. He was
born in Liberty, Ind, November 2S,
1896, and is the son of John S. Hunt, of
Smithfield, Ind. The. latter emigrated
to LaPorte, Ind, in 1885, erected the
first house in the town of Byron, and
became prominent and influential in
the early undertakings of that commun-
ity. After few years residence in
that state, he commenced to make prep
arations to cross the plains, and in
March, 1S47, started for Oregon, arriv-
ing at his destination with his family
in the fall Of that year. In the Waldo
Hills, he took up a claim, erected a
home and established the first school
house in the vicinity. He also erected
a building which he made the head
quarters for blacksmithing and gum
shop, the first in the Waldo Hills. There
was no lack of demand for his handi-
work, and he prospered until selling out
his interests in 1854. For many years
thereafter he conducted hotel in Sa-
lem, his little hostelry becoming pop
ular meeting ground for all who desired
to learn of the important local happen
ings. Here he died at the age of 81
years, leaving behind him the legacy of
a good name and considerable property.
Starts in Young.
Although but II years of age when
he arrived in Oregon, the deceased re-
tanned a vivid recollection of his ex-
periences on the plains, and of the part
he bore in the establishment Of the
family in their new quarters. At the
age of 20 he began to work at a wagon.
makers trade in this city. In 1858 he
removed on a part Of his father s dona-
tion land claim, which he proceeded to
improve and upon which he resided un-
til 1877. He then removed to southern
Oregon, but being better satisfied with
Marion county, returned to the Waldo
Hills farm and has been there ever
since. For the past years Mr.. Hunt has
carried on general farming and stock.
raising business on the home place 10
miles east of Salem and has amassed
quite fortune through. hard labor and
good Judgment of stock.
Leaves Five Children.
Through his marriage with Mary +.
Anon, which occurred on July 9, 1858,
five children were born into the family
Of Mr.. Hunt. OF these, Mary Caroline
is deceased; Elizabeth G., is the wife of
Franklin G. Albaugh, formerly of. Ash.
land; Matilda A., Howard B., and Nan.
cy c., and an infant, all deceased. Mrs.
Hunt died years ago.
Funeral announcement will appear
later.
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