Morgan County Democrat. (McConnelsville, Ohio) 1886-1943, 1927-02-10
\. v. KJNTz, PROMINENT ATTORNEY,
DIES At HIS HOME IN GAINESVILLE

Attorney Hugh Wilbert Kuntz,
aged 60 years, one of the most
brilliant members of the Muskin-
gum county bar, died early Friday
morning at his home in GAINESVILLE.
Death was due to a general break
down, followed by paralysis. His
health began to break soon after the
death of his daughter about three
years ago, but his decline had been
more rapid since an automobile ac-
cident, some months ago, in which
he was seriously hurt. 1t is be-
lieved that stroke of paralysis at
that time was the cause of the acct
dent. Since then he had suffered
several strokes, and for more than
week before his death his condition
had been critical
Mr.. Kuntz was a son of the late
Andrew and Julia Carr Kuntz, and
was born in Manchester township
Morgan county, on the farm now
owned by the late DR.. E. D. Rex
heirs. After attending district
school, he began teaching when but
:. y Cdl vi dSS. ne taught SuCCCSS-
fully for number of years in Nor
gan and Noble counties, and while
teaching began the study of law
with the hate Atty G.. A. Leland of
Caldwell. When about 25 years of
age he was admitted to the bar, and
Soon his ability as an attorney
took on prominence. He was elected
prosecuting attorney of Noble coun-
ty, serving two years. Later he
moved his office to GAINESVILLE, and
he and P. H. Tannehill were for
he had been senior member of the
H. w. Kuntz and l.. M. Soliday
law firm of that city. He also serv-
ed one term as prosecuting attorney
OF Muskingum county. In politics
he was Republican. He had an
extensive law practice not only in
Muskingum county, but also in the
counties of Morgan and Noble.
He was al exceptionally fine trial
lawyer, his arguments always hav-
ing much weight with a jury. He
was an eloquent, forceful speaker.
At one time he was a candidate
against Hon. Louis B. Houck of Mt.
Vernon, for judge of the court of
appeals
He was prominent in fraternal
circles in Zanesyille; was past
Grand Master of Ohio Odd Fellows
and past grand representative of
Ohio to the Sovereign Grand Lodge
of the I. o. o. F. He was prominent
in the GAINESVILLE Aerie of the Fra
ternal Order of Eagles, being a
past worthy president of the order.
He also was active in the B. P. o.
Elks, and was member of Grace
M. e. church, the Domer Bible class
and the Domer chorus.
Mr.. kuntz was united in mar
riage to Miss Jennie Beckett of
Hiramshurg, Noble county, and for
a time following his marriage they
continued to live in Manchester
township. They were the parents
of son and daughter. The son,
Charles Kuntz, resides in Columbus.
and has position of prominence
with the Ohio State University. The
daughter Miss IRA Kuntz is de-
ceased. He also leaves two brothers.
Frank II Kuntz of Malta, and En-
NETT c. kuntz of Columbus; and Il
sister, Mrs. Cora Harding of Lo-
rain.
Funeral services were held at
O'Clock Sunday afternoon in the
Grace M f. church, with Rev. J. M.
Sinner, pastor of the church, in
charge. Burial was made in Green
wood cemetery. The I. o. o. F.
Lodge had ritualistic services at the
church.
The body was taken to the church
at O'Clock Sunday afternoon to
lie in state for one hour to permit
friends to view the remains. The
pallbearers were chosen from
among the close friends of Mr..
Kuntz in the bar association, and
were Judge l.. J. Weber, Judge c.
A. Maxwell, and Attorneys J. S.
Phillis, L. M. Soliday, P. H. Tame
hill and J. Fl Whartenby. The bar
association attended the funeral
services in q body.
A special meeting of the Muskin-
gum County Bar association was
held in the court house Friday
afternoon when committee of
three: P. III. Tannehill, Stanley Crew
and l.. NJ Soliday was appointed to
draw up resolutions on the death Of
Attorney KuntZ.