This well known pioneer has made a good record for himself and wrought with energy and sagacity for the development of the country since the early sixties, being one of the first who settled in Lewiston. He was born in Erie County, New York, near Buffalo, being the son of Isaac and Diantha (Allbee) Hunt. The father was a farmer, born in Massachusetts, in 1812, and died in New York in 1896, while the mother was also a native of the Bay state, born in 1814, and died in 1892.
Our subject was educated in the common schools, and went to California, via Panama, arriving at Sonora the day he became of age. He mined for eight years with indifferent success and then went to Monterey County and farmed for two years, when he came to Idaho, landing in Lewiston in June, 1862. He was soon in Warren at the mines, where he secured some claims for himself and then bought the stage and express line from Lewiston, which he operated for about seven years. Selling then, he was elected recorder and auditor of the County, and was also given a second term, as his service was faithful and efficient.
He was then appointed postmaster for five years, then resigned the office and took preemption and timber claims and engaged in raising stock. He was thus employed until 1891, when he sold one claim and took up the butcher business in Lewiston and Lapwai, also buying and selling stock. Mr. Hunt continued in this until 1898, when he retired from active business to enjoy the fruits of his industry, wisdom, and thrift. He owns the claim he took in an early day and also some valuable town property.
The marriage of Mr. Hunt and Miss Olive C daughter of J. D. and Caroline (Stiles) Martin, was solemnized in 1870, and they had two children, Irene, deceased, and an infant, unnamed. Mr. Martin was a miner, born in New York, in 1823, came to California in 1850, and was assessor of Marysville. His wife was born in New York in 1828. Mrs. Hunt was born in New York on February 22, 1850, and came to California in 1858; she has one brother and one sister. Mortimer S., Hellens A. Leland. Mr. Hunt has one brother and one sister, Clara Washburn, and Frank.
Mr. Hunt is a Republican and zealous for good government. He cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln, in California. Mrs. Hunt is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Hunt is a member of the Pioneers’ Association, and is one of the worthy pioneers of the County and a reliable, upright and highly esteemed man.
Back to: Nez Perce Biographies
Source: An Illustrated History of Northern Idaho, Embracing Nez Perce, Idaho, Latah, Kootenai and Shoshone Counties, Western Historical Publishing Company, 1903