 "Nathaniel
King Hunt, one of the most prominent of the early pioneers, passed away
at 3:20 yesterday morning at his home, 1222 Seventh Avenue S.E., at the age
of 87 years. His 88th birthday anniversary was due January 23rd next. The
funeral will be held from the Presbyterian church at one o'clock Tuesday
afternoon. Six grandsons will act as pallbearers -- Fred, N. K., Lee and
Harry Hunt, A. H. Scherfenberg, and John Campbell. Burial will be in North
Star cemetery.
"Mr. Hunt was born January 23, 1837,
in Tumbridge, Orange county, Vermont, son of John and Eliza Harvey (King)
Hunt, the former of whom was born in Vermont in 1804 and died in 1888 and
the latter of whom was born in 1806 and died in 1901. In 1837, when
Nathaniel was but four months old, the family started west, going by boat
to Detroit, and thence by stage to within twelve miles of Kalamazoo, Mich.,
where they located on a farm. Here Nathaniel was reared, receiving his
education in Antwerp township, Van Buren county, as a boy, and later attended
the "Stone College" in Kalamazoo, Mich. For a time he worked as a clerk in
a store in Lowell, Michigan, and then, in partnership with Simeon Hunt,
engaged in the mercantile business in the same town. Subsequently he took
up farming in Antwerp township, Van Buren county, Michigan, and in connection
with his agricultural operations conducted a brickyard, using the clay
underlying his farm. In 1879 he bought 240 acres of wild land in Haven,
Sherburne county, this state. In 1880 he moved onto this farm, and started
to develop a model place. He broke and developed the land, prospered with the
years, and brought the land to a high stage of improvement. A splendid twelve-room
house, a large barn, 30 by 104 feet, and various sheds and other shelters for
stock, poultry, crops and equipment, are features of his farm landscape. The
place is now occupied by his son, G. S. Hunt.
In addition to the farm, and the home in St. Cloud, Mr. Hunt owns a cottage at
Long Lake, in Haven township, Sherburne county.
"Mr. Hunt dealt to a
certain extent in real estate. In his earlier life he took an active part in
the affairs of his township, serving as supervisor and as town clerk. He also
occupied several school offices. For two terms he was an efficient member
of the lower house of the Minnesota Legislature. After moving to
St. Cloud he took an active part in civic affairs and was one of the
aldermen before the commission form of government was inaugurated. He was
vice presidenct of the Commercial Club at one time, a member of the Elks,
and a Mason for more than sixty years. He was deeply interested in modern
and scientific agriculture, and it was through his untiring efforts that the
Farmers' Institute was established in St. Cloud. As a poultry fancier he
stood high. He was treasurer of the Central Minnesota Poultry Association,
which was organized at St. Cloud in 1911, and his Black Langshangs drew blue
ribbons wherever they were exhibited.
"Mr. Hunt was married three
times. His first wife was Miss Annette Spencer, who left two children,
Mrs. Fred Scherfenberg, now deceased, and Spencer
Hunt, who now occupies the home farm. Mrs. Hunt died in 1866, and Mr.
Hunt later married her sister, Jane, who died in 1894. His third wife
was Miss Rose Mix, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. O. Mix. There are a number of
grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
"Friends may review the remains at
the Johnson Undertaking parlors."
from Daily Journal Press
Monday, December 22, 1924
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