One of the old and highly respected citizens of Princeton is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He first saw the light of day, March 28, 1818, in Mifflin County, Pennsylvania, and was a son of John and Mary (Hunter) Hunter, both of whom were natives of Ireland, and came to America in 1811. They settled in Pennsylvania, where eight children were born, their home being for many years in Allegheny County, where they died at a good old age.
Robert received his first knowledge of books at a subscription school in the County of his nativity, which he attended during the winter months of each year. In summer he worked on a farm, and after he grew to manhood he continued farming in Pennsylvania until 1854, when he decided to come west, where land was cheap. Chance brought him to Scott County, Iowa, and he settled in Le Claire Township on a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, on which was a small frame house. He subsequently erected a large and commodious frame dwelling and made many other improvements. He afterward added more land and now his farm consists of two hundred and nine acres of very valuable land, aside from other real estate interests.
Mr. Hunter married Miss Eliza Jane, daughter of Benjamin Coe, of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1844. To them were born nine children, three of whom are dead. Joseph C. married Miss Garver, now deceased; his second wife was Miss Bowler. He now resides in Helena, Montana, and is a prominent physician of that city. Luretta J. married Gustus Culbertson and resides in Carroll County, Iowa; John L. married Miss Chapman and resides in Boone County, Iowa; Mary married Harry Robison and lives in Jasper County, Iowa; Sarah C. married James N. White, a prosperous farmer and stock raiser of Le Claire Township; Robert S. married Miss Alpha Yawn and resides on the old homestead. In March, 1895, Mr. Hunter moved to Princeton and retired from active business. He has been a successful farmer and has accumulated a competence which enables him to spend the declining years of his life in comfort and ease. He is a staunch Republican, and he and his entire family are members of the Presbyterian Church.
Mr. Hunter is highly esteemed by his neighbors, is a man of pleasing address, kindly and gentle, and always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need or to contribute to the full extent of his ability to the advancement of the public welfare.
BIOGRAPHIES