My Genealogy Hound

William T. Hunter probably enjoys a more extensive and intimate acquaintance with the citizens of Washington County than any other one individual. His father, John A. Hunter, was born in Virginia and was a son of Andrew Hunter, a native of the same State, who removed to Washington County, Mo., when John A. was young, settling on Big River, where he built a mill and distillery, which he conducted in connection with his farm until his death. John A. engaged in mercantile business on Loutre Island, and after his father’s death he purchased and moved to the old homestead in Washington County, where he died April 23, 1875. He was twice married; first, to Martha J. Talbot, daughter of Dr. James Talbot, of Loutre Island, who was an early settler and a prominent man in Northern Missouri, having served as a member of the first constitutional convention. Mrs. Hunter died in 1841, leaving four children: James T., Andrew S., Jane E., now the wife of J. Amonett; and William T. Mr. Hunter married as his second wife Patsey Hutchings, a daughter of John Hutchings, of Washington County, who was also a member of the first constitutional convention. She died in 1873, and the four children born to their union are all deceased. William T. Hunter, present clerk of the Washington County Court, was born on Loutre Island May 3, 1840, and was reared there until thirteen years of age, when the family removed to near High Hill, Montgomery County, where William followed the life of a farmer boy until 1858. He then went to Arkansas and clerked until about the outbreak of the war, when he enlisted in the Federal army in a company of cavalry under the call of Gov. Gamble, which company was mustered out of service three months before the expiration of the term of enlistment. Mr. Hunter, by permission of Gov. Gamble, recruited an independent company of cavalry, of which he was commissioned captain, and served about three and one-half years. Upon his return from the army he found a commission awaiting him to serve as clerk of the circuit court, and took oath of office the same day. He held the office by appointment until the fall election in 1866, when he was elected to the same position, and held the office until January 1, 1871. The following two years he was engaged in the tinware and stove business, having been elected county collector in 1872, in which capacity he served two years. In 1875 he went to Colorado and engaged in mining until 1877, when he returned to Washington County, made his home on the old farm, and engaged in milling until 1880, when he received the appointment of deputy sheriff and collector, serving in this capacity four years. He then sold goods on the road until 1886, in which year he was elected to his present position. Politically, he is a stanch Republican, and has rendered his party valuable assistance. He was married, October 18, 1865, to Miss Josephine Molloy, who was born in St. Francois County, Mo., and is a daughter of Rev. Joseph T. Molloy; her mother’s maiden name was Louisa Poston. They have one daughter, Stella M., who is her father’s deputy.