My Genealogy Hound

Joel Q. Hunter, a leading citizen of Franklin County, Ark., was born in Fayette County, Miss., May 22, 1848, being one of seven surviving members of a family of twelve children born to the marriage of Stephen D. Hunter and Ellen C. Smith, both of whom were born in Tennessee, the former in Maury County. They were married in Mississippi, whither they had removed with their parents when children, and resided in that State a number of years after their union. Shortly before the war they removed to Texas, but after a brief residence in that State returned to Mississippi. The father was an uncommissioned officer during the war, and participated in many battles in which Lee was engaged, but was never seriously wounded or taken prisoner. In 1868 he and family removed to Franklin County, Ark., where he became a wealthy farmer, and spent the remainder of his days. He died in 1880, when about sixty years of age, and throughout his long and useful career was a stanch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. His wife is still living, and resides on the old homestead in Franklin County. Joel Q. Hunter, their son, remained at home until 1873, when he was united in marriage to Miss Louisa Lesley, a daughter of Samuel Lesley, by whom he became the father of five children: Lena L., Gertrude, Eureka, James F. (deceased) and Samuel D. Mrs. Hunter was born in Callaway County, Mo., October 6, 1855. Mr. Hunter is a Democrat, and one of the industrious, enterprising and progressive citizens of the county.