My Genealogy Hound

Joseph L. Hunter. Among the various occupations that claim the energies and attention of mankind, there is none more replete with dignity, independence and freeness of life than that of tilling the soil. The history of Lincoln County recounts the successes of many prominent men who have followed this occupation, and chief among these stands he whose name heads this sketch. He is a son of Joseph L. Hunters, and was born in Noxubee County, Miss., February 28, 1835. The Hunter family is of English descent, tracing their ancestors back for several generations, and being at all times noted for strict integrity. The father of the subject of this sketch was born in 1801, in North Carolina, being a son of David Hunter and grandson of Isaac Hunter. Of their ancestry, three brothers came to the United States from England, settling in Virginia. Joseph L. Hunter, Sr., moved to Tennessee when a lad, with his father, locating in Maury County, and again, in 1824, moved to Perry County, Ala., where he remained until 1833, at which time he changed his dwelling place to Noxubee County, Miss. He married Miss Susan Stewart, a native of Tennessee, who was born in 1809, and died in 1865. The family continued to reside in Mississippi until the death of the father. He was devoted to his wife and children, and a most prosperous farmer and stock-raiser. He was a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. The fruit of his union with the mother of the subject of the sketch was nine children, all of whom lived to be grown, and five of whom are still living. Joseph L. Hunter was the fifth child of the family. After graduating in a full course at Harvard College, Ala., in 1855, he moved to Arkansas in 1858. He enlisted in the Confederate army in the spring of 1862, serving faithfully until the close of the war. His experience during these years was extremely interesting. He was wounded at Pilot Knob, Mo., by a piece of shell; was with Gen. Price, in September and October, 1864, on his raid from Arkansas through Missouri, Kansas and Indian Territory. He was promoted to first lieutenant, and during the latter part of the war was often in command of his company. At the close of the war, Mr. Hunter returned to his farm, on Bayou Bartholomew (near his present home), where for twenty-six years he dwelt surrounded by plenty. In the year 1884 he took possession of the estate, and built the lovely home where he resides at present, near Star City. He married Miss Lucy J. Hudson, daughter of James A. Hudson, March 26, 1861. Of this union were born five children, viz.: Susie B., Charles M., Howard L., Ida J. and Lucy G., of whom Charles M. and Lucy G. died in infancy. Mrs. Lucy J. Hunter died December 27, 1887.