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Salem Pioneer Cemetery ~ George Washington Hunt ~ part of the Marion County Pioneer Cemeteries of Oregon
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George Washington Hunt
LAST NAME: Hunt FIRST NAME: George MIDDLE NAME: Washington NICKNAME: 
MAIDEN NAME:  AKA 1:  AKA 2:  AKA 3: 
TITLE: Hon. GENDER: M MILITARY: Indian Wars
BORN: 8 Feb 1831 DIED: 9 Oct 1902 BURIED: 11 Oct 1902
ETHNICITY:   OCCUPATION:  Farmer and Stock Breeder
BIRTH PLACE:  Liberty, Union Co., Indiana
DEATH PLACE: Salem, Marion Co., Oregon
NOTES: 
1st MARRIAGE - to Elizabeth N. Smith, 1850
2nd MARRIAGE - to Elizabeth Ewing, 1901

BIOGRAPHICAL:
George Washington Hunt, son of John Shotwell Hunt and Temperance, his wife, was born at Liberty, Indiana, Wayne County, Harrison Township, February 8, 1831. He died at Salem, Oregon, October 9, 1902. He immigrated to Oregon with his father's family in '1847, at the age of sixteen years. He drove a team and otherwise looked after his father's stock on the way to the west. In a little book: HISTORY of the HUNT FAMILY, by G. W. Hunt, he tells of their experiences on the plains as follows: "We now commenced preparations for our journey to Oregon. After building two wagons, the woodwork of which was made by John Ensley, my father and myself completed them, and after running John Sedgwick's sugar orchard and making sufficient sugar for the trip, and getting two buffalo guns made at Brumfels of Abbington, we started on the fifth day of March, 1847, from Smithfield, Indiana, for Oregon. "The morning we started it was a novel sight. People came from far and near to see us off, and my father's best friends even then tried to persuade him to remain in Indiana, saying it was folly to start on such a long, tedious journey; and it seems even now at this time to have been a rash undertaking, as my father's purse was limited. "With our hired teams we soon landed in Cincinnati, Ohio. Here we took passage on the steamer "Fort Wayne" for St. Louis, Mo. "The captain made it very pleasant for us on the steamer, he being an old acquaintance of my father, having formerly carried a steamer load of produce for my father during his trading career from eastern Indiana up the Mississippi to different places. "We crossed over the falls at Louiswille, Ky., and one or two steamboats raced us all the way to St. Louis, one coming in a few lengths behind, as we landed. "At St. Louis we laid in supplies for the journey, among the rest, some salmon hooks, to catch salmon on the Columbia. The laugh came in afterward about the salmon hooks, as we found on our arrival that salmon very seldom bit at hooks. "Here at St. Louis we sold six bushels of hickory nuts that we were carrying with us to eat on the plains, finding we had no room for them. We bought bar lead for three and one half cents per pound and powder for nineteen cents per pound. "We left St. Louis on the steamer 'Meteor' for St. Joseph, Missouri. It was said that there were three hundred steamboats lying at St. Louis when we left. At Island No.7, on the Missouri River, a few miles below Lexington, our boat burst both her boilers. After patching the boilers the boat could not stem the current, so we landed at Lexington, where we bought some oxen, and crossed by land to Independence, Missouri and bought our flour for the trip at the Blue Mills, the property of Colonel Owens, who was killed about this time in a battle with the Mexicans at Chihuahua. "After we arrived at Independence, Mo., my father's money running short, he took in an excellent young man from Texas by the name of Elijah Patterson, who furnished one yoke of oxen and one yoke of cows, which made us a very good outfit. From Independence we made our way to Indian Grove, our next camp on the line of Indian Territory (now Kansas). Here Patterson was elected captain of twenty-one wagons and we rolled out for Oregon. "At our next camp three men, who had been out on the Santa Fe road looking for the remains of a man who had been murdered for his money, stayed all night at our camp. "We crossed Kaw river, near where, I am told, the present Kansas City, is situated. "On little Vermillian we buried a man who started with us sick. Just before we crossed South Platte river we saw our first buffalo. There seemed to be a square of eight or ten miles of them traveling north. We killed several choice buffalo here, our hunters killing them as they crossed the river. While gathering up our cattle at this place, we found a gun and shot-pouch in the tall grass. The Pawnee Indians had waylaid a man hunting stock. One shot broke his arm, which held his gun, and another cut the strap of his shot-pouch. This happened in the company ahead of us. "The Mormons crossed us over North Platte in a rather loose affair called a ferry. "At Independence Rock we laid in a good sized sack of saleratus from the saleratus lakes on the head of Sweetwater river on the summit of the Rocky mountains. "John Thomas (one of our company) and myself, while out hunting, were surrounded by the Crow Indians, and were kept prisoners nearly all day, and we only escaped by refusing to give up our guns and breaking through a weak place in the ring. The Indians nearly tore off my coat-tails in trying to hold me, while Thomas nearly knocked an Indian off his horse while he was trying to wrench my gun from my hands. "That night the Indians stole several horses from our train. While making the Ham's Fork Cut-Off, General Kearney passed us with his dragoons, on his way back to the States from the conquest of California. "We crossed Snake river at old Fort Boise. At this crossing we overtook Stephen Coffin from Brookville, Indiana. When we reached the Grand Ronde valley, I traded my big buffalo rifle to an Indian for a good horse. The Indians followed us two or three days and finally stole the horse. "After the Cayuse war, following the murder of Whitman, an Indian from the Blue mountains tried to trade this gun, broken at the breech, to Henry Williamson, formerly of Ohio, who told me he saw my name on the gun, as my name was cut on the barrel. "We will now go back to the place where we passed the American falls, or Salmon falls, on Snake river. Here we found the Indians drawn up in two lines, one on each side of the road. My father had but two wagons in company. Here the redskins demanded a fat ox, one Indian taking aim at the ox they wanted. My father kept this Indian covered with a cocked rifle while we tried to push the oxen on. My mother handed me my rifle out of the wagon, and I gave my whip to my sister Mary, a frail, delicate girl, who slashed the Indians right and left, and the oxen so severely that we managed to get through them. The Indians raised a big war whoop, and, looking back, we saw Dobson's company just coming over the hill about a mile behind, which, perhaps, saved us from being robbed. "Near here the Clark family were murdered two years later while traveling alone. "We will now return to the first camp after the crossing of Snake river, near the hot springs, where Whitcomb's company and Palmer's and Dodson's company camped together, where they had a big dance, and a prominent person at the dance was one Moore Dimmick. During the night the Indians stole two of the best carriage horses in the train. "From the second crossing of Snake river, Coffin's family and my father's family traveled together to somewhere near the Umatilla. In crossing the Blue mountains my father lost a fine Durham heifer, which he had bought at Independence, Missouri.
"After my father and Coffin separated, I went to look for some horses the Indians had stolen just before crossing Willow creek, near the Columbia. And while I was gone four Indians undertook to rob my father; but, by covering them with his gun, he managed to get away. Several parties of immigrants were robbed at this place about this time. "We crossed the Deschutes river on a ferry in company with a family by the name of Templeton, who had two wagons and who settled in Linn county. This family helped us up steep hills, as their teams were better than ours. When we reached Tygh valley, we being nearly out of provisions, my father bought half a bushel of peas and a few potatoes from the Indians; these were all the provisions we could buy there. "When we arrived at Barlow's gate we found camped there Samuel Center and Theophilus Powell, with fresh oxen from the Waldo hills, waiting to help their friends on, who they expected would come in a few days. They agreed with my father that if he would wait until their friends came they would help us on with their oxen. So my father waited; and this was the fatal mistake of the whole trip. We waited ten days and the others did not come, so we started on. On the summit of the Cascades there came a cold storm of snow, covering the ground. Our cattle being thin, the cold chilled them, and we were compelled to leave half of them. This day things looked quite gloomy. The fresh oxen out-traveled ours, and the next day we left all the rest of our stock, excepting three head of cattle. "As Mr. Barlow and my father were good Whigs, he only charged my father $5 fees, and we were the last wagon that crossed the mountains that season. "When we arrived in the Waldo hills my father took up a donation land claim now owned by Henry Warren and my brother, John A. Hunt." At the age of 18, George W. Hunt bought his freedom of his father and went to the California gold mines in 1849. He was quite successful as a miner and at the early age of 20 years was married to Elizabeth Nancy Smith, aged 17, on the 3d day of August, 1851. Elizabeth Nancy was the daughter of his father's second wife; thus he chose his step-sister for his life companion, after knowing her only three weeks, his father's marriage to her mother having taken place a month before. George and Nancy settled on their homestead, sixteen miles south- east of Salem, Oregon, and three miles from the town of Sublimity. He had previously taken up a claim on the Columbia river, near his Uncle Harrison Hunt's saw mills, where he had worked the summer before he was married. Becoming dissatisfied, he had given it up, choosing the Waldo hills country as more desirable. After their marriage, his wife took up a donation land claim of 320 acres near Sublimity, Marion county, and he bought from Paul Darst the claim of 320 acres adjoining his wife's land, paying $100 for the same, making a mile square in the piece and containing 640 acres. It was one of the most fertile and beautifully situated of the Waldo hills farms. On this farm they lived happily for thirty-eight years. During the Civil War, Mr. Hunt started a small store, for his own and the convenience of his neighbors, in his own house, and as the store grew he built a suitable building out upon the main traveled road and carried on a general merchandise business for over twenty-five years. Almost everything from a package of needles to a threshing machine could be bought or ordered at this country grocery. In time he established a blacksmith shop and encouraged the building of an armory, giving the ground for this purpose. This armory made a good rendezvous for the young men in the country, and as no saloons were allowed here, it was a pretty safe place. Mr. Hunt encouraged the young men of the surrounding districts to organize a baseball club and gave them permission to play on his land, to keep them, as much as possible, away from the nefarious saloons that were so numerous at that time, there being three of these at Sublimity, only three miles away. He also supported, for several years, a minister, who preached on Sunday at the armory, so the young folk would get religious instruction along with their social activities. Mr. Hunt was always interested in the young people and tried to do his best to stimulate high ideals in all those with whom he came in contact. He was much interested in military tactics and a fine company of militia was organized here. He called the small burg Whiteaker and had a postoffice and rural route established in 1880 for the benefit of the community. In after years, however, and at the death of Mr. Hunt, this post office was discontinued and the store disposed of. About this time a disastrous fire destroyed the armory and Mr. Hunt's warehouse, and Whiteaker was numbered with the past. After thirty-eight years of happy married life, these good folk, George W. and Elizabeth N. his wife, left the homestead in the care of their son, Jeptha T., and moved to Salem, Oregon, where in after years they both died and are buried in the Odd Fellows' cemetery. George W. Hunt was a very prominent man in Marion county, Oregon, and a prosperous farmer and stock breeder. He imported from Wisconsin the first Shropshire sheep into Oregon, in 1883, paying $300 for the first ram; unfortunately it died en route. He then paid $600 for a pair that lived fully to reimburse him for his venture, to become in time the most popular breed in Oregon. He was a man of strong intellect and deep piety, making of his home the "open door" for the traveling ministers of those early days. He gave liberally of his means for the support of the gospel. He was converted in childhood, but did not unite with the church until a short time before his marriage, when he and his wife joined the United Brethren Church at Sublimity. Milton Wright was the pastor of the church at that time. George W. Hunt was at one time state Master of the Grange and a charter member of the Oregon Agricultural Society. He was a man of strong personality, with wonderful self-control and had the manners of a country gentleman. He was a republican as to politics. He stood 5 feet 11 inches, was broad of shoulders, with dark brown hair, sandy beard, clear blue eyes and fair skin. He weighed 190 pounds. He had a good, clear singing voice and loved to sing. He was especially fond of the great out-of-doors. He liked to hunt, fish, and camp out in the open, with his dog and gun. He was of modest demeanor and never aspired to public office, yet these things were easily within his reach. He was a ready writer and left to his family the little book called "A HISTORY of the HUNT FAMILY." Elizabeth Nancy, his wife, was the daughter of Doctor Smith and his wife, Nancy Scott Wisdom Smith, mentioned before, who crossed the plains from Oregon, Holt County, Missouri, starting from old Independence, Missouri. She was born July 25, 1834, at Oregon, Missouri, Holt county and died at Salem, Oregon, October 10, 1891. She was a devoted wife and mother; of a very unselfish nature and during all of the forty years of their married life, she and her husband were like lovers. Hers was a jolly disposition and full of fun. She was of Irish ancestry. Her hair was dark brown and her eyes a green-gray; she had a rosy, fresh complexion and was plump but erect of figure, weighed at the most 174 pounds, carried her head high and to quote her husband, "she was not afraid of man, beast or the devil." She was at one time state lecturer of the Grange and was chosen to represent Oregon at the Centennial at Philadelphia in 1876, but this honor she declined because of her home duties. She was a typical pioneer woman and a true helpmeet to her husband. Born in the south, of democratic ancestry, she was at all times a true republican, in those days before women had the right of suffrage. She was much interested in the early state fairs and her golden butter marked with a sheaf of wheat always carried off the blue ribbon. She was a woman of strong personality, very capable and one to whom her neighbors, as well as her family, turned in time of trouble. She was a good Christian and died in the faith. "Her children rise up and call her blessed." The following children came to bless this happy union: Temperance Evaline; born May 17, 1852; died October 26, 1903, at Albany, Oregon; buried at Scio, Oregon. She married Robert F. Ashby.
Josephine Elizabeth; born December 21, 1853; died July 16, 1854.
Georgianna Isadora; born August 28, 1858; died May 6, 1893, at Oakland, Oregon; buried at Fair Oaks, Oregon. She married James L. Hunt, son of John M. Hunt, of Oakland. Melanchton Wright, born April 14, 1860; died January 28, 1915, at Berkeley, California; buried at Salem, Oregon; he married Minnie G. McMonies. Melanchton Wright was named for Milton Wright, father of the famous Wright brothers, who invented the airplane. Milton Wright afterward became a bishop of the U. B. Church. Jeptha Thomas; born February 12, 1862; he married Myrtie E. White. Sarah Fiducia; born April 27, 1871; married to Burpee Laban Steeves, M.D., April 18, 1898, at Salem, Oregon. Below are the following grandchildren: Temperance E. Ashby had the following children: Birdie (Canter), Sarah C. (Dorris), Edith M. (Fowler), Elsie G., Robert H., Clyde B., George. Georgianna I. Hunt's children were Lawrence A., Ida E. (Pinkston), Sarah N., Jeptha L., Mary Alice (Chenowith), Helen Georgia. Children of Melanchton W. were: George M., Percival C., Homer H., Gertrude E. (Phillips). Children of Jeptha T. were: Clarence J., Marion S., Norris E., Helen Ruth (Tate). Children of Sarah Fiducia (Steeves) were: Laban Aaron and Muriel (Morse)." From: Steeves, Sarah Hunt, BOOK of REMEMBRANCE of MARION COUNTY, OREGON, PIONEERS, 1840 - 1860, Portland, Oregon, The Berncliff Press, 1927, pg. 96-101;
DEATH CERTIFICATE: 
N/A
OBITUARY: 
DEATH OF AN AGED PIONEER
Hon. G. W. Hunt Passed Away in This City Last Night
Came to Oregon in 1847 -- Experienced many encounters with the Indians in early days -- 
Funeral Arrangements not yet made. 
Hon. G. W. Hunt, one of the earliest pioneers of Oregon, died at his home No. 115 High street, last night, after a protracted illness, of pneumonia, aged 71 years. Deceased was born in Liberty, Indiana, in 1831, and came across the plains with his parents in 1847. For a short time after his arrival he worked for his uncle in a saw mill on the Columbia river, the first one in operation, and also worked upon a boat which was the first domestic vessel to cross the Astoria bar, going out. In 1855 he was married to Miss Elizabeth E. Smith, daughter of the late Doctor and Nancy Smith, and sister of Mrs. Sarah Durbin, in Champoeg county (now Marion county) and a short time later took up a donation land claim in the Waldo Hills, where he lived and thrived until a few weeks before death overtook him. His first wife died in this city, in the year 1892, and he was married again, last year, to Mrs. Elizabeth Ewing, who survives him. Mr. Hunt, during the early days in Oregon, although belonging to no military organization, experienced several skirmishes with the hostile redskins, the most important of which was a hard fought battle with a band of Klamath Indians which had come down in the valley to hold a pow-wow. When the Indians put in their appearance a posse of settlers was quickly assembled, of which the deceased was a member, and a hard fought battle took place on the Abiqua, the result of which was that the Indians were routed and driven back across the mountain Santiam pass. Four children survive him, two daughters and two sons, as follows: Mrs. T. E. Ashley, of Ogden, Oregon; Colonel M. W. Hunt and J. F. Hunt, of Whiteaker, and Mrs. Sarah F. Steeves, of Weiser, Idaho. The latter of whom arrived on the overland last night. He also has two brothers living, Hon. John A. Hunt, of the Waldo Hills, and James Hunt, of Cottage Grove. The funeral arrangements have not as yet been definitely decided upon, but will probably take place tomorrow.
Oregon Statesman 10 Oct 1902 3:4 

Funeral services over the remains of the late G. W. Hunt will be held at the residence of deceased at No. 115 High street this morning at 9 o'clock. Interment will be made in the Odd Fellows' cemetery.
Oregon Statesman 11 Oct 1902 5:1

PIONEER IS BURIED
Remains of the Late G. W. Hunt Were Given Burial Saturday Morning.
Funeral services were held over the remains of the late G. W. Hunt at the family home, No. 115 High street, at 11 o'clock Saturday morning. There was a large attendance of the pioneers of Salem and vicinity. The funeral service was conducted by Rev. P. C. Hetzler, of the United Brethren church. John Hughes, E. M. Croisan, W. H. Downing, C. March, John Craig and James Batchelor served as pall bearers. Burial was had in the I.O.O.F. cemetery.
G. W.  Hunt, who died at his residence in this city on Thursday evening, was born in Indiana in 1831, and came to Oregon in 1847. In 1850 he married Miss Elizabeth N. Smith and took a donation land claim in the Waldo Hills, where he lived until a few years ago, when he removed to this city. He was a successful farmer, having one of the best hills in the best agricultural section of the valley. He was a lover of fine stock, and his large farm was always stocked with the best blooded animals. He brought into the state the first Shropshire sheep.
Mr. Hunt was a highly educated man, and always took a prominent role in local affairs of a public nature. He was a staunch Republican, but never held office, having declined the offer of several nominations within the gift of his party. In the early history of the state he took an active part in the Indian wars, particularly in the famous fight on the Abiqua. He was for the greater part of his life a consistent Christian, and always took an active interest in the religious work of the community in which he lived. Mr. Hunt's first wife died in 1891. In 1901 he married Elizabeth Ewing, who, with four children survive him. The children are: Mrs. T. E. Ashby, of Albany; Captain M. W. Hunt, of Salem; J. T. Hunt, of Whiteaker, and Mrs. D. B. Steeves, of Weiser, Idaho.
The Daily Journal 11 Oct 1902, 1:5
INSCRIPTION: 
George W.
 Born in 
Wayne Co., Ind 
Feb. 9, 1831 
Died Oct. 9, 1902 
71 yrs 8 mos 1 day 

FATHER
SOURCES: 
LR 
LD 
Saucy Survey & Photographs
Steeves, BOOK OF REMEMBRANCE, pp 96-101 
OS 10 Oct 1902 3:4 
OS 11 Oct 1902 5:1
DJ 11 Oct 1902, 1:5
CONTACTS: 
LOT: 478 SPACE: 2 SW LONGITUDE: N 44° 55.226' LATITUDE: W 123° 02.853'
IMAGES:
     
 
 

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