Biography of Joel Q. Hunter, Franklin Co, AR

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        Date: 16 Aug 1998
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SOURCE: History of Benton, Washington, Carroll, Madison, Crawford,
Franklin, and Sebastian Counties, Arkansas. Chicago: The Goodspeed
Publishing Co., 1889.

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 [p.1249] 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.