Wasco-Sherman County OR Archives Biographies.....Hunter, William A. December 28, 1867 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Ila Wakley iwakley@msn.com January 11, 2011, 9:41 pm Source: History of the Columbia River Valley From The Dalles to the Sea, Vol. III, Published 1928, Pages 631 - 632 Author: The S. J. Clarke Publishing Company WILLIAM A. HUNTER. A notable example of a well spent life is afforded by the career of William A. Hunter, the owner of one of the model farms of Wasco county and an influential citizen of The Dalles, of which he was formerly the mayor. A native of Canada, he was born December 28, 1867, in Kincardine, Bruce county, Ontario, and has inherited the sterling traits of his Caledonian ancestors. His parents were Murdoch and Ann (Finlayson) Hunter, the former born in the province of Ontario, while the latter was a native of Scotland. When a child of three Mrs. Hunter made the voyage to Canada with her parents, who settled on a farm in the province of Quebec and there remained until called to their final rest. Murdoch Hunter was a lifelong resident of the Dominion and responded to death's summons in 1884, while his wife passed away in Wasco county, Oregon, in 1901. Their family numbered eleven children, seven of whom survive: Mrs. Maggie McLeod, of Moosejaw, Saskatchewan, Canada; John, who lives at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan; Mrs. Betsy McLeod, of The Dalles; Mrs. Catherine Longhurst, a resident of Chico, California; David, who lives on the old homestead in Canada; William A.; and James, who is engaged in farming in association with his brother David. William A. Hunter received a public school education and assisted his father in the tasks of plowing, planting and harvesting, becoming thoroughly familiar with farm work. In 1888, when a young man of twenty-one, he severed home ties and crossed the border into the United States, locating on a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Sherman county, Oregon. Later he purchased adjoining land and acquired a tract of four hundred and eighty acres, which he cultivated until 1894. He then sold the property and purchased a large ranch twenty-five miles south of The Dalles, in Wasco county. Spring water has been piped to all of the buildings, which are modern and substantial, and up-to-date equipment facilitates the work of the fields. The land is devoted to diversified farming, wheat being the principal crop, and cattle and hogs are also raised on the place, which is exceptionally well improved. This is one of the best farms on Tygh ridge and Mr. Hunter also owns a tract of two hundred acres, containing valuable timber and likewise situated in Wasco county. He was one of the promoters and builders of the first Farmers Warehouse at Dufur, in which he is financially interested, and also owns stock in the Farmers Union Warehouse at The Dalles. In 1913 he retired from agricultural pursuits and became a resiŽdent of The Dalles. He has since leased the Tygh Ridge ranch, on which he erected a large barn in 1909 and a modern farmhouse in 1910. The fields are separated by neat fences and everything about the place indicates the progressive spirit of its owner. On July 4, 1899, Mr. Hunter was married at The Dalles to Miss Gertrude Badger, a native of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Raymond) Badger. Mrs. Hunter's great-grandfather, Stephen Badger, was a soldier in the Continental army, and his father, Obadiah Badger, also served in the Revolutionary war. Samuel Badger, the grandfather of Mrs. Hunter, was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and his wife was a native of Scotland. Samuel Badger migrated from Massachusetts to Michigan, which at that time contained dense forests and was sparsely settled. He was a contractor of high standing and assisted in building some of the first railroads in Michigan, also constructing the old state capitol at Lansing. His son, George Badger, was born in Ionia, Michigan, and fought in the Civil war, serving in the First Michigan Cavalry and also in the Sixth. He likewise established an enviable reputation as a contractor and in 1884 built the State Asylum at Ionia. In addition he erected the John C. Blanchard residence and other fine homes in Ionia. His wife was born in New Canaan, Connecticut, and her parents were Russell G. and Asenath (Hoyt) Raymond. Her father was a direct descendant of Count Raymond, a nobleman of France, and traced his ancestry in that country to the third century. The American progenitor of the Raymond family left England in 1624 and settled in Salem, Massachusetts, in colonial times. Mrs. Hunter's uncle, Cyrus Raymond, was for years a councilman of Danbury, Connecticut, and also served in the legislature of that state. He was a member of the firm of John B. Stetson, whose hats are nationally known, and in connection with their manufacture he owned a valuable patent, which he afterward sold. Going to Florida, he invested heavily in orange groves, from which he derived a large income, and spent the remainder of his life in that state. To George and Sarah Ann (Raymond) Badger were born seven children: Raymond, who has passed away; George, who conducts a garage at Grays River, Washington; Gertrude; Mamie, deceased; Mrs. Jennie Pomeroy, a resident of Portland, Oregon; Frank, who owns a large dairy farm near Grays River; and Sarah, who lives in Ionia, Michigan, and follows the profession of teaching. Mrs. Hunter received her early instruction in Ionia, Michigan, and attended various schools in the west. Her education was completed in the old Portland University in Oregon and previous to her marriage she engaged in teaching school. She is one of the Daughters of the American Revolution and belongs to the Sorosis Club and the Monday Musical Club. In religious faith she is an Episcopalian and takes a keen interest in the activities of the church Guild, of which she is a member. Along fraternal lines Mr. Hunter is connected with The Dalles Lodge, No. 303, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. An earnest advocate of the cause of education, he made an excellent record as school director and for many years was clerk of the board. For two terms he was mayor of The Dalles and during his tenure of office the city made notable progress. His labors have been resultant and beneficial and the respect accorded him is well deserved. 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