BIOGRAPHIES:  Thomas R. HUNTER, Decorah Prairie, Trempealeau Co., WI

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Thomas R. Hunter, one of the pioneers of Trempealeau County, who came here 
more than 60 years ago, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, about eight miles 
from the city of Glasgow, Nov. 26, 1836, son of John and Agnes (Ferguson) 
Hunter, his parents being natives of the same locality.  In 1842 John Hunter 
came alone to the United States, his family following in 1848.  For about a 
year he operated a mine at Bloomsberg, Pa., then moved to Clinton County, 
Pa., and from there to Maryland, where he remained about 18 months.  In the 
summer of 1853 he came to Wisconsin, locating in La Crosse County, where he 
remained about six weeks.  He then came to Decorah Prairie, near Galesville, 
Trempealeau County, which locality was then, however, a part of La Crosse 
County.  In the following year Trempealeau County was organized and John 
Hunter became the first treasurer of Gale Township.  He obtained land, which 
he set to work to develop and improve, and was thus engaged when his death 
occurred in 1864.  He and his wife were the parents of ten children, of whom 
the youngest and the only one now living is Thomas Russell, the subject of 
this sketch.

Thomas R. Hunter was a lad of 17 years when he accompanied his parents to 
Trempealeau County.  He assisted his father on the farm until the latter's 
death and then became its owner, his father leaving it to him by will.  Here 
he has since resided, carrying on general farming. He has 180 acres of 
highly improved land, all a part of the original homestead, which is now 
operated by his youngest son Robert.  The nearest trading point when he came 
to this farm was La Crosse.  The Indians frequently came to the vicinity, 
but never molested him.  In fact he had some warm friends among them, 
frequently gave them shelter over night and was thanked by them for his 
favors.  Mr. Hunter was the instigator and prime mover in having the bridge 
across Black River constructed, on the main Galesville - La Crosse road, 
this improvement being accomplished in 1895.  It is known as "Hunter's 
bridge," this name being given to it by the La Crosse County board.  When a 
young man living in the state of Maryland, Mr. Hunter was a member of the 
denomination known as Bible Christians.  He has never joined any church in 
Trempealeau County, but for over 50 years has been connected with the 
Sunday school at Decorah Prairie.  In politics he is independent.  He was 
township chairman two years and was two years a member of the side board.  
Thomas R. Hunter was married Oct. 31, 1862, to Agnes Grant, who was born in 
Lanarkshire, Scotland, May 28, 1842.  When a child of six years she 
accompanied her parents to the United States, the family settling on Big 
Sandy River in Kentucky.  After residing there until 1855 or 1856 they came 
to Wisconsin, traveling by rail to Prairie du Chien, from there by boat to 
Trempealeau, and by team to Gale Township.  Here Mr. Grant bought land and 
engaged in farming.  He died on his homestead about 1871 and his wife about 
1877.  They had four children, of whom their daughter Agnes was second in 
order of birth. Thomas Hunter and wife have 11 children:  Walter, residing 
on an adjoining farm, who married Jeanette Oliver of Gale Township and has 
eight children; Elizabeth, wife of Andrew McCall, a farmer and extensive 
land owner in Rock Island County, Ill., who has three children; Agnes, 
residing with her parents; Thomas, a resident of Galesville; John, living 
on an adjoining farm, who married Effie Bidwell, and has two children; Ellen, 
wife of Henry Shoffell, a farmer in Nebraska; Ruth, wife of Fred Docken, a 
farmer and ranchman in Montana; Mae, residing with her parents; Jennie, wife 
of Talmadge Vicery, a lumber dealer in Sheridan, Wyoming; Isabelle, residing 
at home, and Robert, who is operating the home farm.

--From the "History of Trempealeau County, Wisconsin, 1917," pages 364 - 365.