CHAPTER III
The Direct Progenitors of John Hunt who Married Jane Coates (Back to First American Ancestor)
RALPH HUNT
Ralph Hunt, with a younger brother Edward, ages 19 and 22 respectfully, are mentioned as passengers on a ship from London to “Virginia” (then the current name for America) in 1635. Rif-N.E.H.G. Reg. 1849 and 1850. Ralph settled in Newton L. I., now know as Elmhurst. Janes Riker has written the most authoritive account of Newton’s early settlers in his annals.
“Ralph Hunt, founder of the Long Island and New Jersey families, was among the first settlers in what is now Newtown, Long Island in 1652. His name appears on the Indian rate of 1658. On June 9, 1653, he was one of seven citizens of trust appointed to conduct the affairs of the town for the ensuing year. He seems to have been a leader in all the public affairs and was foremost among his neighbors in defying the authority of the Dutch governor Stuyvesant on Manhatten Island. He was one of seven men who went across the Long Island Sound to Westchester in the night and brought Panton with a company of men over to beat arms against the Dutch. When the English family acquired New Netherlands and drove the Dutch away, he was one of the first two magistrates appointed under the English rule. On April 21, 1665, he was commissioned Lieutenant by the English Governor Nicoll.
When the Indian title was extinguished and the new town, now called Newtown, erected, March 1, 1664, he was one of the patentees included in the royal charter.
He was one of the first three surveyors appointed to lay out the lots of the new settlers; was appointed one of the magistrates in 1673; and was named as one of the patentees when the charter of the town was confirmed by the GovŽernor. It was said of him that he enjoyed the confidence of the people and was their guide and counselor in all matters of importance in the community.”
He was born in England about 1613. Died 1677 on Long Island. Children:
1. ANN HUNT Born 1650. Died Feb., 6, 1681/2. Married Theophilus Phillips.
Children: 1. Anna Phillips b. Dec., 9, 1670.
2. Theophilus Phillips b. Kay 15, 1673.
3. William Phillips b. June 25, l676 (?)
4. Phillip Phillips b. Dec. 27, 1678
2. EDWARD HUNT Born 1652. Died 1715 at Newtown, L. I. Married (l) Sarah Betts, daughter of Richard and Joanna Betts. Married (2) Elizabeth Hazzard.
Children:
a. Edward Hunt
b. Richard Hunt
c. Thomas Hunt
d. Jonathan Hunt
e. Ralph Hunt
f. Sarah Hunt m. Silas Titus
h. Martha Hunt
i. Hannah Hunt
j. Abigail Hunt
k. Elizabeth Hunt
3. MARY HUNT Born ca l654. Married Francis Combs.
4. RALPH HUNT Born 1656 in Newtown, L. I. Died 1727.
5. JOHN HUNT Born ca l658. Died sometime before 1735.
6. *SAMUEL HUNT Direct progenitor. see page 14
The will of Ralph Hunt is recorded at the Hall of Records, New York, Liber 1–2
“First, I bequeathe my soule to God my Maker through my Lord Jesus Christ my redeemer and my body to the earth from whens it came and as for what earthly Estate the Lord hath bestowed on me I by this will of Mine Give and bequeath as follows:
First my will is that all my must debts be truely paid and the Remainder to be disposed of as followeth: It is my will and desire to have my sonn Edward to be hole and sole administrator of this my estate paying until his other three brothers as they come of age their portion by equal for my daughter Mary I do give to her two cows six sheep and the feather bed which I now ly on. And as for my daughter Anna’s three children, I give to each of them a sheepe. This will of mine being Ritt when I had my perfect Memory although very sick and weak. Captayne Betts and John Burroughs I doe desire to be overseers with my son in law Theophilus Phillips of this my will.”
his
Ralph Hunt
mark
Witness
Edward Stevenson
John
Thomas Morrell
“Memorandum January the 13th in the (year) of our Lord 1676/7. My will and full desire is also that my daughter Anna shall have as full and as good a porshon with that she hath all Redy as any of the Rest of my children and as for the Red Coate shee hath all Redy in her possession it is my will and desire to have it evalued and the one halfe to be given unto my daughter Mary this is my full will and desire.”
his
Ralph Hunt
mark
Witness
--- Burroughs
Edward Hunt
(Will admitted to probate Feb. 26, 1676/77)
SAMUEL HUNT
Born ca 1660 at Newtown, Long Island. Died at Maidenhead 1720. Married Mary
Children:
1.SAMUEL HUNT Born Died Dec. l5, 1752. Married Abigail Knowlton. Children: (listed in his will)
a. Samuel Hunt
b. Ralph Hunt
c. Sarah Hunt m. David Price
d. Martha Hunt m. Samson Dildrine
e. Abigail Hunt m. John Oxford, Jr.
f. Richard Hunt m. Mary Hull
h. John Hunt
i. Thomas Hunt m. Tabitha Cook
2. RALPH HUNT Born Died 1733. Married Elizabeth Jessup(?) who later married Phillip Phillips.
Children: from his will
a. Edward Hunt
b. Jemima Hunt
c. Kezia Hunt
d. John Hunt
e. Samuel Hunt
f. Elisabeth Hunt
3.*JOHN HUNT Direct progenitor, see page 17
4. MARY HUNT {no record)
5. ANNA HUNT (no record)
6. ELIZABETH HUNT (no record)
5.THOMAS HUNT m. Hannah Pierson
Children:
a. Elizabeth Hunt
b. James Hunt
c. Thomas Hunt
d. Jacob Hunt
e. Edward Hunt
f. Jesse Hunt
g. Samuel Hunt
h. John Hunt
i. Susanna Hunt
j. Margaret Hunt
k. Nathaniel Hunt
l. Sarah Hunt
8. JASPER HUNT (no record)
9. EDWARD HUNT
Children: (from his will)
a. James Hunt
b. Sarah Hunt
c. Anna Hunt
d. Anglica Hunt
e. Eleanor Hunt
Will of Samuel Hunt which is on file in the New Jersey
Wills, Vol 1, page 248, follows:
“In the name of God Amen the fifteenth day of January in the year of our Lord 1717/8: I Samuel Hunt of the Town of Maidenhead in the County of Hunterdon and province of New Jersie; yeoman: Being sick and weak in body but of perfect mind & memory: thanks be given to god therefore & calling until mind the morŽtality of my body & knowing that it is appointed for men once to Die: Do make an i ordain this my Last will and Testament: that is to say principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soule unto the hands of God that gave it and for -y body I Recommend it to the Earth to be buried in A Christian like and decent -inner at the Discretion of my Executors: Nothing doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall Receive the Same again by the mighty power of god & as touching such worldly estate: where with it hath pleased God to Bless me in this Life I give and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form:
In Primis I order all my just and Lawful Debts to be paid out of me movable Estate and all the Remaining parts of my movable Estate I give to my Dearly beŽloved wife except what is here after mentioned and given to my children: I allso give to my wife the use of my now dwelling house and also the use of that part of my plantation on the North or upper side of the Kings Rhoade lying through Maidenhead for her lifetime.
Item I give to my Beloved Son Samuel Hunt all that part of my plantation lying telow the said Rhoad on the south side of it to him his heir executors adminisŽtrators and assigns forever & allso give to my son Samuel Hunt my now dwelling house and all that part of my plantation Lying above the Rhoade after my wives Decease to him his heirs executors administrators and assigns forever; he paying such sums and Legacies as is hereafter expressed.
Item I give to my beloved sons Ralph Hunt and John Hunt all that tract of Land on Stoney brook parte whereof Is in hopewe11 and part in maidenhead & be Divided between them both: at the Discretion of my son Samuel: and Hezekiah bonham: and John price whome I depose and apoint to Divide it between my two sons afore said as equally as they well can and when it is so Divided that then my son Ralph Hunt shall have his first choice and my son John Hunt shall the other parte the which I give to them their heirs executors administrators and assigns forever; they paying such legacies as is hereafter expressed.
Items I give to my beloved Daughter Mary one heifer of two years old. Items I give to my beloved Daughter Anna one mare. Items I give to my beloved Daughter Elizabeth Hunt one cow and one mare to be Delivered to her on the Day after marriage.
Items I give to my beloved son Thomas Hunt one mare of two years to be Delivered to him at my deceas I allso give him fifteen pounds current money of the province to be paid him by my son Samuel Hunt; within six months after he is twenty one years of age.
Items I give to my beloved son Jasper Hunt ten pounds current money of this pro-vision to be paid by my son Samuel Hunt within six months after he is twenty one years of age and also I give to my son Jasper hunt five pounds curant money of this province to be paid him: by my son Ralph Hunt: in Six months after he is twenty one years of age.
Item I give to my beloved son Edward Hunt ten pounds curent money of this proŽvince to be paid him by my son Samuel hunt in Six months after he is twenty one years of age and also I give to my Son Edward Hunt five pounds curant money of this province to be paid him by my son John Hunt Six months after he is Twenty one years of age.
Item I constitute make and ordaine my Dearly beloved wife and my beloved Son Samuel hunt my onely and sole executors of this my last will and testament: and I Do hereby utterly Disalow Revoke and Disanull all and every other former testments and wills and Legacies Bequests and executors by me in any way before the time named willed and bequeathed Ratifying and confirming: this & no other to be my Last will and testament. In witness Whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seale the Day and year above written.
his
Samuel Hunt (Seal)
mark
Signed Sealled published pronounced and Declared by the said Samuel Hunt as his Last will and testament In the presence of us the Subscribers viz:
Ralph Hunt
Theophilus Phillips
Jonathan Davis
County of Burlington In the province of New Jersey ye 12 of October 1720 There came Before me Isaac Defore Surrogate appointed for proving of Wills &c Ralph Hunt and being Sworn upon ye holy Evangelist of all nighty God Declare that he was present & saw ye with Name Samuel Hunt Signe Seall & Declar ye within InŽstrument to be his Last will & Testament and yet at ye Same time he was of mind and memory to Ye Best of His Knowledg or beleafe & yt as ye Same time He saw ye other Evidencer sine ye Same as Wittnesses.
Taken before me ye Day & year Above
Ralph Hunt
Isaac Defore Surrogate
County of Burlington In ye Province of New Jersey ye 12th of October 1720 There cane before me Isaac Defore Surrogate Appointed for proving of Wills Mary Hunt and Samuell Hunt ye within Name Executors & upon oath Declare yt the within InŽstrument Contains ye Last Will & Testament of Samuel Hunt Deceased so far as they Know or beleave & that they Will well & truly proform ye same by paying first the debts then ye Legacies contained therein and make a true and perfect Inventory & also A Just account when there until Required.”
Taken before me ye Day and
Samuel Hunt
year above written
her
Mary Hunt
Isaac Defore Surrogate
mark
JOHN HUNT
John Hunt was born ca 1688. Died in New Jersey 1748. The marriage of John Hunt of Hopewell, New Jersey to Margaret Moore was February 8, l7l4. Record is found in the Newtown(now Elmhurst) Long Island, New York Presbyterian Church, printed in the N.Y. Gen. & Biog. Record 56:79. Received land as recorded in his father’s will, on Stoney Brook in Hopewell and Maidenhead. There seems to to much difference of opinion on Margaret Moore’s parents. Mrs.Sarah Hunt Steeves stated in her manuscript that Margaret Moore’s parents were John and Anna (Sackett) Moore. Others believe her father’s name was Gershom,son of John Moore.
Children:
1. WILSON HUNT Born 1715. Died Feb. 26, 1782. Married Feb. 12, 1735 to Susannah Price, dt.of John Price. Born March 10,1715. Died 1783.
Children:(from his will) a. John Hunt
b. James Hunt
c. Abraham Hunt(Gen. John Hunt Morgan,the Confederate’s hero, descends from this line)
d. Nathaniel Hunt
e. Elijah Hunt
f. Margaret Hunt m. a Mr. Jones.
h. Susanna Hunt m. (Peter) Gordon.
His will also lists a granddaughter Ruth Phillips, a grandson Peter Lott and granddaughters Naoma Lott and Elizabeth DeCamp. It is believed that Elizabeth’s mother was Charity who married Gideon DeCamp in 1773.
2. JONATHAN HUNT Born ca 1716, Hunterdon County, New Jersey. Died Sept. 5, 1782, North Carolina. It is believed he was married three times.
Children: (as listed in his will)
a. Andrew Hunt Born ca 174O. Died Feb. 3, 1803.
b. Charles Hunt John Hunt Born Sept. 19, 1748. Died May 7, 1829. Married 1774.
c. John Hunt Born Sept. 19, 1748 Died May 7, 1829 Married 1774
d. Wilson Hunt
e. Levi Hunt
f. George Hunt Died 1883. m. (1) Catherine Drummand. (2) Polly Mason
g. Sarah Hunt Born ca 1738. Died 1795 m. (1) Thomas Bryan.(2) Rev.John Gano.
h. Mary Hunt Born April 9, 1759. Died Aug.
i. Daniel Hunt Born Oct. 17, 1761. m. (1)
j. Elizabeth Hunt Born Jan. 1, 1763. Died Feb. 15, 1829.
k. Gersham Hunt Born July 10, 1765.
l. Catherine Hunt Born Oct. 26, 1766.
m. Enoch Hunt Born July 19, 1768. m Elisabeth Chaffin
n. Susanna Hunt Born June 10, 1771.
o. Margaret Hunt Born Oct. 18, 1773. Hunt m. Mr. Chaffen
p. Noah Hunt Born Oct. 1, 1775.
q. Cynthia Hunt Born May 16, 1780.
r. Jonathan Hunt Born Aug. 23, 1774 Died Feb 12, 1852 (Is believed to be the son of or the 18th childe of Col. Jonathan Hunt.)
s. Abijah Hunt (no record)
t. Timothy Hunt (no record)
3. CHARITY HUNT Married her cousin Edward Hunt.
4. JOHANNAH HUNT Died young.
5. JOHN HUNT Born ca 1719. Married his cousin Esther Phillips.
Children: (from his will)
a. Wilson Hunt
b. John Hunt
c.Lemuel Hunt
d. Isaac Hunt
e. Aaron Hunt, b. 1765. m. 1784 to Mary Seaman.
f. Peggy Hunt
g. Sarah Hunt
h. Rebecca Hunt
i. Rachel Hunt
j. Eury (Eura) Hunt
6. NOAH HUNT
7. *GERSHOM HUNT Direct progenitor, see page 20
8. *DANIEL HUNT Direct Progenitor, see page 22
9. ENOCH HUNT Lived in Hopewell Hunterdon, New Jersey.
The will of John Hunt is recorded in Vol. 6, page 82–84 of Wills, State of New Jersey and is as follows:
“In the name of God Amen this llth day of Feb. Anno Dom 1740/1, I John Hunt of Hopewell in the County of Hunterdon and Province of West N.J. being indisposed of body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be to God therefore and calling to mind the Mortality of my Body and knowing it is appointed for all men once to dye do make and ordain this to be my last will and testament that is to say Principally and first of all I give my Precious Soul into the hands of Almighty God who gave it and as to my body I recommend to the Earth to be buryed in a Christianlike and decent manner at the discretion of my Executors and as to that worldly estate wherewith it hath pleased God to bless me I dispose of in the following manner and form:
Imprimis I give and bequeath to Willson my Eldest and beloved son a negro Slave commonly called Peet with all the wheat to me belonging both on the ground and in the Barn with two Horses which he shall see fit to chuse and a certain amount now due to me from Dr. Daniel Coxe he giving me much wheat out of the above said crops as will be sufficient for the Family Bread 18 months if required.
Item I give and bequeath unto Jonathan my 2nd Son the plantation on which he now dwells he paying the several demands due to Loan Office whereupon as they shall I become due to his heirs and assigns forever.
Item I give and bequeath to Margaret my beloved wife a Negro wench called DinŽah with all my household furniture and three Milch Kows to be entirely at her dispose with a third of the rest of my moveable estate after my debts are paid out of the above said moveables.
Item it is my will that the two remaining thirds of my Cattle and Sheep be given to my two daughters Johannah and Charity.
Item I give and bequeath to my two sons (namely) John and Noah the Plantation on which Richard Hudnutt now dwells containing by estimation two hundred acres the same to be equally divided between them the south side to John and the North side to Noah to their heirs and assigns forever.
Item it is my will that John have the mare called his mare. Likewise Noah to have the Mare called his.
Item I give and bequeath to my three sons, namely Gershom, Daniel and Enoch, the Plantation on which I now dwell with fifty acres of woodland adjoining to their heirs and assigns forever upon George Smith which land and plantation I do devide as follows to Gershom the land lying and being below the road with twenty __res of the above said woodland at the northeast end and one Horse and a mare to Enoch one half of the remainder of Improved Land on the South and twenty acres of the above said woodland with a Horse and a mare and the remaining third of cleared and Woodland I bequeath to Daniel with a Horse and a Mare.
Item it is my will that if any of my children die before they come of age their Portion to be equally divided among the rest.
Item it is my will that Margaret my wife have the free use of the house as long is she remains my widow, and of the land till my sons shall come of age successively and when Enoch my son shall come of age that he provide for his mother it is my will and I do hereby constitute and ordain Margaret my wife and my two sons Willson and Jonathan to be the Executors of this my last will and Testament and I do utterly hereby revoke, disannul and disallow all other former wills, testament, Legacies and Executors by me in any ways before this time named, willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day and year above written.
Jn Hunt my mark (seal)
Signed and Sealed in the Presence of us, Wm. Cornell, Gershom Moore. Reuben A_____ge.
GERSHOM HUNT
Born ca 1723, Hunterdon Co., N. J. m. (1) 4 Sept., 1751, Eunice Fitz Randolph b. 10 Nov. 1730, N. J. d. 28 Mar. 1759, Yadkin River., N. C. dau. of Nathanie Fitz Randolph and Rebekah Mershon. m. (2) Elizabeth ____
Children of Gershom and Eunice Hunt:
1. SARAH HUNT b. 24 Sept. 1752, Yadkin River, N. C. d. Aug. 1758, Yadkin River N. C.
2. *CHARITY HUNT Direct progenitor, see page 24
3. HANNAH HUNT b. 24 Feb. 1759, Yadkin River, N. C. m. Lynn.
Children of Gershom and Elisabeth Hunt:
1. DAVID HUNT b. 1866/7. d. 20 Jan. 1811, Rowan, N. C. m. Sarah .
2. ELIJAH HUNT d. 18 June 1821. m. Elizabeth .
3. ABRAHAM HUNT
4. JEAN HUNT m. Beard.
5. ELIZABETH HUNT m. John Tussey between 1782 and 1792,
6. SUSANNA HUNT
7. MARY HUNT m. ____ Clark.
In the Name of God amen I Gersham Hunt of the County of Rowan and State of North Carolina, planter, being very week in Body but of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God for calling to mind the mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die do make and ordained this my Last will and testament that is to say principally and first of all I give and recommend my Soul unto the hand of almighty God that gave it and my Body I Recomnend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executors nothing Doubting but at the general Resurrection I shall receive the same again by the mighty power of God to bless me in this life I give and Demise and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form; First I give and Bequeath to my Beloved Son David Hunt one Hundred acres of Land joining to John Wilson and Runing a line East and West to him and his heirs forever. Likewise four acres of Land on the Creek including the Little meadow Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved son Elijah Hunt one Hundred and ten acres of land joining to David Hunts part Runing East and west to him and his heirs for Ever
Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Son Abraham Hunt the remaining part of said Tract of Land not here willed and Bequeathed to him and his heirs for Ever.
Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughters Charity Hunt and Hannah Lynn the sum of Five shillings to Each of them
Likewise I do give and Bequeath Daughters Jane Beard and Elizabeth Tussey the * sum of five shillings to Each of them
Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved daughters Susannah Hunt and Mary Clarke the sum of five shillings to Each of them
Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved son Abraham Hunt one set of plow irons
Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Son Abraham Hunt all my hoggs Likewise I do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Wife Elisabeth all my Household Furniture
Likewise all my movable property of Every kind not here willed and Bequeathed all to be for her use so long as she shall Remain a widow in my Name if she marry or after her Deceas I Do allow all that is here willed and bequeathed to her to be Equally Divided amongst my three Sons and my Daughter Susannah and for the Better Executing of this my last will and testament I hereby appoint my Beloved Son Abraham Hunt and my Beloved Son Elijah Hunt the sole Executors of this try last will and testament and do hereby utterly Disallow Revoke and Disanul all and every other former will and testament legacies bequests Executors by me in any wise named willed and Bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this and no other to be my last will and testament in witness whereof I have here unto set my hand and seal this twenty Eighty Day of April in the year of our Lord one thousand Eight Hundred and Seven Signed Sealed Published and pronounced and Declared by Gersham Hunt as his last will and testament in the presents of us who in his presence and in the presence of each other have here to subscribed our names.
his
Robert Wilson J.
Gersham Hunt (Seal)
mark
William Wiseman J.
May Session 1810
The within will was duly Registered in the Clerks Office of Rowan County Book G P. 149 M(?) Giles Clerk
DANIEL HUNT Born ca 1726. Died ca 1789. m. Susanna _ .
Children:
1. JOHN HUNT Direct progenitor. see page 24
2. GERSHOM HUNT b. abt. 1752. m. Elizabeth _
3. HANNAH HUNT b. 8 Oct. 1756. d. 28 Dec. 1851. m. 16 Jan. 1779, Rowan Co., N. C., Dr. John Green.
4. OWEN HUNT b. abt. 1756.
5. JOHATHAN HUNT b, abt. 1758.
6. ABLE HUNT b. abt. 1762. m. 17 Feb. 1787, Duanna Beard (2) Elizabeth.
7. MARGARET HUNT b. abt. 1764.
8. ARTHUR HUNT b. abt. 1766. m. 10 Mar. 1790, R. C. N. C17, Elizabeth Wilson (2) 17 Sept. 1791, Jenny Whitaker.
9. AME or (EMMA) HUNT b. abt. 1770. m. 4 June 1792, Rowan Co. N. C., Ford.
10. Dr. DANIEL HUNT b. abt. 1772. m. 6 Jan. 1797, Polly Wiseman.
11. CHARITY HUNT b. abt. 1774.
WILL OF DANIEL HUNT
In the name of God Amen The Thirthieth day of August
I Daniel Hunt of the County of Rowan and State of North Carolina Doctor Being very Sick and weak in body Though of perfect mind and memory thanks be given to God therefore calling to mind the mortality of my body Knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die That is to Say principaly and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul in the hand of Almighty God that gave it and my Body I recommend to the earth To be Buried in a Deaceonte Christian Burial at the Descretion of my executors Nothing Doubting but at the General Resurrection I Shall Recieve the Same again by the Mighty Power of God and as touching such worldly Estate wherewith it ha: pleased God to Bless me with in this I do give Demise and dispose of in the following manner and Form
Imprimis I Do Give and bequeath to my beloved Wife Susanah Hunt my Dwelling house and of the one Third of the benefits of the cleared land likewise all my household goods Except Such as Shall be hereafter mentioned to be at her Disposal as long as she remains a Widow Likewise I do give her a Feather Bed and furniture one horse creature and her Saddle Likewise two Cows and if should marry I Do allow all my house furniture to be Equally Divided amongst all my Children and a childs Part to Be given her I do allow her Choice of the horse
I Do give to my beloved Son John Hunt one cow
I do give and bequeath to my Beloved son Gershum Hunt Sixty Eacres of Land Whereon he now Lives Beginning at his fence The fence to be the line aruning the corse as the fence Stand to it comes the Branch then up the Branch to the fork then a West Corse to Joseph Lanens Spring Branch then up the Branch to the Line be it more or less
I Do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Sons Arthur Hunt and Daniel Hunt all the Rest of my Lands Which Will be two Hundred Eacres to be Eaqualy Divided Between them as my Executors shall see fit Likewise I do give Each of them two Cows I Do give Each of them a Horse Kind and my Son Arthur to have the one Called his and my Son Daniel to have his choice of the Rest
I Do give and Bequeath to my Beloved Daughters Margaret Hunt Ame Hunt and Charity Hunt to Each of then a feather Bed and furniture Likewise to Each of them two sons I do allow one years Provitions For the family all the Rest of my Goods not willed or Bequeathed here I Do allow to be Equally divided amongst all my children to Wit John Hunt Gershum Hunt Hannah Green Owen Hunt Jonathan Hunt Alle Hunt Margaret Hunt Arthur Hunt Ame Hunt Daniel Hunt my wife to an equal part Charity Hunt I do Apoint ani orDain my Son John Hunt and John Green A Wife Susanah Executors and my Exputors of this my Last Will and Testament and I do Hereby Disallow Revoke and Disannll all and Every other former Testament Wills Lagecies and Bequeaths and ___cutors by me in any ways before Named willed and Bequeathed Ratifying and preforming this and No other to be my Last Will and Testament in Witness whereof to live hereunto Set my hand and Seal the Day and year above Written Signed called Published and Pronounced and Declared by the Said Danile Hunt as his Last Will and Testament in the Presence of
Daniel Hunt (Seal)
us the Subscribers
Ented life before Signed Richard Wilson
His John H Holies (Seal)
His
Henry Roberts
Will Book E page 115
The foregoing information, with the exceptions of the wills of Gersham Hunt and Daniel Hunt, are portions of material taken from the book “The Pioneering
Spirit Lives On, The Hunt Family”, compiled by Beverly (Wynn) Yount, Copyright 156, pages 3–10.
JOHN HUNT AND CHARITY HUNT
John Hunt, son of Daniel Hunt and Susannah ____, married his own first cousin Charity Hunt. Charity was a daughter of Gersham Hunt and Eunice Fitz Randolph. Gersham and Daniel were brothers, sons of John Hunt and Margaret Hunt
John was born 1750/51, Hopewell, Hunterdon Co., N. J. died 30 April 1834, Hunt Settlement, Muhlenberg Co., Ky, md. Charity Hunt, b. 8 Aug. 1755, Yadkin River Rowan Co., N. C.
Children:
1. GERSHOM HUNT b. 1774, Rowan Co., N. C., d. 1 June 1844, md. 30 Kay 1801, N. C., Lucy Thomas.
2. DANIEL HUNT b. 25 Feb. 1776, Rowan Co., N. C., d. 19 July 1849, WesleyChapel, Warrick Co., Ind. m. 10 Kay 1798, N. C., Betsy Coates.
3. OWEN HUNT b. 17 Feb. 1778, Rowan Co., N. C., d. 4 March l850, Old Hebron Muhlenberg, Ky., m. 28 Sept. 1808, N. C., Mary or Polly-Lloyd.
4. CHARITY HUNT b. 1780, Rowan Co., N. C., m. 16 March 1799, N. C., Jesse | Davis.
5. JONATHAN HUNT b, 7 April 1783, Rowan Co., N. C., d. 24 Oct. 1852, Old Hebron, Muhlenberg, Ky., m. 11 Nov. 1804, N. C., Nancy Laurens.
6. *JOHN HUNT Direct progenitor. see page 28
7. SAMUEL HUNT b. 1787, Rowan Co., N. C., m. 19 July 1804, N. C., Peggy Mah___
8. JOANHAH HUNT b. 23 Feb. 1791, Rowan Co., N. C., m. David Engler.
9. ELIJAH HUNT b. 23 Feb. 1793, Rowan Co., N. C., d. 9 April 1869, Old Hebron Muhlenberg, Ky., m. 1816, Ky., Lucy Harper.
10. MARGARET OR PEGGY HUNT b. 1795, Rowan Co., N. C., m. 15 Feb. 1825, Ky., James Wood.
In the Administration books of Muhlenberg Co., Ky. we find that a Dr. John Hunt (presumed to be the son of John Hunt Sr.) administrated the estate of John Hunt Sr. The record of the Admn. was Aug. court 1841, in Muhlenberg Co., Ky. court. Deed book 9 pages 218 and 219 Muhlenberg Co., Ky. 2 Sept. 1837- John Hunt Sr. of Muhlenberg and George Mefford. For 62 bushels of corn paid by said George Mefford for l4 Acres on Muddy River, the description follows.
Witnesses: John Hunt
Samuel Parker and Enoch Hunt
Signed by John Hunt Sr. Recorded 29 Oct. 1838 Dated 15 Kay 1841. Circuit court book 4 p. 147 - 30 June 1834
Satisfactory proof being this day made in the open court by oaths of Jacob Studebaker and Jonathan Hunt that John Hunt Sr., late pensioner of the U.S., departed this life on the 30th day of April 1834 and that said John Hunt was the same person named in the original certificate now here shown to the court bearing date the 1st day of May 1834 and signed by Lewis Cass, Secretary of War granting the said John Hunt a pension of $20.00 per annum”OLD HEBRON” as it stood in 1956 in Muhlenberg County, Kentucky. No longer used as a Church, it had been weatherboarded to be rented for living purposes. Daniel Hunt a son of John Hunt & Charity Hunt had deeded one acre of ground to be used for burial purposes and a chapel to be used for Church purposes.
“Old Hebron” rejuvinated as it first stood. After more than 125 years these hewn logs are still well-preserved. hand hewn benches are still in use.
CEMETERY “OLD HEBRON”
Proof in tombstone of first cousin relationship. Jefferson Hunt, son of Jonathan Hunt & Nancy Laurens. Cena Hunt dau. of John Hunt & Jane Coates.
John & Jonathan were sons of John Hunt & Charity Hunt who were also first cousins. John & Charity are buried over in one corner “Old Hebron” Cemetery. Daughters of Revolution have placed a ____ at two and it is granted the widow now living. (This item shows that Charity lived after the death of her husband John Hunt Sr.)
“Power of attorney from John Hunt and Charity his wife to John Hunt Jr. was exhibited in the court and proven by the oaths of Jonathan Hunt ani William Willaims subscribing witness as thereto which is proven to the satisfaction of the court.”
We know that John Hunt Sr. was a Revelutionary Soldier from a Revelutionary Certificate bearing the number 26701. The pension record of John Hunt Sr. −138053 and states he was born in the 1750/51 in N.J. and was called into service when “I was living in Roan Co., North Carolina and where I continued to reside until 1806. When I came to Muhlenberg Co., Ky. where I now reside.” John Hunt was so old and infirm that he just made his mark.
John and Charity, with their family, moved from Rowan Co., N.C. to Muhlenberg Co., Ky. in about 1806. We know that his married children came with him because they are buried in the sane hallowed acre called “Hebron” where John ani Charity are buried.
The following was written by Albert E. (Bert)Hunt about this acre called “Hebron”.
“My first visit to this sacred spot was so overwhelming to me that I wrote the following when I returned home.”
ONE ACRE OF HALLOWED GROUND
with that inward feeling that tingles to the narrow of the bone, I knew that others not seen were walking with me among the groves where many of my kins folk were sleeping that peaceful last slumber. This was in October of 1956 the four of us were privileged to spend a short hour or so as we passed through Kentucky on a research trip.
I knew that at the earliest opportunity I would return and really get acquainted with my kinsmen who still live on, or near, the property where our common ancestor, my third great grandfather, John Hunt, a Revolutionary Soldier of North Carolina, settled with his family. memories and love for those he knew there. It was on October 6th-1957, Edward M. Manley, a double cousin, whom I had never met before, and I left his home in Los Angelas and turned our faces toward Kentuck. Ed was born at Rochester, Kentucky. He has spent many happy days there, so the emotions that filled our bosoms was a little different. His was one of fond memories and love for those he knew. Mine was one of great anticipation. Ed is a fine researcher and has done a wonderful job in gathering many records for others as well as for us. The spirit of researchhad been working overtime in the heart of this cousin of mine. Our friendship in the five weeks we traveled together through Kentucky, Indiana, Tennessee, Texas, Illinois, Missouri and other states visiting relatives and gathering genealogical information, ripened into a fine companionship.
October 10, 1957, will always stand out as one of those days a man will life a lifetime for. As if by a powerful magnet we were drawn toward that hallowed spot where more than 150 years ago, John Hunt and his wife Charity (Hunt) Hunt, first cousins, had settled with their children, Gersham, Daniel, Owen, Charity, Jonathan, John, Samuel, Joannah, Elijah and Margaret (called Peggy). This must have been a wonderland to the seven strapping sons of John, their private “Garden of Eden”. Deer in herds of fifty graned gracefull on the wooded knolls and frolicked knee-deep in Kentucky Blue grass in the valleys. Great streams of Buffalo wended their way contentedly roaming unŽdisturbed wherever they desired. However it was not all pleasure here in this beautiful garden, God had planted. To wrest a livelihood from the elements took the courage, perseverance and ingenuity that is characteristic of those hardy men and women that God had raised up to pioneer the frontier and lay the foundation for less hardy people to reap the results of work well done. This Hunt family, with their neighbors, did a heap of living here.
There is always a beginning and an ending to each mortal the “aster sends to the earth and so it was that death came into this family and with death “Old Hebron” had her beginning. The huge Hickory, Gum and Oak trees nodded their approval as the first lifeless body was returned to mother earth under their watchful care. Of course there must be a meeting place in which to worship their maker and to hold the final rights of those called home, so a little building had been erected from the native logs that were so plentiful. These people had a strong belief in God. On the 30th of April 1834, after 84 years on the earth our Revolutionary ancestor, John Hunt was called home and yielded his body up to mother earth and his spirit back to God from whence it came. Old Hebron opened her arms and received with a welcome smile one of God’s favorite sons. It was only a short time later that John’s faithful wife, Charity Hunt was lain to rest by his side. In life they were together and in death they were not separated. Many of their children, grandchildren, etc., have joined them in this beautiful sleep of the mortal body and are now waiting anxiously for the trump of God to be blown that will usher in the tine to reŽunite their mortal bodies to the spirit, never more to be separated. It was not un-natural that our souls were being stirred as we traveled along the newly graded and graveled road in the autumn splendor of the great profusion of color The Master artist seemed to have known something unusual was about to take place and so had prepared the magical background. Tears ran down my cheeks unchecked and unashamed as I gazed once again on this hallowed acre, knowing full-well that the blood that ran in my veins had been bequeathed to me from people such as these whose silent markers say nothing, only stand there marking the tiny spot of ground where these loved ones sleep. Yes, we do have so much to give thanks to our Creator for. America, the home of the brave and the free, a choice land, a land choice above all other lands of the earth. When one really and seriously counts our great heritage and blessings made possible by such people as our ancestors, then with a great rush of blood through our veins and determination in our hearts we know we too must pass on to our children and our children’s children this great heritage. Something must be done to preserve this soul-stirring experience so generations to follow will feel as we felt an; know as we know that we are a real part of America.
As we got out of our car and came up to the door of the little church build ing we wondered how long it had been since voices were raised to God in song and sermon within its sacred walls. With this wondering came a yearning, burning desire to have her doors once again open and to mingle our voices in song and prayer in memory of those who had made our heritage possible. This burning deŽsire became a reality as we took a hack saw and sawed off the rusty lock. A few hours later 13 of us from three different states and part of these from three different counties of Kentucky stepped reverantly acrossed the threshold. the spirit of those who had worshiped here many years ago was hovering strongly in every nook and corner and if one listened closely and was tuned in properly the voices from out the past were whispering, “Thank you my children for this wonderful thing you are doing.” As our voices raised to heaven in the beautiful hymn “In the Garden” it seemed so appropriate here in this beautiful spot and within the hallowed walls of this sacred little shrine. The initial plans were lain to organize a committee to preserve in proper style this beloved acre and church house that breathed so heavily of heritage and strength of our ancestors. _ Albert E. Hunt seemed to be expected by those present to take charge and did with a deep feeling of humility. By the spoken word and with bowed heads in subtle prayer it was brought to our attention the part our ancestors had played Conquering the frontiers and making this blessed America the land of promise.
October 13, 1957 was one of those glorious Autumn Indian Summer days that only Kentucky can produce. As the sun rose above the wooded hills the trees with their leaves of brilliant colors shimmered in the gentle, cool autumn breeze and seemed to be whispering “God is in His heaven and all is well.” This was the big day for the Hunt Homecoming at Huntsville, Kentucky. The little town of course derived its name from those who had built it. At an early hour Hunt descendents began pouring into this historic little southern town. It wasn’t long before the grounds of the local Methodist Church was crowded with heirs from seven states. Basket lunches were soon spread on the tables prepared for the occasion. The saying among the Hunts “Where the Hunts meet, people ___ was more than lived-up to on this occasion. After two hours of eating and socializing all gathered inside the Church building for a meeting. Bobby Anderson, owner of radio station W.M.T.A., a Hunt descendent, acted as Master of cere-monies. Many tears of joy and gratitude were shed as heads were bowed in revent prayer and the speaker recounted the part the early Hunts and their descendents had played in building America and indeed are still playing in her ___ to hold her place of prominence in the world as a peacemaker. Some 450 Hunt Descendents, as near as could be counted left that day more determined than ever to hold as a priceless pearl their birthright heritage. Two weeks later a similar Hunt Homecoming was held at Stephson Station Community Hall in Warrick Co. Indiana.
The experiences of these five weeks will last through eternity. Recalling now brings a lump to my throat and peace to my soul.
CHAPTER IV
John Hunt Jr. and Jane Coats and Their Descendents
The descendants of John Hunt Jr. and Jane Coats will probably number a thousand persons at this time. (Comment: several thousand). John Hunt Jr. and Jane Coats were among the persons who came into the State of Iowa before 1 It is known that John Hunt Jr. came west into the vallies and lived and died in Ogden, Utah by 1857.
A- John Hunt Jr. was b. 15 March 1785, Huntsville, Rowan Co., N. C. His death date is reported as 10 Jan. 1857, Ogden, Weber Co., Utah with a burial date of two days later at the sane place. He was the son of John Hunt Sr. and Charity Hunt. He md. 1 Feb. 1810, Jane Coates (Coats, Coate) at Muhlenberg Co., Ky. Jane Coates was b. 1780–1790, at Greenville, Muhlenberg Co., Ky., d. 19 Dec. 1877, Hebron, Washington Co., Ut., bd. 23 Dec. 1877, Ogden, Weber Co., Ut., dau. of Henry Cotes and Susan Elliott.
Known children of John Hunt Jr. and Jane Coates:
1. ENOCH HUNT (see #A1 etc.)
2. ELIZABETH HUNT (see #A2 etc.)
3. WILSON HUNT (“see #A3 etc.)
4. AMOS HUNT (see #A4a and A4b etc.)
5. CENA HUNT (no record) buried in Old Hebron cemetery near Huntsville, Ky.
6. WILLIAM BRADFORD HUNT (see #A6 etc.)
7. JONATHAN HUNT (see #A7 etc.)
The rest of this chapter and the remainder of the book will be devoted to the above children and their descendents. However, each of the above children will be treated separately.
Source: Brent Bunker