ARETUS L. HUNT
The Olathe Mirror, Thursday, Dec. 27,
1917, Pg 1
No. 52
COL.
A. L. HUNT
______
The sudden death of A. L. Hunt
better known as Col. Hunt, which occurred at his home on East Park street
Tuesday evening, December 18, came as a distinct shock, not only to the
immediate family, but to his many friends throughout the county. Up to the
very moment of his passing Mr. Hunt appeared in his usual health and spirits.
The family had just finished the evening meal and were still sitting around the
table discussing the war news, when all of a sudden Mrs. Hunt noticed the
Colonel’s head dropped forward. Thinking he was feeling faint, she
hurried to his side lifting his head and urging him to speak. Physicians
were hastily summoned, but the end evidently came even before Dr. Moore could
come across the street.
Col. Hunt was a familiar figure
among us; so long had he been identified with the growth and progress of town
and county in many of its activities; so long had he walked among us, that he
seemed a part of the very town itself.
Aretus L. Hunt was born in Peoria
county, Ills., March 3, 1847. His parents were William Hunt and Rebecca
Brinkle, natives of Maryland and descendents of some of the earliest Maryland
families. They came to Illinois in 1836, and located in Peoria county.
He received his early education in the public schools of Illinois and in early
life learned the blacksmith’s trade.
February 2, 1865, before he was
eighteen years old, he enlisted in Company A, 151ST regiment, Illinois Infantry,
and was attached to the army of the Cumberland, spending most of the time in
Georgia until he was mustered out at Columbus in 1866.
Mr. Hunt returned to Illinois, and
remained until 1871, when he came to Kansas, locating at Stanley where he
conducted a blacksmith shop for fifteen years. He was also engaged in the
grain, lumber and coal business there for a number of years, and for a time was
in partnership with E. R. Gooding, under the firm name of Gooding & Hunt,
but later Mr. Hunt bought his partner out and conducted the business alone until
1897, when he sold it to Hodges brothers.
Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Mary
J. Capperune, of Burean county, Illinois, August 1, 1878. Their home was
in Stanley until 1899, when they moved to Olathe, where Mrs. Hunt died May 2,
1907. Mr. Hunt was married to Mrs. Blanche H. (Buxton) Barnes of Olathe,
October 31, 1912.
Since coming to Kansas, Mr. Hunt
had been interested in farming and had acquired several farms aggregating 480
acres. For a number of years he was a large cattle feeder. Since
coming to Olathe he has not been actively engaged in business but has been
active in a number of organizations. He was a member of the Grange for
years and has held various offices. At the time of his death he was
treasurer of the Olathe Grange, and for three years was secretary of the State
Grange. He was adjutant of Franklin Post No. 68 G. A. R. and one of the
directors of the Patrons Bank, of which he was president for several years.
In politics Mr. Hunt was a
Republican, and devoted to the best interests of that party. He was a man
of exceptionally good judgement, his opinion being sought and valued.
His many fine traits of character
were appreciated by his large circle of friends. When present at any
gathering he always brought with him a genial, companionable atmosphere.
There was a ring of sincerity to his voice which, with his cheery smile and
characteristic salute in greeting, always won him a warm welcome.
His private character and his
official record were above criticism. He was an example well worthy of
emulation—an example of the highest and best type of American citizenship, a
noble Christian gentleman, a true and devoted husband, a loyal, and sympathetic
friend, a genial companion, and an honest, faithful and efficient public
servant. His genial disposition and his happy manner drew to him friends
of all ages. The child of four, the young man, the comrade of years
ago—all alike felt at home in his presence.
We had known much of Colonel Hunt
the last few years, and our judgment of him and his worth had been formed for a
long time. When the men and women came from Stanley and vicinity in large
numbers to attend the funeral service, their tribute to his life, corroborated
our—and even went much farther.
Colonel Hunt possessed great force
of character, thorough loyalty and devotion to duty, unquestioned honesty,
industry, and energy, that seemed to have no limits. Stanley people love
to tell of his sounding anvil, accompanied always by a cheery whistle, long
before other residents would arise for the duties of the day. After a
fatigueing day’s work, he was never too tired to take part in the social
gatherings and was the life of the crowd with his ready wit and humor.
He was forceful and influential
everywhere, a safe, wise counselor, a true, valued friend, and essentially a
useful man.
In the army he was one of the best
of soldiers, and did valiant service. He possessed courage of the highest
type, was chivalric by nature and he was endowed with an equable temper and a
pleasing disposition, which resulted in his having a very wide circle of real
friends. His acquaintance was extensive and his standing high wherever he
was known. The death of Colonel Hunt is a distinct loss to Olathe and
Johnson county.
Mr. Hunt is survive by his widow
and two step-children, Helen and Harvey Barnes; also two brothers and three
sisters.
The funeral services were held
from the M. E. church, of which Mr. Hunt was a faithful member, on Thursday
afternoon, December 20, conducted by the pastor, Dr. M. M. Culpepper, who in
fitting words commended Mr. Hunt’s worthy life and example and spoke
words of comfort to those who are left. Music was furnished by a quartet
composed of Mrs. Blankenbeker, Mrs. Gilbert, Miss Zimmerman and Mrs. Roberds,
with Miss Nehrhood at the organ. The pall bearers were the directors of
the Patrons Bank—O. J. Scott, J. W. Robinson, F P. Hatfield, S. B. Haskin,
George Black and George Kelleher. The beautiful floral offerings were a
silent tribute of the love and respect of many friends.
Interment was made in the Olathe
cemetery, the services at the grave being in charge of his comrades of the G. A.
R. who had laid tenderly over the casket the flag he loved, and which was
interred with him.
‘Perchance, all desolate and forlorn,
These eyes shall miss thee many a
year.
But unforgotten every charm—
Though lost to sight, to memory,
dear.”