He was born in Trowbridge, Vermont, and married Miss Ellen King, daughter of Rev. Nathaniel King, Sept. 11, 1827, residing in his father's home till the summer of 1835, when he came to Michigan and located, the farm on which he died.

He then returned to Vermont, and on the 1st day of May, 1837, started with his wife and four small children for his future home. The traveler of today, shown the route which necessitates, even a change of cars. But think of Mr. Hunt, taking his family and goods by teams over the Green mountains to White Hall, thence by canal to Troy, and from Troy to Buffalo by canal boat again, consuming seven days. Arriving in Buffalo, he found the lake filled with ice, and leaving his goods to be shipped to St. Joseph, Michigan, he hired a team to take himself and family up the shore of the lake to open water which was found at Silver Creek, where they took passage on a steamer for Toledo.

Arriving in Toledo, he hired a wagon and team to take them to Kalamazoo, and after five days traveling through the wilderness arrived at that place, where his family rested a few days while he built a small rough board house in which they were soon settled.

They commenced the struggle with pioneer life, so vivid in the memory of those who still live to tell the stories. In the sickly season of 1838, most of the settlers were sick with chills and fever. Medicine could not be obtained, and there was much suffering and many deaths. The heads of seven families in this vicinity died that season. The deceased {John Hunt} left his own work and spent most of his time in nursing the sick, cheering the despondent and burying the dead. Those who passed through it, have never tired of relating the self-sacrificing work of John Hunt in that terrible crisis. But a most happy change came. Health and prosperity was restored to the pioneers. Mr. Hunt gave his best energies to improving his farm and building his house. The wilderness faded away, and the rude habitation was exchanged for this more comfortable home. He and his faithful wife toiled together in happy married life for half a century, and their golden wedding was celebrated in a becoming manner - children, neighbors and friends vieing together to make the event an interesting and happy one.

Of their nine children, all but one were living and present on that occasion and all but one of them are present today. Ten more years passed smoothly and quickly away, and the 11th of September last, was the sixtieth anniversary of their marriage. Preparations were being made to celebrate that event - so much in life - fitting such an occasion; but sickness had held its heavy hand upon the groom of sixty years, and the day was passed with no demonstration, except the quietly calling of children and neighbors to extend congratulations.

In the early history of the county and this township, Mr. Hunt took an active part in all public affairs. He was repeatedly elected to office, and was supervisor of Antwerp for a number of years. As a public officer, he was faithful to every trust; as a business man, his whole life, long career, was characterized by strict integrity, as a citizen, neighbor and friend. The "golden rule" was his guiding star, and he was respected by all, and died without an enemy. As a husband and father, he was kind, patient, affable and exemplary; and in return was dearly loved by wife and children. Truly it can be said of him "He was an honest man, the noblest work of God", and the world has been made better for his having lived in it. He came into this country when it was one vast wilderness and has done his full share in everything that has tended to develop this highly favored county, and produce the wonderful transformation which has taken place. But, John Hunt has finished his work in life, and "like a shock of corn fully ripe, he has been gathered to his fathers".

Friday, March 8, 1889.

Mesline & Elliget make and ship 225 barrels every three weeks to Chicago. The material used in manufacturing the barrels is taken right from the log at their shop. This is a record few coopers can boast of.

Addison Parker of Bangor, committed suicide in the barn of Mrs. H. Southard about 11 o'clock a.m. Tuesday. Deceased was about 64 years old, and committed the rash act with a 32-caliber revolver. Domestic trouble was the cause.

Official meeting of the board of trustees and stewards of the M.E. church of Lawton, revealed the fact that the pastor had received his pay in full for the second quarter and a balance on hand of $16.55, all of which speak well for the pastor and people.

Will Dickinson is home again from school. The term, for which he has been teaching, in District No. 6, in Pine Grove township, having closed on Wednesday. Mr. Dickinson has engaged to teach the spring term in the same district commencing March 25th.

In Justice Dickinson's court Monday: Mrs. Elizabeth Clapp vs. D.T. Shafer. Cause was tried by a jury who brought in a verdict of $4.05 damages for plaintiff. Defendant has given notice of intention to remove the cause by certorari, to the circuit court.

The N.H. Bitely estate has been dragging along in the probate court for many years - having run through the administrations of Judges Richards, Lawton, Mills, Hilton (two terms), and is still unsettled. Judge Heckert will have a hearing of the case on the 13th inst. - True Northerner.

Miss M.H. Dunning of Paw Paw, who has been teaching music her of late, has consented to give a "musical" at the parlors of Mrs. L.D. Roberts next Tuesday evening, showing the actual work of her class. She will be assisted by Miss Cora Ihling, of Lawton. Entertainment begins at 7:30. - Decatur Republican.

New suits in the circuit court: People vs. Chas. J. Cripped, violation of liquor law. - People vs. Zimri H. Warner, keeping gambling room. - Arthur Megs et al vs. Satie E. Squires et al, assumpsit. - Arthur Megs et al vs. Fred E. Sherwood, assumpsit. - People vs. Frank Gibbs, larceny. - Chas. Duncombe vs. Horatio O. Felt, injunction. - Michigan Mutual Life Ins. Co. vs. John Gillepsie et al, foreclosure. - Minnie F. Orton vs. Chas. Orton, divorce.

Says the Courier's correspondent from Buckville: "Pete Jones, proprietor of the Morgan house, at the corner of Griffin and South Main streets, started for Washington last Friday to witness the inauguration, while at Lawton got on a drunk, gambled his money all away, sold his round-trip ticket for $10, pawned his watch to Eck Robinson for $4 more, was arraigned before a Lawton court, charged with drunkenness, paid a fine of $10 and $3.10 costs, took his last 60 cents and came home a wiser, and we hope, a much better man."

Resolutions
WHEREAS, It has pleased, the Supreme Ruler, to enter our midst, and take from the family of our brother knight, John F. Gould, his beloved child; and
WHEREAS, In the loss, which our esteemed brother and his family have sustained, we recognize and feel the power of our Great Commander; and bow in humble submission to his will.
THEREFORE, Resolved, that Lawton lodge, No. 84, K. of P., as a body, hereby express to our brother, J.F. Gould and his family, our most sincere regret at their great loss, and tender to them our deep sympathy in this, their time of sorrow and sad affliction; and
RESOLVED, That a copy of these resolutions be handed to our bereaved brother and family; and also that a copy thereof be published in the LAWTON LEADER.

• LESTER A. TABOR
• GEO. S. COOK
• LEVI W. DICKINSON,
• Committee.

Was married to Experience Reynolds, August 3d, 1853. Moved to his late residence New Year's day, 1854, clearing a few acres of land the fall before. His wife died July 31, 1879, leaving him with five children to mourn her loss.

He struggled along with poor health and at last went to meet her March 4th, 1889. His children are called to mourn a kind father, wise counselor and friend that they feel can never be replaced in this world. He was highly respected and esteemed by all in the community where he lived. The funeral services were held at his late residence, March 6th, 1889, the Rev. Mr. Day, of Lawton, officiating.

Friday, October 9, 1891 issue.

Pumpkin pie socials are fashionable. M.S. Lawton went to Saline Wednesday. An early and cold winter is prohesied. Frank Ohls of Marcellus was in town Monday. M.L. Rudasill was at the county seat yesterday. Dr. Long was in town a few days this week. A case of roller skating craze in Oakland county. L.A. Weldin moved into his new house Monday. Ax handle timber wanted. Enquire of H. Leonard. G.R. Castner of Jackson was in town Tuesday. C.S. Adams was at Grand Rapids the first of this week. Cholera is working on the porkers near Schoolcraft. Fred Prindle is working in a planing mill at Paw Paw. T.R. Smith made a business trip to Chicago this week. Geo. Pritchard moved his family back to Jackson this week. Max Barnett from Detroit, is clerking at the L. Stern & Co.'s. L. Stoker & Co. have received an invoice of new carriages. S.T. Beam and wife were at Mattawan Thursday. Miss Jennie Powell was home from Kalamazoo over Sunday. W.H. Kellogg made a business trip to Kalamazoo Wednesday. Miss Belle Conklin returned to her home in Toledo Thursday. Mrs. N.P. Baldwin has been under a physician's care this week. E. Gillis and wife made a short visit to Grand Rapids this week. The editor of the Gobleville News is feasting on a 5-1/4 pound turnip. Frank Sheldin and H. Bert Jones, of Marcellus, were here yesterday. Geo. Newkirk, of Porter, rejoices over the arrival of a son since Friday. Miss Grace Green, of Cassopolis, is visiting her mother, Mrs. Rebecca Green. E. Greiner was at Coldwater last week, where he was called by the illness of an uncle. Miss Cessona, who has been packing grapes for H. Ford, returned to Nashville, Thursday. Chas. McClain arrived here Wednesday from Jackson for a visit to his parents in Porter. Emory Ball and family will move into the Sebring house, formerly occupied by Geo. Pritchard.	L.C. Harrington and family and M.L. Rudasill are intending to go to North Carolina next month. Chas. Harrington sold his place east of the M.E. church to C.E. Lee, Monday. Consideration $1000. Mrs. E. Greiner returned from Lawrence, Monday, where she had been visiting her brother and family. Several Lawton sports went to Grand Rapids, Thursday, to witness the race between two noted trotters. Morris Noble and wife, of Kalamazoo, visited Rev. E.S. Dunham and T.A. Palmer and family Wednesday. Mrs. T.D. Ward and daughter, Clara, will spend Sunday with relatives in Schoolcraft. Mr. Giddings and wife and Miss Laura Reed from Kalamazoo visited at J.H. Hall's Thursday. Jabez Wyman, aged 83 years, died at his home near Three Rivers, Tuesday. He formerly resided in Porter and was the father of Tim Wyman. The following are the names of the pupils in district No. 6, Porter, who have been neither absent nor tardy, and whose deportment has been perfect for the month ending Oct. 2: Maud Beck, Ada Shaver, Rena Wiles and Hortie Wiles. FLORENCE HALL, Teacher. Since coming to this place, Messrs. E. Beam & Son have added a new Atlas engine and made a great many other new improvements on the Monitor mills, and Lawton can now boast of a flouring mill which is not only a benefit, but also an honor to the village. The gentlemen are experienced and competent millers and will give their patrons as due a grade flour as can be made. Over 25,000 people witnessed the great race between the two noted stallions, Allerton and Nelson, at Grand Rapids yesterday, for a purse of $10,000. Nelson won the first heat in 2:13, but was beaten by Allerton in the last three, the time being 2:14-1/2, 2:15 and 2:16-1/2 respectively. A bulletin board giving the result of each heat was displayed in front of Adams & Lich's store in this village during the race and attracted a great deal of attention. Sunday afternoon, H. Stern and Ed O'Brien, accompanied by Mr. O'Brien's 8-year-old son, Guy, drove out to Mr. Stern's farm. The men went into the field, leaving the boy with the horse, which became frightened at a stump and ran away. The buggy finally came in contact with a post and the lad was thrown out over the dashboard, one of the passing over his head. He received several bruises, but was not seriously injured. The horse freed itself from the vehicle and returned to town, none the worse for his exercise.

Friday, November 11, 1892

Lawrence Dick Everett was home over Sunday. H.L. Cornwell is in Chicago this week. Dallas Ferris is moving onto his farm. Mrs. Hathaway's trimmer has gone home. Miss Ethel Preston has been visiting in town. McFern finished the cider making Tuesday. Z.N. Warner moved onto his farm Thursday. Fred Gage is now a resident of Benton Harbor. The Maccabees have business for the goat next week. Al. Rogers of Chicago was in Lawrence over Sunday. Mrs. Fairbanks is very low and not expected to recover. Geo. King, Melvin Vining and several others were home to vote. Allie Howe and wife have returned from Jewettville for good. Chas. McCollum entertained a nephew from Battle Creek Tuesday. Mr. Hazelton and Mr. Peterson have both been sick, but are better. Mrs. Burt Northrup has been to South Bend to visit Edna Rush. Rockafellow invites you to inspect his fine line of gloves and mittens. A couple of rowdies indulged in a fight on the street Friday evening. Pritchard gave another dancing party at the opera house Thursday evening. Mr. and Mrs. James Hazelton of Paw Paw visited friends in town over Sunday. Over a hundred less votes polled than registered. Why did you stay away? The drama given by the school Columbus Day will be repeated next Tuesday night. Henry Kingsnorth went to South Haven Wednesday to deliver a colt for J.F. Barrows. Prof. Phillips is preparing to ride the "goat" and become a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mart Burlingame, who went West recently to deliver a horse, returned home the latter part of last week. Mr. and Mrs. W.E. Cornwell spent a couple of days in Kalamazoo with H.L. Cornwell and family. The club rooms in the second story of the Marshall block have been opened up again for the winter. A beautiful crayon portrait of the late George Stebbins, by Roberts, has been on exhibition at the post office. S.M. Hess is in Chicago purchasing new goods. Al. Mentor is working at the store during Mr. H.'s absence. The school for scandal has been closed for three years or more and there is quite a sentiment against its being reopened. There have been two accidents caused by defective sidewalks. Would it not be best to look after them before you have to pay damages?

Porter John Hotop and Thomas Cornish visited in Kalamazoo last week. A.I. Weldin has hired Ross Lee to work his farm the coming year. George Adams will teach in District No. 5 and Jennie Perry in No. 6. College Day will be observed at the Porter church one week from Sunday. The Ladies' Aid of the M.P. church met with Mrs. James Burlington this week. Mr. and Mrs. Chas. VanRiper visited aat LaGrange last week. They expect to move to Lawton this week. Mr. Sebring of Kalamazoo, and Miss Kate Harper, of Lawton, visited Mrs. Wm. Morgenthaler over Sunday. Henry Stillwell, John Marshall's hired man, was called to Allegan Tuesday by a telegram announcing the illness of a brother. A.J. Wyman, aged 42, died at Vicksburg Monday night, from an abscess. He was a brother of T. Wyman, of Porter, and formerly resided in this township. Elder Ougley of Blanchard, Mich., will preach at the Porter Centre schoolhouse next Sunday at 10:30 o'clock. He is 80 years old and has been a life-long missionary. Miss Myrtle Hooper has a Cottage organ and is now trying to master the "charm that soothes the savage beast." Miss Maude Wyman is the instructor. South Porter William Pitts has gone into the sheep business, having taken a flock of Wash. Gibson. B.F. Thompson, of Edwardsburg, made a visit to relatives in South Porter last week. Enos Maxam and Will Shafer, who are working in Niles, visited at home over Sunday. A large number from So. Porter atttended the Republican rally at Marcellus last Saturday. Fred Reynolds has moved six miles east of Vicksburg to work in Bartlett's saw-mill during the fall and winter. John Buckmaster has moved into the house of Samuel McManigal, vacated by Calvin Maxam, who has moved to Lawton. David Carver, who worked for John Clemmens through the summer, is to stay with Evander Mack, who is in very poor health, through the winter.

Friday, December 16, 1892