Obituary of William R. Hunt


"William R. Hunt, a life-long and prominent figure in the history of this community, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Emily H. Gates, early Tuesday morning, March 6th, following a brief illness, aged 89 years.

He is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Emily H. Gates of this village, and Mrs. Gertrude H. Gates of North Bloomfield; two brothers, A. H. Hunt of this village, and Stephen B. Hunt of Rochester; four grandchildren, Mrs. Gertrude Gates Mudge, Miss Thalia Gates, and Alfred and Lawrence Gates.

Deceased was born in North Bloomfield, October 1, 1834, and most of his life has been spent in this vicinity, in the mercantile and manufacturing business, beginning in 1854 as a clerk in the general store of the late Timothy Holden in Mendon.  A few years later he established in the general mercantile business for himself at North Bloomfield, and still later in other towns.

In the early '70's he engaged with his brother, Elston, in the operation of the woolen mill, long conducted by Allen and Buggy, and succeeded in making Honeoye Falls noted for the quality of its woolen goods for a period of nearly forty years.

He was a member of Union Star Lodge, F. & A. M., having joined that organization in 1886, and continuing active in the work until his death, being one of its oldest members.

A public spirited citizen he was active in every work, among his late undertakings being the placing of a memorial tablet to the memory of Sergeant Frederick S. Bennett, who lost his life in active service in France.

A member of Honeoye Falls Methodist church his funeral was held from the church on Thursday afternoon, March 8th, at 2:30.  Interment was made in North Bloomfield Cemetery, with Union Star Lodge in charge of the services.

On retirement from business soon after the taking by Rochester of the water power on which the industry depended largely, he took up other activities.  An ardent prohibitionist, he espoused the cause then set on foot, and became a staunch leader in the movement.

About this time he turned his attention to the publishing business and engaged as business manager of the Defender, the state organ of the prohibition party, and located in Elmira.  He was twice nominated for Congress in the 34th district, and also for the mayor of Elmira by the Prohibitionists, and for some years was treasurer of the state committee of that party.  Up to his death he maintained his interest in public affairs and more especially in the outcome of the Volstead act.

Mr. Hunt was a frequent contributor to the Rochester papers, especially to the "Over the Percolator" column of the Democrat and Chronicle, his last article appearing March 3rd.

He has always been identified with the community life here, and possessing a remarkable memory, was able to recall many historical facts of interest to the present generation.

Source: "The Honeoye Falls Times" Thursday, 8 Mar 1923, on microfilm, found at Town of Mendon Public Library, obituary of W. R. Hunt