THOMAS HUNTER was born April 15, 1811, in Fayette County, Ky. His paternal ancestors were natives of Maryland, his grandfather dying in that State a great many years ago. His father, George Hunter, Jr., came from Maryland in his early manhood, and settled in Fayette County, Ky., where he lived until 1824, when he moved to Todd County, and one year later moved to Caldwell County and located near Princeton. He was a farmer, and died at his home about the year 1835 or 1836. The maiden name of subject's mother was Elizabeth McKee. She died when Thomas was quite a small boy. The following are the names of the children born to George and Elizabeth Hunter: James (deceased), Martha (deceased), George (deceased), Samuel, William (deceased), Archibald and Thomas. By a second marriage Mr. Hunter reared a family of eight children, several of whom are now living. Thomas Hunter passed his youth in his native county of Fayette, and came to Caldwell County with his father in the year mentioned above. He received a good education in the schools of the country, and at the age of twenty was appointed deputy sheriff of Caldwell County, which position he filled for several years. After quitting the sheriff's office he engaged in farming, purchasing a fine tract of land two and a half miles from Princeton, which is now one of the finest farms in the county. He carried on farming for some time, and afterward engaged in the mercantile and milling business. He has been one of the leading business men of the county, but is now retired from active life. He has been twice married; the first time, February 23, 1834, to Lucy A. Rochester, a daughter of Nathaniel and Miland Rochester, of Caldwell County. One child was born to this marriage: Sophia Jane, deceased wife of Benjamin Gardner. Mrs. Hunter departed this life April 22, 1842, at the age of about thirty-one years. Mr. Hunter was married the second time, September 22, 1842, the bride being Jane R. Crabb, of Garrard County, Ky., by whom he has had six children, viz.: John C., Mary E., deceased wife of D. H. Armstrong; Thomas H. (deceased), J. W., Lucy, wife of Rev. I. B. Self, and Robert L. (deceased). Mr. Hunter is a member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, in which he has held the office of elder for a period of over forty years.
