William Hunt: Family Legacy and Personal Life
The personal history of William Hunt is marked by significant familial connections and a legacy that extended across military, legal, and academic spheres. His life was defined by two marriages and a large family whose members achieved prominence in various professional fields during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Marriages and Family Life
William Hunt first married Elizabeth Ridgely Hunt, the daughter of Commandant Charles Goodwin Ridgely. Elizabeth was also the daughter of Cornelia Louisiana Livingston, who was a granddaughter of both Walter Livingston and Chancellor Robert R. Livingston. The couple shared a family of seven children—six sons and one daughter.
Following the death of Elizabeth in 1864, Hunt remarried in 1866. His second wife was Sarah Harrison Barker (1819–1908), the daughter of John T. Adams, a merchant based in New York.
The Children of William and Elizabeth Hunt
The children of William and Elizabeth Hunt pursued diverse and distinguished careers, contributing to the family's standing in American public life:
- Ridgely Hunt (1854–1916): Served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy.
- Thomas Hunt (1855–1933): Married Helen Jewett in 1888, the daughter of U.S. Representative Hugh Judge Jewett.
- Randell Hunt (1856–1898).
- William Henry Hunt Jr. (1857–1949): A highly distinguished legal and political figure who served as the Attorney General of Montana, the Governor of Puerto Rico, and a Federal judge.
- Livingston Hunt (1859–1943): Attained the rank of Rear Admiral in the U.S. Navy. He married Catharine Howland Hunt (1868–1963), the daughter of the renowned architect Richard Morris Hunt.
- Cornelia Ridgely Hunt (1861–1930): Married Dr. William Kelly Newton (1850–1909) in 1905.
- Gaillard Hunt (1862–1924): A professional historian who married Mary Goodfellow.
Key Facts
- Spouses: Elizabeth Ridgely Hunt (d. 1864) and Sarah Harrison Barker (m. 1866).
- Children: Seven children in total (six sons, one daughter).
- Notable Descendants: Included a Rear Admiral, a Federal judge, and a historian.
- Affiliations: Member of The Boston Club of New Orleans.
- Death: February 27, 1884, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire.
Final Years and Burial
William Hunt passed away on February 27, 1884, while in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire. His remains were transported back to the United States for interment. Following a funeral service held at St. John's Church in Washington, D.C., he was laid to rest at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Family Summary Table
| Name | Relation | Notable Role/Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Ridgely Hunt | First Wife | Daughter of Commandant Charles Goodwin Ridgely |
| Sarah Harrison Barker | Second Wife | Daughter of merchant John T. Adams |
| William Henry Hunt Jr. | Son | Governor of Puerto Rico & Federal Judge |
| Livingston Hunt | Son | Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy |
| Gaillard Hunt | Son | Historian |
| Ridgely Hunt | Son | Lt., U.S. Navy |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did William Hunt die?
William Hunt died on February 27, 1884, in Saint Petersburg, Russian Empire.
Who was William Hunt's second wife?
His second wife was Sarah Harrison Barker, the daughter of New York merchant John T. Adams, whom he married in 1866.
Which of his children held high political office?
His son, William Henry Hunt Jr., served as the Attorney General of Montana, the Governor of Puerto Rico, and as a Federal judge.
Where is William Hunt buried?
He is buried at Oak Hill Cemetery in Washington, D.C., following a funeral at St. John's Church.
How many children did William and Elizabeth Hunt have?
They had seven children: six sons and one daughter.