JOSEPH HUNT, farmer, of section 2, township 17, range 10, post office Virginia, was born in Kentucky, September 19, 1824. His parents moved to Sullivan county, Indiana, when he was one year old. Here he grew to manhood, coming to Illinois when he was twenty-five and stopping two years in Sangamon county. From there he went to Cass county, thirty eight years ago. His parents were John R. and Hannah (Davis) Hunt. Both were natives of Kentucky, and the grandfather was also a Kentuckian, who lived to be ninety years old. Both parents died in Sullivan county, Indiana. They had eleven children, of which large family Joseph was the eldest. Eight of the children are still living. John Wesley died in Nashville during the war, being a soldier; Dora was killed accidently with a scythe, and George died in mature years, leaving a family. Levi, James, Sarah A., Mary, Elizabeth, Martha and Macia all live in Sullivan county, Indiana.

Joseph enlisted in August, 1862, in company D, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, and was assigned to duty with the army of the Cumberland. He participated in the siege of Vicksburg under General Grant. From there he went to the battle of Jackson, returned to Memphis, and was in that fight; next engaged in the fight at Champion Hills, and from there went to the Black River, where he built a bridge under fire from the enemy. He was under General Thomas at this time. He guarded a pontoon bridge for about six months, and while there heard of the surrender of Lee and Johnson. He was discharged in August, 1865, having served three years. Joseph was home but once during his service, and that was on a sick furlough. He had the erysipelas while in service and it injured his eyes so much that he was nearly blind, and a furlough was necessary. He has never recovered from the effect of it. He receives a small pension, on account of heart disease.

He was married on the farm where he now lives, to Durinda B. Freeman, February 12, 1854. They have had two children: James Henry, the eldest, is married and resides in Leadville, Colorado. He has been keeping hotel until recently. He is now employed at the Government Fish Hatchery. He has one child, Bernice. Ida married John T. Drinkwater, and lives near by. They have two sons, Ralph and Joe. Mr. Drinkwater is a breeder of road and draft horses.

Mr. Hunt is a staunch Republican, although the rest of the family were Democrats. He and his wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and are worthy people and are highly respected by their hosts of friends. Mr. Hunt does not belong to any social orders.