"Pioneer Has His 100th Birthday; Second Century of Life Started by John Hunt; Came to County in 1894"

The century mark was passed by one of Lewis county's pioneers when John Hunt, of Riffe, celebrated his 100th birthday Tuesday at the family home. Although quite feeble, the venerable old gentleman enjoyed his party very much. One year ago his cake was topped with a blazing young forest of 99 candles, but this year one light flickered in the center of the frosting, a torch brightened with the flame of one hundred years of life.

J. W. Phifer of Centralia, Mr. Hunt's son-in-law ----------- cake himself, which brought much amusement to the honor guest, and the dinner, one of the big events of the day, was entirely prepared and furnished by Mrs. Phifer.

Mrs. Hunt's death occurred a few years ago, but joining in the congratulations extended the centenarian Tuesday were scores of relatives and numerous friends. Mr. Hunt is the father of 21 children, 50 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Six of his children, however, have passed away.

The aged man was born near Williamsville, Kentucky, where he cleared a large farm. His next home was in West Virginia, this place now being one of the best developed coal mines in that state, from where he moved to Oklahoma. At both places he had cleared farms. In 1894 he moved to Riffe, where he cleared the land on which he now lives.

Children who live in Washington, in addition to Mrs. Phifer, are Mrs. George Schoonover of Salkum; Mrs. Frank McMahan, of Swofford; Mrs. Della Bloomstream and Mrs. Mary Harbison of Glenoma. (photo)


Source: The Centralia Daily Chronicle, 24 Sep 1930.

Transcribed by Diana Smith. She has no further information on this individual.

[Editor's note: more information on John Hunt and his family is available on the website, and was contributed by descendant LaVonne Schoneman.]