Introduction
DR. WILLIS H. HUNT was born in Rhode Island on April 19, 1855. His older brother, Dr. Henry F. Hunt, settled in Camden around 1864, and was a successful, well known, and much respected practitioner, whose home and office was at 511 Cooper Street.
He began the study of medicine in Providence under Dr. Elmer Eddy. Entering Harvard in 1874, he graduated in June of 1877. In the fall of 1877 he came to Philadelphia and entered Hahnemann College. Prowell’s History of Camden County, New Jersey states that Dr. Hunt withdrew after one year due to ill-health.
Dr. Willis H. Hunt came to Camden and commenced the practice of medicine locally in 1878. By 1887 he had established residence and practice at 315 Market Street. He was a Mason, a member of the Knights of Pythias, and of the Improved Order of Red Men.
In 1888 Dr. Hunt married Frances K. Giles. She passed away in December of 1895. A few years later he again married. His second wife was the former Mary Fidell. A daughter, Ruth, was born in November of 1899. Sadly, Dr. Willis Hunt passed away in 1900, and was buried at Harleigh Cemetery in Camden, next to his first wife, Frances. Besides his wife and daughter, Willis Hunt was survived by two sons born to his first wife, Willis and Eugene.
Mary Fidell Hunt subsequently moved to 424 North 6th Street in Camden, where she resided with her widowed mother Lydia and brother Charles when the Census was taken. A few years later she was in New York, where she met and married Dr. Frederick Cook, the then-famous Arctic explorer, whose claim to have been the first to reach the North Pole were discounted during his lifetime, but have gained considerable support in more recent times.
The Felton Explosion
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Inquest in the Case of Adrian Spear, of Camden, N.J.
Coroner Beals held an inquest yesterday on the body of Adrian Spear, of North Sixth street, who died from the effects of the explosion on the Samuel M. Felton on Monday last. County Physician Gross, who conducted the post mortem examination, testified that death was caused by inflammation of the stomach. He found a slight bruise on the back. All the organs were greatly inflamed. He had been ill with typhoid fever for eighteen months previously, having been but two weeks convalescent. The explosion shock caused a relapse, and reproduced inflammation which resulted in his death.
Dr. Willis Hunt, who attended the deceased during his illness of typhoid fever, stated he had entirely recovered from the fever when the explosion occurred.
Thomas B. Spear, son of the deceased, stated after his father’s removal to his home he told the family he had been struck in the abdomen and back by a piece of timber when the explosion occurred. He was of the opinion that a beam had fallen upon him.
Rev. Marcus A. Brownson, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, of Camden, testified to being on the Felton at the time of the explosion, as did John Stevenson.
Officer Burk, of No. 9 Chancey lane, Philadelphia, testified to being on the wharf and saw Mr. Spear taken to the Pennsylvania Hospital. H. L. Hartshorne, of No. 533 Linden street, testified to the deceased being at his place of business on Chestnut street, Philadelphia, on the Monday of the accident, a few minutes before he boarded the ill-fated steamboat. He seemed to be in good health. This ended the testimony and the jury rendered a verdict that Adrian Spear came to his death on Friday, August 21, 1885, from gastro-intestinal inflammation, induced by injuries received on the steamboat Felton, at the time of the explosion on Monday, August 17, 1885, the cause of the explosion being unknown.
The deceased had an accident policy in the Hartford Accident Company for $1000, which expired two hours after the accident. By the verdict the widow will get this sum. His funeral took place yesterday afternoon, which was largely attended, he being connected with twenty-three secret organizations.
Politics in Jersey.
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Bolting Sheriff’s Convention Meets at Merchantville—Party Matters Mixed.
The second convention, or what will hereafter be known as “Daubmann’s Bolters’ Sheriff Convention,” was held at Merchantville yesterday. The famous twenty-five delegates, who stood for the ex-Sheriff for seventy consecutive ballots on last Thursday, at the regular convention, were present, so were delegates from the Third and Fifth wards and Waterford. The latter were the seven men who were defeated in a contest at the regular convention. Charles H. Fowler, of Gloucester City, and Charles P. Fackler, of the Fourth ward, Camden, were made permanent chairman and secretary reepectively [sic]. The whole thirty two delegates voted for Mr. Daubmann, and he was, therefore, declared the nominee of the convention.
Independent candidates for Coroner were nominated as follows; First district, Dr. Willis Hunt; Second district, Charles Pedigree, of Stockton township, was chosen by the bolters on the eighth ballot over Dr. Stanton, the regular nominee. Third district, William C. Sloan.
Both tickets as completed to date are as follows: Regular Republican ticket: For Senator—Richard N. Herring. Sheriff—David Burd [sic]. Surrogate—George S. West. Coroners—First district, Samuel Izard; Second district, Dr. J. G. Stanton. Third district, Hon. H. M. Jewett.
The “kickers,” “bolters” and anti Sewell ticket will be as follows: Senator—Edward Dudley. Sheriff—Jacob C. Daubmann. Surrogate—George West, the regular Republican nominee. Coroners—First district, Dr. Willis Hunt; Second district, Charles Pedigree. Third district, William O. Sloan.
The Republicans of Camden county met last night in their respective wards, townships and boroughs, and named delegates to be elected to attend the Legislative conventions. Captain Adam C. Smith says he is in the fight in the First Assembly district to stay. Major F. C. Woolman and Captain W. B. E. Miller are also candidates. In the Second district the contestants for the nominations are John Harris, David C. Vannots and Assemblyman Young.
Mr. Edward Dudley, who was nominated by the bolting Senatorial delegates, yesterday sent a half column letter of acceptance to B. L. Bonsall, John D. Glover and Peter Arrison, the committee appointed by little “Tommy” Harnard’s convention to notify him that he was the choice of the bolters.
The Legal Executive Committee.
Messrs. Chew and Spangler, the respective chairmen of the Senatorial and Surlevalty Conventions, met yesterday morning in accordance with the party rules, and appointed the new Republican County Executive Committee for the ensuing year. Mr. Robinson, chairman of the Surrogate’s Convention, was not present. The committee consists as follows.
First ward, George Barrett; Second, John Campbell, Third, William H. Chandler; Fourth, William F. Reed; Fifth, J. D. Leckner, M. D.; Sixth, John Corbitt; Seventh, John Blowe; Eighth, James Ware; Stockton township, Geo. W. Molineaux; Merchantville borough, Wm. H. Moses; Delaware township, Clayton Stafford, Haddon township, A. W. Clements; Centre township, John Hutchinson, Waterford township, Adam Sloan; Winslow township, Simon McDougall; Gloucester township, Geo. H. Higgins; Gloucester City, First ward, John Gourley; Second, Frederick Burckman.
Political Pointers.
John Harris will undoubtedly be the Republican candidate for the Legislature in the Second district.
Harry B. Paul, of the First ward, wants the Democratic nomination for Sheriff.
Hon. George Pfeiffer leads the Democrats for the nomination of Senator. David M Chambers is also mentioned.
The friends of Mr. Dudley announced yesterday his intention of remaining in the field for Senator, although he is reported as offering to compromise on the basis that he is to be made the candidate for Senator and Mr. Baird for Sheriff, giving Mr. Herring the Assembly nomination in the Third district.
Chairman Heber Robinson, of the Surrogate’s Convention; Thomas Harnard, chairman of the “bolting” Senatorial Convention, and Charles P. Fowler, who presided at the “Daubmann bolting” Convention yesterday, it is said, are going to form another Executive Committee. Hence two tickets and two Executive Committees.
Jottings.
The dead body of an infant was found near the Timber Creek bridge, on the West Jersey Railroad, yesterday. It is believed that the babe was thrown from a window of a passing car. County Physician Gross will make an investigation.
The Board of Education of Camden held an adjourned meeting last night. Nothing of importance was transacted.
The Co-operative Association of Camden has elected these officers: President—George W. Tenner. Treasurer—Benjamin M. Braker. Directors—John H. Doerr, David Jones, L. D. Sheppard, H. C. Hopper, A. J. Hoey and Frank Warren.
The following sentences were imposed at the Camden Criminal Court yesterday: John O’Hara, larceny, fined $5; Raymond Mills, assault and battery, two years in the penitentiary; Charles Mead, breaking and entering five years.
Camden Branches Aroused
Philadelphia Inquirer —
No. 21 Denounces the Supreme Officers and Asks for Criminal Action.
Iron Hall Branch, No. 21, of Camden, is up in arms against the supreme officers of the order. At a meeting last night a resolution was offered and passed condemning the mismanagement by the supreme officers, and asking that they be held for criminal action.
In Camden and Cramer Hill there are ten branches of the order, whose membership runs up into the hundreds. Dr. Willis H. Hunt, who for years has been connected with local branch 706, said yesterday that he had lost all hopes for the future of the order.
Local branch, 253 has between $4000 and $5000 in the reserve fund, part in money and part in first mortgages. Judge Carrow has been retained by several members of Iron Hall to prosecute their claims against the order.
Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HUNT.—On December 20, 1895, Frances K., wife of Dr. Willis H. Hunt. The relatives and friends of the family are respectfully invited to attend the funeral services on Monday afternoon, December 23, at 2 o’clock, at her husband’s residence, 315 Market street, Camden, N.J. Interment private at Harleigh Cemetery.
Biographical Review
1897
WILLIS H. HUNT, M.D., a homeopathic physician of high standing in Camden, N.J., was born in Providence, R.I., April 19, 1855, son of Benjamin and Waity (Randall) Hunt. The family is of English origin, its present representatives being the descendants of early settlers in Rhode Island. Dr. Hunt’s great-grandfather removed to Providence from Pawtucket, taking his household effects down the river upon a raft. He was a man of considerable ability and great physical strength, standing six feet and two inches high, and weighing four hundred pounds. His son, Benjamin Hunt, the Doctor’s grandfather, was born in the vicinity of Providence. He became an overseer in the cotton-mills at Cranston, and was thus employed until his retirement. He died at the age of eighty-seven years, having been the father of thirteen children.
Benjamin Hunt, Jr., Dr. Hunt’s father, was born in Cranston, R.I., and when old enough he began work in the mills. He later removed to Providence, where he followed the business of a cotton broker for several years, and, retiring from that, he was engaged in other enterprises until his death, which took place at the age of sixty-six. Being a man of superior business ability and one who possessed special qualifications for the public service, he figured conspicuously as a member of the city government of Providence for sixteen years, or until he declined to serve longer; and, though earnestly solicited by his fellow-citizens to accept nomination to higher offices, he firmly refused. His wife, Waity Randall, who was born in Scituate, R.I., died at the age of twenty-nine years. She was the mother of three children, two of whom are living, namely: Willis H., the subject of this sketch; and Eugene. Both parents were members of the Congregational church.
Willis H. Hunt began his education in the public schools of Providence, and completed the regular course at the English and Classical High School. He then entered Harvard University, where he pursued a full course of medical instruction, and, after graduating with the class of 1877, he commenced the practice of his profession in his native city. In October of that year he removed to Camden, and, entering the Hahnemann College in Philadelphia, continued his studies for another year, after which he decided to locate here permanently. He has practised as a homeopathic physician for the past nineteen years with excellent success.
The Doctor is far advanced in Masonry, being a member of the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Commandery of Camden, and of Lulu Temple of the Mystic Shrine of Philadelphia, and a thirty-second degree Mason, Scottish Rite. He is likewise connected with the Improved Order of Red Men of this city, and was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias.
In 1888 Dr. Hunt was united in marriage with Frances K. Giles, who was a native of England. She died in December, 1895, aged thirty-eight years.
Dr. Hunt attends the Baptist church. In politics he is independent. The prominent position he occupies in the community is not simply the result of his professional ability, his social qualifications being such as to make him a welcome addition to the ultra-select circles of any locality. Dr. Hunt is located at 315 Market Street.
Hunt Elected Vice-President of Camden County Homeopathic Medical Society
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Board Backed Down
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Camden Freeholders Eager to Drop Turnpike Purchase Scheme.
COURT ORDERS SERVED.
Charges That Members of the Board Had Acted Illegally and Were Interested in the Deal.
Members of the Camden County Board of Freeholders almost fell over each other yesterday in their haste to rescind their ill-advised action at a previous meeting in voting to purchase two unprofitable turnpikes at about double their value. The change of front was brought about by legal proceedings instituted by counsel for Dr. Willis H. Hunt, a taxpayer, who secured from Justice Garrison writs of certiorari to carry the turnpike deal to the Supreme Court for review. He secured restraining orders pending argument as to the legality of the board’s action. The certiorari proceedings will be dropped, now that the board has backed down.
Lawyer Archer had the restraining orders in his pocket when the board met yesterday, but he gave the members an opportunity to square themselves. They quickly grasped at the chance.
The board first knocked out the Ellisburg turnpike purchase. Then Lawyer Archer stepped forward and served the restraining order in this case. The board then rescinded their action in buying the Camden and Westfield turnpike, and the other restraining order was served.
The purchase of the two roads, together with necessary repairs, would have cost the county nearly $100,000. This would have shoved up the county tax rate from eighteen to twenty-four cents more than it was last year. In the petition for a certiorari it was alleged that the purchase of the turnpikes had been illegally consummated, and that two of the Freeholders were interested by holding stock and judgments.
The board decided to readvertise for proposals for an extension to the Blackwood Asylum, as the lowest bidder, William Severns, had failed to inclose his bond with his bid. Severns’ bid was for $37,050, and some of the members tried to have the contract awarded to B. F. Sweeten & Son for $40,457.14, as the next lowest bid. New bids will be received on May 10.
Camden Freeholders in Court
Trenton Times —
Dr. Willis H. Hunt Dead
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Death Notice
Philadelphia Inquirer —
HUNT.—On April 11, 1900, Dr. Willis H. Hunt, in his 45th year. Funeral on Saturday afternoon, April 14, at 3 o’clock, from 315 Market street, Camden, N.J.
Funeral of Dr. Willis H. Hunt
Philadelphia Inquirer —
Over in Camden
Philadelphia Inquirer —
The Vulcanite Paving Company resumed the repaving of Broadway yesterday with sheet asphalt.
Open cars were put on the Broadway line of the Camden and Suburban Railway Company yesterday.
In deference to the memory of Chancellor McGill there was no session of Chancery Court in Camden yesterday.
City workmen started yesterday to place the grounds around the Kaighn Hill stand pipe in shape for a public park.
Edward Wentxell [sic] was held in $300 bail yesterday by Recorder Mowrey charged with stealing $150 from his father.
Robert Heven was committed in default of bail by Recorder Mowry on charge of stealing harness from Peter McCartey.
George Hildebrandt was committed in default of bail by Justice Schmitz on charge of assaulting his brother with a chair.
The will of Dr. Willis H. Hunt was admitted to probate yesterday. The estate is valued at 40,000 and his wife is made executrix.
Councilman George Pfeiffer, Jr., yesterday announced that he will not hold up the issue of $35,000 worth of street improvement bonds.
The glaziers of the National Colored Morocco Works, at Delaware and Penn streets, are on strike. Their places are being rapidly filled.
Information has reached friends in Camden of the death of Martin Coyne in Ireland on March 28. Mr. Coyne was a former Market street merchant.
Emil Berger, who was sued for $5000 damages by Mary R. Vaterich for breach of promise, entered $1000 bail before Sheriff Sell yesterday.
The Itinerants of the Camden Republican Club have formed a permanent organization. The annual trip will be made to Boston on October 12.
Captain Ulie Lee, of Gatling Gun Company B, N. G. N. J., received official notice from the adjutant general yesterday that in the future the command will be known as Battery B, Field Artillery.
At a session of the Baptist churches in the Camden Association, held in First Church yesterday, with Rev. W. G. Russell as moderator, Dr. Frank P. Whittemore was admitted to the association, and the church at Westmont was admitted as a full fledged church.
Mrs. Louis von Reichle, aged 40 years, of 545 Liberty street while walking on the tracks of the West Jersey and Seashore Railroad yesterday, fell and cut a gash in her leg while stepping out of the way of a train. She was taken to Cooper Hospital.
The Park Committee of City Councils yesterday received an offer from David B. Kaighn for the rental of the Jesse Starr Mansion and grounds for $600 a year, for park purposes, with the privilege of purchasing the property for $16,500. Action was deferred.
315 Market Street
315 Market Street — where Dr. Hunt lived and practiced medicine in the 1880s and 1890s. Photographed March 16, 2003.
Grave Marker, Harleigh Cemetery
Dr. Willis H. Hunt’s grave marker, Harleigh Cemetery, Camden
What Women Are Doing
San Jose Mercury-News —
Mrs. Frederick A. Cook’s Faith in Her Husband—Chinese “Hello” Girls in California—Women Engineers in Russia.
MRS. FREDERICK A. COOK, wife of the first returned discoverer of the north pole, always believed that “Fred” would succeed in his undertaking. At one time she attempted to raise funds to help him; but, through no fault of hers, she failed. Mrs. Cook was born in Camden, N. J. Her maiden name was Marie Fidell. Her first husband was Dr. Willis H. Hunt of Philadelphia. She was married to Dr. Hunt in 1900. After his death she removed to Brooklyn.
Her first meeting with Dr. Cook was when he called professionally to attend her sick daughter. The incident resulted in the marriage of the widow and the physician in 1902. Dr. Cook presented his bride to his associates of the Arctic club at a dinner given in one of the Broadway hotels of New York city. She was described at that time as a regal brunette and gracious in manner to a captivating degree. During the controversy as to the first discoverer of the north pole Mrs. Cook remained creditably silent.
Dr. Cook and Step-Daughter
Fort Worth Star-Telegram —
