Joseph D. Hunt is the owner of 160 acres of valuable, well-improved land in West Point Township. He is the son of Morris and Anna (Deitrich) Hunt, and was born Aug. 4, 1843, in Waterloo County, Canada. Morris Hunt was born in Baden, Germany, and left his native land when a young man, emigrating to America, where he settled in Waterloo County, Canada. He was an active, energetic man, and besides being engaged at the cooper's trade, he owned and managed a farm. His death occurred about the year 1852. His wife was a native of France, and died in 1845. Seven children were born to them, five of whom grew to maturity. Their names are as follows: Mary A., who became the wife of Joseph Siefert, was born in Bruce County, Canada; Caroline, the wife of Joseph Nelinger, died in Waterloo County, Canada; Joseph D., August, and Josephine, the wife of Joseph Fisher; the latter are both residents of Waterloo County, Canada.

Joseph Hunt had the misfortune to lose his mother at an early age. His father married again, and he was cared for by his step-mother until the death of his father, when he was thrown upon the world to begin the battle of life alone, scarcely more than a child. He went from his father's house to live among strangers, working for his clothes and board. When he reached the age of eighteen, he began life for himself as a wage worker. He was, however, ambitious to improve his circumstances, and after his marriage, rented a farm in Waterloo County, which he managed successfully until 1873. By habits of industry and economy, he acquired enough capital to purchase the farm in Stephenson County where he now resides. He has erected a substantial frame house and farm buildings, which are kept in excellent order, and his land is well cultivated and improved. His farm contains 160 acres. His marriage to Miss Mary Wendling took place in 1866. She was born in Waterloo County, Canada, and is the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Bangasner) Wendling. Her parents were both natives of France.

Mr. Hunt is one of the reliable, self-made men of the county, possessing the respect and esteem of all who know him, and it is such citizens who impart stability to the community in which they reside. Of the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt there have been born ten children - Annie J., Alexander, Caroline C., May R., Olive I., John A., Alice E., Susie A., George E. and Laura.

Contributed by Carol Parrish from Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888), p. 413