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HUNTER, HUGH - While the soil of Sangamon County is very fertile, water plentiful and easily obtained, and weather conditions practically ideal, good crops cannot be raised unless the land is properly worked and scientifically conditioned, and the high standard set by agriculturalists of this section is, therefore, of great credit to them. Hugh Hunter, a well known farmer of Sangamon County, who is carrying on operations on Section 25, Illiopolis Township, was born in Christian County, Ill., October 1, 1841, a son of John and Martha (Dickinson) Hunter.

John Hunter was born August 8, 1811, in Gallatin County, Ky., and came with his father, James Hunter, to Christian County, Ill., at an early date the grandfather having entered land there from the Government. John Hunter married Martha Dickinson who was born September 25, 1811, and they continued to farm in Christian County all their lives, Mr. Hunter's death occurring there December 22, 1856. To Mr. and Mrs. Hunter there were born the following children: Hugh; Scott, born September 28, 1852, who now conducts a meat market in Illiopolis; Sarah Elizabeth, the widow of Thomas Siedener, residing with her son in Springfield; Rachel F., born February 9, 1843, married James Lee, and both are now deceased; Harriet A., who died in infancy; and Thomas L., born September, 18, 1847, now deceased.

Hugh Hunter was educated in the country schools of Christian County, and worked for his father on the home farm until the latter's death. On July 19, 1861, at Decatur, Ill., he enlisted in Company I, Forty-first Regular Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under the command of Col. L. C. Pugh, of Decatur, and with this regiment served three years, receiving his honorable discharge August 20, 1864, at Camp Butler. Although never wounded in battle, captured by the enemy or confined to the hospital, Mr. Hunter saw much hard fighting, and that he was able to be at all times with his regiment proved his worth as a hardy, brave and earnest soldier, and one at all times ready to do his full duty to his country. His regiment participated in such notable engagements as Forts Henry and Donelson, Shiloh, Corinth, Hatchie River, Coldwater, Vicksburg, Jackson and Atlanta, and it was at the last-named place that he received his discharge. After completing his army service Mr. Hunter returned to Illiopolis where for about five years he was engaged in teaming and them removed to his present farm in Illiopolis Township, where he has since been engaged in cultivating the soil. He has a snug little farm of fifteen acres, in a high state of cultivation, and has kept it in good condition, well-fenced and with good buildings. One of Mr. Hunter's most pleasant recollections is his personal acquaintance with Abraham Lincoln.

On March 30, 1865, Mr. Hunter was united in marriage with Rose Ann Ream, who died July 2, 1904, at the age of fifty-five years. One child was born to this union who died in infancy. Mr. Hunter is a member of the Christian Church.