No. 3118 Henry Warren Hunt, 1844-1915
From American Series of Popular Biographies. Massachusetts Edition. This Volume Contains Biographical Sketches of Representative Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Boston: Graves & Steinbarger, 1891, 181.
Henry Warren Hunt, of Dorchester (Boston), real estate operator, was born in Dorchester, December 23, 1845 [may be 1844], son of Charles and Louisa (Wilson) Hunt. On both his father’s and mother’s side he comes of long lines of New England ancestors, and the estate upon which he resides has been in the family since 1631.
The Hunt genealogy is traced back to Enoch Hunt, one of the first settlers of Weymouth. His son Ephraim, born in England, married for his second wife Ebett Brimsmead, by whom he had Joseph, of Milton. Brimsmead Hunt, born in 1708, son of Joseph married for his second wife Abigail Mathews. Their son Lemuel married Nancy Curtis.
Charles Hunt, son of Lemuel and Nancy (Curtis) Hunt and grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Milton, Mass., in 1785. He married Anne Snell, daughter of Joseph Snell, of Bridgewater. Her father was a son of Joseph Snell, of North Bridgewater, a graduate of Harvard College (1735), whose father was Joseph, the first progenitor of the Snell family in America being Thomas Snell, who settled in the west part of Bridgewater about 1665.
Charles Hunt, above mentioned, resided in Weymouth. He enlisted as a drummer in the United States Army in the War of 1812, and later became one of the rank and file.
Charles Hunt (of the seventh generation), son of Charles and Anne (Snell) Hunt, was born in North Bridgewater (now Brockton). In early business life he was a soap manufacturer, but later gave that up and engaged in the real estate business, to which he was well adapted, being a natural trader. He settled in Dorchester and subsequently became a prominent man in town affairs, serving at different times as Selectman, Postmaster, engineer of the fire department, and in other local offices. He was one of the organizers of and a director for many years of the Dorchester Mutual Insurance Company, and was president of the Dorchester Fire Insurance Company. During the Civil War he was one of the foremost in raising troops to fill the Dorchester quota, going South for that purpose, and securing many colored men.
He married Louisa Wilson, a native of Dorchester and daughter of Caleb and Martha (Minot) Wilson. Her father was born in Roxbury, his mother being a De Wolf. Her mother, Martha Minot, was a daughter of George and Eunice (Billings) Minot. Her grandfather Billings, who was Captain of the Dorchester company during the Revolutionary War, was presented with a sword by the officers of the French fleet that was anchored in President’s Roads. The sword is now in the possession of the subject of this sketch.
George Minot was a son of Thomas Minot, who came to America in 1630 in the “Mary and John,” and was one of the first settlers of Dorchester, where he received a large grant of land and afterward became one of the most extensive land-owners in the town.
Charles Hunt died April 10, 1886, having survived his wife a number of years, her death occurring February 24, 1878. They were the parents of five children: Ellen L.; Charles W., a police captain; Caroline E., who died in 1897; Henry W., whose name begins this sketch; and George F.
“Henry W. Hunt was educated in the Dorchester schools, graduating about the year 1859. Subsequently, desiring to enter the navy, he studied at the Nautical School in Boston, and graduated in 1862 at the head of his class. When the Civil War broke out, he was too young for a commission, although successfully passing examination; and accordingly he volunteered, and served on land and sea. He participated in a number of spirited naval and land operations, and on one occasion received honorary mention from General Foster for daring work in helping to pick up torpedoes. He also received a complimentary letter from Admiral Flusser. Meanwhile his father had established stores in various parts of the interior of the South; and after the close of the war he went there to manage a number of these enterprises, penetrating into some of the roughest sections of the Southern country, then in an unsettled and turbulent condition. After remaining South about two years, he returned to Massachusetts, and became interested in large business enterprises in company with prominent men of affairs, among them General Benjamin F. Butler, in which he was engaged for the next twenty years. In 1875-76, when plans were forming for the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, he was selected by the Massachusetts State Commissioners to arrange an exhibit representing the great marine interests of the State, a task for which he was exceptionally qualified, having an intimate acquaintance with their various features. As a result of his efforts a most notable and unique collection was brought together, including models of the ocean and river craft used for purposes of commerce, the fisheries, war and pleasure, from the settlement of the colonies to modern times–models of a single-scull skiff to a ship of the line, of merchant vessels of a century ago and the swift clipper ships of the forties an fifties, of historic warships, the old-style frigates, the ‘Constitution,’ the ‘Ohio,’ with an Ericsson monitor and the ‘Kearsage,’ of whaling-ships and ancient and modern fishing-vessels, of the first American steamer that ever weathered the passage of Cape Horn, of apparatus for life-saving, of a great variety of beautiful yachts–the whole constituting the most complete and extensive marine exhibit ever made at an international exhibition. Captain Hunt had charge of the exhibit at Philadelphia, and he also took a leading part in the arrangement for the international regatta, introducing, among other striking features, a whale-boat race between crews composed of New Bedford whalers. While in Philadelphia he became especially acquainted with the Russian and Brazilian commissioners; and at the close of the exhibition, during which he made himself useful to them in various ways, he accompanied the Russians on a tour through the principal cities of the country. Subsequently the Emperor Dom Pedro offered him a position in the Brazilian navy, an shortly after he received a similar offer from the Russian government. Accepting the latter, he went to Russia towards the close of 1876, and, in recognition of the civilities he had shown the Russian commissioners in America, and services rendered by him, was decorated there by the czar with a gold medal representing the Order of Saint Stanislaus. He remained in Russia several months, traveling extensively in the country, and then returned to the United States in May, 1878, as one of two special agents of the Russian government accredited with powers to assist in examining and selecting fast-sailing steam-craft to be fitted as cruisers for the Russian service in anticipation of war with England, at that time believed to be imminent. Their advent and proceedings made a great commotion in American newspaper offices, and were the occasion of many sensational reports.”
During the Russian-Turkish War, Captain Hunt was chief-of-staff of the Russian admiral L.P. Semetschine.
Captain Hunt’s interest in marine matters has been constant, and this has been notably displayed in behalf of the National Museum at Washington, toward the upbuilding of which he has been a valued contributor. He has in his possession letters expressing appreciation of his services in that direction, and requesting their continuance, from Professor Spencer Baird, of the Smithsonian Institution at Washington. In 1885, when again abroad, he bore a letter from William E. Chandler, then Secretary of the Navy, under date of February 9, as follows:–
Captain Henry W. Hunt:
Sir,–During your proposed visit to Europe this department would be glad to receive from you any information which you may obtain concerning ships and all articles connected with their construction and use, also to receive your observations thereon. At the time of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, in 1876, your nautical exhibit in the Massachusetts section was highly commended; and further researches and efforts of yours in the same direction cannot fail to be of value. Wishing you all possible success in your mission, I am
Very respectfully,
William E. Chandler,
Secretary of the Navy
In later years Captain Hunt has been engaged in large real estate operations. During the period between 1890 and 1895 his conveyances included nearly a hundred valuable pieces of property in Norfolk County alone. These were mainly to large investors and holders of trust funds. In 1895, having acquired the interests of various owners of a tract of land in Squantum, with a deep-water front of two and a half miles and an area of over seven hundred and seventy acres, he carried through a deal with the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad Company, by which this tract becomes a freight terminal for the system. The same year he began the development of Harbor Bluffs, Hyannis, one of the largest and most beautiful tracts of shore property on the south shore of Cape Cod. Captain Hunt is an experienced yachtsman, having been familiar with yachts from boyhood, and has long been prominently connected with local yacht clubs. He now owns the fast schooner yacht “Breeze.” He is a member of the Massachusetts Yacht Club, vice-president of the Hyannis Yacht Club, member of the Forty-fourth Regiment Association, of the Quincy Historical Society, of the Barnstable County Agricultural Society, and of the Society of Colonial Wars. He also expects soon to become a member of the Sons of the Revolution. In politics he is a Democrat. He is unmarried.–Men of Progress, 1896.
From Men of Progress. Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Leaders in Business and Professional Life in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. (Boston, 1894)
Henry Warren Hunt, of Dorchester (Boston), real estate operator, is a native of Dorchester, born December 23, 1844, son of Charles and Louisa Minot (Wilson) Hunt. He is of the early New England Minot and Billings families, and lives on an estate that has been in his family since 1631. Ancestors of his were in every war that has been fought since the early settlement of the country; and among numerous interesting historical treasures which he possesses are the weapons and other articles used by those of his family who were in the Revolution, with the continental money with which they were paid for their service. His father was a man of prominence in Dorchester town affairs, serving at different times as selectman, postmaster, engineer of the tire department, and in other local offices. Henry W. was educated in the Dorchester schools, graduating about the year 1859. Subsequently, desiring to enter the navy, he studied at the Nautical School in Boston, and graduated in 1862, at the head of his class. When the Civil War broke out, he was too young for a commission, although successfully passing examination ; and, accordingly, he volunteered, and served on land and sea. He participated in a number of spirited naval and land operations, and on one occasion received honorary mention from General Foster for daring work in helping to pick up torpedoes. He also received a complimentary letter from Admiral Flusser. Meanwhile his father had established stores in various parts of the interior of the South ; and after the close of the war he went there to manage a number of these enterprises, penetrating into some of the roughest sections of the Southern country, then in an unsettled and turbulent condition. After remaining South about two years, he returned to Massachusetts, and became interested in large business enterprises in company with prominent men of affairs, among them General Benjamin F. Butler, in which he was engaged for the next twenty years.
In 1875-76, when plans were forming for the Centennial Exhibition at Philadelphia, he was selected by the Massachusetts State Commissioners to arrange an exhibit representing the great marine interests of the State,— a task for which he was exceptionally qualified, having an intimate acquaintance with their various features. As a result of his efforts, a most notable and unique collection was brought together, including models of the ocean and river craft used for purposes of commerce, the fisheries, war, and pleasure, from the settlement of the colonies to modern times, models of a single scull skiff to a ship of the line, of merchant vessels of a century ago and the swift clipper ships of the forties and fifties, of historic war – ships, the old – style frigates, the ” Constitution,” the ” Ohio,” with an Ericsson monitor and the “Kearsarge,” of whaling ships and ancient and modern fishing vessels, of the first American steamer that ever weathered the passage of Cape Horn, of apparatus for life-saving, of a great variety of beautiful yachts,— the whole constituting the most complete and extensive marine exhibit ever made at an international exhibition. Captain Hunt had charge of the exhibit at Philadelphia ; and he also took a leading part in the arrangement for the international regatta, introducing among other striking features a whale-boat race between crews composed of veteran New Bedford whalers. While in Philadelphia, he became especially acquainted with the Russian and Brazilian commissioners; and at the close of the exhibition, during which he made himself useful to them in various ways, he accompanied the Russians on a tour through the principal cities of the country. Subsequently the Emperor Dom Pedro offered him a position in the Brazilian navy, and shortly after he received a similar offer from the Russian government. Accepting the latter, he went to Russia toward the close of i876; and in recognition of the civilities he had shown the Russian commissioners in America, and services rendered by him, was decorated there by the czar with a gold medal representing the order of Saint Stanislaus. He remained in Russia several months, travelling extensively in the country, and then returned to the United States in May, 1878, as one of two special agents of the Russian government accredited with powers to assist in examining and selecting fast-sailing steam-craft to be fitted as cruisers for the Russian service, in anticipation of war with England, at that time believed to be imminent. Their advent and proceedings made a great commotion in American newspaper offices, and were the occasion of many sensational reports. Captain Hunt’s interest in marine matters has been constant ; and this has been notably displayed in his work in behalf of the National Museum at Washington, toward the upbuilding of which he has been a valued contributor. Among other letters on the subject he has received the following from Professor Spencer Baird of the Smithsonian Institution :
UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM, WASHINGTON, January 22, 1885. Captain H. W. Hunt, Neponset, Mass.:
Sir,- I desire to call your attention to the extent and importance of the section of naval architecture in the United States National Museum. In this department there has already been arranged a large collection of builders’ models and rigged models of American and foreign vessels, especially of those used in the fisheries of the world. At the time of the Centennial Exhibition I was much interested in the collection gathered and displayed under your direction in the Massachusetts section. I should be very glad to have your co-operation in our efforts to bring together a complete and exhaustive display of materials relat¬ing to this department, whether obtained in the United States or in foreign countries. Whatever you may secure for us will be fully credited to your agency on the records of the United States National Museum.
Very respectfully yours, S. F. BAIRD, Director United States National Museum.
SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION, WASHINGTON. July 20, 1882. Dear Sir,— Being aware of your experience and interest in all matters connected with nautical affairs, and especially with the subject of the ocean fisheries, I beg that during your forthcoming visit to Europe you will continue to render, as in the past, your valued services to the National Museum by securing such objects for display therein as you may collect from time to time. The specimens already contributed by you are of very great importance, and will occupy a conspicuous place in the National Museum. Any models of boats, vessels, apparatus illustrative of improvements in the operations of the fisheries, devices for capturing and utilizing the fish, etc.,— in short, all models whose subjects bear in the smallest degree upon the fishery in¬dustry will be very highly valued.
Very respectfully yours.
Spencer Baird,
Captain H. W. Hunt, United States Fish Commissioner.
Neponset, Mass.
In 1885, when again abroad, he bore a letter from William E. Chandler, then Secretary of the Navy, under date of February 9, as follows : —
Captain Henry W. Hunt:
Sir,— During your proposed visit to Europe this Department will be glad to receive from you any information which you may obtain concerning ships. and all articles connected with their construction and use, also to receive your observations thereon. At the time of the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, in 1876, your nautical exhibit in the Massachusetts section was highly commended; and further researches and efforts of yours in the same direction cannot fail to he of value. Wishing you all possible suc¬cess in your mission, I am,
Very respectfully,
William E. Chandler,
Secretary of the Nary.
In later years Captain Hunt has been engaged in large real estate operations. During the period between 1890 and 1895 his conveyances included nearly a hundred valuable pieces of property in Norfolk County alone. These were mainly to large investors and holders of trust funds. In 1895, having acquired the interests of various owners of a tract of land in Squantum, with a deep water front of two and a half miles and an area of over seven hundred and seventy acres, he carried through a deal with the New York, New
Haven, & Hartford Railroad Company by which this tract becomes a freight terminal for the system. The same year he began the development of Harbor Bluffs, Hyannis, one of the largest and most beautiful tracts of shore property on the south shore of Cape Cod. Captain Hunt is an experienced yachtsman, having been familiar with yachts from boyhood, and has long been prominently connected with local yacht clubs. He now owns the fast schooner yacht “Breeze.” He is a member of the Massachusetts Yacht Club, vice-president of the Hyannis Yacht Club, member of the Forty-fourth Massachusetts Regiment Association, of the Quincy Historical Society, of the Barnstable County Agricultural Society, and of the Minot Club. In politics he is a Democrat. He is unmarried.