| Notes |
- Note on Find a Grave:
Rev. Joshua P. Hunt
"All must die," is the universe edict of Jehovah. There is no prophylatic against death. No place, however remote, and no station in life, be it humble or exalted, to exempt from solemn summons to leave the shores of times.
It is merciful provision that such is the case his tyrany, the oppressor no longer continues to oppress in the presence of this Fell Destroyer. Death is time leveler. To those who have known only pain and sorrow and disappointment, the tomb promises rest and freedom from care and anxiety if nothing more; but to the faithful christian it is a transition period from a life of more or less disappointment to one of eternal joy: Hope is the never-falling anchor of human soul. In darkness of death hope sees a star and listening to the love can hear the rustle of a wing." Then subject of this sketch, in obedience to the divine degree, has responded to the last call on earth and paid by one and all. The last sad offices, prompted by the love and affection, have been bestowed upon the mortal remains of Rev. Joshua P. Hunt, his body committed to its mother earth and his spirit to the God who gave it.
Rev. Joshua Parker Hunt was born in Fleming county, Kentucky, Oct. 16, 1805, and died at his home, near Modoc, Indiana, Oct. 2, 1889, aged 83 years, 11 month, and 18 days. His father, Col. John Hunt, was a native of Tennessee, but emigrated to Kentucky during the latter years of the 18th century, and was one of the pioneers of the "dark and bloody ground," and colonel in the war of 1812. He was united in marriage with Ellen Denton Aug 26, 1828. By this happy union he was the father of seven children, two of whom survive him.
He moved to Randolph County, Indiana in 1836 , where he ever since continuously resided, except about nine years spent in the State of Illinois.
Having been bereft of his first wife in 1846, he was united in marriage with Rachel Howell, June 43, 1848, By this marriage he was the father of eight children, six whom are still living. In early life he chose the profession of law for his life work, but in deference to the wish of his parents devoted himself to pursuits. In politics he was a Whig of the Henry Clay school, and voted in Nettle Creek township this country, when there were only eight Whig votes, including his own. Since the organization of the Republican party he has been an ardent and consistent member of it, and took an active part in several exciting political campaigns.
He was a member of the M.E. church for about seventy-six years, having been converted to Christ but seven years of age and because a member of the church at the age of eight.
He was a local minister of the M.E. church for forty-five years, and done most of excellent work for the Master both in this State and Illinois, where he preached a great deal. During his sickness he said that "he never knew what to have the least doubt of Christ's power to save, nor of his own salvation through Him." To his son, Union B. Hunt, and of his neighbors he said, "If my time has come, death has no terrors for me, for with Job I can say, I know that my redeemer liveth."
Funeral services were conducted by the Rev. Wm. C. Bowen, of New Castle, and an appropriate sermon was preached form Revelations, 14th chapter, 12th verse: Here is the presence of the saints: here are they that keep the commandment of God and faith of Jesus.
"And, I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me write, blessed are the dead which die in the Lord form henceforth; yea, sayeth the spirit that they may rest from their labors and their own works and follow them."
Joshua P. Hunt was a very remarkable man with regard to the trinity of powers-physical, intellectual and moral the harmonious development of which produced the perfect human being. His powers of physical endurance were in the highest degree marvelous. Notwithstanding his active and busy career for more than three quarters of a century, his boldly vigor was well maintained up within a short time of his death. As specific example of his hardihood, his walking from Kentucky to South Carolina when twenty years of age, may be cited. Being a great dealer he made six subsequent trips on horseback.
During this long period of activity he had to undergo many hardships and privations. He was once of the pioneers whose pluck and perseverance have been indispensable factors in redeeming the beautiful and fruitful fields we now behold, from the savage wilderness. At this modern period of enlightened civilization we are to apt to underestimate or entirely overlook the work of the early pioneers, without whose heroic and self-sacrificing efforts, all subsequent labor must have been impossible. To these brave souls we owe a debt of gratitude that we can not pay. Few of them yet survivors may posses what while we are pleased to denominate "culture and refinement.", let us not forget that with regard to nobleness of soul and goodness of heart they should not put shams and false distinctions of modern society, and by these virtues demand our utmost respect and homage.
In point of intellectual culture Joshua P. Hunt, had but few advantages in the way of school facilities; but in point of broad and general culture which comes from a study of men and things and contact with all phases of life, he ranked high in the scale of life. He had a marvelous memory and could recount with unerring accuracy the varied details of history connected with his own life and the life of his Nation during the time in which he lived. Perhaps the most remarkable intellectual power of this man was invincible determination. Having decided that given course was right he never known to relinquish his effort until his purpose was accomplished. Here, it seems to the writer, was the secret to his wonderful force of character of every man who would achieve successes in any department of life? "A highly cultured character of is little else than a highly cultured will."
Joshua P. Hunt had faults no one will attempt to deny; but they were such inferior magnitude in comparison with his many virtues, that latter hid the former dazzling light of the sun obscures the weaker light of the moon. He is gone from among us, but he will continue to live in the hearts of of the many to preached the Gospel of righteousness, and in hearts of the great multitude who derive inspiration from his life and character.
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- Note on Find a Grave:
Gravesite Details
He and Ellen Denton, had children: John Abram, Mary Ellen, Sarah Hunt-Grant, America Hunt-Hewitt, and Harrison Hunt.
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1805 - 1889 (83 years)
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