Mini Bios of People of Scots Descent
William N. Hunter Biography

Since 1902 William N. Hunter has been continuously connected with commercial interests at Hot Springs and in the intervening period has developed his business from small proportions until he is now at the head of one of the largest general mercantile enterprises to be found in Fall River county. An analyzation of his life record shows that chose application, unfaltering energy and sound judgment have been the strong points in placing him where he is today, among the foremost business men of the county. He was born at Florence, Douglas county, Nebraska, December 4, 1862, a son of Alexander and Jennie M. (Eckford) Hunter both of whom were natives of Scotland. They were married, however, in Nebraska. In early life the father engaged in the contracting building business. He came to America with a brother when but sixteen years of age, settling first in Canada, where he learned his trade. He then went to New York city, where he lived for a time, after which he worked as a journeyman for a number of years. He then settled in Nebraska, where he remained for a number of years, and at the end of that time because of impaired health withdrew from the contracting business and turned his attention to merchandising, in which he continued for a number of years. He is now living retired in Superior, Nebraska, where he took up his abode in 1875. At different times he has engaged in other business enterprises and has always been actuated by an enterprising and progressive spirit. His wife passed away in the year 1910 and of their family of four children two are yet living. 

William N. Hunter began his education in the public schools of his native town and afterward attended school at Superior and still later was a student in an academy in Canada. At the age of nineteen years he assumed the management of his father's business in Superior, having previously assisted him for some time, so that his knowledge and experience well qualified him for the responsibilities which he then assumed. He continued therein for a number of years and afterward established a grocery store in Superior, which he conducted with fair success for a number of years. In 1902 he arrived in Hot Springs and established a business under the name of the Hunter Company, beginning with a small stock of general merchandise. He soon gained a good patronage, which steadily grew, and as he has always met the demands of his trade he now has one of the largest stocks to be found in Fall River county. He carries dry goods, men's furnishings, and in fact almost every line save clothing and hardware. His store is neat and attractive in arrangement and his enterprising and thoroughly reliable business methods are elements in his growing success. He is also a landowner in South Dakota but devotes the greater part of his attention to the management of his commercial interests. 

In 1894 Mr. Hunter was united in marriage to Miss May D. Schultz, who was born in Cook county, Illinois, a daughter of Carl and Mary (Knaack) Schultz, both of whom have passed away. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have one child, Carl A., who was born in August, 1907, and is attending school. By a previous marriage Mr. Hunter had two children: Mabel, now the wife of a grocer and baker residing at Superior, Nebraska; and William D., who is a noncommissioned officer in the coast artillery and is at San Diego, California. 

Mr. Hunter holds membership in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the United Workmen. In politics he is independent, voting for men and measures rather than party. For a number of years he served as mayor of Superior but he has never been an active politician in the sense of office seeking. Wherever he is known he is recognized as an exceptionally capable business man and he has extensive interests in other states besides his investments at Hot Springs. His plans are carefully formed and are carried forward to successful completion, for he allows no obstacles or difficulties to bar his path if they can be overcome by persistent, earnest and honorable effort.