Hunter, Humphrey

Hunter, Humphrey a Presbyterian minister and patriot, was born near Londonderry, Ireland, May 14, 1755. His widowed mother came to this country When Humphrey was only four years old. During the Revolution he served our nation in the struggle for independence, first as a private, and later, for a short time, as lieutenant, against the Cherokee Indians. He finally decided to prepare himself for a literary career, and to this end pursued a course of study at the Queen's Museum, afterwards called Liberty Hall Academy, at Charlotte, N. C. After the surrender of Charlestown he re-enlisted, and was taken prisoner at the battle of Camden. He succeeded in making his escape from the enemy, and took a gallant part in the battle at Eutaw Springs. After this he resumed his studies at Mount Zion College, Minnsborough, S. C., and graduated in 1787. Two years later he was ordained for the ministry, and in 1805 was installed as pastor over the Steele Creek Church, N.C., where he remained until his death, Aug. 21, 1827. (J. H.W.)