From the Merkel Mail, Taylor County, Texas, Friday April 2, 1926, Front page, last column:

Title: J. L. HUNTER, 87, BE BURIED TODAY

It is with regret that this paper is again called upon to chronicle the passing from this midst of another of the real pioneers, one of those who came when the country was undeveloped and who, by his good citizenship and efforts, helped to blaze the way and make of this the splendid country to be enjoyed by those of us who came in after years. This early settler and pioneer to whom we refer is Joseph Love Hunter, who died Thursday morning, April 1, 1926, at the home of his son, M. S. Hunter on Oak Street. He was 87 years of age.

Deceased was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1839, but left this state when entering the Civil War, through which he served faithfully until the close. He was the only one of four brothers to return from the conflict between the states.

In 1872 he was married to Molly Hunter, wife of his eldest brother Gilbert Hunter (deceased), and to this union there was born one child, Will Hunter, who has preceded his father in death.

In 1875 Mr. Hunter was again married, to Miss Sarah Matilda Dupuy, of Little Rock, Ark., moving to Englewood, Texas, and from there the family came to Taylor county in 1900. To this union there were born two girls and seven boys, all living except one son and one daughter. His devoted wife preceded him to the grave April 1, 1911.

Early in life Mr. Hunter became a devoted member of the Methodist church, remaining true and steadfast throughout all the years of his life.

Children surviving are: E. L. Hunter, J. M. Hunter, R. A. Hunter and F. L. Hunter, of Fort Worth, J. H. Hunter and M. S. Hunter of Merkel; H. L. Hunter, Dallas; and Mrs. Laura Balch, Temple, all of whom are here to attend the last sad rites of their father.

Arrangements have been made for the funeral to take place today, Friday, at the Methodist church, at two o'clock p.m., with burial immediately after in Rose Hill cemetery.

This paper joins many friends here and elsewhere in extending deepest sympathy to the bereaved sons and daughters and other loved ones, during this their sad hour.

[Note: Joseph Love Hunter was born on January 20, 1842, in Davidson County, Tennessee, son of Isaac F. Hunter and Mary Reding. He moved to Robertson County, Texas, in 1858, and married his brother's widow, Naomi McCuistion Hunter there in 1866. She died in 1869, and he married Sarah Matilda Dupuy there in 1870. He moved to McLennan County, Texas in 1878, and to Taylor County in 1900. e.h.]