Ephraim Hunt

Based on family resources, future Albany resident Ephraim Hunt was born in November 1758. He was the last child born into the very large family of John Hunt and Ruth Fessenden of Watertown, Massachusetts. He may have been the brother of future Albany neighbor William Hunt. His father appears to have been a graduate of Harvard and to have died in 1777. We seek further documentation on Ephraim's formative years and path to post-war Albany.

With several same-named contemporaries at-risk, we expect to find information relating to his Revolutionary War era military and other activities. However, this individual may have been an officer in a Massachusetts regiment.

He seems to be the Ephraim Hunt who was married to one Catherine Bush and/or Eliza Palmer. Perhaps their children were christened prior to his arrival in Albany.

In 1794, one Ephraim Hunt was named postmaster at New Lebanon. In 1795, one Ephraim Hunt signed in at a Masonic Lodge in Stephentown, New York. Probably afterwards, his name was included on the roster of an Albany Lodge.

In 1798, at least three Albany jury lists identified him as a yeoman and as a "gentleman."

In 1799, his personal property was valued on the first ward assessment roll under the house of either Philip Wagonner or Widow Price. In 1800, his household was configured on the census for the first ward. However, by 1802, his house, lot, and personal property on Columbia Street were valued on the assessment roll for the second ward.

From 1800 thru 1803, he was identified as the sergeant-at-arms of the New York State Assembly.

On October 22, 1805, the Albany Centeniel noted the passing of Ephraim Hunt at age 47. In February 1806, letters of administration were issued on his estate in Albany County.

Sources: The life of Ephraim Hunt is CAP biography number 8598. This sketch is derived chiefly from family and community-based resources.