100 Years of James Hunter III Family Reunions

James Hunter III and wife Margaret McCord

James Hunter III originated from County Down in Ireland. He married Margaret McCord on March 23, 1823 and they settled in County Down where they started their family before coming to America. In spring of 1830, James and Margaret, along with their three children Hugh, Ellen and Jane, made the six week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean.

They sailed on a ship called the Albion, a two masted sailing ship. (It was on this ship two years later that James’ father and mother would set sail to Pittsburgh where six of their eight children already were established. James Hunter II did not survive the trip and was buried at sea May 26, 1832. James’ wife Eleanor and daughter Mary took ill when they arrived in Erie. Francis was the only one left to make the trek to Pittsburgh.)

James Hunter III’s journey to the USA

The Erie Canal, having been completed in 1825, was the most likely route from the Atlantic port to Buffalo, across Lake Erie. From there they would have boarded a stage coach to Pittsburgh. (At that time, travel by stagecoach would have taken approximately 30 hours in contrast to today’s journey of just under two hours.) James Hunter III took employment at the Eagle Cotton Mill as a clerk. Having developed brown lungs, a condition common among textile workers, he was advised by his doctor to leave and go where the air was cleaner.

During their time in Pittsburgh, James and Margaret had six more children bringing their brood to a total of nine. James, Mary Agnes, Margaret Elizabeth, Nancy (died at 11 months), Nancy Pollock (named after Margarets’ sister) and last but not least Francis from whom the majority of JH3 attendees descend.

A well-loved member of the community

James Hunter III has been described as a quietly confident and calm man that expressed strength of character and “The acceptance of the universe.” As expected from any Scotsman, he could sing, dance, tell stories and make rhymes. He was well versed with Shakespeare, Robbie Burns and the Bible, often reciting pages by memory. James was well liked by all.

After leaving the cotton mill, the Hunter family settled in the north country on a 150 acre farm in West Deer Twp. in 1850, where the air was clean and much easier on his lungs. James’ brother John lived on Talley Cavey Hill and named the farm “Hard Scrabble”.

It was at this time the Hunter’s joined the Deer Creek United Presbyterian Church. They were a big influence on the building of the brick church as it stands today. The bricks used in the original building were made on what is now the homestead of John B. Hunter, great-great grandson of James Hunter III. This farm came into the Hunter family in 1911 when James “Pixie” Hunter and his wife were married. Information on the property can be found on the West Deer Historical Society website.

The James Hunter III family reunions

It is unknown what prompted the start of the James Hunter III family reunions. One can conclude that it was the best way to gather from the smog of the city for such a large family. This year’s family reunion falls on June 28, 2025, exactly 145 years since the passing of Margaret Hunter.

Two years later in May of 1882, James Hunter III would join his wife of 57 years in eternal rest at Deer Creek Cemetery. The James Hunter III family has been meeting since June 21, 1924. Technically, this should be our 101st reunion, however, for unknown reasons, there was no reunion held in 1972.The reunions did return in 1973 and have been held every year since making this our official 100th gathering.

Stained glass window dedicated to James Hunter III and Margaret McCord

At the twenty-third annual Hunter Reunion on June 28, 1947, it was voted and passed that funds be raised for a stained glass window to be dedicated in memory of James Hunter III and his wife Margaret. The cost of the window was $225.00.

An exact number of descendants is unknown however we currently have contact with over 200 living members. The Deer Creek Cemetery directly across from the church, is the final resting place for a great many descendants of James Hunter III including James, Margaret and some of their children. Ruth Cunningham has given informative tours of the cemetery in years past and serves as the current President of the Deer Creek Cemetery.

 Looking in the pages of family notes from reunions past, it seems there has always been a concern of losing touch with each generation. Through multiple efforts and advancement in technology, I have great hope and belief that the younger generations will continue the legacy of James Hunter III and his wife Margaret. In-person gatherings will always be the goal as nothing compares to real live human interaction.

James Hunter III reunion 2023

*Information for this article was gathered from historical reunion notes and The Hunter Clan book written in 1927 by Margaret Lytle Floyd put together with Karen Hunter Dwyer.

An invitation to Clan Hunter members

The James Hunter III Family, wishes to extend an invitation to other clan members who would like to meet and greet Madame Pauline during her visit to Deer Creek United Presbyterian Church on June 28, 2025

If interested in attending all or part of the festivities, please RSVP to the reunion President Karen Hunter Dwyer: 100thhunter.reunion.cb@gmail.com

Below is the tentative schedule: 

We ask for a monetary donation to help cover expenses for the reunion. The meats and drinks will be provided as well as plates and utensils. Side dishes are welcome as well as donations for our first ever at the reunion, Pittsburgh Cookie Table.

Best regards,

Karen Hunter Dwyer-Reunion President

Krista McGuire-Reunion Vice President

Sarah Cunningham – Reunion Secretary