Gov. Frank W. Hunt

About

FRANK W. HUNT was born in Louisville, Kentucky, on December 16, 1861. After completing his education in the common schools of Louisville, Hunt moved to Idaho and pursued work as a miner. Hunt entered politics in 1892, as a member of the Idaho Legislature, a position he held until 1894. During the Spanish-American War, he enlisted in the army, rose to the rank of captain, and participated in the Battle of Manila and Topte Bridge. After his military service, Hunt won the 1900 Democratic gubernatorial nomination and was elected governor of Idaho. He was sworn into office on January 7, 1901. During his tenure, commerce was advanced, an eight-hour workday was instituted for all workers, agricultural developments progressed, and on March 11, 1901 he signed a bill that established the Academy of Idaho, which later became the Idaho State University. After losing his reelection bid, Hunt retired from politics, and returned to his mining interests. He served as vice president and general manager of the Dewey Combination Lease Company. Governor Frank W. Hunt died on November 25, 1906, after contracting pneumonia. He was buried at the Masonic Cemetery in Boise, Idaho.

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