Ambrose R. Hunting, a prominent citizen of Schoharie, N. Y., residing on the Hunting homestead, was born in this town on September 14, 1833, son of Joseph and Mary A. (Chesebro) Hunting.
The first of his family in this country was John Hunting, who came from England in August, 1638, and settled in Dedham, Mass. He was one of the founders of that town, and an Elder in the church there for many years. He had a son named John, of whom little is known, and a grandson, Nathaniel, who was graduated at Harvard College, and subsequently preached to the church in East Hampton, N. Y., for fifty-seven years.
The fourth in line, Nathaniel Hunting, second, was educated for the ministry, but poor health compelled him to give up his beloved profession, and devote himself to agriculture. His son, Joseph Hunting, was a sea captain. After this Joseph came two others of the same name. The first of these, who was the grandfather of Ambrose R. Hunting, was the first Hunting to come to Schoharie. He came hither from Long Island in 1791, accompanied by his mother, and settled on the farm which has since been in the possession of his descendants. He was a shoemaker by trade, but was engaged more or less in farming and in mercantile affairs.
The third Joseph Hunting, father of Ambrose R., was born in Schoharie in 1805, and resided in the town throughout his life. He was known as a man who attended strictly to his own affairs and caused no annoyance to other persons by interference. He never brought suit against any one, was never sued, and never called upon to serve as a witness. In politics he was a Democrat. He was a leading member of the Methodist church, and for more than forty years a class leader. His wife, Mary, was born in Knox, Albany County, the daughter of Peleg Chesebro, a cooper and farmer. Her grandfather, Christopher Chesebro, who was a carpenter by trade, fought in the Revolution. He lived originally in Stonington, Conn., but removed thence to Knox in 1791.
Ambrose R. Hunting was reared on the paternal homestead, and attended the public schools until he was seventeen years of age. He then was sent to Schoharie Academy for two terms, and afterward to the New York Conference Seminary at Charlotteville. After studying there for two years, he was prepared to enter the junior class at Union College, Schenectady; but, his family being opposed to the profession he had chosen, he yielded to their wishes and withdrew from school. After teaching for several terms he returned to the farm and began devoting himself to agriculture.
Mr. Hunting has been a loyal member of the Methodist church for fifty years, and has held every position in the church to which a layman is entitled, except that of lay delegate to the general conference. In politics he is a Democrat. He has held the office of Supervisor for four years, that of School Commissioner for two terms, and for a year he was a member of the Assembly. Fraternally, he is connected with Schoharie Valley Lodge, No. 491, F. & A. M.; and John L. Lewis Chapter, No. 229, R. A. M.
Mr. Hunting was first married on April 14, 1859, to Amanda Severson. Two sons were born of this union: William J., who died in 1875; and Edwin F., who is a graduate of the Albany College of Pharmacy, and is now a successful druggist in that city. On June 5, 1869, Mr. Hunting was married to Mary M. Northrop, who was born in Berne, Albany County, the daughter of Asa T. and Ann E. Northrop. By this second marriage there is one child, Florence A. She has received a musical education at Claverack Institute.