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Leonard W. Hunter is a veteran of the World war and a prominent young business man of Nanty Glo, where he is engaged in the jewelry business. He was born at LaJose, Clearfield County, Pa., Sept. 12, 1894, and is the son of James B. and Cordelia (Beck) Hunter.
James B. Hunter, who lives at Nanty Glo, was born at LaJose, Pa., May 5, 1871. At an early age he learned the jeweler's trade and engaged in business for a number of years at LaJose. He then entered the Pennsylvania State Highway Department as an inspector, and in 1915 removed to Nanty Glo. He is still connected with the State Highway Department and also conducts a small jewelry business at Nanty Glo. Mr. Hunter is a Republican and a member of the United Brethren Church. His wife was born at East Ridge, Pa., and is the daughter of Leonard Beck, who came to this country from Darmstadt, Germany, and settled in Green County. He later removed to Clearfield County, where he engaged in farming. He is deceased and is buried at East Ridge. Leonard Beck's father lived to the age of 103 years. She has two sons who survive her, Adam K. and Nicholas Beck, Civil war veterans. They are both over 90 years of age and reside at East Ridge. To James B. and Cordelia (Beck) Hunter five children were born: Kelly R., died Dec. 5, 1923; Leonard W., the subject of this sketch; James T., an optician, lives in Pittsburgh, is a World war veteran; Thelma V., and Helen B., both at home.
Leonard W. Hunter spent his boyhood at LaJose and at an early age learned telegraphy in the employ of the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 1915 he removed to Nanty Glo and the following year was graduated from the Philadelphia Optical College. He then engaged in the jewelry business at Nanty Glo, but in March, 1918, volunteered for service during the World war and was sent to Camp Lee, Virginia. He served in France with the Three Hundred Fourteenth Field Artillery, Eightieth Division, and took part in the St. Mihiel and Argone offensives. He was discharged June 7, 1919, and returned to Nanty Glo. Mr. Hunter is one of the leading optometrists and has a well stocked and up-to-date jewelry store. He is identified with the American Optical Association and the Pennsylvania State Optical Association.
In 1921 Mr. Hunter was married to Miss Ruth Marie Stringer, a daughter of Mark and Mare (Whiteman) Stringer, natives of Big Run, Pa. Mr. Stringer lives retired at Nanty Glo. His wife is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Hunter have a daughter, Phyllis Marie. Mrs. Hunter is a graduate
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