William R. Hunter
b. Newport, RI, November 26,
1774
d. Newport, RI, December 3,
1849
Lawyer, United States Senator from Rhode Island, ambassador to Brazil.
The youngest child, and only son to survive infancy, of Dr. William Hunter
and Deborah Hunter Malbone, daughter of Godfrey Malbone. Lived with his
mother and sisters near the northeast corner of Thames and Mary Streets.
Preparatory studies under Robert Rogers. Upon graduating from Brown in
1791, he traveled to England. He pursued law studies at the Inner Temple
in London. Returning to this country, continued studies until admission
to the bar at age of 21 in 1796.
In 1812, chosen to replace C.G. Champlin who had resigned as the United
States Senator from Rhode Island. Hunter, a Federalist, fulfilled the remaining
two years of Champlin's term and, in 1814, was elected to serve another
six years. Having failed in a subsequent reelection bid, he returned to
practice law and represent the people of Newport in the Rhode Island General
Assembly.
President Andrew Jackson appointed Hunter "charges d'affaires to Brazil"
in 1834. At the request of Emperor Pedro II in 1841 he was elevated to
the position of "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary" (Better
known as Ambassador). Becomes the first U.S. Ambassador to Brazil. Term
expired two years later, he returned to Newport.
Hunter was assigned the delivery of the Centennial Address, at the Centennial
Celebration of the Redwood Library, in 1847.
Died in the house which bears his name, Hunter House, located at #54 Washington
Street (now owned by the Preservation Society of Newport County). He is
buried at Trinity Church, marked by the tallest obelisk in the graveyard.
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