John Hunter

Who was John Hunter?

John Hunter was an American businessman and politician from New York.

He was the son of Robert Hunter and Ruth Hunter. In 1806, Ruth married Lt. Gov. John Broome. John Hunter graduated from Columbia College. In 1799, he married Elizabeth Desbrosses, a wealthy heiress.

Sometime before 1812, he bought "Appleby's Island", which became afterwards known as Hunter's Island, located off the shore of the Town of Pelham, in Westchester County, and now part of Orchard Beach in the Bronx. Hunter's residence and gardens were constructed and landscaped at great cost. The Mansion was built in the English Georgian style and was described as one of the finest mansion of the period. It held a vast art collection valuable art by artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Van Dyke and Raphael. The home was situated at the highest point on the island and had wonderful views of Long Island Sound to the east and the hills and woodlands of the Town of Pelham and New Rochelle to the north. Terraced gardens flanked the home and continued down to the waterfront. A stone causeway and bridge were also constructed, connecting the island to the mainland. John Hunter lived in the home for more than forty years until his death in 1852. Hunter was originally buried on the island estate, but was re-interred in Beechwoods Cemetery in New Rochelle after the sale of his estate in 1866.