Researching Charles Hunter

Charles Hunter was born in Columbia, Tennessee, and at birth was almost totally blind. He was the son of Jordan M. Hunter and Fannie F. Hackney. His father was a musician in the 6th Cav. CSA. He attended the School for the Blind in Nashville, Tennessee, where he learned the piano tuner's trade. He went to work at the Jesse French Piano Company in Nashville. Absorbing the folk strains of Nashville, he published his first rag, "Tickled to Death," in 1899, which became a hit. This was followed in 1900 by "A Tennessee Tantilizer," and in 1901 by "Possum and Taters," "Cotton Bolls," and "Queen of Love."

In 1902 he transferred to Jesse French's St. Louis store. "Just Ask Me" was published that year, and "Why We Smile" the next.

Hunter's health and career deteriorated as he partook of the St. Louis night life, and it wasn't until late in 1905 that he published his final rag, "Back to Life," so named to celebrate his return to health. It was a short-lived recovery; he died of tuberculosis not long afterwards. According to his funeral notice in the Columbia Herald, he left a young wife. He died on January 23, 1906, just six weeks after his marriage.

Hunter was educated at Uppingham School where he played cricket as a wicket-keeper for the school XI. He went up to Cambridge University and played one first-class match for Cambridge University Cricket Club in 1889, suffering somewhat by Gregor MacGregor being a contemporary at both Uppingham and Cambridge. He played club cricket Bickley Park Cricket Club and in 1894 played twice for the Kent County Cricket Club Second XI before making two first-class appearances for the side in 1895. He continued to play club cricket for a variety of sides into the 1900s.

After marrying Euphemia Parke at Quebec City in Canada in 1899, Hunter worked first as a solicitor's clerk before taking over the family timber business. The couple had one son. After retiring to live in Devon, he died at Budleigh Salterton in April 1955 aged 87.