George King Hunter

George King Hunter (April 6, 1855 – February 2, 1940) was a career officer in the United States Army. A veteran of the American Indian Wars, Spanish–American War, Philippine–American War, and World War I, he was a recipient of the Silver Star and attained the rank of Brigadier General.

A native of Lancaster, Ohio, Hunter graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1877 and was assigned to the Cavalry branch. He performed duty throughout the western United States during the American Indian Wars, including expeditions and scouting missions in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Hunter served in the Spanish–American War, and was wounded at the July 1898 Battle of San Juan Hill. His heroism during the battle was recognized with award of the Silver Star. Hunter commanded a Cavalry troop and squadron in the Philippines during the Philippine–American War, after which he performed duty in both the United States and the Philippines.

Hunter was promoted to brigadier general at the start of World War I, and commanded the 164th Depot Brigade, 6th Infantry Brigade, and Jefferson Barracks. He retired in July 1919. In retirement, Hunter resided in Cleveland, Ohio. He died at the Fifth Avenue Hotel in New York City on February 2, 1940. Hunter was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Early life George King Hunter in Lancaster, Ohio, was born on April 6, 1855, the son of Lieutenant Colonel Henry B. Hunter, a Union Army veteran of the American Civil War, and Josephine (King) Hunter. He was raised and educated in Lancaster, and worked in his father's pharmacy. In 1873, Hunter was appointed to the United States Military Academy. He graduated in 1877 ranked sixty-seven of seventy-six.

In 1930, the U.S. Congress enacted legislation allowing the general officers of World War I to retire at their highest rank, and Hunter was promoted to brigadier general on the retired list. His wife and he later moved to New York City's Fifth Avenue Hotel, where Hunter died on February 2, 1940. Joseph Livermore, who was described as "insane" and spent his life in mental institutions