GEORGE NATHAN HUNT
CLETA LORRAINE MEYER
1897 -- 1966
1896 -- 1955

George Nathan Hunt was born October 20, 1897, on the Clover Creek Ranch to William Harrison (Harry) and Octavia Atkins Hunt. Octavia died after the birth of their fifth child. Several years later William married Octavia's twin sister, Flora Atkins, and the family moved to Oak Run. George spent his life as a well respected rancher. He managed the W.H. Hunt Estate, which consisted of over 30,000 acres in Shasta, Lassen, and Modoc Counties until the time of his death. George followed in the footsteps of his father William Harrison (Harry) Hunt and Grandfather Daniel Granvil Hunt. His grandfather Daniel Granvil Hunt was a pioneer who came to California in 1849 from Huntsville, Missouri and settled in the Oak Run and Millville areas.

Cleta Lorraine Meyer was born in Bella Vista May 16, 1896 to Hattie May Craven Meyer and Frederick Meyer Jr. The Meyer family were also pioneers of Shasta County. They were respected by friends and neighbors; a list of their sons and daughters-in-laws resembled an early County Directory.

Soon after George became manager of the Hunt Estate he and Cleta were married on June 28, 1924. They made their home on the ranch living next door to his step-mother, Flora Irene Hunt. George and Cleta had a happy life except for their sorrow in not having children of their own. They were very kind and loving to their nieces and nephews. It was a favorite place to visit. George spent many hours gaining knowledge about the breeding of Hereford cattle. The ranch produced quality commercial Hereford cattle, the Hunt herd was well known among ranchers nationwide. In later years George donated much time to the 4-H Clubs and The Future Farmers of America. His knowledge was in great demand, and he served frequently as a judge in livestock shows across the United States. George belonged to the Millville Odd Fellows Lodge,. Millville Rebekah Lodge #3, Millville Grange, Shasta County Cattlemen and was the Director of the Millville Cementery District.

Born into a sociable family, Cleta belonged to several local organizations. She was a member of the Millville Rebekah Lodge #3, Millville Grange, Home Economics Club and the Local Stitch Club. Everyone appreciated her excellent cooking skills. Her whipped cream cake with crushed pineapple was a favorite of many.

After six months of illness, Cleta died September 30, 1955, at their home in Oak Run. Twelve years later, after a short illness George passed away on February 25, 1966 at a local Redding hostpital. Cleta and George are both buried in the Masonic Cemetery in Millville.

Source: Shasta Historical Society - Feb. 2001

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