Hunt, Claire

Surveyor and allotting agent; worked for U.S. Indian Service on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington State from 1910-1914. In 1906, federal legislation was passed opening to homestead entry unallotted lands on several Indian reservations, including the Spokane, Flathead, and Colville. The Colville Reservation opened on Sept. 5, 1916. As a result of his surveys, Hunt published maps of the allotted and unallotted lands on the reservation. Hunt developed a great interest in native culture and befriended many Indians, hiring several to assist with the surveys. During the course of this work, he wrote down legends and stories related to him by a number of prominent tribal leaders. In 1921, Hunt moved to Olympia to serve as Surveyor General, a position he held until 1925; b. 1865; d. 1937.