JONATHAN G. HUNTON, the ninth governor of Maine, was born in Unity, New Hampshire on March 14, 1781. His early education was attained in the common schools of his native state. He studied law, and established his legal career in Readfield. Hunton entered politics in 1829, serving as a member of the Governor’s Executive Council. That same year, he ran and was elected to the governorship of Maine. He was sworn into office on February 9, 1830. During his tenure, he was instrumental in working towards founding the state’s first mental hospital. After running unsuccessfully for reelection, Hunton left office on January 5, 1831. He served as a member of the Maine State Senate and the Maine House of Representatives from 1832 to 1834.Afterwards, he retired from public service and returned to his legal practice. Governor Jonathan G. Hunton passed away on October 12, 1851, and was buried at the Readfield Cemetery in Readfield, Maine.
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.