Hunter was born in Virginia at an unknown birth date, though at the time of his death he was estimated to be about 45 years old.
In 1795, he was granted 1000 acres on Cole's Creek by the Spanish government in the Natchez District.
He became a captain in the local militia, formed in 1793, and presented a petition to Andrew Ellicott from citizens asking the United States to intervene in their interests.
Ellicott sent him to Philadelphia to deliver a message to the Secretary of State and Hunter returned with a commission of inspector of military posts east of the Mississippi.
He traveled to the new Capitol in Washington, where he served for a little more than three months (December 7, 1801 – March 11, 1802) before dying suddenly.