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New York Gulch and the settlement of New York (later shortened to "York") was about 18 miles from Helena across the Missouri River at the Trout Creek Ferry. The Hunter family lived here, by the Trout Creek Ferry and ran the Astor House, although they also spent time at their claim in Confederate Gulch, some 20 miles away. Articles in the Montana Gazette on July 26 and September 1, 1866 mention the Astor House. One of the newspaper items mentions a ball and supper to commemorate the advent of the first quartz mill in New York Gulch, in honor of the Gatzon and Simpson Mining Company, which was hosted by Dr. Hunter, "too well known as a public caterer to need recommendation. A good time may be expected." The other article reads: "Among the noticeable features to a hungry man on his arrival in New York, is the 'Astor House' under the supervision of Dr. Hunter. It is unnecessary to say anything about a square meal until you have been to the 'Astor House' and most assuredly a ride from Helena in the sun has a tendency to sharpen one's appetite."

While living in New York, M. T., Dr. Hunter was appointed Justice of the Peace, probate judge for Meagher County and superintendent of schools by territorial Governor Green Clay Smith. Hunter was an acting judge for cases involving mining disputes (the price of gold was then $18.00 an ounce), claim jumping, attests to a deed of trust, theft of tools, deeds of sale and even a murder. As well, anyone requesting arms and ammunition for the county (to fight the Blackfoot incursions) had to go through Doctor Hunter's office. He was also practicing medicine at this time. Frostbite was a severe problem in Montana in the winter but Dr. Hunter had success treating this form of exposure and rarely needed to resort to amputation.

Sometime after arriving in Montana, Dr. Hunter's wife, Susannah, shortened her name to "Susan" Hunter. Apart from helping with the work at Astor House, Susan taught school and panned for gold. On November 4, 1866, Susan gave birth to Montana Queen Hunter, but the child died six days later. Also, twin girls were born and died at birth. However, Sallie Price Hunter was born a year later, on November 27, 1867, and lived to adulthood. Susan Hunter kept the promise she had made to herself during the period when she was held captive by Northern forces to include the name of a Southern general in all her children's names, thus "Sallie PRICE Hunter."

Susan Hunter's daughter, Lizzie Kate Longstreet Hunter (Rich), in later years, said that "everyone at Confederate Gulch had lots of gold but no way to spend it." In an article published in the JUDITH BASIN COUNTY PRESS on February 1, 1937, Lizzie Hunter Rich spoke about life in the mining camps, saying, "children were a novelty in mining camps. We were petted and spoiled by the entire camp; we'd have had much done for us had there been any way of doing it; only necessities were available, gold couldn't buy comforts and luxuries for they weren't a part of a mining camp. I never owned a doll, I remember us children playing at mining, washing for gold with a pan. We looked only for pieces large enough to make a shape. The influx of emigrants in search of gold brought all classes and professions. My sister Mary (Mrs. Mary L. Doane of Bozeman) was taught to dance by a French dancing master in this far away mining camp. My father finally bought a mine with the help of my uncle. They worked all winter in this mine and never so much as saw color."

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