Hunt constructed this residence in 1841 from local brick from Penny's Brickyard (modern day Baker Park). In 1844, he entered the paper industry, building the first paper mill northwest of the Ohio River, eventually employing over 80 people. Hunt opened a tannery in 1850 and manufactured harnesses, boots, and shoes. For the latter part of his life, until 1890, he ran a hardware business. Hunt served as a major in the Civil War. Hunt died on October 23, 1908. Bela Hunt's son Frank B. Hunt later served as the third mayor of St. Charles, and his grandson Edwin M. Hunt was the eleventh mayor.
