Hunter Stagg (1895–1960)

Hunter Taylor Stagg was born in the city of Richmond the younger son of Thomas E. and Sarah Stagg on 29 May 1895. Kicked in the head by a horse at the age of seven, Stagg became prone to seizures later in life. Stagg attended the Richmond school run by John Peyton McGuire and in 1921 joined with three other "literary minded" individuals (Mary Dallas Street, Emily Clark (Balch) and Margaret Freeman, who married James Branch Cabell in 1950) to establish The Reviewer, a literary magazine.

"Hunter Stagg was an avid literary lionizer, the one of the four who sought meetings with writers for the thrill of associating with creative artists. His handsome appearance, his considerable charm, his genuine appreciation for writing aided him in establishing the friendships he cherished including that of Cabell. Carl Van Vechten, leader of avant-garde cultural circles in New York, responded to Hunter's appeal and opened literary doors for him." -- from the Ellen Glasgow Newsletter #15 which also provides extensive lists of acquaintances met during these years.

The Reviewer moved to North Carolina in 1924 and Stagg held several reviewing positions in Richmond before moving to Washington, D.C. in March 1938 to live with his sister, Helen Winston, and her family. He lived with Mrs. Winston until her death in the late 1940s. After spending some time in New York with Margaret Freeman recuperating from his sister's death, Stagg returned to D.C. and got a job managing a bookstore.

Stagg only worked intermittently throughout his life and was prone to alcoholism. Chronically without funds, Stagg forfeited a portion of his library and his furnishings when he did not meet the storage payments. He was eventually committed to St. Elizabeth's in Washington, D.C. and died there, 23 December 1960. He was buried in the Stagg family section of Hollywood Cemetery. As of 2002, his grave had no marker or tombstone.