David M. Hall, whose sudden passing from this life we chronicled in these
columns last week, was one of the early settlers of Evans township, and
contributed his full share in the material development of this section of
country. We are impressed, more and more, with the fact that the early
comers to this community when it was new, who broke the virgin prairies and
made possible the beautiful farms and homes we now enjoy, are fast passing
away.
David Hall was born December 18th, 1835, in Fayette county,
Penna., and was the son of Isaac and Nancy (Morrison) Hall. His parental
grandfather, Joseph Hall, came to this country from Scotland. His maternal
grandfather, Francis Morrison, although born in this country, was of English
and Scotch descent. His father was a farmer and the subject of this sketch
spent his early life upon his father's farm and has always followed farming
as a vocation.
At the age of eighteen he came to Marshall county,
Illinois, and settled in Evans township. In 1853 he married Miss Elizabeth
Smith, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvania, daughter of Asbury
Smith, one of the first settlers. For five years Mr. Hall farmed his
father-in-law's place. His wife died July 4th, 1866, leaving two sons,
Emmet, now in California, and Robert C., of Chicago.
In 1867 Mr. Hall
was united in marriage with Miss Augusta Jones, daughter of Justis and
Elizabeth (Parks) Jones, who were also among the first settlers of Marshall
county. His faithful wife has shared his joys and sorrows for the past
forty-three years. The wife and the following children survive him:
Robert C., of Chicago; Emmet, of California; Susie, wife of Edward Umbarger,
of Toluca; Katie, wife of Horace M. Whitney, of Wenona; Reuben, of
Wellington, Kansas; Samuel, of Wenona; Nellie, wife of Leslie Frankeberger,
of Bloomington, and Jennie May at home.
The following children
preceded their father to the spirit world: Fannie, wife of George Merritt,
Ross Orville and Lula.
Mr. Hall was a public spirited man and evinced
a deep interest in all matters which were for the good of the community. He
served for eighteen years as school director, and was highly esteemed
because of the sterling qualities he possessed. Thirteen years ago he
purchased the beautiful home in the edge of our city, to which he removed,
and upon which he expended much labor in improving and beautifying. A marked
characteristic of the deceased was his untiring industry. Through winters
cold and summers heat he ceased not to toil. Even the urgent advice of his
physician and friends availed not as he had formed these habits of industry
and seemingly could not refrain.
The funeral services occurred on
Thursday, Jun 23d, at the residence and were conducted by Rev. J. D.
Calhoun, of the M. E. church, and Rev. R. B. McCain, of the Presbyterian
church. Favorite hyms of the deceased, namely, "Lead, Kindly Light," "Shall
We Gather at the River," and "The Sweet Bye and Bye," were sweetly sung by
Miss Alice Moulton and Miss Viola Gants, Anderson Skinner and T. D. Judd.
The floral offerings were beautiful and the attendance upon the services
large, showing the high regard of the people for the family in their deep
sorrow. The interment took place at the Cumberland cemetery on lower Sandy.
Three sons and three son-in-law performed the sad duty of bearing the body
of the loved one to the grave.
Mrs. David M. Hall and children wish
to thank the many friends who through loving sympathy rendered every
possible service, in their deep affliction. They will ever cherish in memory
these kindly offices. The ministrations of loving hearts and hands helped
greatly in bringing comfort in the great sorrow which fell so suddenly upon
them.
Contributed 11 Sep 2020 by Denise Hall Hutson
denisehallhutsonart@gmail.com
Augusta Jones’s father is listed as Justis. It’s actually spelled Justus. Also a
tidbit of info, the “Samuel of Wenona” mentioned is my grandfather.
| Bureau | Putnam | |
| Stark |
 |
La Salle |
| Peoria | Woodford |
