Source: The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois
Originally published 1896
S. J. Clarke Pub. Co., Chicago, IL
Page 221
David HALL. The splendid farm of two hundred and fifty-four acres on section 2, Evans township, owned by this gentelman, is a standing monument to his industry, enterprise and good management. He caomes under the category of a self-made man, as on coming to Marshall County his capital consisted of but forty-seven dollars, and has succeeded only by the exercise of steady, plodding labor. At present, however, he is one of the prominent representative agriculturists of the locality.
Mr. HALL was born December 18, 1833, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, of which county his parents, Isaac and Nancy (MORRISON) HALL, were also natives. The paternal grandfather, Joseph HALL, came to this country from Scotland, while the maternal grandfather, Francis MORRISON, though born in this country was of English and Scotch descent. The latter was a seventh son, followed the sea during his active life and lived to the extreme age of one hundred and fourt years. His wife was the daughter of a Revolutionary soldier. The parents of our subject always made their home in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, where the father engaged in farming, and were worthy members of the Methodist church. In their family were eleven children, all still living witht the exception of two. In order of birth they are as follows: David, Hannah, Rachel, Sabina, Andrw, Olive, Isaac, Eliza Ann, Julius, deceasd, Nancy, and William Ambrose, deceased. Andrew was one of the brave boys in blue during the civil war.
At the age of eighteen years, our subject left the home farm in Pennsylvania, coming to Marshall county, Illinois in 1831, and for two years worked on the Illinois Central railroad. It was in 1853 that he married Elizabeth Smnith, a native of Washington county, Pennsylvaia, and a daughter of Asbury P. SMITH, who settled in Evans township about the same time as our subject. For about five years he lived upon his father-in-law’s farm, and in 1859 was called upon to mourn the losss of his wife, who died leaving two sons – Will Emett, who married Josephine FOSTER, by whome he has five children, and now lives n California; and Robert C. of Wenona, who married Addie RYDER, and has tow children.
In 1858, Mr. HALL located upon his present farm, which at that time was nearly all wild land, but he at once began its imporovement and cultivation, and now the entire tract has been palced under the plow. The buildings there found have been erected at a cost of eight thousand dollars, and the land is all now fenced and tiled. The cereals which he raises are principally corn and oats, he handles a great deal of hay, and also gives considerable attention to the raising of horses, cattle and hogs, having for anumber of years imported French draft horses upon his place.
Mr. HALL was again married in 1861, his second union being with Miss Augusta JONES, a daughter of Augustus and Elizabeth (PARKS) JONES, who were among the first settlers of La Salle county, but later became residents of Marshall county. Nine children were born to our subject and his estimable wife – Fannie, wife of George MERRIT; Ross Orville, deceased; Katie and Susie, twins, the former the wife of Harrison WHITNEY, by whom she has one son; Rueben; Lura, deceased; Samuel, Nellie and Jennie.
A firm supporter of our public school system, Mr. HALL has served for eighteen years as school direct, and gives his aid to every worth enterprise calculated to promote the welfare of his fellow citizens. He donated the land upon which the school house of district No. 3 was erected. In politics he affiliates with the republican party, and religiously, Mrs. HALL is an earnest member of the Methodist church. Both are highly esteemed and respected members of society, and enjoy the confidence and regard of all who know them.
