Descendants of David Hall and Abigail Iddings
SUNSET IN FLOYD COUNTY, VIRGINIA
David Hall (John Hall7, Jesse Hall6, Benajah Hall5, Joseph Hall4, James Hall3, Henry Hall2, John Hall1) was born 1 Jul 1812 in Montgomery Co., VA, son of John Hall and Sarah "Sally" Pate and grandson of Jesse Hall, a Revolutionary War soldier, and Phebe Wilber. During his lifetime, he was a farmer, Confederate soldier and Postmaster of Floyd Co., VA. On 13 Jun 1856, he was appointed Postmaster at Simpsons PO, and served until 30 May 1860, and on 5 Feb 1866 he was appointed for a second term and served until 15 Jul 1874. Clyde Angle said, "At one time Simpson's was a large post office, and I think it may be the oldest in the county. It was established in 1823." "Simpson's Post Office was discontinued in Dec 1845, because they couldn't find a man that could read and write. Back in those days. that was a job." He added, "The office was not reopened until Apr 1846." Mr. Angle had in his possession a plaque with all postmasters who had been appointed to Simpson's PO in Floyd Co. The postmasters and their date of appointment were: David Hall. June 13. 1856; Gordon M. Hall, May 31. 1860; David Hall. Feb. 5, 1866; Jesse W. Hall, July 24, 1888. Gordon M. and Jesse W. Hall were his sons.
David Hall joined Company A of the 4th Regiment, Virginia Reserves, as did his son Gordon M. Hall. Colonel Robert Taylor Preston of Montgomery Co., organized a group of men known as the Preston Battalion of Virginia Reserves. Comprised of young boys and older men, this group was charged with defending the home front. When Colonel Preston learned that the enemy was approaching the area, he wrote a broadside calling for the men of Floyd, Roanoke and Montgomery counties to join together to repel the enemy. The people of the area had great faith that Colonel Preston would protect them. Nearly 200 of Preston's soldiers in the 4th Virginia Reserves were from Floyd Co., Virginia. .
After he returned home, a story has been handed down about someone who kept stealing his corn. He decided to watch for the thief. One night, while David was on watch, an old man came to the corn crib, filled his sack and remarked, "If only I had this on my back." David in telling this story, said that he stepped up and helped the elderly man get the sack on his back. He then told him to come back and get more whenever he needed it. David would never tell who the man was.
David's death certificate states his cause of death was parilized [probably due to stroke] at age 67, with Abagel Hall, consort and informant, she stating he died April 3, 1880 in Floyd Co., VA and his parents were Sarah and John Hall. According to the bible record of Abbie Hall now in the possession of Gladys Vest Gordon, he died April 1880 at the age of 67 years, 9 months and 2 days [or 3 Apr 1880]. This date of death agrees with the date reported by Abigail on David's death certificate. He is buried at the Hall and McNeil Cemetery in Floyd Co., VA.
Abigail Iddings, (Henry Iddings6, Henry B. Iddings5, William Iddings4, Richard Iddings3, William Dwyns2, Wilt Idwin1), born 21 Mar 1811, was one of eleven children of Henry Iddings and Abigail Olive Richardson of Montgomery Co., VA. Her older sister Elizabeth married Charles Hall, David's uncle. As a small child Abigail contracted "white swelling" or known today as tuberculosis of the bones and joints. This disease caused her to remain a cripple for her remaining years, but it did not stop her from marrying at age 17 and eventually giving birth to 13 children. Abigail was blind for several years and spent them with her daughter Juanna. She died on 1 Apr 1904, at the age of 93 and is buried at the Hall and McNeil Cemetery. Abigail's headstone reads, “As a star that is lost when the daylight is given, she has faded away to shine brightly in heaven.”
Abigail’s parents were Henry Iddings born 25 Dec 1762 and died 24 Jun 1854 buried in the Head of the River Church Cemetery, Floyd Co., VA, son of Henry B. Iddings and Mary Wynne born 11 Nov 1732 and died Abt 1776, and Abigail Richardson, daughter of James Richardson and Martha, they married 11 Dec 1789. Abigail's siblings were Henry Iddings, Jr. m. Lydia Wilson 5 Aug 1812; William Iddings m. Sarah Conner on 18 Oct 1818; Elizabeth Iddings m. Charles Hall on 3 Jul 1820; Hannah Iddings m. Jacob Walters on 25 Jul 1822; Mary Iddings (never married); Thomas Iddings m. Jane Sterling on 19 Oct 1830; Martha Iddings m. Charles Vest on 18 Jul 1831; Lydia Iddings m. Bird Smith on 13 Sep 1832; Jonathan Iddings m. Sarah Howery on 5 Nov 1832 and Hannah Pharis in 1845; and Sarah Iddings m. Samuel L. Vest on 12 Sep 1833.
Direction to the Hall and McNeil Cemetery located just south of Locust Grove (Simpsons) in Floyd Co., VA south of S.R. 610 on S.R. 654: Take 221 North out of Roanoke toward Bend Mountain and turn right onto S.R. 610, somewhere between 1 to 3 miles is S.R. 654 (difficult to see), turn left and you will see a building on the corner and the graves are behind the building.
NOTE: MCV IS MONTGOMERY CO., VA AND FCV IS FLOYD CO., VA
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CHILDREN OF DAVID HALL AND ABIGAIL IDDINGS MARRIED 28 JUL 1832: 1.
Henry "Harry" Hall (23 Apr 1832 MCV.-23 Oct 1868 FCV) m. Alley
d/o Thomas Iddings (Abigail's brother) and Jane 3/25/1854 Franklin Co.,
and 2) Samuel W. Sweptson 9/30/1869 Franklin Co. |
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CENSUS INFORMATION FOR DAVID AND ABIGAIL HALL: 1850
MCV 1062-1062 David Hall, 39, Farmer, Abagail Hall, 40, Henry Hall, 18, Sarah
Hall, 16, Mary Hall, 13, John Hall, 12, Gordon Hall, 10, Jesse Hall, 7, Byrd
Hall, 5, Elmira Hall, 2. |
Mr. C W Hall, of Elliston, died Friday September 28, 1928. Mr. Hall formerly lived in Floyd near Flint. He sold his farm to Mr. W. H. Martin about seven or eight years ago and bought property at Elliston. Mr. Hall was about 70 years old and had been in declining health for about three years. His eye sight was very poor. He leaves three sons and three daughters, namely Letcher, Edgar, and Leslie Hall and Mrs. Henry Lawrence of Elliston; Mrs. Victor Light of Indian Valley, and Mrs. Wade Muncy of Draper, N C. His wife preceded him several years ago. The remains were brought to Locust Grove, Floyd County, and after the funeral by Rev. Mr. Conner in the Methodist Church there, the body was laid to rest in the Hall Cemetery at his brother, Jessie W Hall's. Mr. Jessie W. Hall is the only member of the family living. Quiet a large crowd attended the funeral. Source: 10-18-1928 The Floyd Press.
David Hall and his sons, Henry, John, Gordon, Jesse and Byrd were all Confederate soldiers during the Civil War. Floyd men generally fought in southwestern Virginia, eastern Tennessee, Cloyd's Mountain, then Crockett's Gap to stop Averell; and on to Lynchburg, Virginia, where they joined Jubal Early's forces and fought throughout northern Virginia and into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia and were with General Lee at Appomattox. Most were present at the battle in Saltville, Virginia on 2 Oct 1864 which resulted in the defeat of a Union army of 5,200 men. Saltville was extremely important to the Confederacy during the Civil War since salt was the primary method of preserving food and Saltville was the South's only significant source of salt.
David Hall and Gordon M. Hall joined Company A of the 4th Regiment, Virginia Reserves in order to remain close to home. John Hall and Henry Hall joined Company D of the 41st Regiment, Virginia Militia, serving in McCausland's and Imboden's Brigade, the unit fought in numerous engagements in western Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley. Its commanders were Colonel Warren M. Hopkins, Lt. Colonel Henry A. Edmundson, and Major Sylvester R. McConnell. Jesse Hall joined JEB Stuart's Horse Artillery under Major John Pelham in the Battery of Capt. James Breathed. Byrd Hall joined Company B of the 21st Regiment, VA Cavalry (Peter's Regiment) which was organized during the summer of 1863, with companies which had served in the Virginia State Line. The unit was assigned to W. E. Jones' and McCausland's Brigade. It took an active part in various conflicts in East Tennessee, western Virginia, and in the Shenandoah Valley. Its field officers were Col. W. E. Peters, Lt. Colonel David Edmundson, and Major Stephen P. Halsey. Gordon M. Hall later enlisted in Company E of the 27th Battalion, which during the summer of 1864, became Company E of the 25th Virginia Regiment, Virginia Cavalry. .
Most of the residents of Floyd Co., Virginia were from the beginning of the conflict divided between the Confederacy and the Union, but many became anti-Confederate when Conscription laws were passed forcing soldiers to fight beyond the terms of their enlistment. Letters were pouring in from the soldiers families describing the grave situation at home and begging for them to return before it was too late. Some left immediately, but many more deserted after discovering that the new Conscription laws provided exemptions for men owning twenty or more slaves and allowed the wealthy to hire a substitute to fight for them. This law sharply divided the rich slave owners from the struggling hardworking farmers creating a class war between the two.
About the end of the first year of war the Floyd county boys began to come home on furloughs. They were noticeably demoralized. From clean, well-bred, quiet-mannered boys, many of them had fallen into the ways of coarse men, chewed, spat, drank and cursed recklessly.
To the dismay of Confederate authorities, Floyd residents quickly came to the aid of the returning soldiers and provided them with food and shelter. At first these authorities, who were friends, neighbors and relatives, looked the other way, but were soon ordered to take action to suppress and arrest the county’s disloyal residents. Unionist Noah Underwood was jailed and threatened with execution by Col. Robert Preston. Preston also threatened to burn constable Joseph Phares’ farm and held him for three weeks in a guardhouse in Dublin, forcing him take a Confederate oath before being released. David Hall and Jacob Walters were apprehended at their homes and taken to the Confederate jail in Dublin on unproveable “disloyalty” charges and were soon released. Months later, Col. Preston informed Freeborn Hall’s family that he would burn their home if they refused to divulge his whereabouts. When Hall arrived to defend his family, Preston indicted him for having “Unionist sentiments” and then held him in a nearby Confederate prison for three months.
Saltville is an Appalachian mountain town located in southwest Virginia, on the north fork of the Holston River, almost exactly on the line between Smyth County and Washington County, It was so critical to the South's hopes for success that the Union army attacked the town twice with the mission of destroying the salt works. The Confederates successfully defended the town against a Union attack in October 1864, but just two months later troops led by Major General George Stoneman destroyed Saltville's ability to mine and distribute the precious mineral for the remainder of the war.
HENRY HALL AND ALLEY IDDINGS
Henry Hall was born 23 April 1832 in Montgomery Co. VA and died 23 Oct 1868 in Floyd Co., VA from cancer of the head (as described by the family). He married his cousin Alley Iddings, daughter of Thomas Iddings and Jane Stirling Iddings, on 25 Mar 1854 in Floyd Co., VA. Alley Iddings Hall m. Samuel W. Sweptson 30 Sep 1869 at George W. Kelly's, Floyd Co., VA by George W. Kelly. He 31 year old widowed farmer, b. Pittsylvania Co., VA and living in Floyd Co., VA, son of George W. and Mary Sweptson. She widowed 31 year old born and living in Floyd Co., VA, daughter of Thomas and Virginia Jane Iddings. (widow of Henry Hall) Source: FCVA1869_0064. Henry was the first one to be buried in a family cemetery at Simpson's Virginia, selecting the burial place himself under a walnut tree. Henry and Alley had two sons, Dennis W. Hall b. 28 May 1854 FCV and James T. Hall b. 1858 in FCV before they were separated or divorced. During the Civil War, Henry Hall joined Company D of the 41st Regiment, Virginia Militia, serving in McCausland's and Imboden's Brigade, the unit fought in numerous engagements in western VA and the Shenandoah Valley. Its commanders were Colonel Warren M. Hopkins, Lieutenant Colonel Henry A. Edmundson, and Major Sylvester R. McConnell.
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CHILDREN
OF HENRY HALL AND ALLEY IDDINGS ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR HENRY HALL: |
SARAH ELIZABETH HALL AND EDWARD HARRISON
Sarah Elizabeth Hall was born 14 Jan 1834 in Montgomery Co., VA and died Aft. 1900 in Washington Co., VA. She married 1) Edward F. Harrison on 22 Dec 1853 in Floyd Co., VA and 2) Peter Smith on 22 Dec 1892 at Abbie Hall's, Floyd Co., VA by P.R. Vest. He 70 year old widowed w/m farmer, born and living in Floyd Co., VA, s/o Jacob & Eavy Smith. She 60 year old widowed born and living in Floyd Co., VA, d/o David & Abbie Hall.
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CHILDREN
OF SARAH ELIZABETH HALL AND EDWARD FORREST HARRISON ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR SARAH ELIZABETH HALL: |
MARY HALL AND SPARRELL STEWART
Mary "Polly" Hall, daughter of David and Abigail, was born on 4 Mar 1836 in Montgomery Co., VA and died after 1900 in Montgomery Co., VA. She married Sparrell Stewart on 3 Feb 1853, he was born Jul 1831 MCV, son of William Stewart and Frances Lyons. They lived in the Piedmont area of Floyd Co., Virginia. They had three children: John Stewart born 3 Jul 1868 died 5 May 1948, he married Mary Kennett born 6 Aug 1871 and died 4 Nov 1955. Walter Stewart born 11 Jun 1876 died 13 Apr 1952 married Lucy Atkinson born 9 Oct 1876 died 5 Feb 1920. Fred C. Stewart born 20 Mar 1880 died 2 Oct 1965 married Sarah Maude King born 19 Nov 1882 died 28 Dec 191, daughter of John and Emeline Iddings King.
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CHILDREN OF MARY "POLLY" HALL AND
SPARRELL STEWART ARE:
3. Sarah J. Stewart b. 13 Sep 1858 FCV m. James
Matt King 12 Aug 1882 MCV. |
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CENSUS INFORMATION FOR
MARY HALL: |
JOHN
HALL AND NANCY MAGGIE WOOLWINE
John Hall was born 29 Apr 1838 in Montgomery Co., VA and died aft.
1900 in Wyoming Co., WV. He married about 1861 Nancy Maggie Woolwine b: Nov 1847 in Montgomery Co.,
Virginia. During the Civil War, John Hall joined Company D of the 41st
Regiment, Virginia Militia, serving in McCausland's and Imboden's Brigade, the
unit fought in numerous engagements in western VA and the Shenandoah Valley.
Its commanders were Colonel Warren M. Hopkins, Lieutenant Colonel Henry A.
Edmundson, and Major Sylvester R. McConnell.
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CHILDREN OF JOHN HALL AND NANCY MAGGIE WOOLWINE ARE: |
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CENSUS INFORMATION FOR
JOHN HALL: |
GORDON M. HALL AND MARY DELAWARE KING
Gordon Hall, son of David and Abigail, was born 29 May 1840 in Floyd Co., Virginia and died 1 Jan 1909. He was married 5 Aug 1869 in Franklin Co., VA to Mary Delaware "Dellie" King, who was born on 23 Jul 1853 and died 14 Nov 1913. They are buried in the Riner Cemetery, which is located on the farm where they lived. During his life he was appointed Postmaster of Simpsons Post Office in Floyd Co. on May 31, 1860 (he was age 20), a soldier during the Civil War and a farmer. Gordon joined Company A of the 4th Regiment, Virginia Reserves, as did his father at the start of the war. He is listed on the roster of Company E of the 27th Battalion, which during the summer of 1864, became Company E of the 25th Virginia Regiment, Virginia Cavalry.
After conscription laws were passed, which extended a soldiers time from a one-year period to the duration of the war, Gordon decided to return home and was considered absence without leave from his regiment. He was located at his parents home in Floyd Co., and was placed in the Floyd Co. jail and scheduled to be court marshaled. During his father's absence, his brother decided to take matters into his own hands and devised a plan to get him out. Jesse and a few of his friends went to the jailer's home at night pretending to be bringing in prisoners. The jailer was not at home, so he explained his mission to the jailer's wife and she gave him keys to the jail. Jesse freed his brother and not knowing what else to do, they took the keys home with them. After the war ended and their father returned home, he instructed Jesse to return the keys. Jesse did so by throwing them in the jail house yard. No further charges were ever brought against Gordon or Jesse for their actions.
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CHILDREN
OF GORDON HALL AND MARY DELAWARE "DELLIE" KING ARE: |
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CENSUS INFORMATION FOR
GORDON HALL: |
JESSE W. HALL AND EMMA V. SHOWALTER
Jesse W. Hall, son of David and Abigail, was born 1 Oct 1842 in Montgomery Co., VA, and died 21 Oct 1930. He married 29 Apr 1867 Emma V. Showalter born 11 Apr 1845 died 7 Jan 1926, daughter of Anthony and Eliza Showalter of Alleghany Springs in Montgomery Co., VA. He married secondly Mattie Graham also from Alleghany Springs. During his life he was a Civil War soldier, a farmer and was appointed postmaster at Simpson's Post Office in Floyd Co. on 16 Jul 1874 and served until 24 May 1886, and again on July 24, 1888 serving until Feb 6, 1896.
The Library of Congress Vol 18 Page 100 Reel 9, shows that Jesse W. Hall was a Confederate Private in JEB Stuart's Horse Artillery under Major John Pelham in the Battery of Capt. James Breathed. Brigadier-General, Commanding Cavalry J. E. B. Stuart wrote the following, "Captain Pelham's report of the conduct of the Stuart Horse Artillery is herewith forwarded. The battery was composed mostly of raw militia from Floyd County, Virginia, who had received but a few weeks' drill, yet, under the indefatigable exertions of Captain Pelham, ably seconded by his lieutenants and non-commissioned officers, they that day won the name of veterans. The daring and efficient conduct, under circumstances of great personal danger, of Capt. John Pelham, First Lieut. James Breathed, William McGregor, Sergt. Charles E. Ford, Corpl. Moses Felrey, gunner to the Blakeley, and the brave men under them, came under my own observation. In order to appreciate the value of the service rendered by my staff and escort I beg it to be remembered that I was a medium of communication between the different commanders and with General Lougstreet, and gave orders to other commands than my own whenever necessary." There is a Jesse Hall listed with Company B of the 21st Virginia Cavalry who deserted and was sent north, but this was not Jesse W. Hall.
At the end of the Civil War, he returned home and resumed his occupation as a farmer. In later years he became a very religious man and had a special place where he went to pray. It was a house below a small cemetery called the Henry House and was a place where prayer meetings were held. This prayer house was possibly named after his brother Henry who died in 1868. Jesse often spoke of seeing his deceased daughter Alie who would join him as he prayed and place her arms around him. Willie, Alie's daughter, mentioned seeing her deceased mother dressed in white in the hallway of their home a number of times. Jesse also spoke of seeing his deceased brother Henry once as he was hunting in the woods. As they walked along together they came to a pine tree and Henry went on the other side and disappeared.
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CHILDREN OF JESSE W. HALL
AND EMALINE V. SHOWALTER |
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CENSUS INFORMATION FOR
JESSE W. HALL: |
BYRD
HALL AND ELIZABETH SUSAN MUNCY
Byrd Hall was born 14 Sep
1844 in Montgomery Co. VA, and died c1911, his birth date is often shown as 25
Sep, but this was his sister Juanna's birth date as shown in their family
bible. He married 1) Susan Elizabeth Muncy
29 Jul 1863 in Stokes Co. NC, 2) Isabell Catherine "Kate"
Buchanan, daughter of George Buchanan and Anna "Annie" Caroline
Sizemore 25 Sep 1879 in Wyoming Co., WV ceremony performed by Elias Reed 3)
Alminy Evaline Wood,
daughter of William Claiborne Wood and Nancy Ann Hylton b. 1878 m. 2 Apr
1897 in Raleigh Co., WV.
Byrd Hall enlisted at Camp Laurel with James W. Crockett on 10 Jul 1863 and
assigned to Company B of the 21st Virginia Cavalry in Col.
W. E. Peter's Regiment. The
21st Cavalry Regiment was organized with companies which had
served in the Virginia State Line whose duty had been to defend the border
between the Virginias. He was on detached service from Peter's
Regiment from 31 Dec 1863 to 31 Aug 1864 and assigned to Grumble Jones'
command. He was listed on furlough absent with leave from his company
rolls from 31 Jul 1864 to 31 Oct 1864 and sick on furlough from 30 Nov 1864
to 31 Dec 1864. He appears on a receipt roll for
clothing during the third quarter of 1864 according to records from the
Quarter Master Department in Staunton, Virginia dated 11 Aug 1864, which
conflicts with his absent with leave starting 31 Jul 1864.
Col. William E. Peters formally organized the 21st VA Cavalry by 27
Aug 1863. They were initially based at Camp Laurel on the Holston
River near Saltville, VA, showed 942 men in aggregate and assigned to the
brigade of Gen. John S. Williams and by Nov 1863 they were placed
under Gen. William E. "Grumble" Jones. On 8 Sep 1863, they
saw their first prolonged action in the Eastern TN campaign of 1863
as Williams' Brigade moved into Sullivan Co., TN and engaged Union
troops in almost daily skirmishing. On Oct 10 Williams fought heavier
actions against Gen. Ambrose T. Burnside's 9th Corps and was able to fight
through Foster's Brigade at their rear to escape to VA. Under Grumble
Jones they had successful raids on Rogersville, TN, Jonesville, VA and
Wyerman's Mills, VA. John S. Deyerle, surgeon of the 21st Cavalry,
wrote to Col. Peter on 17 Dec 1863 about the harsh conditions for
both man and animal, "During the last fifteen days the number
of sick has increased at a ratio far beyond what might ordinarily be
expected from change of season." Due to inadequate
protection from the weather causing frostbite, excessive marching at
night, and irregularity of eating. A good number of the men were
without overcoats or shoes so that cases of frostbite were frequent. On 5
June 1864, they fought in the Shenandoah Valley and at the
Battle of Piedmont. Of the 500 of dismounted cavalrymen only 100
survived, Gen. Grumble Jones was killed and 1,000 soldiers were
captured. The 21st VA Cavalry lost 28 men with one death, two wounded
and 25 taken prisoner. After Jones' death, the 21st Cavalry was placed
under the command of Gen. John O. McCausland who fought Hunter as the
Union general advanced towards Lynchburg. Gen. Lee detached Jubal A.
Early and the 2nd Corps from Northern Virginia to defend Lynchburg and the
Shenandoah Valley and succeeded in keeping Hunter out of Lynchburg.
After Hunter was turned back in Battle of Lynchburg on 18 Jun 1864,
Early pursued him down the Valley where the Confederates witnessed
the mass destruction of property by the Union. Early reorganized
his command and Bradley T. Johnson was given command of Grumble
Jones' Brigade. While Early's main force moved on Washington, Bradley
Johnson's Brigade went through Baltimore to their goal of liberating
Confederate prisoners at Point Lookout, getting as far as Laurel before
being called back to join Early at Silver Spring. Hunter
destroyed several private homes including that of Edmund J.
Lee, a cousin of Robert E. Lee. To retaliate Gen. Early ordered Johnson
and McCausland to Chambersburg, PA to demand a ransom or be burned to the
ground. The town refused and McCausland ordered Col. Peters to burn the
town. Peters refused, stating he would not kill innocent women and
children and the 21st Cavalry was sent out of town and Peters arrested.
The town was virtually destroyed; 537 residences or other buildings were
burned at a loss of more than $1.2 million. Johnson and
McCausland into what is now Moorefield, WV and at daybreak on 7 Aug
1864, Union forces under the command of Gen. William W. Averell swept down and Gen.
Johnson and his men were crushed by the Yankees. The 21st
Cavalry was placed into a defensive position and were able to fight
off the Union advance for about thirty minutes, allowing McCausland's men
to escape capture. Bradley Johnson barely escaped while Col. Peters
was shot through the chest, from right to left through both lungs, and was
left for dead. He recovered and return to his command in Dec 1864. Peters
led the 21st Cavalry until the surrender at Appomattox. The 21st Cavalry
suffered heavy losses at Moorefield; five men were wounded and another 55
(including seven officers) were captured. The 21st Cavalry remained under
Bradley Johnson's command for a several more months. The third Battle
of Winchester was fought on 19 Sep 1864, Sheridan's forces greatly
outnumbered Early's and won the battle after eight hours of fighting. On
22 Sep 1864, the 21st Cavalry fought at Fisher's Hill against Sheridan's
forces and confederates were again defeated.
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CHILDREN
WITH SUSAN ELIZABETH MUNCY M. 7/29/1863, DIVORCED 1875: CHILDREN
WITH ISABELL CATHERINE BUCHANAN B. 1857 M. 9/25/1879 WYOMING CO., WV,
DIVORCED 1892: (STEPSON CHARLES EDWARD WAS B. 1879, AS THE 1880 CENSUS
SHOWS HIM AS AGE 1): CHILDREN
WITH ALIMINTA "ELLA" EMELINE WOOD, D/O WILLIAM CLAIBORNE WOOD
AND NANCY ANN HYLTON b. 1878 M. 4/2/1897 IN RALEIGH CO., WV, SHE M. 2)
PLEASANT LILLY B. 1859 RALEIGH, WV: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR BYRD HALL: |
ELMIRA HALL AND WILLIAM RICHARDS
Elmira Hall was born
27 Apr 1848 in Montgomery Co. VA, and died Abt 1881. She married
William Richards, son of John Richards and Martha Harris, on 19 Jan 1864
in Floyd Co., VA. Erma C. Sowers mentions a Dock and Brainard Richards as
their sons in her book, "Descendants of Henry Iddings and Abigail
Richardson."
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CHILDREN OF ELMIRA HALL AND WILLIAM RICHARDS ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR ELMIRA HALL: |
JUANNE HALL AND JOHN E. VEST
Juanne Hall was born 25 Sep 1851 in Montgomery Co. VA, and died 21 Feb 1928. She married John E. Vest 12 Sep 1867 in Floyd Co. VA, son of Samuel Littleberry Vest and Sarah H. "Sally" Iddings. He was born 23 Feb 1840 in Floyd Co. VA, and died 6 Jun 1922. Her obit stated, "Mrs. Juanna Hall Vest, wife of the late John E. Vest, died Feb 29, 1928, at her home near Flint. Mrs. Vest was about 75 and had always been well until a few weeks before her death. Mrs. Vest was a sister of Jessie W. Hall, of Locust Grove, and also a sister of C. W. Hall, of Elliston, both survive her. Mrs. Vest leaves the following children, Mrs. A. Pierce Vest, Mrs. Elbert Vest, Mrs. James W. Conner, Mrs Louis Conner, Jessie D., Andy W. and Miss Ida Vest, all of Floyd and Joseph B. Vest, of Montgomery." Floyd Press, Floyd Co., Virginia.
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CHILDREN
OF JUANNA HALL AND JOHN E. VEST ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR JUANNE HALL: |
CALLAHILL W. HALL AND SARAH FRANCES
MONTGOMERY
Callahill (family bible) Calohill (marriage license and 1910 Census) Callihill
(1890 Census) W. Hall was born 26 Nov 1853 in Montgomery Co. VA, and died 28 Sep 1928. He
married Sarah Frances "Fannie" Montgomery, born 12 Oct 1854 and
died 14 Jul 1898, on 27 Sep 1874 in Floyd Co., VA. She was the
daughter of George and Nancy Gilmore Montgomery. They are buried in a
family cemetery at Simpson's Virginia in Floyd Co., VA.
Mr. Calahill W Hall Dead - Mr. C W Hall, of Elliston, died Friday September 28, 1928. Mr. Hall formerly lived in Floyd near Flint. He sold his farm to Mr. W. H. Martin about seven or eight years ago and bought property at Elliston. Mr. Hall was about 70 years old and had been in declining health for about three years. His eye sight was very poor. He leaves three sons and three daughters, namely Letcher, Edgar, and Leslie Hall and Mrs. Henry Lawrence of Elliston; Mrs. Victor Light of Indian Valley, and Mrs. Wade Muncy of Draper, N C. His wife preceded him several years ago. The remains were brought to Locust Grove, Floyd County, and after the funeral by Rev. Mr. Conner in the Methodist Church there, the body was laid to rest in the Hall Cemetery at his brother, Jessie W Hall's. Mr. Jessie W. Hall is the only member of the family living. Quiet a large crowd attended the funeral. Source: 10-18-1928 The Floyd Press.
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CHILDREN
OF CALLAHILL W. HALL AND SARAH FRANCES MONTGOMERY ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR CALLAHILL HALL: |
IRA D. "DEE" HALL AND MARY E. VEST
Ira Daniel "Dee" Hall born 27 Dec 1856 in Montgomery Co. VA, and died 31 Jul 1911 in Hinton, Summers Co., WV. He married 1) Mary Elizabeth Vest b: Sep 1859 in Floyd Co. VA on 7 Oct 1875 in Floyd Co. VA, daughter of Jacob and Jane Shockey Vest and 2) Sarah Amanda Iddings, probably in Floyd Co., VA.
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CHILDREN OF IRA D. HALL AND MARY ELIZABETH VEST ARE: CHILDREN
OF IRA DANIEL HALL AND SARAH AMANDA IDDINGS ARE: |
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CENSUS
INFORMATION FOR IRA D. HALL: |
Burch HALL, SON OF BYRD HALL AND CATHERINE BUCHANAN
BIRTH: 17
Aug 1887 Wyoming Co., WV DEATH: 24 Jan 1954 Henry Co., VA
MARRIED: 14 Apr 1910 Franklin Co., VA
CAUSE OF DEATH: Obstruction, lower end of esophagus, possibly
malignant
FATHER: Byrd Hall b. 14 Sep 1847 Montgomery Co., VA
MOTHER: Catherine “Kate” Buchanan born 1857 Wyoming Co., WV
WIFE: Nannie Beulah Stone b. 3 Apr 1889 Franklin Co., VA-4 Dec 1982
Martinsville, Henry Co., VA
W. FATHER: Charles F. Stone 25 Dec 1849-18 Oct 1916 cause of death peumonia
W. MOTHER: Joyce Emery Shelton 26 Feb 1855-21 Jan 1937 cause of death
typhoid fever
At the age of two, Burch Hall was living in Oklahoma Territory with his parents Byrd and
Kate Hall, and by age 14 he was a member of District 17 United Coal Mine
Workers Local 6608, and was working in the coal mines of West Virginia with
his father. He continued working in the coal mines until he was 61 years
old. His mother decided to remain on their homestead in Oklahoma. Burch
Hall and Nannie Stone married on Apr 14, 1910 in Franklin Co., VA, and
his marriage license shows that his home was Oklahoma. See the
March on Blair Mountain at the bottom of this document.
In 1889 the opening to white settlement of a choice portion of Indian Territory in Oklahoma set off one of the most bizarre and chaotic episodes of town founding in world history. A railroad line crossed the territory, and water towers and other requirements for steam rail operation were located at intervals along the tracks that connected Arkansas and Texas. In the months before the territory was opened, individuals and groups representing townsite companies scouted these locations and prepared town plans for these sites. April 22, 1889 was opening day, and as it drew near, many of the boomers provided themselves with fleet saddle-horses, and made careful observations of the half-dozen fords leading across the river, their intention being to dash into the river at noon on April 22d, and ride rapidly to their chosen claims. For this purpose the very best of horses were brought into use. Just before noon on the appointed day, hundreds of the horsemen gathered at the entrance to the fords waiting for the signal. With the horse riding skills Byrd Hall acquired during his time spent with the Virginia 21st Cavalry, there is no doubt he was able to claim any homestead he desired.
Lieutenant Adair, of Troop "L," fifth Cavalry, was stationed on the sands on the opposite side of the river. He had arranged that at noon he should order his bugler to blow the recall, while riding a white horse around in a circle. By this means those who were too far away to hear the bugle could get the signal from the circling of the white horse. The lieutenant had caused all the boomers' watches to be set by his own, in order that there might be no false start. Just as the second hand of his watch touched the hour of twelve he gave the signal, and before the stirring notes of the bugle had found an echo against the walls of Purcell, the foremost horsemen had dashed into the fords. Spurred on by yelling and wildly excited riders, the horses made a furious dash through the water, throwing sand and spray on all sides like a sudden gust of rain and hail.
CHILDREN:
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1. Le Roy Hall b. 11 Jun
1911 Cincinnati, OH d. 3 Feb 1966 Hampton, VA, served in the National Guard.
2. Charles Edward Hall b. 12 Apr 1914 Blocton, WV d. 15 Aug 1977
Martinsville, VA
3. Irene Elizabeth Hall b. 4 Sep 1916 Blocton, WV d. 25 Aug 1986
Martinsville, VA
4. Leonard Hall b. 7 Oct 1919 Chattaroy, WV d. 8 Jun 1988 Martinsville, VA
5. Ralph Hall b. 11 Sep 1922 Chattaroy, WV d. 16 May 1966 Henry , VA -
Private in the U.S. Army during WWII
6. Clara Ann Hall, b. 25 Mar 1925 Chattaroy, WV d. 1961 Henry, VA.
7. Burch Hall, Jr. b. 7 Aug 1930 Chattaroy, WV - Private in U.S. Army
stationed in Korea
8. Mildred Hall b. 3 Jul 1933 Henry Co., VA d. 3 Nov 1992 Martinsville, VA
MARCH ON BLAIR MOUNTAIN
District's 17 and 23 were prominent in the famous March on Blair Mountain of 1921, when 10,000 armed miners attempted to march against the industry's hired thugs in Logan County in order to establish the union there. Officers of District 17 of the United Mine Workers say a bomb was dropped from a plane which flew over their camps, coming from the direction of Logan. It was picked up by the miners during the march on Logan. The bomb is now on display at the offices of District 17 on Summers Street, Charleston. Many of these miners started working in the coal mines of West Virginia as young as 10 years of age. The scene of actual fighting at Blair Mountain involved the armed angry miners against Logan County deputies repulsing the attack through the dense thickets of forest during 1921.
Burch Hall started working in the coal mines at age 13, and soon became a member of District 17 United Coal Mine Workers Local 6608
. He retired at age 64 in 1951. District 17 was often called "the backbone of the United Mineworkers." In 1921, Burch was age 34 when he joined 10,000 armed miners who attempted to march against the industry's hired thugs in Logan County in order to establish the union there. That uprising was put down by the federal government The Battle of Blair Mountain is referred to as the largest organized armed uprising in American labor history and led almost directly to the labor laws currently in effect in the United States of America.For nearly a week in late August and early September 1921, in Logan County, WV, between 10,000 and 15,000 coal miners confronted company paid private detectives in an effort to unionize the southwestern WV mine counties. Unionization had succeeded elsewhere as part of a demographic boom that was triggered by the extension of the railroad and was characterized by unprecedented immigrant hiring and exploitation in the region. Though tensions had been simmering for years, the immediate catalyst for the uprising was the unpunished murder of Sid Hatfield on the steps of the McDowell County Courthouse on August 1, 1921. Hatfield, [of the infamous Hatfield's and McCoy's], was the police chief of Matewan. He was murdered by agents of the Baldwin-Felts private detective agency. He had been a long-time supporter of the United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) and their efforts to unionize the mines.
The first skirmishes occurred on the morning of 25 Aug 1921. The bulk of the miners were still 15 miles away. The following day, President Warren Harding threatened to send in federal troops and Army Martin MB-1 bombers. After a long meeting in the town of Madison, the seat of Boone County, agreements were made convincing the miners to return home. However, the struggle was far from over. After spending days to assemble his private army, Chafin was not going to be denied his battle to end union attempts at organizing Logan County coal mines. Within hours of the Madison decision, reports came in that Sheriff Chafin's men were deliberately shooting union sympathizers in the town of Sharples, WV just north of Blair Mountain - and that families had been caught in crossfire during the skirmishes. Infuriated, the miners turned back towards Blair Mountain, many traveling in other stolen and commandeered trains.
By August 29, battle was fully joined. Chafin's men, though outnumbered, had the advantage of higher positions and better weaponry. Private planes were hired to drop homemade bombs on the miners. Army bombers from Maryland were also used to disperse the miners, a rare example of Air Power being used by the federal government against US citizens. A combination of gas and explosive bombs left over from the fighting in World War I were dropped in several locations near the towns of Jeffery, Sharples and Blair. At least one did not explode and was recovered by the miners; it was used months later to great effect during treason and murder trials following the battle. Up to 30 deaths were reported by Chafin’s side and 50-100 on the union miners side, with many hundreds more injured. By Sep 2, federal troops had arrived. Realizing he would lose a lot of good miners if the battle continued with the military, union leader Bill Blizzard passed the word for the miners to start heading home the following day. Miners fearing jail and confiscation of their guns found clever ways to hide rifles and hand guns in the woods before leaving Logan County. Collectors and researchers to this day are still finding weapons and ammunition embedded in old trees and in rock crevices. Thousands of spent and live cartridges have made it into private collections.
Following the battle, 985 miners were indicted for "murder, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory to murder, and treason against the State of West Virginia". Though some were acquitted by sympathetic juries, many were also imprisoned for a number of years, though they were paroled in 1925. It would be Bill Blizzard's trial where the unexploded bomb was used as evidence of the government and companies' brutality, and ultimately resulted in his acquittal.
A newspaper article dated 16 Jan 1922 states the following, "Acquaint
President with Sufferings of Blacklisted Miners - Widow and Two Little Girls
Lead Delegation That Appears Nervous in Presence of Harding Washington, Jan.
16 – The sufferings of the blacklisted union miners of West Virginia were
placed before President Harding today by a delegation led by a woman and her
two little girls.
Mrs. Alice Underwood, of Mabscott, W. Va., a widow, and the children, Hallie,
aged 12, and Dorothy, 10, shabbily attired and visibly nervous in the presence
of the president, told Harding the suffering imposed by blacklisting in the
coal fields. The New River Coal company has served notice of eviction,
effective this Wednesday, Mrs. Underwood said. Others told Harding that
several hundred miners are to be evicted. The miners and their families are
practically penniless, having been out of work for several months, the
committee said. Hundreds of men, women and children are clothed in rags,
scores are without shoes and most of the children cannot attend school because
they lack clothing, Harding was told. So wide is the influence of the coal
companies that blacklisted men cannot secure jobs in any other line of work,
even including county and state highway construction work, the committee
said." (The Daily Messenger. Canandaigua, NY. Jan 16, 1922 -
Submitted by Melissa Rodriguez)
Short term, the battle seemed to be an overwhelming victory for management, and UMWA membership plummeted from more than 50,000 miners to approximately 10,000 over the next several years. Not until 1935 did the UMW fully organize in southern West Virginia, after the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt. In the long-term, the battle raised awareness of the appalling conditions faced by miners in the dangerous WV coalfields, and led directly to a change in union tactics into political battles to get the law on labor's side via confrontations with recalcitrant and abusive managements and thence to the much larger organized labor victory a few years later during the New Deal in 1933. That in turn led to the UMWA helping organize many better-known unions such as the Steel workers and Teamster's during the mid-thirties.
In the final analysis, management's success was a Pyrrhic victory that helped lead to a much larger and stronger organized labor movement in many other industries and labor union affiliations and umbrella organizations like the American Federation of Labor (AFL) and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO). The Battle of Blair Mountain was an important part of the labor movement. In April 2008, Blair Mountain was finally chosen for the list of protected places on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently Blair Mountain is slated for mountaintop removal.
The Blair Mountain march, as well as the events leading up to it and those immediately following it, are depicted in the novels Storming Heaven (Denise Giardina, 1987) and Blair Mountain (Jonathan Lynn, 2006). John Sayles' 1987 film Matewan depicts the so-called Matewan Massacre, a small part of the Blair Mountain story. Diane Gilliam Fisher's poetry collection, Kettle Bottom, published by Perugia Press, also focuses on the events of the Battle of Blair Mountain, from the perspective of the miners' families
