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Tracing mtDNA: The Seven Daughters of Eve

By Kathryn Hall | March 1, 2010


While the extraordinary book The Seven Daughters of Eve by Oxford University professor of genetics Bryan Sykes was published ten years ago, it has just recently come to my attention. I suppose it was inevitable, or at least organic that when I found, at last, an exact 37 marker DNA match to my father, proving my many years of research, that my focus would turn to include the maternal counterpart, mtDNA.

I will not assume that all readers will know that DNA is the genetic material passed from father to son. But most doing research are aware that most of genealogy, to date, is built almost purely upon a patriarchal paradigm, following the data of the lives of fathers and sons. Indeed, when a particular family line “ends” with only daughters the research often comes to a screeching halt, and the line, it is declared has “daughtered out.”

But then there are the mothers, who are much more work to trace, due to the current and longtime practice of women surrendering their “maiden” names and trading for their husbands’ and thus obscuring their histories forever.

Except for this: mtDNA. For the mothers, in fact, pass along mtDNA to both their sons and daughters. And their daughters, in turn pass along to their sons and daughters. But only their daughters will pass along mtDNA to their sons and daughters. And so it is the daughter line that determines the fate of the history of a family if that is the lens through which we choose to look.

And an interesting fact about mtDNA. It really is much more stable. Over time it is not subject to the many mutations we find in DNA.

“..although the mitochondrial mutation rate seems incredibly slow, it is fortunately just about right for studying human evolution over the last hundred thousand years–which is when most of the action happened.” ~Bryan Sykes

And why would this be of interest? Because through the slow changing mtDNA of mothers, passed along to their children, we have the magical possibility of determining a history that even ten years ago seemed an impossibility. We can discover through a relatively unchanging mtDNA of an individual the geographic likelihood of where an individual’s ancestors came from. More than that, we can discover their tribe, their clan, their original human family. The Clan Mother.

“I slowly realized that we held in our hands the power to reconstruct the maternal genealogy of the whole world.” ~Bryan Sykes

And for those of us with other histories, perhaps just as dramatic and difficult, through mtDNA we can trace our early early roots, back to the earliest common ancestor whose lines did not become extinct. Author Bryan Sykes, Oxford geneticist, has identified seven women who did live on planet Earth, whose lines not only survived through the passage of mtDNA to their daughters (who passed it along), who are the source mothers of a profoundly large number of those with European roots.

Researching this book I’ve discovered there are folks out there who actually criticized Sykes’ spinning stories around each of these women, who, again, really did exist. But I for one thought it was both creative and authentic that he carefully constructs a story for each woman based on what was known about the cultures of the women when they lived on planet Earth, i.e, through anthropological and archeological discoveries of those particular times. I found that tactic infinitely more interesting than a more than likely dry boring description of the pertinent culture at hand. Thus we get passages like this:

Helena spent her childhood in this landscape, helping her mother comb the woods for wild mushrooms and toadstools, or wading in the brackish lagoons in search of oysters. Her father patrolled the woods alone, on the lookout for small dear and other mammals.

Or:

Xenia was born in the wind and snow of late spring. Even though it was already April, the snow that covered the land in winter was still on all but the lowest ground and lay in a thick and filthy slush around the campsite. Xenia herself was born in a round hut, about three metres in diameter, whose frame was constructed almost entirely of mammoth bones.

These are hardly passages one would expect to read in a book about mtDNA, and therefore I think Sykes, obviously a fine writer, made a good choice for both himself and his readers. Bravo.

I highly recommend The Seven Daughters of Eve, a fascinating introduction to mtDNA. My prediction is that you will not be able to put the book down and you will walk away unexpectedly enriched and wanting more.

~KH

Topics: Book Corner | 4 Comments »

John J. Steadman of Iowa

By Kathryn Hall | February 12, 2010


John J. Steadman (1849-1941)

The following is an excerpt from Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa: Leaders in Business, Politics and the Professions (Benjamin Gue and Benjamin Franklin Shambaugh, 1899). I am including because John J. Steadman is the son of Reverend John Judson Steadman, a founding Methodist Episcopalian minister, mentioned in previous post. Current posts are dedicated to unlocking the mystery of Mercy Stedman/Steadman’s background. KH

Steadman, John J. of Council Bluffs, wa bron in Ashtabula county, Ohio, April 4, 1849. He is the son of Rev. John J. Steadman, who was during his lifetime one of the most distinguished divines of the Methodist church. A preacher of great ability, a debater of renown, he became famous during the discussion of the slavery question that agitated the country more than half a century ago. In Ohio and Pennsylvania, he and Rev. Hiram Kinsley met on the forum the most pronounced advocates of slavery, and history records that in all their public debates not once where they vanquished. As a promulgator of the doctrines of the Methodist Episcopal church, no man of his time excelled him. His public discussions with Alexander Campbell, the founder of the Christian Church, are referred to in Ohio today as the most interesting and beneficial to the cause of Methodism. He belonged to a type of stalwart theologians not today much in evidence, because of the changed condition of public sentiment on matters of religion and the rights of men.

Mr. Steadman’s mother’s maiden name was Lydia Reader. She was well educated for the times in which she lived, and possessed mental qualities and Christian graces that made her one of the forceful women of her day. Born and reared in Ohio, she naturally acquired strong anti-slavery ideas, and during the days preceeding the war sought to impress upon her children–two daughters and three sons–an ardent love of country, due regard for the rights of all men and firm religious convictions as the safe anchor for success in life.

John J. Steadman was scarcely three years old when his father died, in 1851. As is usually the case with Methodist ministers of early date, not much of worldly wealth was left the wife on which to rear and educate her five children. To obtain an education was Mr. Steadman’s great ambition. It is related of him by the citizens of West Farmington, Ohio, where he was brought up, that he did odd chores to pay his tuition’ that he worked on the farm in vacation, and, in fact, did whatever he could find to do in order to obtain the means to complete a course of study at Western Reserve Seminary at West Farmington, Ohio, from which he was graduated with honors at the age of nineteen years, in both classical and scientific courses. After his graduation from the seminary he taught school in the city of Niles, Ohio, one year, and then entered Mt. Union College, at Alliance, Ohio, from which he graduated in 1869.

During his school days at Farmington the War of Rebellion broke out. Young Steadman became impressed with the idea he ought to join the army, and after two or three trials succeeded, by the aid of friends, in being accepted as a drummer in the One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment, Ohio Volunteer Infantry. He served with his regiment until the war closed. Before he enlisted his services were much in demand on the Western Reserve as an orator at war meetings, when recruiting officers were enlisting men for the army.

After his graduation from Mt. Union College Mr. Steadman was elected principal of West Springfield Academy in Pennsylvania, a school of considerable standing and large membership of students. During this time he was married to Miss Darcie Garretson, of Mt. Union, Ohio, a member of his class, who graduated with class honors and subsequently became a teacher of mathematics in the institution over which her husband presided. A successful period at this academy opened the way to a higher call, and Mr. and Mrs. Steadman went to Carrier Seminary and Normal School in Clarion, Pennsylvania. They remained in charge of this institution of learning for three years, until, health demanding a change of work for both, they turned their faces toward Iowa, the state of their adoption, and in 1873 Mr. Steadman bought the Osceola Sentinel, which he edited until he purchased the Creston Gazette in 1877. During his connection with the Osceola Sentinel, he was elected district delegate from the Seventh Congressional district to the Republican National Convention, which met in Cincinnati in 1876.

He owned and edited the Creston Gazette for seven years, and during that time founded the Daily Gazette. The Creston Daily and Weekly Gazette, under his management, developed into one of the most prosperous newspaper plants in the state and obtained a prestige among editors which it has ever since maintained. In 1884 Mr. Steadman purchased an interest in the Council Bluffs Nonpareil. This paper he edited for several years, retiring only when forced to do so by impaired health. During the years he was connected with the Osceola Sentinel, the Creston Gazette and the Council Bluffs Nonpariel, he was actively engaged on the stump in every political campaign, both national and state. His active work as a member of the Grand Army of the Republic made him a popular candidate for Department Commander of that great organization. In 1892 he was elected to this high responsible office, and so efficiently did he discharge his duties that a double testimonial was bestowed upon him, one by his comrades and one by the state encampment. In 1892 Mr. Steadman was appointed clerk of the United States district court for the southern district of Iowa. Mr. Steadman has always been a republican, prominent in the councils of the party and honored because of his ability to defend its principles, both in the newspaper and on the stump. He has prospered financially and today ranks among the solid and successful business men in Iowa.

~published in 1899

Topics: Brick Wall: Mercy Stedman | 2 Comments »

History of Erie Conference–excerpt

By Kathryn Hall | February 10, 2010

The following is an excerpt from History of Erie Conference (1907) by Jason Nelson Fradenburgh. I am posting as part of my research in determining the background of Mercy Steadman, wife of Luke Hall. She is here alluded to, but not by name. She is surrounded by people who are most likely part of her Steadman family, but I have yet to determine how.
It has been projected that she was part of the Oliver Steadman family in Lee, Berkshire, Massachusetts and it has been projected that she is related to the Joseph Steadman family, father of Dennis Steadman. Indeed, that family has a Perry connection, and family lore maintains that Mercy had a connection to the Perry family. But, then, so does Oliver Steadman in MA. Another clue might be in the emergence of John Judson Steadman, who was reportedly from Cattaraugus County, NY. A future post will add more detail to the life of John Judson Steadman, who in 1831 was appointed third preacher of the Euclid and Cleveland Circuit, after being “converted under the labors of B.O. Plimpton in 1824-25.”
(History of Erie Conference, Fradenburgh)

Classes Organized at Aurora and Charlestown, O

Billings O. [Otis] Plimpton formed a class in Aurora, Ohio, in 1824, the momebers of which included Dudley Hollister and wife, Reuben Henry and wife, and Maria Ferguson.

In 1824 Ira Eddy and Billings O. Plimpton, traveling the Deerfield Circuit, formed a class in the town of Charlestown, Portage, Ohio. The following were the pioneer members. Claudius Coe and wife, Adna C. Coe and wife. Sarah C. Coe. Alpheus Baldwin, Luke Hall and wife, John Judson Steadman and Edward Steadman. Others were soon added, among whom are named: Dennis Steadman, Watson Steadman, Diodama Steadman and the two Misses Hall. In January 1825, Charles Elliott, the Presiding Elder, came to hold a quarterly meeting, and was refused the use of the little school house because the “Congregational minister, having the oldest right, claimed it.” Mr. Elliott accepted the offer of a barn. The floor was seated and made comfortable for the women, and a few bundles of straw were scattered on the ground in front of the door upon which men could stand. The meeting was duly held, and Mr. Elliott preached a crushing sermon against Calvinism. It was determined to build a church, and five trustees were appointed for that purpose. They obtained a lot and erected a neat brick church which was occupied by the society for many years. By the close of the year they numbered between thirty and forty members. (Gregg, History of Methodism, Erie Conference, Vol I, pp. 219-220)

The following is a corresponding excerpt from The History of Methodism Within the Boundaries of the Erie Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Vol I (1873) by Samuel Gregg (1810-1877)

Rev. Messrs. Eddy and Plimpton, on the Deerfield Circuit, established an appointment in the town of Charlestown, Portage, Ohio where a Congregational Church, organized in Massachusetts and thence emigrated to this town, held almost unlimited sway, and were determined to keep the Methodists our anyhow. Soon a revival of religion commenced, which continued through the winter, and resulted in the formation of a class consisting of Claudius Coe and wife, Luke Hall and wife, Sarah C. Coe, John Judson Steadman, Edward Steadman, and to this little band others were soon added, among them Diodama Steadman and two young ladies by the name of Hall…

After much difficulty they succeeded in getting a lot at the south-west corner of the square, on which they erected a neat little brick church…”

Editor’s notes:

*Dennis Steadman/Stedman married Matilda Worden. Interestingly, their children included Henry Plimpton Stedman (b. 31 Aug 1834).

*Alpheus Baldwin married Polly Stedman, sister of Dennis Stedman. Polly Stedman is documented as being from MA.

*Watson Stedman was the brother of Dennis Stedman.

Mrs. Adna C. Coe is Prudence Hall, both from MA.

Topics: Brick Wall: Mercy Stedman | No Comments »

Guest Post: Alpheus Hall

By Kathryn Hall | February 7, 2010


cherry dresser of Alpheus Hall

Alpheus Hall6 (Josiah5, Josiah4, Samuel3, Samuel2, George) was the son of Josiah Hall and Elizabeth Russel and great grandson of Samuel Hall and Sarah Rising. He was born in Somers, Connecticut, on July 28, 1766. On September 7, 1789, in Somers he married Anna Sikes, daughter of Reuben Sikes and Thankful Buell. Anna was born 3 Aug. 1769, so she married just a month after her 20th birthday. [VR’s of Somers, CT, Barbour Collection]

By 1798 Alpheus had moved his young family from Somers to Chenango County, New York, where he was made Overseer of Highways and, where he later purchased 80 acres on the west side of the Chenango River in the Town of Sherburne, now the Town of Smyrna. He was a farmer. Family tradition says that the above cherry dresser came from Connecticut with Alpheus and his family. When it was given to me I had it appraised for insurance and verified that it’s typical of Connecticut furniture of that period.

Alpheus and Anna had 7 children; 6 girls and a boy. They remained in Smyrna for the rest of their lives and died there. Anna died on July 11, 1825 and Alpheus on July 12, 1832. They are buried in the Earlville Village Cemetery.

When I began searching for my family roots in 1985, I didn’t know much about genealogy research so I drove to the cemetery in Earlville on a whim because I knew that some of my Hall ancestors had lived there. I parked my car and walked straight to the graves of Alpheus and Anna and their son Solomon, from whom I’m descended! Do you think our ancestors give us clues so we can find them? (Conversely, we all know that some ancestors hide all traces of themselves.)

L.W.

Topics: Guest Posts | 1 Comment »

George Hall DNA and Edward Hall DNA

By Kathryn Hall | January 10, 2010

Dear Readers,

In the last decade I approached my father and asked him to participate in the brand new HALL DNA Project. Knowing how important my research was to the family he immediately agreed. Thus my father became the first participant in this project. Because DNA science was in its infancy I made a determination to remove those results from the project two or three years ago until some semblance of agreement could be found among those exploring this new important science.

This last year my beloved father left this earthly plane and therefore I feel it is not only appropriate but historically vital to all those researching the George Hall of Taunton and Edward Hall of Rehoboth lines to publish the following results, most especially because an exact 67 marker match has very recently been found and brought to my attention. Hopefully the publishing of these results, which I do with permission, and the accompanying links to public sites will inspire and motivate those who believe they are descendants of one of these two families to look within their families and approach male Halls who might be tested thereby validating their research, or, conversely, making it obvious that further research or documentation is necessary.

In the nearly two decades I have conducted this research, beginning with a lifetime of amazingly accurate notes passed on by my now deceased aunt, I have come to realize that not everyone will aspire to the high standards that I would hope would be the guidelines adhered to in researching one’s family. There is also the seduction of the printed word. If it’s in a book, or on the Net, or in a church record, it must be so, right? And thus errors get passed along generation after generation, so engrained in the mythologies of families that rectifying these errors becomes nigh onto impossible. The human mind is indeed a stubborn thing. We do not like change. But change is all there is.

For the record my guiding precepts for genealogy are the same as for all of my life:

to show up
to pay attention
to tell the truth
and to not be attached to outcome

By adhering to the principle of always seeking the truth and to speak up to power when the truth is not set forth are cornerstones of all of my research. This is coupled with the ability and commitment to change records where necessary, because they are revealed to be incorrect. I will say here, however, that it is never my style to set forth “theories,” hoping or assuming someone someday will come along and challenge my projections or suspicions. Anyone practicing that “methodology” fails to understand the Internet, fails to understand their own power and the power of the written word, and fails to understand how these “theories” will become viral, become accepted and will take years to unscramble, if ever.

Having set forth these tenets, I am here presenting you with the correct DNA results of the descendants of George Hall of Taunton and the correct DNA results of the descendants of Edward Hall of Rehoboth. Please see accompanying links for further information.

Male descendants of George Hall of Taunton will find their DNA results look like this:

For exact 67 marker match go here and view Tester #15183, indicating tester is a descendant of George, bef. 1615, MA. It should be noted that the paper trail of the immediate family of this tester is well documented and published.

The haplogroup for George Hall is J2.

Male descendants of Edward Hall of Rehoboth will find their DNA results look like this:

For further information go here and view results for Family 6. You may also go here and view information for tester MGS2N.

The haplogroup for Edward Hall is R1b.

For those of you asking if the results must be a perfect match, please review information on mutations. If you have an exact match, rejoice.

I wish you blessings upon your research. I firmly believe that the nature of this work is sacred in its nature and duty and that the ancestors benefit greatly as do we. Good searching!

KH

Topics: Regarding DNA | 3 Comments »

Generations 1-3

By Kathryn Hall | January 2, 2010

Dear Readers:

Following are the details of the first three generations of my family, beginning with my earliest known ancestor, George Hall of Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. I expect that in spite of monumental efforts there will be adjustments to be made. Fortunately the fluidity of blogs allows precisely that!

Note that bold lettering of male names indicates my immediate line. The skeletal version is:

George (1603-1669)
Samuel (1644-1689)
Samuel (1664-1733)
Samuel (1710-1790)
Luke
(1744-1826)
Luke (1773-c.1843)
Luke (1794/5-c.1879)
Nelson Wesley (1836-1903)
John Wesley (1860-1940)
Nelson Wesley (1921-2009)

Emphasis is on information related to direct lines.

Next posts will complete the now proven, through the science and magic of DNA testing, ancestry.
(For further information see Family Tree DNA link.)

Thank you for visiting and for whatever comments you deem worthy!

KH

Editor’s note: for researchers still untangling the various Samuel Halls, please see the excellent post at www.fourhallcousins in Marsha Hoffman Rising’s article in National Genealogical Society Quarterly and on this blog, here. Further, recent DNA discoveries will solve this mystery and confusion once and for all. Stay tuned!

First generation

George Hall, Born c. 1603 in Devonshire, England. Died 30 October 1669 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Married Mary c. 1630 in England. Died c. 1680 (?) in Taunton, Bristol, MA. [Mary’s ancestry not yet known.] It is believed George and Mary emigrated from Devonshire Co, England in 1636-37. Last will and testament of George Hall found here.

Children of George [1] and Mary:
i. John
ii. Joseph
iii. Samuel
iv. Charity
v. Sarah
vi. Mary [See Kibbe manuscript]

Second generation

John [2] Hall (George [1]) Born 1640 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 1693 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Married Hannah Penniman 4 February 1670/1 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. [VR Taunton, p. 216] Born 26 March 1648, in Braintree, Norfolk Co., MA. Died 14 April 1726 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Joseph [2] Hall (George [1]). Born 1642 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 17 April 1705, in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. (VR Taunton, p. 95) Burial 1705 in Neck of Land Cemetery. No Raynham, MA.

Neck of Land Cemetery National Register of Historic Places Site # 85001530

Joseph married Mary Bell on 19 July 1669. Born 1645 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. (VR Taunton, p. 569) Mary was the daughter of James Bell. Died 1718 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Samuel [2] Hall (George [1]) Born 11 December 1644 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 14 March 1689 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. In 1664 married Elizabeth White, daughter of Nicholas White and Susanna Humphrey, in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Elizabeth was born 9 June 1643 in Dorchester, Suffolk Co., MA. Elizabeth died in 1707 (age 63) in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Children of Samuel [2] and Elizabeth:

i. Samuel
ii. John
iii. Nicholas
iv. Elizabeth
v. Mary
vi. Sarah
vii. Ebenezer
viii. Sarah
ix. George
v. Hannah

Third generation

John [3] Hall (John [2] George [1]). Born 27 June 1672 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 1768 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

James [3] Hall (John [2] George [1]) Born 8 December 1675 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 4 September 1735.

Jacob [3] Hall (John [2] George [1]) Born 14 February 1679/0 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 1769 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Joseph [3] Hall (Joseph [2] George [1]) Born 1694 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 9 November 1773 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. (VR Taunton, p. 95)

Nathaniel [3] Hall (Joseph [2] George [1]) Born 1702 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA Died 1780 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Nehemiah [3] Hall (Joseph [2] George [1]) Born 1704 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 1775.

Samuel [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 11 December 1664 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Samuel died 7 May 1733 in Enfield, CT. Married Elizabeth Bourne in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA 7 April 1686 (NGSQ 81:19) Elizabeth was born 7 April 1658. We have no death or burial records for Elizabeth to date, though we know she died before 1708, when Samuel marries Sarah Rising. [See below.]

Children of Samuel [3] and Elizabeth:

i. Elizabeth
ii. Remember
iii. Nicholas
iv. Mary
v. Nathaniel
vi. Mehitabel
vii. Enoch
viii. Hannah
ix. Ichabod

Notes on children from the [Kibbe manuscript [sic]]
[Roman numeralization mine for continuity. KH]

i. Elizabeth, b. Taunton March 20, 1687 m. in Suffield Sept. 15, 1714 Richard Woolworth. She joined Suffield Ch. By letter from Ch. In Taunton June 1716. See Suffield church records. This fact alone identifies the Suffield Halls as belonging to the Taunton Halls. She died in 1760. Her husband 1732. Had children.

ii. Remember b. Taunton Febry 15, 1689 m. in Suffield Apr. 24, 1712 Benj. King who removed with his father-in-law to Stafford where he died and his widow Remember m. Nov. 7 1734 Benj. Thomas of Somers.

iii. Nicholas b. Taunton Jan. 23 1690 went with his father from Suffield to Stafford and thence to Enfield near Somers line where he had an Iron Forge near what is now known as Forge Bridge. He and his son Joseph were admitted to the Somers church Jan. 3, 1742. He is mention in deeds in land records of Suffield, Stafford and Enfield. He m. twice and had several children but no descendants are now known. Most if not all his children died early. His death record is not found.

iv. Mary b. Taunton Oct. 3, 1692 m. in Suffield Nov. 29, 1716 Samuel Roe. He d. 1732.

v. Nathaniel b. Taunton May 18, 1695 m. Mable Winchell in Suffield date not found, published Dec. 9, 1716. She d. June 8, 1768, had several ch. All recorded in Suffield. He was a “cordwainer”. Resided near Conn. River and near west end of present railroad bridge spanning that stream.

vi. Mehitabel b. Taunton Dec. 1, 1697. No record further.

vii. Enoch b. Taunton Apr. 13, 1699 lived in Enfield. M. Martha Wright of Northfield, Mass. where records show he lived several years. Afterwards removed. Had children.

viii. Hannah b. no birth record, not known to be of this family, m. Joseph Rising, pub. Sept. 5, 1729 in Suffield and lived there.

xi. Ichabod b. no birth record, may not belong to this family m. Enfield June 25, 1730 Lois Kibbe of Enfield, had a numerous family and many descendants. He moved to Vermont or New Hampshire in middle life.
[Note in margin says, “not in Taunton list with others”, beside Hannah and Ichabod.]

Samuel [3] marries (2) Sarah Rising in 1708 in Suffield, Hartford, CT. Sarah was born 15 November 1685 in Suffield, Hartford, CT. She was the daughter of John Rising and Sarah Hale.

Children of Samuel [3] and Sarah:

i. Sarah
ii. Samuel
iii. Mercy
iv. Bethiah
v. Abigail
vi. Eunice [Abigail and Eunice were twins.]
vii. John
viii. Josiah
ix. Charity

Notes on children:

i. Sarah Hall, b. 3 Oct 1709, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT. Marries Jeremiah Markham. Sarah dies 30 March 1787 in Middletown, Middlesex Co., CT.
ii. Samuel Hall, b. 2 Dec 1710, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT. Marries Hannah Parsons 1 October 1741.
iii. Mercy Hall, b. 3 Jan 1712, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT.
iv. Bethiah Hall, b. 9 Sep 1713, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT. Marries William Holton. Bethiah dies 10 April 1773 in Northfield, Franklin Co., MA.

Twins:

v. Abigail Hall, b. 28 Apr 1715, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT. Marries Samuel Hayden 17 November 1737.
vi. Eunice Hall, b. 28 Apr 1715, Suffield, Hartford Co., CT. Marries Samuel Cravath 31 October 1741.

vii. John Hall, b. 31 May 1719, Enfield, CT; m. Hannah Guild.
viii. Josiah Hall, b. 16 Mar 1722, Stafford, Hartford Co., CT; m. Sarah Bush.
ix. Charity Hall, b. 18 Aug 1723, Stafford, Hartford Co., CT; m. Isaac Davis 21 Feb. 1744/45. (Vital Statistics of Sheffield, MA Marriages 1773-1797 Vol I, p. 43) [Notes: Helped found Lee, Berkshire, MA]

Notes from Kibbe manuscript on these children follow:

Sarah b. Suffield Oct. 3, 1709, first child of second marriage (Sarah Rising)

Samuel b. Suffield Dec. 2, 1710 m. Oct. 1, 1741 Hannah Parson, said to be of Somers. He was a prominent citizen of Somers and had children.

Marcy b. Suffield June 3, 1712. From Suffield records she seemed to have lived there with her half sister Mary (Hall) Roe.

Bethia b. Suffield Sept. 9, 1713 seems from Suffield records to have been cared for by half sisters

Elizabeth Woolworth and Mary Rowe and half brother Nathaniel Hall. She m. May 25, 1736 Wm. Holten of Northfield, Mass., the home of her half brother Enoch Hall.

Abigal b. Suffield April 8, 1717. She m. in Somers Samuel Hayden of Windsor (Hayden Station) Nov. 17, 1737.

Eunice b. Suffield Apr. 8, 1717 (Twin with Abigal) m. in Somers Samuel Cravath of Middletown, Conn. Aug. 31, 1741.

John b. Stafford May 31, 1719 m. Hannah Guild of Somers, He was then of Enfield. Marriage record not. published in Enfield Feb. 25, 1741/1 pub. In Somers Feb. 28, 1741. They lived in Enfield and had children. He has been recorded among the probable children of Samuel and Sarah Hall but he was SURELY their child.

Josiah b. Stafford March 16, 1722 m. Sarah Bush of Somers.

Charity b. Stafford Aug. 18, 1723 admitted to Somers church Apr. 25, 1742.

NOTE: The above items are taken from the records indicated and are correct to the best of my knowledge and ability.
(Signed) JAMES ALLEN KIBBE,

John [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 19 October 1666 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA (VR Taunton, p. 194) Died 1738 (?) in Norton, Bristol Co., MA. Married Esther Bell 14 December 1692 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Elizabeth [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 28 October 1670 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died 4 November 1739 in Norton, Bristol Co., MA.

Mary [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 3 October 1672 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Ebenezer [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 19 March 1676 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died July 1747 in Falmouth, York Co., Maine. Ebenezer married Jane Bumpus 22 June 1704.

Sarah [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 2 march 1678 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA Died Feb. 1769.

George [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 25 January 1680/1 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA. Died after 1760. Burial in Layville Cemetery, Lyne, CT.

Hannah [3] Hall (Samuel [2] George [1]) Born 8 April 1683 in Taunton, Bristol Co., MA.

Topics: Massachusetts | 12 Comments »

The Hall Family at Church in Smyrna

By Kathryn Hall | February 1, 2009

The following excerpt is from History of Chenango and Madison Counties, New York by James H. Smith, published in 1880. These notes shed light not only on the religious interests of Luke Hall and his wife, Ruby (Pease) Hall and on their son, Erastus Gilbert Hall, and also provide a tiny glimpse into the general climate and concerns of the times. It is through such vehicles as these notes that we begin to shed light into the lives of our early ancestors, whereupon they begin to transcend the strictly factual data so often associated with genealogical research. KH


Reproduction of the Old West Hill Meeting House, Sherburne

CHURCHES.—The First Congregational Church in Smyrna.—The first religious meetings in Smyrna were held in a school-house that stood near the site of the present Congregational church. In the year 1816 there was a powerful revival of religion in connection with these school-house meetings. Preaching was obtained for the few weeks of the revival interest. A better school-house was built in which, June 26, 1824, the First Congregational church in Smyrna was organized. The original members were as follows, viz: Marsena Allen, John Strew, Julius Wood, George J. Hammond, Chester Hammond, Elihu Pettis, Deborah Pettis, Rodger Case, Mercy Case, John Percival, Ruth Percival, John Percival, Jr., Lois Youngs, Timothy Leonard, Asenath Leonard, Satira Hammond, George Hammond, Elijah Sexton, Rhoda Sexton, Deborah F. Pettis, Fanny Hammond, Asenath Wood, Reuby Hall, Bersheba Carver, Miranda Strew and Mary Packard. These, except the last one mentioned, came from the Second Congregational church in Sherburne, located on West Hill. At the formation of the church, Rev. Samuel Manning, of Sherburne, presided as moderator, and Rev. Nathaniel Latham, of Hamilton, preached the sermon. John Percival and Timothy Leonard were chosen to serve as deacons for the first communion, and Chester Hammond was chosen clerk of the church. At the first communion season Sarah Hunt, Sally Hunt, Mary Talcott, Polly Sutliff and Hannah G. Allen were received by letter from the West Hill church. Having no minister, John Percival was chosen as standing moderator of all church meetings. All the meetings were held in the district school-house till a house of worship could be built. In August, 1826, the frame for a meeting house was raised, and the house was completed in the following year. In December, 1827, the funeral of Mr. John Munson, one of those who contributed toward the building of the house of worship, was held in the unfinished building. January 20, 1828, the house was dedicated, Rev. Lyman Rexford, of Sherburne, preaching the sermon on the occasion.

The church has numbered 521 communicants on its roll of members.

The first deacons of this church were Chester Hammond and Marsena Allen. Succeeding these were Isaac Foote, Jr., William W. Chapman, Amasa Foote, Gardiner J. Kenyon and Julius Wood.

The present deacons are Levi B. Collins and Nathaniel T. Ferris.

The following is a list of the pastors and their term of service:—

Ezra Woodworth, Aug. 1824, to May, 1825.
Luther Clark, April, 1826, to April, 1828.
Charles E. Avery, May, 1828, to Aug. 1830.
Samuel Manning, April, 1831, to Feb., 1832.
Elias Childs, Nov., 1832, to Sept., 1834.
Sidney Mills, Oct., 1834, to April, 1839.
Lemuel Pomeroy, Feb., 1840, to April, 1852.
David F. Judson, April, 1853, to May, 1857.
M. C. Bronson, Nov., 1857, to April, 1860.
Andrew Huntington, June, 1860, to Sept., 1861.
Charles Barstow, Feb., 1862, to Sept., 1862.
Archibald Crawford, Dec., 1862, to March, 1863.
John H. Nason, Oct., 1863, to March, 1866.
Seneca M. Keeler, June, 1866, to Sept., 1870.
Henry M. Grant, Nov., 1870, to Oct., 1871.
Henry Carpenter, Feb., 1872, to April, 1873.

Charles C. Johnson is the present pastor. He began his labors with this church Jan. 3d, 1874.

During the pastorate of Mr. Keeler, the society enlarged and remodeled their house of worship at a cost of $3,500. During the ministry of Mr. Grant the manse was freed from debt and presented to the society. In 1873 the society repaired and reseated their chapel. In the summer of 1879 the church edifice was thoroughly renovated, calcimined and painted. The society keep out of debt and pay their pastor’s salary promptly.

H. M. Dixon is superintendent of the Sabbath School, and has superintended a mission Sunday School at Central Smyrna for the past 25 years. Deacon N. T. Ferris is Superintendent of the South Smyrna Sabbath School. 11

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Following are notes from the Minutes of the Annual Meeting by General Association of the State of New York, Presbyterian Church, September, 1865.

The General Association of the Congregational Churches of the State of New York, held its Thirty-second Annual Meeting with the Congregational Church of Oswego, commencing on Tuesday, September 19th, 1865 at 10 o’clock, A. M.

The meeting was called to order by the Register, and was organized by the choice of Rev. Milton Badger, D.D., of New York as Moderator…The Moderator opened the meeting with prayer…The Roll was made out as follows…

Delegates from Churches
Smyrna–Bro. Erastus G. Hall

Ministers Associated with General Association

I–ONEIDA ASSOCIATION

J. H. Nason–ordained Sept. 10, 1862–Smyrna, Chenango Co, occupation–Stated Supply.

Report from the Oneida Association

This Association numbers, on the Annual Record, 24 Churches; two of which it is said belong not to the Accociation; and seven or eight others are without preaching; and several of them have only a nominal existence. There is not settled Pastor within the bounds of this Association.

No revivals are reported to have occurred within the Association; but the Sabbath Schools are for the most part flourishing. The Register concludes his Report thus: “War news is more attractive than any other. Efforts to relieve hardships and sufferings of our soldiers, share very general attention. Our country’s wrongs and our country’s woes, take a deep hold on the feelings of the community, and much indignation is felt at the course of treason and rebel sympathy in our midst. Yet, we expect our covenant God will bring us safely through the furnace into which we are cast, and at the termination of this struggle, we shall see religion more properous than ever.”

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Erastus Gilbert Hall

By Kathryn Hall | January 28, 2009

ERASTUS HALL (1813-1893) ERASTUS GILBERT HALL (1813-1893), Smyrna, Chenango, New York As previously mentioned, according to The History of Chenango County by James H. Smith (1880), “Luke Hall came at an early age from Somers, Conn., and settled in the north part of the town, where his son Erastus now lives, and died there, he and his wife.” Luke Hall was in fact one of the earliest pioneers in Smyrna (then Sherburne), before 1800, from Somers, Tolland, CT. Luke’s cousin Alpheus also migrated from Somers to Smyrna before 1800. In the 1800 census for Sherburne we have living side by side: Samuel Hall (1 m 16-25, 1 m 45 and over, 1 f 10-15 and 1 f 45 and over), Moses Hall (1 m 0-9, 1 m 26-45, 2 f 0-9, 1 f 26-44), Luke Hall 1 m 0-9, 1 m 26-44), Alpheus Hall (1 m 10-15, 1 m 26-44, 3 f 0-9, 1 f 10-15, 1 f 26-44).
Erastus Gilbert Hall was born in 1813 in Smyrna, Chenango, NY. He is the son of Luke Hall and Ruby Pease, who were married 8 Jan 1795 in Somers, Tolland, CT. He is the grandson of Luke Hall and Martha Davis. He is is the ggrandson of Samuel Hall and Hannah Parsons who married 1 October 1741 in Hartford, CT. And he is the greatgreatgrandson of Samuel Hall and Sarah Rising, who married in Suffield, Hartford, CT in 1708.
Erastus had several siblings: Luke Hall (b. 6 July 1795); Ruby Hall (b 14 July 1797), Daniel Spencer Hall (b. Feb. 1808); Fanny Hall (b. December 1803) and Simon Hall (baptized 12 August 1804); and Hezekiah Cooley Hall, (b. 9 May 1810). Luke and Ruby Hall are both born in Somers, Tolland, CT. The rest of the children are all born in Smyrna, Chenango, NY. Erastus Gilbert Hall’s baptism is listed as being in 1813 in the Old Church of the West Hill records, as are the baptisms of his brother, Daniel Spencer; and his brother Simon, 12 August 1804; and his sister, Fanny, also on 12 August 1804. Father Luke Hall is listed as a member of the [Church] Society and Rheuby [Ruby] Hall is listed as a member of the Church.
Erastus Gilbert Hall is listed in the Smyrna Business Directory of 1869-70 as a dairyman and a farmer. Erastus marries Mehittable “Hitty” Orinda Tobey. Hitty is the daughter of John Pope Tobey and Temperance Wing. Hitty Hitty has several siblings: Elizabeth “Eliza” A. Tobey (b. 15 Oct 1816; d. 31 Jan 1855); John P. Tobey (b. 13 Jan 1821); Edmund P. Tobey (b. 25 Dec 1822; d. 30 Mar 1871); Betsey Tobey (b. 11 Jan 1825); Persus Tobey (b. 15 Mar 1827); Antonette Tobey (b. 17 Apr 1831). Hitty was born 16 Dec 1818. All the children were born in Smyrna. Edmund (and his wife, Lucy) are buried in Smyrna East Cemetery in Smyrna. The Tobey family dates back to Thomas Tobey, of Sandwich, MA. who was from Wales. He was born around 1625. This is a very well-documented family. As noted in the Hall Family Bible contributed by the Caliban family: Children of Erastus Gilbert Hall and Hitty Orinda Tobey Hall: Seth Everett Hall March 31st, 1845 Ester Selina Hall June 24th 1848 John Tobey Hall April 28, 1851 Harry Hamlin Hall February 23rd, 1854 Jay Gilbert Hall January 22nd, 1856 Fred Demotte Hall May 7th, 1858 Charley Hall October 18, 1862 Erastus and Hitty have a daughter, Esther S. on June 24, 1848. They have a son, Henry Hamlin Hall in 1854. Henry marries a young woman named Ella Elizabeth Lee. Ella Elizabeth Lee is born in 1859. Ella and Henry have a daughter named Alice H. Hall in 1884, who dies at age fifteen, in 1899. Henry dies this same year. Ella lives on to be about 76, outliving them by 35 years. Daughter Esther Hall is listed in Early Years in Smyrna and Our First Old Home Week by George A. Munson (Chenango Union Presses, 1905) as marrying Zanoni Boyden, and says she lived “at Preston, this county” [Chenango]. Zanoni was the son of Bradford Boyden (1824-1869). Esther was his second wife. Her first husband was a Purdy. [See marriage certificate in previous post. KH] Erastus and Hitty also have sons Seth Everett Hall, John Hall and Fred Hall. Seth is born 31 March 1844 in Smyrna. On 3 August 1876 he marries [second wife]Fayette McNair, born 8 September 1848. Seth becomes a properous nurseryman in Cherry Valley, Illinois. He and Fayette have children Flora B., Guy, John, Seth Jr., Frank and Fred. Fayette dies 30 October 1935. In the 1880 U. S. Census Erastus is head of household at age 67, and listed as a farmer. His father’s birthplace is listed as CT; his mother’s birthplace is listed as CT. Hitty is 62, keeping house. Hitty’s father’s birthplace is listed as CT ; her mother’s birthplace is listed as MA. Henry is a laborer, and 32. Both his mother and father are listed as having been born in NY. Esther is listed “at home” at age 26. And Ella is listed as a daughter-in-law, age 21. Both Esther and Ella’s mothers and fathers are listed as being born in NY. Erastus G. Hall, Hitty O. (Tobey) Hall, Henry H. Hall, Ella Elizabeth Lee Hall, Alice H. Hall and Esther S. Hall Boyden are all buried in Sherburne Hill West Cemetery. Hall, Erastus G. [Gilbert] (1813-1893) Hall, Hitty O. [Orinda] Tobey (1818-1899) Boyden, Esther (Hall) 1848-1931 Hall, Henry H. [Hamlin] (1854-1899) Hall, Ella (Ella Elizabeth Lee) (1859-1935) Hall, Alice H. (1884-1899)   Ella Elizabeth Lee Hall’s obituary: The Sherburne News Thursday morning, Feb. 28, 1935 MRS. ELLA ELIZABETH HALL Mrs. Ella Elizabeth Hall, widow of the late Henry H. Hall and a former resident of Sherburne, died at her home in Rutherford, N.J., on Monday, February 18, 1935. She was well known by many of the older residents of this vicinity who remember her from the days when she resided on the farm now owned by Bert Butts. Born in the town of Lebanon on March 17, 1859, she was almost 76 years of age. She was the daughter of the late James C. and Honora G. Lee. In her youth she was a teacher at Upperville and in other rural districts. She was married to Henry H. Hall, son of Erastus G. Hall on Oct. 1, 1878. In the spring of 1899 her second daughter, Alice, died and just one month later her husband also passed away. She then moved to Hamilton with her four daughters and purchased a home on University Avenue where she lived and educated her daughters, all of whom graduated from High school and college or Normal school. In 1918, she sold her home in Hamilton and moved to New Jersey where she lived with her two daughters who are teachers in the city of Passaic. She was a lifelong and loyal member of the Congregational Church having united with the Church in Smyrna in her youth. Possessed of a keen mind she always maintained an active interest in the community and national affairs. But her major life interest was her family. She made it her first and greatest care to rear and educate her daughters. During the years in Hamilton she was known by many Colgate boys who remember her influence with deep gratitude, boys who in the passing years have become known far and wide as men of influence and distinction. She was a member of the Browning Club and of the Child Study Club in Hamilton. Friends knew her and her family in the years she lived in Hamilton often were reminded of the story Little Women. She is survived by four daughters, Mrs. Evan L. Wilcox and Mrs. George L. Bennett of Sherburne; Miss Helen M. Hall and Mrs. W. H. Kendall, of Rutherford, N.J.; also by five grandchildren and two nieces, Mrs. C. D. Satterlee and Mrs. Roy Bryan of Sherburne. Rev. Clifford W. Hilliker, pastor of the First Congregational Church, conducted her funeral at the Wilcox home on Thursday, February 21st and she was buried in the family plot in the Sherburne West Hill cemetery.

EGHallGrave

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Hall/Tobey Family Bible w/ Family Photos!

By Kathryn Hall | January 14, 2009

The following entries were found inside a Bible belonging to Erastus Gilbert Hall, born 20 May 1813, who lived in Smyrna, Chenango, New York. Erastus was the son of Luke Hall and Ruby (Pease) Hall. Erastus lived 79 years, until 5 March 1893, and is buried in West Hill Cemetery in Sherburne, Chenango County. These notes appear courtesy Mary Caliban, descendant of Erastus Gilbert Hall.





Seth Hall, Sr., son of Erastus Gilbert Hall
This photo of Seth Everett Hall, Sr. was taken in Earlville, New York.

Seth Hall, Sr. [w/?] Earlville, New York

Seth Hall, Sr. with son in law, Fred Morgan, before Fred’s shop


Fayette (McNair) Hall, second wife of Seth Hall, Sr.

Guy Hall and brother, Seth Hall, Jr., sons of Seth Hall, Sr. and Fayette (McNair) Hall

Fred and Frank Hall, sons of Seth Hall, Sr. and Fayette (McNair) Hall


Genie Cornelia Hall holding her stepmother, Fayette (McNair) Hall


Ad for Seth Hall, Sr.’s Nursery in church bulletin, 1901
Hall Nursery was located “at the top of the hill on W. State Street, Cherry Valley.”


Esther Selina (Hall) Boyden

Marriage certificate for Esther Hall’s second marriage, to Zanoni Boyden, dated 4 April 1897


Cepha Hall, daughter of Henry Hamlin Hall and Ella Elizabeth (Lee) Hall

Alice Hall, daughter of Henry Hamlin Hall and Ella Elizabeth (Lee) Hall

Clara Hall, daughter of Henry Hamlin Hall and Ella Elizabeth (Lee) Hall

Clara Hall as a young girl; daughter of Henry Hamlin Hall and Ella Elizabeth (Lee) Hall

Ruby Hall, daughter of Henry Hamlin Hall and Ella Elizabeth (Lee) Hall

I would like to imagine that Ruby was named after Ruby (Pease) Hall, her paternal greatgrandmother.

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Migration Pattern of My Halls of Bristol County

By Kathryn Hall | January 14, 2009

Dear Readers:

It has occurred to me that setting forth a basic migration pattern for my own Hall family, which begins with our earliest known ancestor, George Hall of Taunton, would be most appropriate and constructive. Allow me then to indulge in the briefest of posts to list the migration of my own individual family. I will refrain from adding dates at this time, as all those particulars will be spelled out in specific detailed posts as I elaborate on each generation of the family. Suffice it to say this is where they started–and where my own paternal family progressed over the last three and a half centuries.

Taunton, Bristol County, Massachusetts—>
Enfield and Somers, Connecticut—>
Smyrna, Chenango, New York—>
Charlestown, Portage, Ohio—>
Jamestown, Steuben, Indiana—>
Richland, DeKalb, Indiana—>
Hartwick, Osceola, Michigan—>
Montgomery Co., Kansas—>
Sutherland, Millard Co., Utah—>
Salt Lake City, Utah

KH

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