Pg 192

         JAMES HALL, deceased, a prominent citizen of Louisa County, was born in Eastern Virginia, Nov. 29, 1825, and was a son of Robert and Melinda (Bibb) Hall, the father a native of Ireland, and the mother of Virginia. Robert came to this country when he was but eight years old, and grew to manhood in the native State of our subject, where he was engaged in farming. James Hall was reared upon his father’s farm, receiving his education in the common schools of his native State, and at the age of twenty-one left the parental roof to make his own way in the world, beginning life as a salesman. In 1858 he led to the marriage altar Miss Z. A. B. Houston, who was born in the Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia, and is a daughter of William and Nancy (Harrison) Houston. Her father was a native of Maryland, and her mother of Virginia. William Houston was a relative of the celebrated Gen. Houston, of Texas. He was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was connected with the Baltimore Conference at the time of his death, which occurred April 27, 1852. His wife survived him ten years, dying May 4, 1862. Both were greatly loved and respected. One child graces the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hall, a daughter, Ora L., who resides with her mother.

In 1860 Mr. Hall established a store of general merchandise in Putnam County, Va., which he carried on until 1861, when the breaking out of the Civil War was the cause of his removal. He emigrated to Iowa in 1865, settling in Elliott Township, Louisa County, where he purchased 640 acres of land which was but partially improved, but he immediately began its cultivation, and soon developed a fine farm, the estate at the time of his death comprising 640 acres of land. In connection with farming he was also engaged in operating a mill for several years. In his political views Mr. Hall was a Democrat, while socially, he was a member of the A.F. & A.M. His influence was always exerted for good, and he aided largely in any enterprise which would benefit the public. Not only in the township where he resided, but throughout the county, he was universally esteemed and highly respected. His death occurred Aug. 11, 1881. His widow and daughter still reside upon the old homestead in Elliott Township, and they have many warm friends in the community. Mrs. Hall is a member of the Presbyterian Church.

Philip Harrison, an uncle of Mrs. Hall, was one of the very earliest settlers of Louisa County, becoming one of its residents in 1835, and locating upon the farm where his niece now makes her home. He removed to Texas in 1840, and his death occurred in that State.