Biographies - Elmira Township

Robert Hall, son of Thomas and Sarah (Cokayne) Hall, came to the United States in 1836, and settled on the northeast quarter, section two, Elmira, on which he has since resided. He at once engaged in cultivating this claim, and as soon as the land came into market he purchased 160 acres.

He was married January 9, 1840, to Miss Harriet Marsh, to whom nine children were born, six of whom are living, namely: Jane, James (married, living in Iowa), Esther (married, living in Iowa), Matilda, Charles (married, living on the old homestead), and Ellen (married, living in Osceola township).

Mrs. Robert Hall was the daughter of Daniel C. and Esther (Pettibone) Marsh, the former being a native of Connecticut, who moved to Pennsylvania while in his youth, and the latter, Esther, was a native of Pennsylvania,. Her grandfather, Oliver Pettibone, at the time of the Wyoming massacre was eighteen years old, and his father at that time removed to Massachusetts, and remained there until Oliver Pettibone married Martha Payne. After this marriage he returned to Wyoming, Pa., his father returning with him. The Pettibones are, as far as known, in Pennsylvania yet. Daniel Marsh, father of Mrs. Hall, remained in that state until his death in 1865. Her mother, Esther Marsh, came to Illinois in 1834, to see a daughter, Mrs. Judge Holgate, and she was taken sick and died while there, and is buried on the Holgate farm.

Robert Hall has always been engaged in farming and stock-growing. He has added considerable land to his original purchase, but has given it to his children, retaining only the old homestead of 160 acres, on which he now resides.

He is a republican in politics, but has always been opposed to office, yet the people have elected him to several township positions. He is not a member of any church, but gives with a liberal hand to all denominations that are in need.