The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1888-10-11
DEATH OF PROMINENT CITIZEN
John V. Hall.

John ". Hall.
A telegram was received here Monday
morning, Oct 18th, announcing the death
of the Hon. John V. Hall. The news
spread quickly and was quite unexpect-
ed to most of his large circle of friends
and acquaintances, many of whom had
been hoping against hope as the sequel
shows, that his life might be prolonged.
The afternoon daily of Springfield,
Mass, contained these particulars !:
"Hon. John V. Hall, OF Bennington, VT,
an older brother of Charles Hall of this
city, died at his brothers home on Brad
ford street at 30 this morning. Mr..
Hall had been at his brothers for the
last two months or 80, coming here for
the convenience of receiving medical
treatment He had been under the pro-
fession skill of DR.. Leland of Boston, a
specialist as an aurist, and OF the Drs.
CalkiDs of this city, but their combined
skill and experience could not arrest Mr.
Halls disease"
In this connection the visit OF Mr..
Hall to Europe in the early part of the
year will be recalled and the evident
benefit the trip accomplished, so that he
attended to business somewhat after his
return, but the end was not far away,
and probably none felt that its nearness
was soon to become a reality more than
he, or was better prepared.
The deceased was son of the late Ex-
Governor Hiland Hall, and was born
February 10th, 1881. Like many others
of the Green Mountain boys of his day,
his education in the common schools of
Bennington, in the Academy of the
town historic for its alumni, was sup
plemented by an experience in "teach-
ing District schools" the cornerstone
of our Republic. He entered Williams
College but did not complete the course.
He went to California and was a resi-
dent of the Golden State for time
about the year 1858, This residence and
short one IN Wisconsin constitute the
only absences, except for school, from
his native town of Bennington. From
early life, therefore, he has been identi-
fled with Vermont and her Interests and
held no inconsiderable part therein.
By profession Mr.. Hall was lawyer,
receiving his diploma from the Albany
N. Y law school and admission to the
bar in 1856.
| In 1861, deceased was appointed Clerk
of the County Court OF Bennington
County, aud served continuously in that
Office since--a term of 81 years. This
relation brought him in contact with
many people, and before the writer be-
came resident of Bennington, he re-
calls the fac that this county was often
referred to as the possessor of a most
efficient and affable Clerk of its Court.
The insurance business OF Mr.. Hall
dates from 1866. For many yea he
alone represented the old and reliable
companies now, and for short time ad-
vertised under the firm name of
John V. Hall & Son. His agency coon
became one. OF the largest in the State,
and in insurance circles for many years
this veteran agent has been prominent
member. As sagacIOus under writer
he is widely known.
Aside from his official and business
relations deceased took an active inter
est in historical matters. "He was the
worthy son Of worthy sire"
in this respect He was a
members of the Bennington Historical
Society, promoter and director Of the
Bennington Battle Monument Associa-
ZION, often serving upon important COM
mittaes in both bodies. In the latter
Association he took as deep and absorb
ing an interest as did his lamented faith
er-many friends would have greatly
rPjOiced had it been vouchsafed by
Divine Providence that they both had
seen with mortal eye the completion of
this grand work now so auspiciously
begun.
Mr.. Hall WAS at one time Judge of
our Municipal Court, and served in this
capacity with great acceptance. ae
was an enthusiastic lover Of music, cul-
tivating it in his family; and for many
years he was leader of the choir con-
nected with the Second Congregational
Church in this village. ii last relate n |
to the musical portion of our people is
recalled az the president Of the Ben
nington Choral Union. 1t is safe TO say
that few men can fill the place his de
cease makes vacant in that organic e
ton. An ardent friend of education.
we find his name prominently identified
with the Free Library, OF which our vii
lage is justly proud, and also in cnnneC-
ton with the earlier years of our Grad
ed School He served four years as
trustee, (lS74 1879 and two years as au
di'or QSS2-l884) of that institution. He
was likewise identified for twenty-three
years with fraternal work in our COM
munity.
A member of the Second Congrega-
tionhl Church, consistent in his chris-
tim life, he was often called to positions
IF responsibility and as trustee in the
Society connected herewith
In pOli'Ics Mr.. Hall was stanch Re
publican. He was, however, conserva-
tive in his methods, possessed a we'll
balanced mind, and comparatively little
prejudice. This rendered him an I'M
usually safe friend with whom to take
counsel. He was a steadfast friend as
many can testify, and an exchange
speaks Of him as inheriting many Of
these characteristic traits from his re-
vered father, The same authority
speaks further of him: He was a
prominent man in all important local
affairs. He was an earnest Republican
and was frequently delegate to state
and county conventions. In all official
and personal relations, he was without
guile. an honest, frank, dignitied and
cordial man. who will be greatly
missed"
Mr.. Hall was twice married, the Last
lime, Dec. Goth. $780, to Mrs. Lucinda |
R. Hawley of Waterbury, Conn, who {
survives him. There are also his son, {
Edward j., (who has perfo, med the du. {
les of deputy clerk during his fathers 1
asst il'ness), a daughter (FlOrence), Mrs. /
:. B Yates, an adopted son, Charles R1ss
Hall, who feel most keenly his bereave- I
nent Three of his brothers survive: q
jharIes Hall Of Springfield, Mass. Hen. Z
y d Hall OF North Bennington, and u
daj. N. Il Hall of Jtckson, Mich, Miss y
Sate Atwater has also been member I
# Mr.. Halls household for many years. !
The ohsCquies were attended from the !
amily resi- 'ence in this village, this 5
morning at ten o'clock, the R"v. E G. g
tead, a former pastor NOW of Somer- 81
lille, N. J.,) officiating. The estimate il
n which MI. Hall was held was attest II
d by the large circle of mourners d
theirs present. Friends were here from
'rovidence, r. l.. Waterbury and Bris
nl, Conn.,, from Rutland, Troy, N. Y. r
nd other places out-of=town. The u
carers were: Hon. Charles Thu tcher, ~
IT, Lyman Rogers; Messrs, John T. I
hurtlett, Chas. E, Dewey, l. d Ham R
N, Chas. F. Sears. +
The remains were laid at rest in the r
ImiIy lot at Bennington Centre-his. tr
,ric ground. NJ
II heard a voice from heaven, saying n,
nto me, write, from hPnceforth blessed #
re the dead who die in the Lord; even N
saith the Spirit for they rest from BIZ
leir labors." a,
The 50. Francis DeSales' Church NJ
Fair III
Now that the foundation OF the 81
lurch edihce Is well commenced M