Hall - Anna E. - Montgomery InGenWeb Project

Go to content

Hall - Anna E.


Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal, 28 July 1899

The community was greatly shocked last Monday to learn of the death of Miss Anna E. Hall, who passed away painlessly and peacefully about 11 o'clock on Sunday night. She had been in feeble health for some time, but there had been a marked improvement within the past few months and it was hoped that she would ultimately recover.

Anna Hall was the daughter of the late George W. Hall and of Drusilla Sweringen, his wife. She was born in Waynetown, but removed with her parents to Crawfordsville when very young and her childhood was spent here. Her former schoolmates can remember distinctly her diligence as a scholar, her obedience, her unfailing kindness and that unquestioned fidelity to duty, which, even in childhood, gave evidence of the sterling, strong character and high principles of the future woman. Anna Hall had an unusually clear and strong mind, and as a young girl displayed an especial talent for mathematics, in which she showed an enviable proficiency. Those who remember her then, retain the recollection of a generous, impulsive girl, ready and willing to share her possessions with her schoolmates, or to help those who were not so quick and clever as herself a memory unmarred by a single instance of selfishness or pettiness or ill-temper.

From Crawfordsville the family removed to Battle Ground where they resided for fifteen years, and Miss Hall, continuing her studies, fitted herself for the profession of teaching. She was appointed teacher of the ninth grade in the Centennial school in Lafayette, her special work being to fit her pupils for admission to the high school. This position she held continuously for ten years. No better proof could be furnished of the excellence and thoroughness of her work. She carried into the school room, in the capacity of teacher, the same qualities she has shown as a pupil --thoroughness, diligence, cheerfulness and patience By her own fidelity to duty she inspired those who looked to her not only for respect, but example, and scores of young men and women went forth from her influence bettered not only mentally, but morally and spiritually. They are now scattered all over the world, in this country and in foreign lands, but there is not one that she has not helped to success and who has not owed incalculably to the lessons which she inculcated both in the school room and out of it. From Battle Ground Mr, Hall returned to Crawfordsville, and, her health failing, Miss Hall was forced to relinquish the place she had filled so long and creditably in Lafayette.

She was a zealous and enthusiastic teacher—it was her chosen calling but devoted as she had been to its high demands, she relinquished it with the same cheerful submission that she had manifested through her whole life, and in the home literally did with her might henceforth whatever her hands found to do. Here she taught that lesson so necessary in these days of restlessness and discontent—that in the summing up, in the consideration of all the trials and difficulties, the successes and triumphs of ordinary life, there is, in reality, nothing that can be considered of little account. The ten years in the home were years of beautiful self-sacrifice, patience and the unceasing bestowal of help and tender affection upon those about her. Though there were times when her strength failed, the unquenchable spirit of love shone with undiminished luster to the last. In the course of time both parents passed away and, throughout their illness—that of the father being long protracted—the devoted daughter was the stay and comfort of the household. Her strength of character and her wonderful self-control were a source of strength to those who had learned to rely upon her for counsel and guidance. Since the death of her father, a little more than a year ago, her responsibility had increased, and with it, as must happen to those who are trying faithfully to do their duty, added strength seemed to have been given her to meet the increased obligations. Her sisters who had gone forth to do their part in the world, courageously and unquestioningly, found the home over which Anna Hall presided, a place of rest, of comfort and of order and sweetness. To her no task was so insignificant that it could be slighted. The law of her life, as a pupil, as a teacher, as a homemaker was: whatever was worth doing was worth doing well. And this law that had governed her conduct through childhood and girlhood dominated her womanhood.

Soon after her return to Crawfordsville, Anna Hall united with Center church, and she was foremost, from that time in its varied and important work. She was prominent in its societies, her clear practical mind being an aid and.reliance to those associated with her. She also taught in the Sunday school, and here her training as a teacher in the public schools made her peculiarly successful. She was one of the first and most active members of the Current Events Club, rarely missing its meetings and coming always prepared to take part in its discussions, and in its meetings she will be keenly missed.

When the end came it found her ready. Nothing was left undone. Her work was finished and it stands an unmarred record of faithfulness, of loving self-sacrifice, of the continual dedication of her high mental and spiritual gifts to the welfare of others-- transcribed by Kim H

Source: Crawfordsville Weekly Journal Friday, 28 July 1899
 
The funeral of Miss Anna Hall occurred Wednesday from the family residence on South Grant Avenue. The services were conducted by Dr. E. B. Thomson, assisted by Rev. A. J. Alexander, and the music was rendered by Mrs. W. F. Hulet and Miss Edna Dice. The pallbearers were Messrs. C. N. Williams, E. C. Voris, J. C. Barnhill, Charles Goltra, M. W. Bruner, and J. E. Evans.

Anna Hall was the daughter of the late George W. Hall and of Drusilla Swearingen, his wife. She was born in Waynetown, but removed with her parents to Crawfordsville when very young and her childhood was spent here. Her former schoolmates can remember distinctly her diligence as a scholar, her obedience, her unfailing kindness and that unquestioned fidelity to duty, which, even in childhood, gave evidence of the sterling, strong character and high principles of the future woman.
Anna Hall had an unusually clear and strong mind, and as a young girl displayed an especial talent for mathematics, in which she showed an enviable proficiency. Those who remember her then, retain the recollection of a generous, impulsive girl, ready and willing to share her possessions with her schoolmates, or to help those who were not so quick and clever as herself; a memory unmarred by a single instance of selfishness or pettiness or ill temper.

From Crawfordsville the family removed to Battle Ground, where they resided for fifteen years, and Miss Hall, continuing her studies, fitted herself for the profession of teaching. She was appointed teacher of the ninth grade in the Centennial School in Lafayette, her especial work being to fit her pupils for admission to the high school. This position she held continuously for ten years. No better proof could be furnished of the excellence and thoroughness of her work. She carried into the school room, in the capacity of teacher, the same qualities she had shown as a pupil—thoroughness, diligence, cheerfulness and patience. By her own fidelity to duty she inspired those who looked to her not only for precept, but example, and scores of young men and women went forth from her influence bettered not only mentally, but morally and spiritually. They are now scattered all over the world, in this country and foreign lands, but there is not one that she has not helped to success and who has not owed incalculably to the lessons which she inculcated both in the school room and out of it. -s






Back to content