Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Hall, William W. July 28, 1874
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Suzy Fleming wardflemin@aol.com October 31, 2013, 5:59 pm

Norfolk Landmark July 29,1874
Norfolk Landmark July 29,1874



 



The Late William W. Hall



This year Norfolk has lost an unusual number of aged and respected citizens. 
Within a few months, in one neighborhood on Cumberland Street, have died, a 
venerable lady past ninety years of age, Mr. and Mrs. Walker, at 85 and 80 
respectfully; at 85 the widow of Colonel James R. Nimmo, and now we are called 
upon to mourn another, our friend, Mr. Hall, who expired yesterday morning, at 
the age of 76 years.



He was one of the most popular men in Norfolk. No one was better know; and 
certainly none has a larger number of warmly attached friends. This was due to 
the largeness of his heart, to the exceeding generosity of his nature, to the 
excellence of his understanding, and to the noble integrity of his character.



Previous to the war he was one of our wealthiest citizens, and his fortune was 
too much at the disposal of those who loved him. During that trying period, he 
sustained immense losses of property, besides being required to pay numerous 
and heavy obligations as surety; and it has been said that in April 1865 
nothing was left of all that he had acquired in a lifetime. But at 67 years of 
age, though in ruined health, he had the energy to undertake a new business, 
and the skill to conduct it; so that he succeeded in repairing his fortune, 
besides dispensing charity as of old, and doing good beyond the limits of 
seeming prudence. He had, to aid him in the fiercest struggle of his life, the 
absolute confidence of his fellow citizens.  His word was always regarded as an 
emblem of truth; and he had absolute scorn for deception, “smartness,” and all 
doubtful or devious ways. To the suffering people of this native State, to whom 
he was so devoted, he had left an encouraging example. Do as he did- and you 
will affect the work of Restoration, at home, in business, and in the country 
at large.



It may not be amiss to mention a single incident, illustrative of the 
tenderness and generosity of his nature. Many, many people applied to him for 
favors, knowing his reputation for sympathy and benevolence. For example: he 
was so often asked to allow the temporary use of his vault in the cemetery 
(where his wife and other members of his family are interred). In rainy 
weather , or for strangers, or for other purposes, that he erected another 
admirable vault, in another lot, so as not to refuse any request, and yet not 
harrow his feelings by opening many times his own. But it is  unnecessary to 
tell the people of Norfolk of his virtues and his charities. They knew him by 
heart and he goes to the grave loved and lamented by all who enjoyed his 
acquaintance.



 



 



 



 



Norfolk Landmark July 30,1874



 



Funeral of William Hall Esq.



The funeral of this esteemed gentleman took place from the Cumberland Street 
Methodist Episcopal Church yesterday afternoon at 5 o’clock, and despite the 
very inclement weather, it was largely attended. The impressive ceremonies were 
conducted by Rev. J. D. Blackwell, the pastor, assigned by Rev. P. A. Peterson.



The remains reposed in a handsome coffin, which was covered with beautiful 
flowers and the insignias of Odd Fellowship, The plate bore the following 
inscription: Wm. W. Hall, died July 28th 1874; aged 76 years.



At the end of the services the coffin was borne to the hearse, and the members 
of Lafayette Lodge No. 9, and of Jerusalem Encampment No. 4, I.O.O. F., formed 
in line and led the solemn funeral cortege. The following gentlemen acted as 
pall-bearers:



Citizens: Frederick Wilson, Captain James Cornick, William S. Butt, and William 
H. Hunter



Odd Fellow: J. W. Gregory, Alonzo Smith, E. Leithardt and Francis Dusch.



Arriving at Elmwood Cemetery the remains were committed to the grave under the 
imposing forms and ceremonies of the Odd Fellows’ burial service. Many tears of 
sincere sorrow were shed over the grave of this venerable and good man who 
after a long life filled with noble deeds, now rests from his labors.



Additional Comments:
Elmwood 

File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/h/hall3735gob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/vafiles/

File size: 4.6 Kb