Interesting Tidbits about Thomas Hall (1816)

There have been a few pieces of information about Thomas Hall floating around the internet that I couldn't see a source for, but then I was able to find the information on a single piece of paper labeled "History of Thomas Hall", written by his son, Samuel Parley Hall. I was going to type the whole history here, but it is long enough that I have decided to wait to put it up on a website that will be created for the Robert Hall family. I will, however, quote from it here and add in some links and background information relating to the subjects.

"Thomas Hall was born in Liverpool, England, September 1, 1816 of humble parentage. He never attended school a day in his life. His education came from the school of experience, which was a hard one."

[1] Thomas Hall's christening record

"When he was eleven years of age his father died, and he was forced to go out to work."... "Thomas Hall joined the Methodist Church and served as an apprentice for seven years. His trade was that of an Iron Molder"

*In between these two facts it relates that Thomas married Ann Cory (Ann Correy) in 1832, when he was 16. I have found the marriage record for Thomas and Ann "Currey" which was in 1835. He would have been 19. Often times, if a family was in need of help from the local parish because they were destitute, the sons (and perhaps some daughters) would be apprenticed out through the church. I wonder if Robert Hall died leaving the family very poor. Thomas then would have been apprenticed out (being eleven at the time) to an Iron Molder for seven years. Not until his apprenticeship was completed could he have married Ann "Currey". The timetable appears to fit like this:

1. About 1827-28: Robert (father) dies. Thomas is eleven
2. Thomas is apprenticed out for seven years to an Iron Molder
3. After he completes his apprenticeship he marries Ann "Currey" in 1835 at the age of 19

"In 1840 he joined the Latter Day Saint Church. In November, 1843, they came from Liverpool to New Orleans on a vessel which was named "The Fanny."..."They arrived at New Orleans and there found a small steamboat called "The Little Maid of Iowa." This boat belonged to Joseph Smith of the Mormon Church. It was being held for a debt by the Captain, Dan Jones. My father and other immigrants collected the necessary sum of money and paid off the attachment on the vessel in order that they move on in their journey."

*On Mormon Migration there is a small list of passengers (must be incomplete as account mention 200+ saints) who traveled on The Fanny. Thomas Hall is listed, though Ann (his wife), and their two children at the time, were not. There are a few personal experiences to read about which give a great account of what the Thomas Hall family's experience would have been like on board The Fanny and the Maid of Iowa.

"James H. Haslam came to Nauvoo with father and was like a son to him. He aided in caring for our family, and we were very poor and had little to eat."

*If you notice the passenger list on The Fanny James Haslam is on board along with Mary Haslam, perhaps his wife.

"In the Spring of 1851, we emigrated to Utah. A wealthy lady, Mrs. Gillam, offered to assist father in securing an outfit to come. This father accepted. He purchased a team, two yoke of oxen, and a yoke of cows. He also purchased for Mrs. Gillam two teams and hired two drivers for her."

*Thomas Hall traveled in the James W. Cummings Company. There is a Caroline Hooper Gillam traveling with them. I would assume that the "wealthy" Mrs. Gilliam was Caroline.
*There are Haslams traveling in that company as well, though James is not listed.
*Those from Thomas' family include: Ann Hughes Hall, Samuel Parley Hall, Joseph Smith Hall, Thomas John Hall, and James Hyrum Hall.


I hope you enjoyed a little extra information!

[1]Church of England, St. Peters, St Peters, Liverpool, Lancashire, England, Christenings, 1815-1820. FHL microfilm # 0,093,874 Vol. 4 p 10 #74.