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Facts and Events
| Name |
Jemima Kinne |
| Alt Name |
Jemima Kini |
| Alt Name |
Jemima Kinney |
| Alt Name |
Jemima Reed |
| Gender |
Female |
| Birth? |
30 Jul 1730 |
Preston, New London, Connecticut, United States |
| Residence? |
Bef 6 Jun 1749 |
Plainfield, Windham, Connecticut, United Statesprior to her second marriage |
| Marriage |
6 Jun 1749 |
Lisbon, New London, Connecticut, United StatesNewent
to Capt. John Hall |
| Religion? |
20 Mar 1774 |
experienced a religious "rebirth" (which sounds from her "confessions" that it was actually a stroke) |
| Religion[3] |
14 May 1774 |
Windsor, Berkshire, Massachusetts, United Stateswrote a lengthy letter describing her religious epiphany |
| Other[4] |
Jul 1777 |
Castleton, Rutland, Vermont, United Statesreportedly tended a British soldier who had been shot through the body |
| Other[5] |
Aft 3 Aug 1777 |
Castleton, Rutland, Vermont, United Stateshad to flee her home, where everything she left behind was lost or destroyed by Indians |
| Death? |
17 Nov 1807 |
Castleton, Rutland, Vermont, United States |
| Burial[1] |
Aft 17 Nov 1807 |
Castleton, Rutland, Vermont, United Statesa graveyard on the east side of the road to East Hubbarton, 200 ft. north of Fort Warren |
| Alt Burial? |
Abt 1835 |
Castleton, Rutland, Vermont, United StatesCongregational Cemetery (reburial) |
| Other[2] |
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Her sons Elias and Alpheus applied for belated compensation for the losses the family incurred in the Indian attack |
References
- ↑ Daniel Branch purchased the land containing the former cemetery in 1835. A short time after he became deranged, and ordered all who had friends buried there remove them; but only Elias Hall responded. He had the remains of his father and mother disinterred and buried in the new church yard.
- ↑ Two of her sons; Alpheus and Elias, who served in the Patriot army, in their latter years, presented a petition to Congress asking for assistance and a restoration of some of their father's possessions which had been taken away and destroyed. This is interesting as showng what the household effects were, and indicated a considerable prosperity. Note: they refer to having three older brothers...one was their half brother by their father's first wife, Olive.
PETITION TO CONGRESS BY EI.IAS AND ALPHEUS HALL.
To the Honorable, the Congress of the United States, to be convened in the City' of Washington on the fourth day of December, one thousand eight hundred and thirty seven. We the subscribers, Elias Hall, of Castleton, in the County of Rutland and State of Vermont, and Alpheus Hall of Milton, in the County of Chittenden and State of Vermont, beg leave to present our petition to your Honorable
body in the words following: Being the youngest sons and legal heirs of Capt John Hall, formerly of Castleton aforesaid, who was mortally wounded in battle with the enemy, on the sixth day of July one thousand seven hundred and seventy-seven, and died of his wounds August the sixth of the same year. And we 5'our petitioners, being in the same battle, were both made prisoners by the enemy,and were kept at hard labor until we made our escape, But when we returned home a new scene of distress awaited us. The family being obliged to make their escape, were in the midst of battle, and never returned home afterwards, gave the enemy a better chance for plunder, and they made up of it; for tlie}^ carried away and destroyed all the property which our Father had at that time, which was as follows, as near as we can recollect, Viz: Two horses,
two oxen, five cows, five yearlings, one yoke and two chains, one new cart, one sleigh and harness, fifty bushels of wheat in bin, four acres of wheat and two of rye on the ground, fifty hides of leather in the vats, one new desk, four feather beds and bedding, one large looking-glass cost at that time about seventeen dollars, one new saddle and bridle, one ladies's saddle and bridle, together with all the furniture and our wearing apparel, except what we had on our backs. Likewise all our father's papers were destroyed, and we were reduced in one hour from affluent circumstances to extreme poverty and distress. And we never have received one cent for the property thus destroyed, which we think would be valued at that time at fourteen or fifteen hundred dollars. And we your Petitioners, would farther represent to your Honorable body, and endeavor to show cause why we petition in our own names. We had three older brothers, which were settled with one hundred acres of land each, given to them by our Father. We 3'our petitioners, being the youngest sons of our father, lived at home, expecting at some future day to receive the farm we lived on, containing about four hundred acres. But unfortunately our Father's papers being destroyed by the enemy, that when the estate was settled, the claims against the estate, which were allowed by the commissioners, cancelled the whole of his farm within nineteen shillings and six pence. Now we were once more left in an almost helpless condition, but enjoying good health and a wide world before us, we took courage and agreeing with the creditors to pay their demands at a given time, we took the farm into our possession. And by the blessing of a kind providence on our industry, we after a number of years of hard labor, had the happiness to say "The Farm is ours". Thus it will be seen that we have never received any of our father's property, and your petitioners would farther make known to your Honorable body some reasons why we have not made application before this late day, which is sixty years since. At that time all was confusion and dismay. The enemy coming in like a flood, our own army on the retreat before them, and nothing appeared but destruction and poverty. Property' at that time was almost out of the question. It was Life and Liberty we were contending for. But a brighter day soon appeared. The decree had gone forth "hitherto shalt thou come and no farther". The enemy were captured and some property of our Father's was retaken by the American Army and one of your Petitioners made application to the Commanding Officer for the same, but could not obtain it. Thus our hopes were again frustrated, and we thought best to say no more. And our own government for a number of years was not in fact able to make restitution for property lost, and we had almost concluded to give this matter up and say-no more. But with the advice of our friends, and our own necessity, we now^ pray for relief. We have bourne a part of the burden and heat of the day, the family lost all their property, we have fought and bled, and our own Father lost his life in the defense of our country. And your petitioners have arrived to old age, one being eightythree the other eighty, and unable to labor, and some relief from our Government would cheer our drooping spirits in the declining years of life. We have made a correct statement of facts as near as we can recollect. There being no living witnesses that can identify to the property loss, we have got the best that the nature of the case would admit of. We therefore, your humble Petitioners, request your Honorable Body to take our case under your wise consideration and grant each of as such sums as you in your wisdom shall think proper. And we your Petitioners, in duty bound, will ever pray. Elias Hall. Alpheus Hall. - Records of Captain John Hall, born May 27, 1723, died Aug. 6, 1777, in the defense of his country : with some account of his ancestors and descendants (1904), Gilbert Edgerton Hall, Fremont, Ohio : J.H. Stine's Print (Archive.org)
- ↑ LETTER OF JEMIMA (KINNEY) HALL, DESCRIBING HER CONVERSION. Gageborough. Mass., May 14. 1774. Dear Brother and Sister: Since you are desirous to have something from my own mouth, I take this opportunity to give you a few hints of the exercises of my mind of late. If I should write the whole it would fill a considerable volume. I had been under some degree of concern all winter, but not to that degree which some have been. Mr. Avery's prayers are these: He thanked God that he had mercy on whom he would have mercy, and whom He would He hardened. I underwent a great deal of bodily weakness, and cloaked my concern under that, so far as that my own family never mistrusted my concern till about a week before I met with my supposed change, which was on the 20th of March. I can say so far with Mr. Brainard, I was born on the Sabbath day and I think I have reason to hope I was newborn on the Sabbath day. But whether I shall die on a Sabbath day I know not. Mr. Avery told me on Saturday evening that God and the devil had a great controversy which should have my heart forever, and it would most likely be determined some one way or the other, which gave me such a shock, I thought I would set about the work in earnest, and thought I would be more engaged than ever I had been before. When the family were all gone to bed, I sat up alone to read, meditate and pray'. When I attempted to pray, I was seized with such guilt, horror and confusion, to think of coming before that Great and Holy God whom I had infinitely offended, that I could not open my mouth nor utter a single sentence. I was brought to such a strait I thought if I did not ask, I could not expect to receive. I continued in this posture about half an hour, when I had made my repeated attempts. My mouth was sealed up in silence, and I was awfully confounded before my Maker. I knew not what to ask for, or what I stood in in need of, any more than a little child. I begged God to teach me and direct me how to pray and what to pray for. And all of a sudden those words came into my mind with great power, like thunder from Mount Sinai, "Commit thy way unto the Lord." These were sent home with such force and energy, as that they seized every limb and joint in my body. so that I fell instantly to the floor as weak as water. They filled me with such consternation and convulsions, I thought for some time I was dying. I knew not what it was to commit ray ways unto the Lord, but I thought if it required some outward act, I could do it with all my heart. I soon saw it was not that which was herein required, but it must be the heart and nothing short of that. I then begged God that Satan might not have the possession of my heart any longer, but that he would take full possession of it himself, that he would bow my stubborn will and bring it in subjection to his will. It seems as though he gave me clearness of thought and freedom of speech and enabled me to ask for things I needed. I thought I could not give sleep to my eyes nor slumber to my eyelids until Christ should be formed in me. I thought I could never leave wrestling till I had obtained a blessing. I knew God was dealing with me. I begged that that might be the time of my conversion, if it was his will, and if he was otherwise determined I desired that I might see all his ways and dealings concerning me to be right. I felt willing to wait God's time, although I was so exercised in body and mind for near two hours as that I thought life was going, I was not afraid of death. I was calmed in a moment, and felt as serene as ever I did in my life. I wondered what was the matter. I thought I had not committed my ways unto the Lord. I did not know" but my concern was about to leave me, but yet I was not distressed about the danger of my state. Those words of our Saviour which we have in Matt. 8-2-6 came to my mind: "Then he arose and rebuked the wands and the sea, and there was a great calm' '. It seems a little strange to me now, but so it was. I did not know that I had any love for God for a space of two days after this memorable night. I think I can say with safety and propriety, I have known what it is to be humbled before my Maker, and to be willing to be in subjection to his will and to be brought as low as he pleases to have me, and the lower the better. The first view I had of God's decrees concerning mankind, as set forth in the Scriptures, were most ravishing to my heart. They appeared so unalterably fixed and so perfectly right, that' they gave me more joy and satisfaction than any earthly comfort ever did. Those words of Christ's, "Till Heaven and earth* pass away one jot or one tittle shall in no wnsepass from the law, till all be fulfilled' ' so overcame me, it seemed as if nature could bear no more. I then believed the Bible was the word of God, and that not one word that he ever spoke should or could possibly fail. I was then led in a most affecting manner as I thought, to take a view of the eternal world, and saw how God had made mankind and placed them here upon the earth as probationers for eternity. It seemed as if he let them go on in their own ways, to see if any would serve Him. They appeared to me like the mote in the air, and which by one blast or puff of wind, are all blown out of sight. I saw that God upholds man by his Almighty power; and that if he should withdraw that power millions would sink into hell in a moment. The next day as I was reading the Scriptures, they appeared so beautiful for a rule of life, to lead and guide into all truth, and shined with such a glorious light and lustre, that it gave me a new spring of action. I thought then that if I had been in ever so eager pursuit after any earthly gain, let it have been ever so large, and I had laid the best constructed plans I possibly could to obtain it, and had it been brought to pass exactly according to my highest wishes in every^ respect, it could not have given me the thousandth part of that satisfaction and comfort I then enjoyed. Things appear in a different light to me from what they used to. The Bible seems to be a new book. Sermons appear new, Psalms and hymns all new, a new beauty and glory shine out in all. The first sermon Iever heard with new ears, was from Psa. 73, 25, "Whom have I in heaven but thee, and on earth there is none I desire beside thee"'. I can truly say this food was sweet to taste. I was stayed with flagons and comforted with apples, and my soul witnessed to every sentence. Very soon after this the meeting was held at Capt. Cady's, as it is every other Sabbath, and my indisposition of body was such I could not attend there; but still felt loath to be denied hearing, and an evening lecture was appointed at our house, when Mr. Avery preached from Rev. 6-17, For the great day of his wrath is come, and who shall be able to stand". I felt such guilt upon me to think that I had been about to mention God's name, when as I feared I knew nothing about him. I thought I had never heard such a sermon in all my life. I was searched so close as that I was afraid I should not be able to stand. I thought Satan would rejoice and God's enemies triumph.I was so grieved to think I had hereby dishonored God and brought reproach upon religion. I felt unworthy to be suffered to live upon God's earth, and it seemed as though I should never dare to see an)^ person again as long as I lived. I think I passed through a fiery furnace and came out purified in some degree. I see that God knows how to deal with his creatures, to humble and discipline them in the best and wisest manner for his use and service. Oh it is truly blessed to be educated in the school of Christ. I have been more calm, settled and steadfast in my mind ever since. I have at sundry times seen so much of the glory of the Lord in His wonderful works, as that I have been almost overcome and swallowed up in praising and adoring admiration. The tender spires of grass have served as so many fingers to direct me to God, The plan of divine government appears to be a most benevolent plan, and altogether right and just in everything. The ways of the Lord all appear to be equal. I can rejoice in God's government more than in all riches, and it gives me the most exalted pleasure and delight to see Him on the Throne. He is infinitely equal to the great work of governing the world himself. In this view of things I am willing to be sick or to be well, to live or to die, and death in the nearest views of it has appeared sweet to me. Thus I have given you a short sketch, and but a little more than hinted at things, when I might easily enlarge, were I to enjoy a personal interview with you. I have nothing whereof to glory. I am one of the chiefest of sinners and have richly merited everlasting burnings. If there is any alteration in my state for the better, it is wholly owing to free sovereign grace. I have infinite reason to be abased before God and to exalt His holy name forever. When you receive this letter, I beseech you give all the glory to God our Maker. He works wonders for His great namesake, and so hides pride from man. Oh how beautiful and excellent are all His ways. Praise Him, all ye His angels, bless Him and praise His name forever, all ye His saints! Oh how happy and blessed are all the inhabitants of the world of glory, whose work is praise. Oh how sweet the prospect of joining their number ere long, and singing Hallelujahs to God and the Lamb. O glorious King, us thither bring, to sing thy praise. Dear Brother and Sister, as you have been long in the school, I trust you have made great advances, and are daily going on from glory to glory. I trust I need not exhort you, as though you were ignorant of the hidden life, but let me entreat you to make thorough work of religion. Give yourselves wholly to it. Live fast and run sure. Let your eyes look right on and your eyelids straight before you. The good of God's kingdom is the one thing needful. O let an unbelieving world know that there is an everlasting certainty in religion. Shine, shine as hghts before a dark and benighted world. Be reconciled to the Cross, and never let us think of going to heaven in any other way, than that which the crucified Saviour has marked out. Please give my love to my dear relatives, and especially to your children, and tell them for me, my whole heart invites them to share a part with God's people. O entreat them not to delay repentance and not to treat a precious and altogether lovely Christ with ingratitude and abuse any longer. O that they may remember their Creator now in the days of their youth, before the evil days come on. I long to see you and mingle souls with yours once more this side eternity. O the pleasing thought of spending or rather enjoying an eternity together. Let us wait with patience and endure as seeing him who is invisible, and then, "We soon shall hear the Archangel's voice The trumps of God shall sound rejoice". I will not interrupt you. I know you want to say Amen! Hallelujah! When you are upon the mount and near the Throne, forget not your poor and feeble, but very affectionate Sister, Jemima Hall. To - Capt. Stephen Johnson and Mary his wife, of Norwich, Conn.
- ↑ apparently in the same battle in which her husband was mortally wounded (though he did not die for a month)
- ↑ Family tradition says that after her husband's death the Indians drove off all their cattle and carried away their possessions, and tore her gold beads and earrings from her neck and ears. And that she made a saddle of straw, and rode on horseback with her younger children to a place of safety. / Another says that after the destruction of her home, she put in one end of a saddle bag the dictionary, which in her haste she mistook for the Family Bible, and in the other an iron kettle and some corn meal, to make hasty pudding on the journey, and taking one of the children in front and another behind, she rode many miles to a place of safety. [These two children were presumably Daniel and Bela] The dictionary, "Jemima's Bible", is [or was as of 1904, when the John Hall pamphlet was written] in the possession of Mr. Sidney Belcher, Newark Valley, N. Y., and the iron kettle in that of Mrs. S. B. Royce, Sheldon, Iowa, into whose possession it came after many vicissitudes, and being in the hands of many different owners.
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