HALL, Nathan K., now deceased, was one of the wealthiest farmers of Appanoose Township. and a man known all over this section of the state. He was born in Niagara County, N. Y., September 8, 1814. and came to Hancock County at an early day, being attracted to this section because of its business possibilities. In 1849, he with O. J. Hall and Phineas Kimball, stimulated by the stories of the discovery of gold in California, made the dangerous trip overland to the El Dorado of those days, and there spent two years in pursuit of gold. The hardships of the trip and mining resulted in a physical breakdown, and so, although he was very successful, he came back to Illinois, and settled in Appanoose Township.
On October 22, 1844, Nathan K. Hall was married (first) to Clarissa Anderson. born in New York, who later died.
On October 2, 1851, he was married (second) to Ruth Briggs, born at Utica. N. Y., and one of their children is Mrs. Millard F., Horton of Appanoose Township. The other child, J. D. Hall. died in 1906. Mr. Hall was a very public spirited man, and did much to advance his township. His efforts, however, were not confined to his own locality, but extended all over the county. His death occurred July 16, 1877, and Mrs. Hall passed away December 25, 1884.
