R. B. HALL, farmer, section 16, Athens Township, was born in Jackson County,Ohio, in 1845. His parents, John and Charlotte HALL, reared a family of eight children - Elizabeth, Rachel, Hester, Amos P., Asbury, R. B., Eliza and Harriet. R. B. was the sixth child. In 1856 his parents moved to Appanoose County, Iowa, where he passed his early life in assisting in the farm work and attending the common schools.

July 14, 1862, he enlisted in Company E, Eighteenth Iowa Infantry, and participated in the battle at Springfield, Missouri, in the Camden expedition, and in most of the prominent engagements of the Southwest. In an engagement under General STEELE the Eighteenth Iowa and a Kansas colored regiment were in one of the most desperate fights on record. The Eighteenth had about 400 men, and the colored regiment about 600, against 6,000 rebels. The Eighteenth lost 100 men, and the colored was nearly annihilated. Mr. HALL was also at the battle of Saline River and several other engagements. He was honorably discharged August 7, 1865, at Davenport, Iowa, and returned to his home in Appanoose County.

He was married May 4, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth SUTTON, of Wayne County, daughter of T. W. and Deborah (QUARY) SUTTON. By this marriage there were four children - Howard, Lulu, Clara, who died at the age of two years, and John, wo died in infancy. Mrs. HALL died January 12, 1879, and March 21, 1880, Mr. HALL was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth WALKER, daughter of Joseph and Charlotte WALKER, of Wayne County. By this marriage are three children - Grace, Ernest Blaine and Pearl.

Mr. HALL removed to his present farm in 1880. He has 320 acres of well-improved land, a good residence, surrounded with shade and ornamental trees; out-buildings for stock, and a good orchard. He is a member of Post 96, G.A.R., at Mount Ayr, and politically is a Republican. He is one of the leading men of his township. Postoffice, Kellerton.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, p. 297, 1887.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

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