Francis Hall – an energetic and prosperous general agriculturist and apractical horticulturist, successfully cultivating a fine variety of fruit uponhis homestead, pleasantly located upon the section of land in Ottawa County,Mich., is a leading citizen of his locality, and an ardent advocate oftemperance, is respected for his sterling integrity and high principles. Mr.Hall is the descendant of sturdy English ancestors, his father, William Hall,having been born in Utten Ambo, Yorkshire, England, twelve miles for the city ofYork. Emigrating to the United States in 1831, the father landed in New York,but tarried only a brief time in that metropolis, journeying thence to Detroit,from that time his permanent home until his death. His life-time occupation wasthe pursuit of agriculture, and by unceasing industry he thriftily acquired acomfortable competence. Seven children clustered about the family hearth of theparents, and were in the order of birth: Thomas, Hannah, Ann, Mary, Willie,Francis and John, all natives of England, and with the exception of Thomas allaccompanied the father and mother to America. William, Mary and Francis are nowthe sole survivors of the brothers and sisters.

Our subject was born in 1822, and was a little lad of eight years of age whenhe went to Detroit, in which city he continued to reside until 1869, at whichdate he came to his present locality. He received an excellent education in thepublic schools of Detroit, and from the age of eighteen entirelyself-supporting, began in 1840 the manufacture of tubs and pails. He continuedin this line of trade for fourteen years, and for ten years was employed by E.B. Ward to assist in the construction of twelve large glasshouses used for thepropagation and culture of grapes. In 1869, Mr. Hall, purchasing his homesteadof one hundred acres, then all heavy timberland, entered with energy upon theclearing and improvement of his farm, and has now brought under profitablecultivation fifty acres, a portion of which is devoted to fruit, principallyberries of all kinds. In 1855, Francis Hall and Miss Mary E. McDonald wereunited in marriage and for thirty-eight years have enjoyed a pleasantcompanionship, with fidelity sharing each other’s joys and sorrows.

Financially prospered, our subject takes a high place among his friends andneighbors and is considered authority in fruit-culture, being especiallysuccessful in handling berries, shipping to outside markets some of the finestproduced in the Wolverine State. The union of our subject and his estimable wifehas not been blessed by children, but Mr. and Mrs. Hall from their abundance areliberal givers and, kindly by nature, add to the happiness of others. They arevalued members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and are foremost in theextension of religious influence and the good work of their locality. As astrong temperance advocate, our subject, is deeply interested in lifting up hisfallen brethren, and in all matters tending to the elevation of humanity mayever be found upon the side of truth and justice. Fraternally, our subject hassince, January, 1845, been connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,and has many sincere friends within that ancient order. Politically aRepublican, Mr. Hall takes an active interest in local and national issues andis well versed in the vital interests and public affairs of the day, and, widelyknown, fully commands the esteem of the entire community among whom his usefulyears are passed.