SOURCE: Historical encyclopedia and History of Mclean County: Author:Bateman: Bloomington Public Library, Bloomington, Illinois. *********************** Subject: John Wesley Hall John Wesley Hall, a well known resident of Glenavon, McLean County, Illinois, who has been for many years a trusted employee of the Illinois Central Railroad Company, was born in Montgomery County, Ky. in 1842. He is the son of Leonard and Angeline (Hammond) Hall, and a grandson of Caleb and Angeline Hall. His maternal grandfather was James Hammond. Leonared Hall was a native of Ky., and journeyed from his home to Bloomington, Illinois when the latter place contained only a store and a blacksmith shop. By occupation, he was a horse jockey. After traveling over the state of Illinois, he returned to Ky. and settled down at his former home, shich consisted of an estate of 1,300 acres. There he died in 1894, his wife having passed away in 1892. John W. Hall received his education in the common schools of Ky., and was reared on his father's farm. Remaining at home until 1861. He then enlisted in Company D, 14th Regiment, Ky. Volunteer Cavalry, in which he served until 1863. At the end of the term he re-enlisted as a veteran, and continued in the service up to August, 1865, when e was honorably discharged. Mr. Hall took part in the following famous battles, namely: Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Look-Out Mountain, Kenewaw Mountain, Nashville and Atlanta, being engaged in the historic cavalry raid in the last named place under General Stoneman. At the battle of Chickamauga he was wounded and spent some time in the hospital. He was captured at East Point, Georgia, in July, 1864, and was confirmed several months in Andersonville Prison, where he shortly afterwards moved to Connersville, Indiana, where he lived 6 or 7 years. In 1880 he located at LeRy, Illinois and secured employment on the I.C.R.R. He was soon advanced to the position of Section Boss, which he has held ever since. In 1879 Mr. Hallwas united in marriage with Mary Hazel, who was born in Indiana, and is the daughter of Jacob and Jane (Taylor) Hazel. This union has resulted in the births of 4 children, as follows: Harry who is employed as a Depot Agent of the I.C.R.R. Company at Farmer City, Illinois, and is the husband of Pearl Buchanan; Harvey O., Ida and Eliza who is the wife of Elmer Phillips. Fraternally, Mr. all is affiliated with the M.W.A. He and his wife are members of the Christian Church. H is a man of excellent character and enjoys the respect and confidence of all who know him. *********************** Note: Jane Katherine Hazel's maiden name in her obituary in 1908 was Burris. Eliza's name was really Elsia (Hall) Philliips. Also in John's obituary, John was said to have been born in Montgomery County, which in his Obit it said he was born in Powell County, Ky. Publishing date of book has to be between 1905 and 1911.