Mary Ann (Kelly) Hall and Samuel L. Hall
Mrs. Mary Ann Hall, nee Kelly was born October 10, 1845, in Montgomery County, Indiana. With her father's family she moved to Marion County, Iowa, when she was a small girl of 10 years of age. Her mother died leaving her an orphan when she was only 2 years old.
She was converted and joined the Methodist Church when she was about 14 years old. From that time until her death she remained a faithful and true Christian, exemplifying the same in all the relations of life, as wife, mother and friend, testified to by all who were favored with her acquaintance and companionship.
Miss. Kelly was married to Samuel L. Hall, August 2, 1866. This union was blest with six children, three girls and three boys; all of whom are still living. They were all at home when the death of their mother occurred with the exception of a married daughter, who lives in Canada, too far away to reach the bedside of the mother. Two of the boys, James and Fred were also very sick at the same time with the mother and were unable to attend the funeral.
Mrs. Hall departed this life March 28, 1895, having been sick about 10 days with pneumonia. She died in the full triumph of the Christian faith. That faith which had borne her successfully from youth to age was amply sufficient in death. "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; they rod and thy staff they comfort me." Her husband and all but two of the children are Christians who will follow on until they meet again. May the other two soon join in the way too.
Mrs. Hall had lived but a few months in our town, but in the short time had made many warm friends and was highly esteemed by all who knew her. Quite a large audience met to attend her funeral from the M.E. Church. Her Pastor, Reverend C.O. Mills being in attendance upon his conference then in session, the writer preached her funeral sermon from the text, "Arise ye and depart for this is not your rest," Michael 2:10. Sister Hall was laid to rest in Osborn Cemetery to await the resurrection of the just.
"Dearest sister, thou hast left,
Here thy loss we deeply feel;
But 'tis God that hath bereft us;
He can all our sorrows heal."
"Yet again we hope to meet thee,
When the day of life is fled,
When in Heaven with joy to greet thee,
Where no farewell tear is shed."
-J.H. Hager, Osborn, Missouri
Leon Reporter-Iowa
April 2, 1895