Bio at www.hallfamilyname.com He died Oct 2, 1848, death date on tombstone is date of will. Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain linked fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.∼JESSE HALL
Jesse Hall (3/22/1760-10/2/1848) was born in Westerly, Washington Co., (later Richmond) RI and died 2 Oct 1848 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Phebe Wilbur about 1780 in Dutchess Co., NY, she was born b. 13 Jul 1761 and died between 1810 and 1828. Jesse Hall moved to Dutchess County, NY with his family as young child. Information on his early childhood and education is unknown, but one can determine from his inability to sign his name that a formal education was lacking. Jesse's date of death is shown as 28 Aug 1848 on his headstone, but that is actually the date of his will. His will is recorded in Montgomery Co., VA Court Order Book 31, p. 183, dated 5 Mar 1849: "Jessee Hall, pensioner, died 2 Oct 1848, leaving children Freeburn Hall, David Hall, John Hall, Charles Hall, Susanna McNeeley, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg."
The story of Jesse picks up at the time of the Revolutionary War. During the summer of 1777, a band of Tories from the lower part of the country, to the number of nearly four hundred, came to the neighborhood and made their headquarters at the Presbyterian Church in the Crom Elbow Precinct in Dutchess Co., New York. Throughout the border settlements such parties were sent out to intimidate the patriots and obtain supplies for the British army. Then too, such invasions would naturally frighten the patriot families, and lead them to throw themselves upon the Government for protection, and have a tendency to draw out the volunteers. The patriots sent a messenger to Sharon, CT where lay a small company, which immediately marched to the relief of their patriotic brethren, receiving additions to their numbers as they passed along the route. When the force arrived at Washington Hollow, the Tories were upon the interval to the south of the church "on parade," and did not observe the patriots until they were before them with cocked guns and "glistening bagonets." A demand to surrender put them in an excitement, which led them to charge upon the hill, with "quickened tread." The Yankees fearful of losing their company, gave them a broadside and killed several which changed the resolution of quite a number of their companions, who saw they could not escape, and ended the affair by giving themselves up as prisoners of war.
Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilber are said to have married in Dudley, MA according to several NY Hall researchers, to date no documentation has been located to prove or disprove this marriage. Due to the recent discovery of their son Asa on the Montgomery Co., VA Personal Property Tax list, they would have married in 1778, at age 18. The tax list shows: 1798 Asa Hall - 3003. The 1799 list has: (3 Apr) Asa Hall - 0003; (2 July) Asa Hall - 3003. From 1800 -1809, there's only one Asa on tax lists. The 1810 list has Essey Hall and Essey Hall Jr.; 1812 has Esey Hall and Asa Hall.
Moses "Mosey" Asa Hall, son of James R. Hall, and a descendant of Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilbur, passed down the following story about Jesse and Phebe: Jesse went to New York City after he was discharged from the Continental Army and found employment as a coachman for a well-to-do merchant. Part of Jesse's job was to drive the merchant's young daughter, Miss Phebe Wilber, to various social affairs in the city. It was during these drives that Jesse and Phebe fell deeply in love and wanted to get married, but when Jesse asked Mr. Wilber for her hand in marriage Mr. Wilber became very angry and sacked Jesse on the spot. Jesse and Phebe eloped soon thereafter. Jesse enlisted in the regular army at age 16 serving from Feb 1776-Nov 1776, then from Mar 1777-Oct 1777 he served in the Dutchess Co. Militia, and from Mar 1778-Dec 1778 he once again joined the regular army for nine months. It's possible Jesse and Phebe met after Oct 1777 and married before Mar 1778, with their son Asa born in 1779.
Phebe was the daughter of Christopher Wilbur and Sarah Vaughan. Christopher was the son of Benjamin Wilbur and Deborah Gifford, and brother of Judith Wilbur who married David Hall, son of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon, and grandson of James Hall and Sarah Babcock. Christopher Wilbur was the brother of Joseph Wilbur who married Sarah Hall, daughter of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon. Phebe's parents had 14 children: Dinah, 3 Aug 1747; Deborah, 2 Jul 1749; Mary, 6 May 1751; Elizabeth, 26 Mar 1753; Sarah 8 Feb 1754; Sarah, 22 Jan 1756; Benjamin, 16 Dec 1757; Lydia, 6 May 1760; Phebe 13 Jul 1761; Mary, 30 May 1763; Joseph, 29 Mar 1765; John, 10 Mar 1766; David, 12 Nov 1771; and Martha c1773. All were born in Hopkinton, Washington Co., RI, with the exception of David and Martha who were born in Amenia, Dutchess Co., NY. Jesse and Phebe had four daughters, Susannah, Phebe, Lydia and Mary. Susannah was named after Jesse's grandmother (or possibly a sister), Phebe after his wife, and it is my guess Lydia and Mary were named after her sisters. Jesse and Phebe moved to Montgomery County, Virginia in 1789 according to Jesse's Pension Application.
Previously, it was believed Jesse married his second wife Ann Watterson prior to the birth of his son Charles in 1799, but the following deed proves he was still married to Phebe as of 1807: Montgomery Co. Deed Book D, p. 486, 3 Oct 1807, Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co. to Charles G. Lewis, 194 acres both sides south fork Roanoke adj. William Stapleton & Luke Muncy. Also, Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45 in the 1810 census, which means Phebe was most likely still living in 1810.
JESSE HALL, RWPA #S8666. He was born in Rhode Island on March 22, 1760. He first enlisted as a private in Captain Nathan Pearce's Company of Dutchess County Militiamen and fought in the Battle of White Plains. In May of 1777, he enlisted as a private in Captain William Pierce's Company [sic] of the Pawling Precinct Regiment of Dutchess County Militia [Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morehouse's Regiment]. In March of 1778, he enlisted as a private for nine months in the company of Cornelius T. Johnston (or as he is also known Cornelius T. Jansen) of the regiment commanded by Colonel Gansay (the name is spelt to give the sound) [the Third New York Regiment] and he states that he was stationed within Fort Plank or Blan on the Mohawk River. Colo. Gansay during the time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stannock. There was but a captain command at Fort Plank, and that command, as the applicant understood was part of Gansay's regiment. The soldiers all, at Fort Plank, believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged, to be Gansay or Ganzee. He states that on November 11, 1778, he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock. He again returned to fort Plank and his nine months tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. In August of 1779, he enlisted in Captain Isaiah Veal's Company of the South End Regiment of Dutchess County Militia and was stationed at West Point for the term of three months. His file contains a deposition by Asa Hall. On-line - The Bloodied Mohawk: Additional Partisans H-M.
In Jesse Hall's Revolutionary War Pension Declaration (Source: Montgomery Co. VA Court Order Book 26 pp. 9-10), Jesse mentions serving at Fort Plain. Colonel Dayton of the Continental Army built Fort Plain in 1776 on the site of today's Fort Plain Museum. Like other forts in the Mohawk Valley at the time, it was a refuge for neighbors during the savage raids by British forces composed of Tories and Indians. In one such raid, in August of 1780, women helped to "man" Fort Plain. After seeking refuge in the fort, the women donned men's hats and carried poles. Showing themselves sufficiently above the stockade, the Indians and Tories retreated after seeing the large garrison at the fort. Later in 1780, General Robert Van Rensselaer made Fort Plain his headquarters, renaming Fort Plain after himself, Fort Rensselaer, however the name change did not stick. In June 1781, Colonel Marinus Willett was given command of the forces in the Mohawk Valley and took up headquarters at Fort Plain. Willett, whose home was the British-occupied New York City, was well respected in the valley and was eventually promoted to general. Later, he became mayor of New York City. On July 31, 1783, General George Washington inspected the garrison of Fort Plain and was given a military salute on his tour of the Mohawk Valley near the end of the war.
Pension Application (1) - On this 7th day of January 1833 personally appeared before the justices of the county court of Montgomery County in open court, Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state aged 72 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County state of New York and was attached to and served in the regiment (no. forgotten) commanded by Colonel Richmore, which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, he was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the state of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Again in the month of March 1778 (having in the interval served about seven months in the militia) in the same county and state, he enlisted again under a Capt. Johnston to serve another nine months term in the regular army, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonzie (don't know that the name is rightly spelled). He was stationed for the greater part of his tour of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river; there was no officer at the place above the grade of Colonel, at this latter place he was discharged, his discharges are lost. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Jesse Hall - On this day and year above written Asa Hall a resident of the said county made oath in open court that he was a soldier in the first tour spoken of in the above declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment and knows that the time and also the services are correctly stated, and was actually performed, he has resided near the applicant ever since the revolution and knows him well, as also Charles Willis, a resident of said county who declares on oath that the applicant is thought and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion, and both declare that he applicant is a man of respectability and entitled to credit. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written. Signed by: Asa Hall and Charles Willis.
The said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Asa Hall and Charles Willis who signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county aforesaid and are persons of respectability and that their statement is entitled to credit.
State of Virginia, Montgomery County - Colonel Gonzie (various spellings) mentioned in both declarations is probably a reference to Colonel Peter Gonsevoort (1749-1812). There was some dispute over this part of Jesse's declaration because no one in the pension department had ever heard of a Colonel "Gonzie" or any similar name. Colonel Gonsevoort was commander of the 3rd NY reg't which was detached at various locations along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in 1778, which is where Jesse said he was stationed.
Letter to the Hon. R. Craig, Christiansburg, from J. L. Edwards, War Department Pension Office, 21 Sep 1833: Sir, In reply to yours respecting the claim of Jesse Hall, I have the honor to state, that upon examination of his papers there is no objection to the 1st term of nine months which is fully detailed and established by a witness. With respect to the other term of nine months the name of the Col: must be a mistake. There is no knowledge in this office of any New York Col: bearing the name of ''Gonzie'' or even resembling it. The militia service which is asserted in the affidavit, and a part of it which he alleges he could prove by a witness whose testimony is not produced, should be verified by a Court of Record. No claim or a part of a claim can be admitted which has not been asserted before a Court of Record, or in cases of disability only, before a Judge or Magistrate. It will therefore be necessary to make his declaration de novo, embody the answers to the interrogatories, and accompany it with the original papers herewith forwarded.
Pension Application (2) - On this 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of the circuit superior court of law and chancery for the county aforesaid, the same being a court of record Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state, age 73 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months, under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County State of N. York and was attached to and served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmore which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, and was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the State of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Afterwards in the said county of Dutchess and State of N. York on the 1st day of May 1777, being drafted, he again entered as a militia man into the service of the U. States under Colonel Morehouse, in the company of Capt. William Pierce. He was marched to a point about fifteen miles above the city of N. York on the Hudson; at this time the British were in possession of the city of N. York. At this station he remained three months in the regiment commanded by the said Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, early in August (there being no interruption of his service) he was connected to a division of the army under command of General Putnam, (Morehouse being his Colonel and Pierce his Capt.) and marched near to Fort Montgomery with a view to its relief but the forces to which he belonged was unable to give any assistance and the Fort was taken. He then fell back to the place from which he had started - the point fifteen miles above the city of N. York having been absent one month according to his best recollection. He continued at this latter point after his said return, in the service, three months until the first of December or the early part of that month, where and when he was discharged. He was at the time of his discharge in the regiment of Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, in the month of March 1778, in the same state and county, he enlisted under a Capt. Johnston, as a regular, for the term of nine months, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonsay (the name is spelt to give the sound) this applicant was stationed for the greater part of this term of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river. Colonel Gonsay during this time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stennock [Stanwix]. There was but a Captain's command at Fort Plank [Plain], and that command was part of Gonsey's regiment. The soldiers all at Fort Plank believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged to be Gonsay or Ganzie. The applicant had no personal acquaintance with him. A part of this tour of service was spent in an expedition to a place called Cherry Valley for the purpose of suppressing some Tories and Indians who had done considerable mischief to that neighborhood. While on this expedition he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock [Jacob Klock]. He returned again to Fort Plank [Plain] and his nine month tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. Afterwards in the month of August 1779 in the same county and state he went as a draft in the service of the U. States under the command of Colonel Burcham in the company of Capt. Israel Veal [Vail] and was stationed during the three months for which he was drafted at West Point on the Hudson, where he was discharged in the month of November 1779 having served three months from some period in the preceding August. His discharge having long since been lost. This applicant was born in the State of Rhode Island on the 22nd of March 1760. He has a record of his age at his own house where he resides. He came an infant from Rhode Island to Dutchess County in the State of New York which latter place was his residence where called into service. His residence for the last 44 years has been in the county of Montgomery State of Virginia. He received discharges but whether he received one at the end of each tour of service he cannot now recollect. He cannot now recollect whether his discharges were signed by a Captain, Colonel or officer of some other grade. He well remembers, however, to have received several of them which he thought would be of no value in future and permitted them to be lost or were cast away. He has no other evidence of his said service, but that accompanying this declaration. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above. Jesse Hall (his mark).
On the 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared in said court Asa Hall and being first duly sworn saith that he was a soldier in the first tour of service described in the foregoing declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment with him said Jesse and knows that his statement as to these services is correct. He states farther that in the year 1779 he saw the applicant in the militia service on the Hudson river, in the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Hall (his mark)
We Asa Hall and Bartlett Martin, a clergyman residing in the county of Montgomery, State of Virginia, certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Hall who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Asa Hall (his mark) Bartlett Martin.
According to the DAR manuscript, Jesse enlisted at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the NY Militia at age 16, on Feb 1776 under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess Co, NY, and his brother, Asa, enlisted on 2 Mar 1776. He was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and at the capture of the British General Burgoyne at Ticonderoga. (See Over the Mountain Men, page 64, by Anne Lowry Worrell). (DAR page 4).
In 1789 Jesse obtained a land grant for his service and moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, and his brother Asa soon followed. Frederick Bittle Kegley in Kegley's Virginia Frontier has this to say about Asa and Jesse: Asa Hall and Jesse, his brother, came from New York to Roanoke Valley in Virginia about 1790. They acquired land on the North Fork of Roanoke by purchase and by grant, Asa Hall 253 acres from James Bryan and Mary, 250 acres from Robert Foster and Hannah, 70, 250 and 45 acres on Keeney's Run by entry; Jesse 253 acres from Thomas Wilson. Jesse Hall moved to South Fork and lived near Allegheny Springs.
On August 6, 1792, Hugh Crockett sold to Jesse Hall 45 acres on both sides of South Folk of the Roanoke River. On 20 Aug 1800 he was granted 210 acres in Montgomery Co. on the waters of Stoney Creek, a branch of Roanoke River, adjacent to the land of Picklesimer and Morris grant 57, page 97. On Feb. 24, 1795 Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson sold to Jesse Hall, 253 acres of North Fork of the Roanoke River. On 3 Dec. 1796 Jesse Hall and Phebe his wife sold to James Bryan, 253 acres on the south branch of North Fork of Roanoke River. On January 1, 1827 Jesse Hall and Asa Hall paid $100.00 for 100 acres on the south waters of the North Folk of Roanoke and adjoining Thomas Jewell's land.
The Hall's, Watterman's and Vanover's appear to have been the moving force behind the establishment of Hall's Methodist Church, which is still in existence near Ironto as Hall's United Methodist Church.
From the journal and letters of Francis Asbury, one of the earliest Methodist preachers, we learn that on 15 Sep 1801 he shared the pulpit with his appointed traveling companion, Nicholas Snethen, whom Asbury called his "Silver Trumpet" to a very attentive people, which included the Wattersons, Halls, and Vanovers. Knowing the length of sermons of the day we could talk of the patience of the listeners but feel it wiser to say they enjoyed the "blast" of two trumpets of the Lord - a spiritual feast on a rare occasion.
The Deed of Hall's Church says Ewen Thomas Watterson gave land in 1817, along with a log cabin. The Watterson home was influential in spreading Methodism in the area, and in creating a unifying center in the church. The Watterson's, Jesse Hall's in-laws, no doubt had the church in their hearts and their home before giving land. Henry Vanover, Asa Hall's father-in-law, was admitted on trial into the Methodist ministry in 1786, and was licensed in Bedford County to perform marriages while their preacher. Jesse Hall married Ann Watterson on 12 Jan 1798, c1830, daughter of Thomas (son of Henry and Agnes Watterson) in Botetourt Co., and Henry Vanover undoubtedly performed the marriage ceremony.
A Brief of Wills & Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1733-1833, by Anne Lowry Worrell, has 12 Jan 1798 as date of marriage between Jesse Hall and Ann Watterson. A Montgomery Co. deed dated 3 Oct 1807 mentions Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co., VA. In the 1810 census Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45, who was most likely his wife Phebe. On 31 Aug 1829 Samuel Poff and Sally Huff, daughter of Samuel Huff, dec'd, and Catherine Hall. Peter Huff and Jesse Hall, Surety. This 1829 deed seems to indicate a marriage occurring prior to 1829 between Catherine Zoll Huff and Jesse Hall. It is difficult to say with certainty that this was Jesse Hall b. 1760.
The Bedford Circuit was created in 1784, from 1786-87 Henry Vanover was one of three preachers, and his home was a preaching place on the Botetourt Circuit in 1829. The Circuit extended from just east of Appomattox, Virginia to the Greenbrier country near present Union, West Virginia to well north of Covington, Virginia. Prior to that date no circuit preacher at that time served this area - between the Blue Ridge and in the area of Roanoke Valley.
People of Virginia are prone to brag and proud to point out with pride to spots dear to their hearts. One such brag of many places is "George Washington slept here" and "George Washington ate here." Methodists of Montgomery Co., with equal pride and joy can say, "Francis Asbury rode by here." Yes, he preached here and slept near by and we have been blessed by the churches founded under his inspiration and ministry.
Congress granted pensions to Jesse at age 72, and his brother Asa, at age 74 on June 17, 1833. Jesse died at age 88 in Montgomery Co., Virginia, his will dated 28 Aug 1848, is recorded in Will Book 8, pg 7 in the Montgomery County, Virginia, County Clerks Office, and he names his children as follows: Freeburn, David, John, Charles, heirs of daughter Phebe Morris, deceased; Susannah McNeely, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg. Presented at court 6 Nov 1848. Source: "The Family Jewells", by Lois A. Henson.
Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain link fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.
It was previously believed that Jesse Hall married Catherine Zoll Huff, daughter of Jacob Zoll, on 12/15/1828, but no proof has been found to verify that this was Jesse Hall born 1760, age 68 in 1828. Catherine was the widow of Samuel Huff, and his will was dated 1825 Montgomery Co., VA and probated Feb 1826.
CHILDREN OF JESSE HALL AND PHEBE WILBUR:
1. Asa Hall (c1779, Dutchess Co., NY-) Asa Hall, brother of Jesse, is the only Asa Hall on the 1798 tax list, but two Asa Hall's appear on the 1799 Montgomery Co, VA Personal Property Tax List, one of whom is believed to Asa Hall, age 20, son of Jesse and Phebe Hall with 3 horses being taxed. Asa Hall, Jr. does not appear on the tax list until 1810 at age 18. By 1800, Asa Hall, Sr. is once again the only Asa Hall on the tax list, which might indicate the year Jesse's eldest son died.
2. Freeburn Hall (c1781, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. Catherine Pate (c1789-) on 27 Apr 1807; (he is shown as age 69 on the Montgomery Co., VA 1850 census, Catherine is shown as age 61). Freeburn d. 5/22/1876 (Montgomery Co., VA Death Reg. 1853-1896). Age 95, birthplace NY. cod: pneumonia.
3. David Hall (c1783, Dutchess Co., NY-) (year of birth determined from Jesse's will, mentioned as his second son, indicating he was alive in 1848, no further information)
4. Sarah Hall (c1785 Dutchess Co., NY-) died young.
5. Susannah Hall (c1787, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. William McNeely and the marriage bond was dated 12/25/1811; (year of birth determined from the age of her last child (1828-) she would have been 41/42; she was the first daughter named in her father's will).
6. Phebe Hall (c1789 Montgomery Co., VA-7. Jesse Hall, Jr. (c1791, Montgomery Co., VA-) died as a young man, never married.
8. John Hall (c1793, Montgomery Co., VA-), m. Sarah "Sally" Pate on 10 Sep 1811; (age 56/57 on 1850 MCV census, and m. to his 2nd wife Susan).
9. Lydia Hall (c1795, Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Bartlett Martin, bond dated 8 Sep 1828; (year of birth year from 1850 MCV census, age 55/56, was the third of four daughters named in her father's will).
10. Mary "Polly" Hall (c1797 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Eli Rumburgh marriage bond 28 Feb 1815, m. 12 May 1815 (year of birth determined from the date of her marriage, and the fact that she was the last of four daughters named in her father's will).
11. Charles Hall (c1799 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Elizabeth Iddings, d/o William on 3 Jul 1820; (birth yr. from the 1850 MCV census, age 50).
Jesse Hall (3/22/1760-10/2/1848) was born in Westerly, Washington Co., (later Richmond) RI and died 2 Oct 1848 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Phebe Wilbur about 1780 in Dutchess Co., NY, she was born b. 13 Jul 1761 and died between 1810 and 1828. Jesse Hall moved to Dutchess County, NY with his family as young child. Information on his early childhood and education is unknown, but one can determine from his inability to sign his name that a formal education was lacking. Jesse's date of death is shown as 28 Aug 1848 on his headstone, but that is actually the date of his will. His will is recorded in Montgomery Co., VA Court Order Book 31, p. 183, dated 5 Mar 1849: "Jessee Hall, pensioner, died 2 Oct 1848, leaving children Freeburn Hall, David Hall, John Hall, Charles Hall, Susanna McNeeley, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg."
The story of Jesse picks up at the time of the Revolutionary War. During the summer of 1777, a band of Tories from the lower part of the country, to the number of nearly four hundred, came to the neighborhood and made their headquarters at the Presbyterian Church in the Crom Elbow Precinct in Dutchess Co., New York. Throughout the border settlements such parties were sent out to intimidate the patriots and obtain supplies for the British army. Then too, such invasions would naturally frighten the patriot families, and lead them to throw themselves upon the Government for protection, and have a tendency to draw out the volunteers. The patriots sent a messenger to Sharon, CT where lay a small company, which immediately marched to the relief of their patriotic brethren, receiving additions to their numbers as they passed along the route. When the force arrived at Washington Hollow, the Tories were upon the interval to the south of the church "on parade," and did not observe the patriots until they were before them with cocked guns and "glistening bagonets." A demand to surrender put them in an excitement, which led them to charge upon the hill, with "quickened tread." The Yankees fearful of losing their company, gave them a broadside and killed several which changed the resolution of quite a number of their companions, who saw they could not escape, and ended the affair by giving themselves up as prisoners of war.
Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilber are said to have married in Dudley, MA according to several NY Hall researchers, to date no documentation has been located to prove or disprove this marriage. Due to the recent discovery of their son Asa on the Montgomery Co., VA Personal Property Tax list, they would have married in 1778, at age 18. The tax list shows: 1798 Asa Hall - 3003. The 1799 list has: (3 Apr) Asa Hall - 0003; (2 July) Asa Hall - 3003. From 1800 -1809, there's only one Asa on tax lists. The 1810 list has Essey Hall and Essey Hall Jr.; 1812 has Esey Hall and Asa Hall.
Moses "Mosey" Asa Hall, son of James R. Hall, and a descendant of Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilbur, passed down the following story about Jesse and Phebe: Jesse went to New York City after he was discharged from the Continental Army and found employment as a coachman for a well-to-do merchant. Part of Jesse's job was to drive the merchant's young daughter, Miss Phebe Wilber, to various social affairs in the city. It was during these drives that Jesse and Phebe fell deeply in love and wanted to get married, but when Jesse asked Mr. Wilber for her hand in marriage Mr. Wilber became very angry and sacked Jesse on the spot. Jesse and Phebe eloped soon thereafter. Jesse enlisted in the regular army at age 16 serving from Feb 1776-Nov 1776, then from Mar 1777-Oct 1777 he served in the Dutchess Co. Militia, and from Mar 1778-Dec 1778 he once again joined the regular army for nine months. It's possible Jesse and Phebe met after Oct 1777 and married before Mar 1778, with their son Asa born in 1779.
Phebe was the daughter of Christopher Wilbur and Sarah Vaughan. Christopher was the son of Benjamin Wilbur and Deborah Gifford, and brother of Judith Wilbur who married David Hall, son of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon, and grandson of James Hall and Sarah Babcock. Christopher Wilbur was the brother of Joseph Wilbur who married Sarah Hall, daughter of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon. Phebe's parents had 14 children: Dinah, 3 Aug 1747; Deborah, 2 Jul 1749; Mary, 6 May 1751; Elizabeth, 26 Mar 1753; Sarah 8 Feb 1754; Sarah, 22 Jan 1756; Benjamin, 16 Dec 1757; Lydia, 6 May 1760; Phebe 13 Jul 1761; Mary, 30 May 1763; Joseph, 29 Mar 1765; John, 10 Mar 1766; David, 12 Nov 1771; and Martha c1773. All were born in Hopkinton, Washington Co., RI, with the exception of David and Martha who were born in Amenia, Dutchess Co., NY. Jesse and Phebe had four daughters, Susannah, Phebe, Lydia and Mary. Susannah was named after Jesse's grandmother (or possibly a sister), Phebe after his wife, and it is my guess Lydia and Mary were named after her sisters. Jesse and Phebe moved to Montgomery County, Virginia in 1789 according to Jesse's Pension Application.
Previously, it was believed Jesse married his second wife Ann Watterson prior to the birth of his son Charles in 1799, but the following deed proves he was still married to Phebe as of 1807: Montgomery Co. Deed Book D, p. 486, 3 Oct 1807, Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co. to Charles G. Lewis, 194 acres both sides south fork Roanoke adj. William Stapleton & Luke Muncy. Also, Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45 in the 1810 census, which means Phebe was most likely still living in 1810.
JESSE HALL, RWPA #S8666. He was born in Rhode Island on March 22, 1760. He first enlisted as a private in Captain Nathan Pearce's Company of Dutchess County Militiamen and fought in the Battle of White Plains. In May of 1777, he enlisted as a private in Captain William Pierce's Company [sic] of the Pawling Precinct Regiment of Dutchess County Militia [Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morehouse's Regiment]. In March of 1778, he enlisted as a private for nine months in the company of Cornelius T. Johnston (or as he is also known Cornelius T. Jansen) of the regiment commanded by Colonel Gansay (the name is spelt to give the sound) [the Third New York Regiment] and he states that he was stationed within Fort Plank or Blan on the Mohawk River. Colo. Gansay during the time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stannock. There was but a captain command at Fort Plank, and that command, as the applicant understood was part of Gansay's regiment. The soldiers all, at Fort Plank, believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged, to be Gansay or Ganzee. He states that on November 11, 1778, he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock. He again returned to fort Plank and his nine months tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. In August of 1779, he enlisted in Captain Isaiah Veal's Company of the South End Regiment of Dutchess County Militia and was stationed at West Point for the term of three months. His file contains a deposition by Asa Hall. On-line - The Bloodied Mohawk: Additional Partisans H-M.
In Jesse Hall's Revolutionary War Pension Declaration (Source: Montgomery Co. VA Court Order Book 26 pp. 9-10), Jesse mentions serving at Fort Plain. Colonel Dayton of the Continental Army built Fort Plain in 1776 on the site of today's Fort Plain Museum. Like other forts in the Mohawk Valley at the time, it was a refuge for neighbors during the savage raids by British forces composed of Tories and Indians. In one such raid, in August of 1780, women helped to "man" Fort Plain. After seeking refuge in the fort, the women donned men's hats and carried poles. Showing themselves sufficiently above the stockade, the Indians and Tories retreated after seeing the large garrison at the fort. Later in 1780, General Robert Van Rensselaer made Fort Plain his headquarters, renaming Fort Plain after himself, Fort Rensselaer, however the name change did not stick. In June 1781, Colonel Marinus Willett was given command of the forces in the Mohawk Valley and took up headquarters at Fort Plain. Willett, whose home was the British-occupied New York City, was well respected in the valley and was eventually promoted to general. Later, he became mayor of New York City. On July 31, 1783, General George Washington inspected the garrison of Fort Plain and was given a military salute on his tour of the Mohawk Valley near the end of the war.
Pension Application (1) - On this 7th day of January 1833 personally appeared before the justices of the county court of Montgomery County in open court, Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state aged 72 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County state of New York and was attached to and served in the regiment (no. forgotten) commanded by Colonel Richmore, which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, he was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the state of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Again in the month of March 1778 (having in the interval served about seven months in the militia) in the same county and state, he enlisted again under a Capt. Johnston to serve another nine months term in the regular army, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonzie (don't know that the name is rightly spelled). He was stationed for the greater part of his tour of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river; there was no officer at the place above the grade of Colonel, at this latter place he was discharged, his discharges are lost. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Jesse Hall - On this day and year above written Asa Hall a resident of the said county made oath in open court that he was a soldier in the first tour spoken of in the above declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment and knows that the time and also the services are correctly stated, and was actually performed, he has resided near the applicant ever since the revolution and knows him well, as also Charles Willis, a resident of said county who declares on oath that the applicant is thought and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion, and both declare that he applicant is a man of respectability and entitled to credit. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written. Signed by: Asa Hall and Charles Willis.
The said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Asa Hall and Charles Willis who signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county aforesaid and are persons of respectability and that their statement is entitled to credit.
State of Virginia, Montgomery County - Colonel Gonzie (various spellings) mentioned in both declarations is probably a reference to Colonel Peter Gonsevoort (1749-1812). There was some dispute over this part of Jesse's declaration because no one in the pension department had ever heard of a Colonel "Gonzie" or any similar name. Colonel Gonsevoort was commander of the 3rd NY reg't which was detached at various locations along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in 1778, which is where Jesse said he was stationed.
Letter to the Hon. R. Craig, Christiansburg, from J. L. Edwards, War Department Pension Office, 21 Sep 1833: Sir, In reply to yours respecting the claim of Jesse Hall, I have the honor to state, that upon examination of his papers there is no objection to the 1st term of nine months which is fully detailed and established by a witness. With respect to the other term of nine months the name of the Col: must be a mistake. There is no knowledge in this office of any New York Col: bearing the name of ''Gonzie'' or even resembling it. The militia service which is asserted in the affidavit, and a part of it which he alleges he could prove by a witness whose testimony is not produced, should be verified by a Court of Record. No claim or a part of a claim can be admitted which has not been asserted before a Court of Record, or in cases of disability only, before a Judge or Magistrate. It will therefore be necessary to make his declaration de novo, embody the answers to the interrogatories, and accompany it with the original papers herewith forwarded.
Pension Application (2) - On this 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of the circuit superior court of law and chancery for the county aforesaid, the same being a court of record Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state, age 73 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months, under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County State of N. York and was attached to and served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmore which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, and was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the State of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Afterwards in the said county of Dutchess and State of N. York on the 1st day of May 1777, being drafted, he again entered as a militia man into the service of the U. States under Colonel Morehouse, in the company of Capt. William Pierce. He was marched to a point about fifteen miles above the city of N. York on the Hudson; at this time the British were in possession of the city of N. York. At this station he remained three months in the regiment commanded by the said Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, early in August (there being no interruption of his service) he was connected to a division of the army under command of General Putnam, (Morehouse being his Colonel and Pierce his Capt.) and marched near to Fort Montgomery with a view to its relief but the forces to which he belonged was unable to give any assistance and the Fort was taken. He then fell back to the place from which he had started - the point fifteen miles above the city of N. York having been absent one month according to his best recollection. He continued at this latter point after his said return, in the service, three months until the first of December or the early part of that month, where and when he was discharged. He was at the time of his discharge in the regiment of Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, in the month of March 1778, in the same state and county, he enlisted under a Capt. Johnston, as a regular, for the term of nine months, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonsay (the name is spelt to give the sound) this applicant was stationed for the greater part of this term of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river. Colonel Gonsay during this time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stennock [Stanwix]. There was but a Captain's command at Fort Plank [Plain], and that command was part of Gonsey's regiment. The soldiers all at Fort Plank believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged to be Gonsay or Ganzie. The applicant had no personal acquaintance with him. A part of this tour of service was spent in an expedition to a place called Cherry Valley for the purpose of suppressing some Tories and Indians who had done considerable mischief to that neighborhood. While on this expedition he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock [Jacob Klock]. He returned again to Fort Plank [Plain] and his nine month tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. Afterwards in the month of August 1779 in the same county and state he went as a draft in the service of the U. States under the command of Colonel Burcham in the company of Capt. Israel Veal [Vail] and was stationed during the three months for which he was drafted at West Point on the Hudson, where he was discharged in the month of November 1779 having served three months from some period in the preceding August. His discharge having long since been lost. This applicant was born in the State of Rhode Island on the 22nd of March 1760. He has a record of his age at his own house where he resides. He came an infant from Rhode Island to Dutchess County in the State of New York which latter place was his residence where called into service. His residence for the last 44 years has been in the county of Montgomery State of Virginia. He received discharges but whether he received one at the end of each tour of service he cannot now recollect. He cannot now recollect whether his discharges were signed by a Captain, Colonel or officer of some other grade. He well remembers, however, to have received several of them which he thought would be of no value in future and permitted them to be lost or were cast away. He has no other evidence of his said service, but that accompanying this declaration. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above. Jesse Hall (his mark).
On the 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared in said court Asa Hall and being first duly sworn saith that he was a soldier in the first tour of service described in the foregoing declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment with him said Jesse and knows that his statement as to these services is correct. He states farther that in the year 1779 he saw the applicant in the militia service on the Hudson river, in the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Hall (his mark)
We Asa Hall and Bartlett Martin, a clergyman residing in the county of Montgomery, State of Virginia, certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Hall who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Asa Hall (his mark) Bartlett Martin.
According to the DAR manuscript, Jesse enlisted at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the NY Militia at age 16, on Feb 1776 under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess Co, NY, and his brother, Asa, enlisted on 2 Mar 1776. He was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and at the capture of the British General Burgoyne at Ticonderoga. (See Over the Mountain Men, page 64, by Anne Lowry Worrell). (DAR page 4).
In 1789 Jesse obtained a land grant for his service and moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, and his brother Asa soon followed. Frederick Bittle Kegley in Kegley's Virginia Frontier has this to say about Asa and Jesse: Asa Hall and Jesse, his brother, came from New York to Roanoke Valley in Virginia about 1790. They acquired land on the North Fork of Roanoke by purchase and by grant, Asa Hall 253 acres from James Bryan and Mary, 250 acres from Robert Foster and Hannah, 70, 250 and 45 acres on Keeney's Run by entry; Jesse 253 acres from Thomas Wilson. Jesse Hall moved to South Fork and lived near Allegheny Springs.
On August 6, 1792, Hugh Crockett sold to Jesse Hall 45 acres on both sides of South Folk of the Roanoke River. On 20 Aug 1800 he was granted 210 acres in Montgomery Co. on the waters of Stoney Creek, a branch of Roanoke River, adjacent to the land of Picklesimer and Morris grant 57, page 97. On Feb. 24, 1795 Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson sold to Jesse Hall, 253 acres of North Fork of the Roanoke River. On 3 Dec. 1796 Jesse Hall and Phebe his wife sold to James Bryan, 253 acres on the south branch of North Fork of Roanoke River. On January 1, 1827 Jesse Hall and Asa Hall paid $100.00 for 100 acres on the south waters of the North Folk of Roanoke and adjoining Thomas Jewell's land.
The Hall's, Watterman's and Vanover's appear to have been the moving force behind the establishment of Hall's Methodist Church, which is still in existence near Ironto as Hall's United Methodist Church.
From the journal and letters of Francis Asbury, one of the earliest Methodist preachers, we learn that on 15 Sep 1801 he shared the pulpit with his appointed traveling companion, Nicholas Snethen, whom Asbury called his "Silver Trumpet" to a very attentive people, which included the Wattersons, Halls, and Vanovers. Knowing the length of sermons of the day we could talk of the patience of the listeners but feel it wiser to say they enjoyed the "blast" of two trumpets of the Lord - a spiritual feast on a rare occasion.
The Deed of Hall's Church says Ewen Thomas Watterson gave land in 1817, along with a log cabin. The Watterson home was influential in spreading Methodism in the area, and in creating a unifying center in the church. The Watterson's, Jesse Hall's in-laws, no doubt had the church in their hearts and their home before giving land. Henry Vanover, Asa Hall's father-in-law, was admitted on trial into the Methodist ministry in 1786, and was licensed in Bedford County to perform marriages while their preacher. Jesse Hall married Ann Watterson on 12 Jan 1798, c1830, daughter of Thomas (son of Henry and Agnes Watterson) in Botetourt Co., and Henry Vanover undoubtedly performed the marriage ceremony.
A Brief of Wills & Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1733-1833, by Anne Lowry Worrell, has 12 Jan 1798 as date of marriage between Jesse Hall and Ann Watterson. A Montgomery Co. deed dated 3 Oct 1807 mentions Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co., VA. In the 1810 census Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45, who was most likely his wife Phebe. On 31 Aug 1829 Samuel Poff and Sally Huff, daughter of Samuel Huff, dec'd, and Catherine Hall. Peter Huff and Jesse Hall, Surety. This 1829 deed seems to indicate a marriage occurring prior to 1829 between Catherine Zoll Huff and Jesse Hall. It is difficult to say with certainty that this was Jesse Hall b. 1760.
The Bedford Circuit was created in 1784, from 1786-87 Henry Vanover was one of three preachers, and his home was a preaching place on the Botetourt Circuit in 1829. The Circuit extended from just east of Appomattox, Virginia to the Greenbrier country near present Union, West Virginia to well north of Covington, Virginia. Prior to that date no circuit preacher at that time served this area - between the Blue Ridge and in the area of Roanoke Valley.
People of Virginia are prone to brag and proud to point out with pride to spots dear to their hearts. One such brag of many places is "George Washington slept here" and "George Washington ate here." Methodists of Montgomery Co., with equal pride and joy can say, "Francis Asbury rode by here." Yes, he preached here and slept near by and we have been blessed by the churches founded under his inspiration and ministry.
Congress granted pensions to Jesse at age 72, and his brother Asa, at age 74 on June 17, 1833. Jesse died at age 88 in Montgomery Co., Virginia, his will dated 28 Aug 1848, is recorded in Will Book 8, pg 7 in the Montgomery County, Virginia, County Clerks Office, and he names his children as follows: Freeburn, David, John, Charles, heirs of daughter Phebe Morris, deceased; Susannah McNeely, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg. Presented at court 6 Nov 1848. Source: "The Family Jewells", by Lois A. Henson.
Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain link fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.
It was previously believed that Jesse Hall married Catherine Zoll Huff, daughter of Jacob Zoll, on 12/15/1828, but no proof has been found to verify that this was Jesse Hall born 1760, age 68 in 1828. Catherine was the widow of Samuel Huff, and his will was dated 1825 Montgomery Co., VA and probated Feb 1826.
CHILDREN OF JESSE HALL AND PHEBE WILBUR:
1. Asa Hall (c1779, Dutchess Co., NY-) Asa Hall, brother of Jesse, is the only Asa Hall on the 1798 tax list, but two Asa Hall's appear on the 1799 Montgomery Co, VA Personal Property Tax List, one of whom is believed to Asa Hall, age 20, son of Jesse and Phebe Hall with 3 horses being taxed. Asa Hall, Jr. does not appear on the tax list until 1810 at age 18. By 1800, Asa Hall, Sr. is once again the only Asa Hall on the tax list, which might indicate the year Jesse's eldest son died.
2. Freeburn Hall (c1781, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. Catherine Pate (c1789-) on 27 Apr 1807; (he is shown as age 69 on the Montgomery Co., VA 1850 census, Catherine is shown as age 61). Freeburn d. 5/22/1876 (Montgomery Co., VA Death Reg. 1853-1896). Age 95, birthplace NY. cod: pneumonia.
3. David Hall (c1783, Dutchess Co., NY-) (year of birth determined from Jesse's will, mentioned as his second son, indicating he was alive in 1848, no further information)
4. Sarah Hall (c1785 Dutchess Co., NY-) died young.
5. Susannah Hall (c1787, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. William McNeely and the marriage bond was dated 12/25/1811; (year of birth determined from the age of her last child (1828-) she would have been 41/42; she was the first daughter named in her father's will).
6. Phebe Hall (c1789 Montgomery Co., VA-7. Jesse Hall, Jr. (c1791, Montgomery Co., VA-) died as a young man, never married.
8. John Hall (c1793, Montgomery Co., VA-), m. Sarah "Sally" Pate on 10 Sep 1811; (age 56/57 on 1850 MCV census, and m. to his 2nd wife Susan).
9. Lydia Hall (c1795, Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Bartlett Martin, bond dated 8 Sep 1828; (year of birth year from 1850 MCV census, age 55/56, was the third of four daughters named in her father's will).
10. Mary "Polly" Hall (c1797 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Eli Rumburgh marriage bond 28 Feb 1815, m. 12 May 1815 (year of birth determined from the date of her marriage, and the fact that she was the last of four daughters named in her father's will).
11. Charles Hall (c1799 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Elizabeth Iddings, d/o William on 3 Jul 1820; (birth yr. from the 1850 MCV census, age 50).
Bio at www.hallfamilyname.com He died Oct 2, 1848, death date on tombstone is date of will. Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain linked fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.∼JESSE HALL
Jesse Hall (3/22/1760-10/2/1848) was born in Westerly, Washington Co., (later Richmond) RI and died 2 Oct 1848 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Phebe Wilbur about 1780 in Dutchess Co., NY, she was born b. 13 Jul 1761 and died between 1810 and 1828. Jesse Hall moved to Dutchess County, NY with his family as young child. Information on his early childhood and education is unknown, but one can determine from his inability to sign his name that a formal education was lacking. Jesse's date of death is shown as 28 Aug 1848 on his headstone, but that is actually the date of his will. His will is recorded in Montgomery Co., VA Court Order Book 31, p. 183, dated 5 Mar 1849: "Jessee Hall, pensioner, died 2 Oct 1848, leaving children Freeburn Hall, David Hall, John Hall, Charles Hall, Susanna McNeeley, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg."
The story of Jesse picks up at the time of the Revolutionary War. During the summer of 1777, a band of Tories from the lower part of the country, to the number of nearly four hundred, came to the neighborhood and made their headquarters at the Presbyterian Church in the Crom Elbow Precinct in Dutchess Co., New York. Throughout the border settlements such parties were sent out to intimidate the patriots and obtain supplies for the British army. Then too, such invasions would naturally frighten the patriot families, and lead them to throw themselves upon the Government for protection, and have a tendency to draw out the volunteers. The patriots sent a messenger to Sharon, CT where lay a small company, which immediately marched to the relief of their patriotic brethren, receiving additions to their numbers as they passed along the route. When the force arrived at Washington Hollow, the Tories were upon the interval to the south of the church "on parade," and did not observe the patriots until they were before them with cocked guns and "glistening bagonets." A demand to surrender put them in an excitement, which led them to charge upon the hill, with "quickened tread." The Yankees fearful of losing their company, gave them a broadside and killed several which changed the resolution of quite a number of their companions, who saw they could not escape, and ended the affair by giving themselves up as prisoners of war.
Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilber are said to have married in Dudley, MA according to several NY Hall researchers, to date no documentation has been located to prove or disprove this marriage. Due to the recent discovery of their son Asa on the Montgomery Co., VA Personal Property Tax list, they would have married in 1778, at age 18. The tax list shows: 1798 Asa Hall - 3003. The 1799 list has: (3 Apr) Asa Hall - 0003; (2 July) Asa Hall - 3003. From 1800 -1809, there's only one Asa on tax lists. The 1810 list has Essey Hall and Essey Hall Jr.; 1812 has Esey Hall and Asa Hall.
Moses "Mosey" Asa Hall, son of James R. Hall, and a descendant of Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilbur, passed down the following story about Jesse and Phebe: Jesse went to New York City after he was discharged from the Continental Army and found employment as a coachman for a well-to-do merchant. Part of Jesse's job was to drive the merchant's young daughter, Miss Phebe Wilber, to various social affairs in the city. It was during these drives that Jesse and Phebe fell deeply in love and wanted to get married, but when Jesse asked Mr. Wilber for her hand in marriage Mr. Wilber became very angry and sacked Jesse on the spot. Jesse and Phebe eloped soon thereafter. Jesse enlisted in the regular army at age 16 serving from Feb 1776-Nov 1776, then from Mar 1777-Oct 1777 he served in the Dutchess Co. Militia, and from Mar 1778-Dec 1778 he once again joined the regular army for nine months. It's possible Jesse and Phebe met after Oct 1777 and married before Mar 1778, with their son Asa born in 1779.
Phebe was the daughter of Christopher Wilbur and Sarah Vaughan. Christopher was the son of Benjamin Wilbur and Deborah Gifford, and brother of Judith Wilbur who married David Hall, son of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon, and grandson of James Hall and Sarah Babcock. Christopher Wilbur was the brother of Joseph Wilbur who married Sarah Hall, daughter of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon. Phebe's parents had 14 children: Dinah, 3 Aug 1747; Deborah, 2 Jul 1749; Mary, 6 May 1751; Elizabeth, 26 Mar 1753; Sarah 8 Feb 1754; Sarah, 22 Jan 1756; Benjamin, 16 Dec 1757; Lydia, 6 May 1760; Phebe 13 Jul 1761; Mary, 30 May 1763; Joseph, 29 Mar 1765; John, 10 Mar 1766; David, 12 Nov 1771; and Martha c1773. All were born in Hopkinton, Washington Co., RI, with the exception of David and Martha who were born in Amenia, Dutchess Co., NY. Jesse and Phebe had four daughters, Susannah, Phebe, Lydia and Mary. Susannah was named after Jesse's grandmother (or possibly a sister), Phebe after his wife, and it is my guess Lydia and Mary were named after her sisters. Jesse and Phebe moved to Montgomery County, Virginia in 1789 according to Jesse's Pension Application.
Previously, it was believed Jesse married his second wife Ann Watterson prior to the birth of his son Charles in 1799, but the following deed proves he was still married to Phebe as of 1807: Montgomery Co. Deed Book D, p. 486, 3 Oct 1807, Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co. to Charles G. Lewis, 194 acres both sides south fork Roanoke adj. William Stapleton & Luke Muncy. Also, Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45 in the 1810 census, which means Phebe was most likely still living in 1810.
JESSE HALL, RWPA #S8666. He was born in Rhode Island on March 22, 1760. He first enlisted as a private in Captain Nathan Pearce's Company of Dutchess County Militiamen and fought in the Battle of White Plains. In May of 1777, he enlisted as a private in Captain William Pierce's Company [sic] of the Pawling Precinct Regiment of Dutchess County Militia [Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morehouse's Regiment]. In March of 1778, he enlisted as a private for nine months in the company of Cornelius T. Johnston (or as he is also known Cornelius T. Jansen) of the regiment commanded by Colonel Gansay (the name is spelt to give the sound) [the Third New York Regiment] and he states that he was stationed within Fort Plank or Blan on the Mohawk River. Colo. Gansay during the time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stannock. There was but a captain command at Fort Plank, and that command, as the applicant understood was part of Gansay's regiment. The soldiers all, at Fort Plank, believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged, to be Gansay or Ganzee. He states that on November 11, 1778, he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock. He again returned to fort Plank and his nine months tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. In August of 1779, he enlisted in Captain Isaiah Veal's Company of the South End Regiment of Dutchess County Militia and was stationed at West Point for the term of three months. His file contains a deposition by Asa Hall. On-line - The Bloodied Mohawk: Additional Partisans H-M.
In Jesse Hall's Revolutionary War Pension Declaration (Source: Montgomery Co. VA Court Order Book 26 pp. 9-10), Jesse mentions serving at Fort Plain. Colonel Dayton of the Continental Army built Fort Plain in 1776 on the site of today's Fort Plain Museum. Like other forts in the Mohawk Valley at the time, it was a refuge for neighbors during the savage raids by British forces composed of Tories and Indians. In one such raid, in August of 1780, women helped to "man" Fort Plain. After seeking refuge in the fort, the women donned men's hats and carried poles. Showing themselves sufficiently above the stockade, the Indians and Tories retreated after seeing the large garrison at the fort. Later in 1780, General Robert Van Rensselaer made Fort Plain his headquarters, renaming Fort Plain after himself, Fort Rensselaer, however the name change did not stick. In June 1781, Colonel Marinus Willett was given command of the forces in the Mohawk Valley and took up headquarters at Fort Plain. Willett, whose home was the British-occupied New York City, was well respected in the valley and was eventually promoted to general. Later, he became mayor of New York City. On July 31, 1783, General George Washington inspected the garrison of Fort Plain and was given a military salute on his tour of the Mohawk Valley near the end of the war.
Pension Application (1) - On this 7th day of January 1833 personally appeared before the justices of the county court of Montgomery County in open court, Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state aged 72 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County state of New York and was attached to and served in the regiment (no. forgotten) commanded by Colonel Richmore, which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, he was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the state of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Again in the month of March 1778 (having in the interval served about seven months in the militia) in the same county and state, he enlisted again under a Capt. Johnston to serve another nine months term in the regular army, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonzie (don't know that the name is rightly spelled). He was stationed for the greater part of his tour of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river; there was no officer at the place above the grade of Colonel, at this latter place he was discharged, his discharges are lost. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Jesse Hall - On this day and year above written Asa Hall a resident of the said county made oath in open court that he was a soldier in the first tour spoken of in the above declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment and knows that the time and also the services are correctly stated, and was actually performed, he has resided near the applicant ever since the revolution and knows him well, as also Charles Willis, a resident of said county who declares on oath that the applicant is thought and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion, and both declare that he applicant is a man of respectability and entitled to credit. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written. Signed by: Asa Hall and Charles Willis.
The said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Asa Hall and Charles Willis who signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county aforesaid and are persons of respectability and that their statement is entitled to credit.
State of Virginia, Montgomery County - Colonel Gonzie (various spellings) mentioned in both declarations is probably a reference to Colonel Peter Gonsevoort (1749-1812). There was some dispute over this part of Jesse's declaration because no one in the pension department had ever heard of a Colonel "Gonzie" or any similar name. Colonel Gonsevoort was commander of the 3rd NY reg't which was detached at various locations along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in 1778, which is where Jesse said he was stationed.
Letter to the Hon. R. Craig, Christiansburg, from J. L. Edwards, War Department Pension Office, 21 Sep 1833: Sir, In reply to yours respecting the claim of Jesse Hall, I have the honor to state, that upon examination of his papers there is no objection to the 1st term of nine months which is fully detailed and established by a witness. With respect to the other term of nine months the name of the Col: must be a mistake. There is no knowledge in this office of any New York Col: bearing the name of ''Gonzie'' or even resembling it. The militia service which is asserted in the affidavit, and a part of it which he alleges he could prove by a witness whose testimony is not produced, should be verified by a Court of Record. No claim or a part of a claim can be admitted which has not been asserted before a Court of Record, or in cases of disability only, before a Judge or Magistrate. It will therefore be necessary to make his declaration de novo, embody the answers to the interrogatories, and accompany it with the original papers herewith forwarded.
Pension Application (2) - On this 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of the circuit superior court of law and chancery for the county aforesaid, the same being a court of record Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state, age 73 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months, under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County State of N. York and was attached to and served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmore which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, and was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the State of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Afterwards in the said county of Dutchess and State of N. York on the 1st day of May 1777, being drafted, he again entered as a militia man into the service of the U. States under Colonel Morehouse, in the company of Capt. William Pierce. He was marched to a point about fifteen miles above the city of N. York on the Hudson; at this time the British were in possession of the city of N. York. At this station he remained three months in the regiment commanded by the said Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, early in August (there being no interruption of his service) he was connected to a division of the army under command of General Putnam, (Morehouse being his Colonel and Pierce his Capt.) and marched near to Fort Montgomery with a view to its relief but the forces to which he belonged was unable to give any assistance and the Fort was taken. He then fell back to the place from which he had started - the point fifteen miles above the city of N. York having been absent one month according to his best recollection. He continued at this latter point after his said return, in the service, three months until the first of December or the early part of that month, where and when he was discharged. He was at the time of his discharge in the regiment of Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, in the month of March 1778, in the same state and county, he enlisted under a Capt. Johnston, as a regular, for the term of nine months, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonsay (the name is spelt to give the sound) this applicant was stationed for the greater part of this term of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river. Colonel Gonsay during this time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stennock [Stanwix]. There was but a Captain's command at Fort Plank [Plain], and that command was part of Gonsey's regiment. The soldiers all at Fort Plank believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged to be Gonsay or Ganzie. The applicant had no personal acquaintance with him. A part of this tour of service was spent in an expedition to a place called Cherry Valley for the purpose of suppressing some Tories and Indians who had done considerable mischief to that neighborhood. While on this expedition he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock [Jacob Klock]. He returned again to Fort Plank [Plain] and his nine month tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. Afterwards in the month of August 1779 in the same county and state he went as a draft in the service of the U. States under the command of Colonel Burcham in the company of Capt. Israel Veal [Vail] and was stationed during the three months for which he was drafted at West Point on the Hudson, where he was discharged in the month of November 1779 having served three months from some period in the preceding August. His discharge having long since been lost. This applicant was born in the State of Rhode Island on the 22nd of March 1760. He has a record of his age at his own house where he resides. He came an infant from Rhode Island to Dutchess County in the State of New York which latter place was his residence where called into service. His residence for the last 44 years has been in the county of Montgomery State of Virginia. He received discharges but whether he received one at the end of each tour of service he cannot now recollect. He cannot now recollect whether his discharges were signed by a Captain, Colonel or officer of some other grade. He well remembers, however, to have received several of them which he thought would be of no value in future and permitted them to be lost or were cast away. He has no other evidence of his said service, but that accompanying this declaration. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above. Jesse Hall (his mark).
On the 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared in said court Asa Hall and being first duly sworn saith that he was a soldier in the first tour of service described in the foregoing declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment with him said Jesse and knows that his statement as to these services is correct. He states farther that in the year 1779 he saw the applicant in the militia service on the Hudson river, in the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Hall (his mark)
We Asa Hall and Bartlett Martin, a clergyman residing in the county of Montgomery, State of Virginia, certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Hall who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Asa Hall (his mark) Bartlett Martin.
According to the DAR manuscript, Jesse enlisted at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the NY Militia at age 16, on Feb 1776 under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess Co, NY, and his brother, Asa, enlisted on 2 Mar 1776. He was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and at the capture of the British General Burgoyne at Ticonderoga. (See Over the Mountain Men, page 64, by Anne Lowry Worrell). (DAR page 4).
In 1789 Jesse obtained a land grant for his service and moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, and his brother Asa soon followed. Frederick Bittle Kegley in Kegley's Virginia Frontier has this to say about Asa and Jesse: Asa Hall and Jesse, his brother, came from New York to Roanoke Valley in Virginia about 1790. They acquired land on the North Fork of Roanoke by purchase and by grant, Asa Hall 253 acres from James Bryan and Mary, 250 acres from Robert Foster and Hannah, 70, 250 and 45 acres on Keeney's Run by entry; Jesse 253 acres from Thomas Wilson. Jesse Hall moved to South Fork and lived near Allegheny Springs.
On August 6, 1792, Hugh Crockett sold to Jesse Hall 45 acres on both sides of South Folk of the Roanoke River. On 20 Aug 1800 he was granted 210 acres in Montgomery Co. on the waters of Stoney Creek, a branch of Roanoke River, adjacent to the land of Picklesimer and Morris grant 57, page 97. On Feb. 24, 1795 Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson sold to Jesse Hall, 253 acres of North Fork of the Roanoke River. On 3 Dec. 1796 Jesse Hall and Phebe his wife sold to James Bryan, 253 acres on the south branch of North Fork of Roanoke River. On January 1, 1827 Jesse Hall and Asa Hall paid $100.00 for 100 acres on the south waters of the North Folk of Roanoke and adjoining Thomas Jewell's land.
The Hall's, Watterman's and Vanover's appear to have been the moving force behind the establishment of Hall's Methodist Church, which is still in existence near Ironto as Hall's United Methodist Church.
From the journal and letters of Francis Asbury, one of the earliest Methodist preachers, we learn that on 15 Sep 1801 he shared the pulpit with his appointed traveling companion, Nicholas Snethen, whom Asbury called his "Silver Trumpet" to a very attentive people, which included the Wattersons, Halls, and Vanovers. Knowing the length of sermons of the day we could talk of the patience of the listeners but feel it wiser to say they enjoyed the "blast" of two trumpets of the Lord - a spiritual feast on a rare occasion.
The Deed of Hall's Church says Ewen Thomas Watterson gave land in 1817, along with a log cabin. The Watterson home was influential in spreading Methodism in the area, and in creating a unifying center in the church. The Watterson's, Jesse Hall's in-laws, no doubt had the church in their hearts and their home before giving land. Henry Vanover, Asa Hall's father-in-law, was admitted on trial into the Methodist ministry in 1786, and was licensed in Bedford County to perform marriages while their preacher. Jesse Hall married Ann Watterson on 12 Jan 1798, c1830, daughter of Thomas (son of Henry and Agnes Watterson) in Botetourt Co., and Henry Vanover undoubtedly performed the marriage ceremony.
A Brief of Wills & Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1733-1833, by Anne Lowry Worrell, has 12 Jan 1798 as date of marriage between Jesse Hall and Ann Watterson. A Montgomery Co. deed dated 3 Oct 1807 mentions Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co., VA. In the 1810 census Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45, who was most likely his wife Phebe. On 31 Aug 1829 Samuel Poff and Sally Huff, daughter of Samuel Huff, dec'd, and Catherine Hall. Peter Huff and Jesse Hall, Surety. This 1829 deed seems to indicate a marriage occurring prior to 1829 between Catherine Zoll Huff and Jesse Hall. It is difficult to say with certainty that this was Jesse Hall b. 1760.
The Bedford Circuit was created in 1784, from 1786-87 Henry Vanover was one of three preachers, and his home was a preaching place on the Botetourt Circuit in 1829. The Circuit extended from just east of Appomattox, Virginia to the Greenbrier country near present Union, West Virginia to well north of Covington, Virginia. Prior to that date no circuit preacher at that time served this area - between the Blue Ridge and in the area of Roanoke Valley.
People of Virginia are prone to brag and proud to point out with pride to spots dear to their hearts. One such brag of many places is "George Washington slept here" and "George Washington ate here." Methodists of Montgomery Co., with equal pride and joy can say, "Francis Asbury rode by here." Yes, he preached here and slept near by and we have been blessed by the churches founded under his inspiration and ministry.
Congress granted pensions to Jesse at age 72, and his brother Asa, at age 74 on June 17, 1833. Jesse died at age 88 in Montgomery Co., Virginia, his will dated 28 Aug 1848, is recorded in Will Book 8, pg 7 in the Montgomery County, Virginia, County Clerks Office, and he names his children as follows: Freeburn, David, John, Charles, heirs of daughter Phebe Morris, deceased; Susannah McNeely, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg. Presented at court 6 Nov 1848. Source: "The Family Jewells", by Lois A. Henson.
Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain link fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.
It was previously believed that Jesse Hall married Catherine Zoll Huff, daughter of Jacob Zoll, on 12/15/1828, but no proof has been found to verify that this was Jesse Hall born 1760, age 68 in 1828. Catherine was the widow of Samuel Huff, and his will was dated 1825 Montgomery Co., VA and probated Feb 1826.
CHILDREN OF JESSE HALL AND PHEBE WILBUR:
1. Asa Hall (c1779, Dutchess Co., NY-) Asa Hall, brother of Jesse, is the only Asa Hall on the 1798 tax list, but two Asa Hall's appear on the 1799 Montgomery Co, VA Personal Property Tax List, one of whom is believed to Asa Hall, age 20, son of Jesse and Phebe Hall with 3 horses being taxed. Asa Hall, Jr. does not appear on the tax list until 1810 at age 18. By 1800, Asa Hall, Sr. is once again the only Asa Hall on the tax list, which might indicate the year Jesse's eldest son died.
2. Freeburn Hall (c1781, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. Catherine Pate (c1789-) on 27 Apr 1807; (he is shown as age 69 on the Montgomery Co., VA 1850 census, Catherine is shown as age 61). Freeburn d. 5/22/1876 (Montgomery Co., VA Death Reg. 1853-1896). Age 95, birthplace NY. cod: pneumonia.
3. David Hall (c1783, Dutchess Co., NY-) (year of birth determined from Jesse's will, mentioned as his second son, indicating he was alive in 1848, no further information)
4. Sarah Hall (c1785 Dutchess Co., NY-) died young.
5. Susannah Hall (c1787, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. William McNeely and the marriage bond was dated 12/25/1811; (year of birth determined from the age of her last child (1828-) she would have been 41/42; she was the first daughter named in her father's will).
6. Phebe Hall (c1789 Montgomery Co., VA-7. Jesse Hall, Jr. (c1791, Montgomery Co., VA-) died as a young man, never married.
8. John Hall (c1793, Montgomery Co., VA-), m. Sarah "Sally" Pate on 10 Sep 1811; (age 56/57 on 1850 MCV census, and m. to his 2nd wife Susan).
9. Lydia Hall (c1795, Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Bartlett Martin, bond dated 8 Sep 1828; (year of birth year from 1850 MCV census, age 55/56, was the third of four daughters named in her father's will).
10. Mary "Polly" Hall (c1797 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Eli Rumburgh marriage bond 28 Feb 1815, m. 12 May 1815 (year of birth determined from the date of her marriage, and the fact that she was the last of four daughters named in her father's will).
11. Charles Hall (c1799 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Elizabeth Iddings, d/o William on 3 Jul 1820; (birth yr. from the 1850 MCV census, age 50).
Jesse Hall (3/22/1760-10/2/1848) was born in Westerly, Washington Co., (later Richmond) RI and died 2 Oct 1848 in Montgomery Co., VA. He married Phebe Wilbur about 1780 in Dutchess Co., NY, she was born b. 13 Jul 1761 and died between 1810 and 1828. Jesse Hall moved to Dutchess County, NY with his family as young child. Information on his early childhood and education is unknown, but one can determine from his inability to sign his name that a formal education was lacking. Jesse's date of death is shown as 28 Aug 1848 on his headstone, but that is actually the date of his will. His will is recorded in Montgomery Co., VA Court Order Book 31, p. 183, dated 5 Mar 1849: "Jessee Hall, pensioner, died 2 Oct 1848, leaving children Freeburn Hall, David Hall, John Hall, Charles Hall, Susanna McNeeley, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg."
The story of Jesse picks up at the time of the Revolutionary War. During the summer of 1777, a band of Tories from the lower part of the country, to the number of nearly four hundred, came to the neighborhood and made their headquarters at the Presbyterian Church in the Crom Elbow Precinct in Dutchess Co., New York. Throughout the border settlements such parties were sent out to intimidate the patriots and obtain supplies for the British army. Then too, such invasions would naturally frighten the patriot families, and lead them to throw themselves upon the Government for protection, and have a tendency to draw out the volunteers. The patriots sent a messenger to Sharon, CT where lay a small company, which immediately marched to the relief of their patriotic brethren, receiving additions to their numbers as they passed along the route. When the force arrived at Washington Hollow, the Tories were upon the interval to the south of the church "on parade," and did not observe the patriots until they were before them with cocked guns and "glistening bagonets." A demand to surrender put them in an excitement, which led them to charge upon the hill, with "quickened tread." The Yankees fearful of losing their company, gave them a broadside and killed several which changed the resolution of quite a number of their companions, who saw they could not escape, and ended the affair by giving themselves up as prisoners of war.
Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilber are said to have married in Dudley, MA according to several NY Hall researchers, to date no documentation has been located to prove or disprove this marriage. Due to the recent discovery of their son Asa on the Montgomery Co., VA Personal Property Tax list, they would have married in 1778, at age 18. The tax list shows: 1798 Asa Hall - 3003. The 1799 list has: (3 Apr) Asa Hall - 0003; (2 July) Asa Hall - 3003. From 1800 -1809, there's only one Asa on tax lists. The 1810 list has Essey Hall and Essey Hall Jr.; 1812 has Esey Hall and Asa Hall.
Moses "Mosey" Asa Hall, son of James R. Hall, and a descendant of Jesse Hall and Phebe Wilbur, passed down the following story about Jesse and Phebe: Jesse went to New York City after he was discharged from the Continental Army and found employment as a coachman for a well-to-do merchant. Part of Jesse's job was to drive the merchant's young daughter, Miss Phebe Wilber, to various social affairs in the city. It was during these drives that Jesse and Phebe fell deeply in love and wanted to get married, but when Jesse asked Mr. Wilber for her hand in marriage Mr. Wilber became very angry and sacked Jesse on the spot. Jesse and Phebe eloped soon thereafter. Jesse enlisted in the regular army at age 16 serving from Feb 1776-Nov 1776, then from Mar 1777-Oct 1777 he served in the Dutchess Co. Militia, and from Mar 1778-Dec 1778 he once again joined the regular army for nine months. It's possible Jesse and Phebe met after Oct 1777 and married before Mar 1778, with their son Asa born in 1779.
Phebe was the daughter of Christopher Wilbur and Sarah Vaughan. Christopher was the son of Benjamin Wilbur and Deborah Gifford, and brother of Judith Wilbur who married David Hall, son of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon, and grandson of James Hall and Sarah Babcock. Christopher Wilbur was the brother of Joseph Wilbur who married Sarah Hall, daughter of James Hall and Rachel Maccoon. Phebe's parents had 14 children: Dinah, 3 Aug 1747; Deborah, 2 Jul 1749; Mary, 6 May 1751; Elizabeth, 26 Mar 1753; Sarah 8 Feb 1754; Sarah, 22 Jan 1756; Benjamin, 16 Dec 1757; Lydia, 6 May 1760; Phebe 13 Jul 1761; Mary, 30 May 1763; Joseph, 29 Mar 1765; John, 10 Mar 1766; David, 12 Nov 1771; and Martha c1773. All were born in Hopkinton, Washington Co., RI, with the exception of David and Martha who were born in Amenia, Dutchess Co., NY. Jesse and Phebe had four daughters, Susannah, Phebe, Lydia and Mary. Susannah was named after Jesse's grandmother (or possibly a sister), Phebe after his wife, and it is my guess Lydia and Mary were named after her sisters. Jesse and Phebe moved to Montgomery County, Virginia in 1789 according to Jesse's Pension Application.
Previously, it was believed Jesse married his second wife Ann Watterson prior to the birth of his son Charles in 1799, but the following deed proves he was still married to Phebe as of 1807: Montgomery Co. Deed Book D, p. 486, 3 Oct 1807, Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co. to Charles G. Lewis, 194 acres both sides south fork Roanoke adj. William Stapleton & Luke Muncy. Also, Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45 in the 1810 census, which means Phebe was most likely still living in 1810.
JESSE HALL, RWPA #S8666. He was born in Rhode Island on March 22, 1760. He first enlisted as a private in Captain Nathan Pearce's Company of Dutchess County Militiamen and fought in the Battle of White Plains. In May of 1777, he enlisted as a private in Captain William Pierce's Company [sic] of the Pawling Precinct Regiment of Dutchess County Militia [Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Morehouse's Regiment]. In March of 1778, he enlisted as a private for nine months in the company of Cornelius T. Johnston (or as he is also known Cornelius T. Jansen) of the regiment commanded by Colonel Gansay (the name is spelt to give the sound) [the Third New York Regiment] and he states that he was stationed within Fort Plank or Blan on the Mohawk River. Colo. Gansay during the time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stannock. There was but a captain command at Fort Plank, and that command, as the applicant understood was part of Gansay's regiment. The soldiers all, at Fort Plank, believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged, to be Gansay or Ganzee. He states that on November 11, 1778, he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock. He again returned to fort Plank and his nine months tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. In August of 1779, he enlisted in Captain Isaiah Veal's Company of the South End Regiment of Dutchess County Militia and was stationed at West Point for the term of three months. His file contains a deposition by Asa Hall. On-line - The Bloodied Mohawk: Additional Partisans H-M.
In Jesse Hall's Revolutionary War Pension Declaration (Source: Montgomery Co. VA Court Order Book 26 pp. 9-10), Jesse mentions serving at Fort Plain. Colonel Dayton of the Continental Army built Fort Plain in 1776 on the site of today's Fort Plain Museum. Like other forts in the Mohawk Valley at the time, it was a refuge for neighbors during the savage raids by British forces composed of Tories and Indians. In one such raid, in August of 1780, women helped to "man" Fort Plain. After seeking refuge in the fort, the women donned men's hats and carried poles. Showing themselves sufficiently above the stockade, the Indians and Tories retreated after seeing the large garrison at the fort. Later in 1780, General Robert Van Rensselaer made Fort Plain his headquarters, renaming Fort Plain after himself, Fort Rensselaer, however the name change did not stick. In June 1781, Colonel Marinus Willett was given command of the forces in the Mohawk Valley and took up headquarters at Fort Plain. Willett, whose home was the British-occupied New York City, was well respected in the valley and was eventually promoted to general. Later, he became mayor of New York City. On July 31, 1783, General George Washington inspected the garrison of Fort Plain and was given a military salute on his tour of the Mohawk Valley near the end of the war.
Pension Application (1) - On this 7th day of January 1833 personally appeared before the justices of the county court of Montgomery County in open court, Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state aged 72 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provision made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832, that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County state of New York and was attached to and served in the regiment (no. forgotten) commanded by Colonel Richmore, which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, he was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the state of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Again in the month of March 1778 (having in the interval served about seven months in the militia) in the same county and state, he enlisted again under a Capt. Johnston to serve another nine months term in the regular army, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonzie (don't know that the name is rightly spelled). He was stationed for the greater part of his tour of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river; there was no officer at the place above the grade of Colonel, at this latter place he was discharged, his discharges are lost. He hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or an annuity except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Jesse Hall - On this day and year above written Asa Hall a resident of the said county made oath in open court that he was a soldier in the first tour spoken of in the above declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment and knows that the time and also the services are correctly stated, and was actually performed, he has resided near the applicant ever since the revolution and knows him well, as also Charles Willis, a resident of said county who declares on oath that the applicant is thought and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that he concurs in that opinion, and both declare that he applicant is a man of respectability and entitled to credit. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above written. Signed by: Asa Hall and Charles Willis.
The said court do hereby declare their opinion after the investigation of the matter and after putting the interrogatories prescribed by the War Department that the above named applicant was a revolutionary soldier and served as he states, and the court further certifies that it appears to them that Asa Hall and Charles Willis who signed the preceding certificate are residents in the county aforesaid and are persons of respectability and that their statement is entitled to credit.
State of Virginia, Montgomery County - Colonel Gonzie (various spellings) mentioned in both declarations is probably a reference to Colonel Peter Gonsevoort (1749-1812). There was some dispute over this part of Jesse's declaration because no one in the pension department had ever heard of a Colonel "Gonzie" or any similar name. Colonel Gonsevoort was commander of the 3rd NY reg't which was detached at various locations along the Mohawk and Hudson rivers in 1778, which is where Jesse said he was stationed.
Letter to the Hon. R. Craig, Christiansburg, from J. L. Edwards, War Department Pension Office, 21 Sep 1833: Sir, In reply to yours respecting the claim of Jesse Hall, I have the honor to state, that upon examination of his papers there is no objection to the 1st term of nine months which is fully detailed and established by a witness. With respect to the other term of nine months the name of the Col: must be a mistake. There is no knowledge in this office of any New York Col: bearing the name of ''Gonzie'' or even resembling it. The militia service which is asserted in the affidavit, and a part of it which he alleges he could prove by a witness whose testimony is not produced, should be verified by a Court of Record. No claim or a part of a claim can be admitted which has not been asserted before a Court of Record, or in cases of disability only, before a Judge or Magistrate. It will therefore be necessary to make his declaration de novo, embody the answers to the interrogatories, and accompany it with the original papers herewith forwarded.
Pension Application (2) - On this 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared before the Judge of the circuit superior court of law and chancery for the county aforesaid, the same being a court of record Jesse Hall a resident of said county and state, age 73 years last March, who being first duly sworn according to law, doth on his oath make the following declaration in order to obtain the benefit of the provisions made by the act of Congress passed June 7th 1832 - that he enlisted in the army of the United States in February 1776 for nine months, under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess County State of N. York and was attached to and served in the regiment commanded by Colonel Richmore which regiment belonged to the brigade of General McDougal. He was in the battle of the White Plains, and was discharged near Fort Montgomery in the State of New York sometime in the month of December following his enlistment. Afterwards in the said county of Dutchess and State of N. York on the 1st day of May 1777, being drafted, he again entered as a militia man into the service of the U. States under Colonel Morehouse, in the company of Capt. William Pierce. He was marched to a point about fifteen miles above the city of N. York on the Hudson; at this time the British were in possession of the city of N. York. At this station he remained three months in the regiment commanded by the said Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, early in August (there being no interruption of his service) he was connected to a division of the army under command of General Putnam, (Morehouse being his Colonel and Pierce his Capt.) and marched near to Fort Montgomery with a view to its relief but the forces to which he belonged was unable to give any assistance and the Fort was taken. He then fell back to the place from which he had started - the point fifteen miles above the city of N. York having been absent one month according to his best recollection. He continued at this latter point after his said return, in the service, three months until the first of December or the early part of that month, where and when he was discharged. He was at the time of his discharge in the regiment of Colonel Morehouse and company of Capt. William Pierce. Afterwards, in the month of March 1778, in the same state and county, he enlisted under a Capt. Johnston, as a regular, for the term of nine months, and joined the regiment commanded by Colonel Gonsay (the name is spelt to give the sound) this applicant was stationed for the greater part of this term of service at Fort Plank or Blank [Plain] on the Mohawk river. Colonel Gonsay during this time had his station some twenty miles higher up the river at Fort Stennock [Stanwix]. There was but a Captain's command at Fort Plank [Plain], and that command was part of Gonsey's regiment. The soldiers all at Fort Plank believed the name of the Colonel to whose regiment they belonged to be Gonsay or Ganzie. The applicant had no personal acquaintance with him. A part of this tour of service was spent in an expedition to a place called Cherry Valley for the purpose of suppressing some Tories and Indians who had done considerable mischief to that neighborhood. While on this expedition he and his company were attached to a militia regiment commanded by one Colonel Clock [Jacob Klock]. He returned again to Fort Plank [Plain] and his nine month tour being expired he was discharged in December 1778. Afterwards in the month of August 1779 in the same county and state he went as a draft in the service of the U. States under the command of Colonel Burcham in the company of Capt. Israel Veal [Vail] and was stationed during the three months for which he was drafted at West Point on the Hudson, where he was discharged in the month of November 1779 having served three months from some period in the preceding August. His discharge having long since been lost. This applicant was born in the State of Rhode Island on the 22nd of March 1760. He has a record of his age at his own house where he resides. He came an infant from Rhode Island to Dutchess County in the State of New York which latter place was his residence where called into service. His residence for the last 44 years has been in the county of Montgomery State of Virginia. He received discharges but whether he received one at the end of each tour of service he cannot now recollect. He cannot now recollect whether his discharges were signed by a Captain, Colonel or officer of some other grade. He well remembers, however, to have received several of them which he thought would be of no value in future and permitted them to be lost or were cast away. He has no other evidence of his said service, but that accompanying this declaration. Applicant hereby relinquishes every claim whatever to a pension or annuity, except the present, and he declares that his name is not on the pension roll of any agency in any state. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year above. Jesse Hall (his mark).
On the 30th day of September 1833 personally appeared in said court Asa Hall and being first duly sworn saith that he was a soldier in the first tour of service described in the foregoing declaration of Jesse Hall and in the same company and regiment with him said Jesse and knows that his statement as to these services is correct. He states farther that in the year 1779 he saw the applicant in the militia service on the Hudson river, in the State of New York. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid.
Asa Hall (his mark)
We Asa Hall and Bartlett Martin, a clergyman residing in the county of Montgomery, State of Virginia, certify that we are well acquainted with Jesse Hall who has sworn to and subscribed the above declaration, that we believe him to be seventy three years of age, that he is reputed and believed in the neighborhood where he resides to have been a soldier of the revolution and that we concur in that opinion. Sworn to and subscribed the day and year aforesaid. Asa Hall (his mark) Bartlett Martin.
According to the DAR manuscript, Jesse enlisted at the beginning of the Revolutionary War in the NY Militia at age 16, on Feb 1776 under Capt. Nathan Pierce in Dutchess Co, NY, and his brother, Asa, enlisted on 2 Mar 1776. He was in the battles of Long Island, White Plains, and at the capture of the British General Burgoyne at Ticonderoga. (See Over the Mountain Men, page 64, by Anne Lowry Worrell). (DAR page 4).
In 1789 Jesse obtained a land grant for his service and moved to Montgomery County, Virginia, and his brother Asa soon followed. Frederick Bittle Kegley in Kegley's Virginia Frontier has this to say about Asa and Jesse: Asa Hall and Jesse, his brother, came from New York to Roanoke Valley in Virginia about 1790. They acquired land on the North Fork of Roanoke by purchase and by grant, Asa Hall 253 acres from James Bryan and Mary, 250 acres from Robert Foster and Hannah, 70, 250 and 45 acres on Keeney's Run by entry; Jesse 253 acres from Thomas Wilson. Jesse Hall moved to South Fork and lived near Allegheny Springs.
On August 6, 1792, Hugh Crockett sold to Jesse Hall 45 acres on both sides of South Folk of the Roanoke River. On 20 Aug 1800 he was granted 210 acres in Montgomery Co. on the waters of Stoney Creek, a branch of Roanoke River, adjacent to the land of Picklesimer and Morris grant 57, page 97. On Feb. 24, 1795 Thomas and Elizabeth Wilson sold to Jesse Hall, 253 acres of North Fork of the Roanoke River. On 3 Dec. 1796 Jesse Hall and Phebe his wife sold to James Bryan, 253 acres on the south branch of North Fork of Roanoke River. On January 1, 1827 Jesse Hall and Asa Hall paid $100.00 for 100 acres on the south waters of the North Folk of Roanoke and adjoining Thomas Jewell's land.
The Hall's, Watterman's and Vanover's appear to have been the moving force behind the establishment of Hall's Methodist Church, which is still in existence near Ironto as Hall's United Methodist Church.
From the journal and letters of Francis Asbury, one of the earliest Methodist preachers, we learn that on 15 Sep 1801 he shared the pulpit with his appointed traveling companion, Nicholas Snethen, whom Asbury called his "Silver Trumpet" to a very attentive people, which included the Wattersons, Halls, and Vanovers. Knowing the length of sermons of the day we could talk of the patience of the listeners but feel it wiser to say they enjoyed the "blast" of two trumpets of the Lord - a spiritual feast on a rare occasion.
The Deed of Hall's Church says Ewen Thomas Watterson gave land in 1817, along with a log cabin. The Watterson home was influential in spreading Methodism in the area, and in creating a unifying center in the church. The Watterson's, Jesse Hall's in-laws, no doubt had the church in their hearts and their home before giving land. Henry Vanover, Asa Hall's father-in-law, was admitted on trial into the Methodist ministry in 1786, and was licensed in Bedford County to perform marriages while their preacher. Jesse Hall married Ann Watterson on 12 Jan 1798, c1830, daughter of Thomas (son of Henry and Agnes Watterson) in Botetourt Co., and Henry Vanover undoubtedly performed the marriage ceremony.
A Brief of Wills & Marriages in Montgomery and Fincastle Counties, Virginia 1733-1833, by Anne Lowry Worrell, has 12 Jan 1798 as date of marriage between Jesse Hall and Ann Watterson. A Montgomery Co. deed dated 3 Oct 1807 mentions Jesse Hall and his wife Phebe of Montgomery Co., VA. In the 1810 census Jesse was enumerated with a female over age 45, who was most likely his wife Phebe. On 31 Aug 1829 Samuel Poff and Sally Huff, daughter of Samuel Huff, dec'd, and Catherine Hall. Peter Huff and Jesse Hall, Surety. This 1829 deed seems to indicate a marriage occurring prior to 1829 between Catherine Zoll Huff and Jesse Hall. It is difficult to say with certainty that this was Jesse Hall b. 1760.
The Bedford Circuit was created in 1784, from 1786-87 Henry Vanover was one of three preachers, and his home was a preaching place on the Botetourt Circuit in 1829. The Circuit extended from just east of Appomattox, Virginia to the Greenbrier country near present Union, West Virginia to well north of Covington, Virginia. Prior to that date no circuit preacher at that time served this area - between the Blue Ridge and in the area of Roanoke Valley.
People of Virginia are prone to brag and proud to point out with pride to spots dear to their hearts. One such brag of many places is "George Washington slept here" and "George Washington ate here." Methodists of Montgomery Co., with equal pride and joy can say, "Francis Asbury rode by here." Yes, he preached here and slept near by and we have been blessed by the churches founded under his inspiration and ministry.
Congress granted pensions to Jesse at age 72, and his brother Asa, at age 74 on June 17, 1833. Jesse died at age 88 in Montgomery Co., Virginia, his will dated 28 Aug 1848, is recorded in Will Book 8, pg 7 in the Montgomery County, Virginia, County Clerks Office, and he names his children as follows: Freeburn, David, John, Charles, heirs of daughter Phebe Morris, deceased; Susannah McNeely, Lydia Martin and Polly Rumburg. Presented at court 6 Nov 1848. Source: "The Family Jewells", by Lois A. Henson.
Directions to Jesse Hall's grave: Rt. 11 South/460 West out of Salem, and turn left at the Alleghany Springs Nursing Home on Alleghany Springs Road in Montgomery Co. (this will be the next turn after the Citco Station and Methodist Church, you'll see the First National Bank across from the nursing home). Go 5 miles after turning, the cemetery is on the left next to a dairy farm, a small dirt road goes up beside the dairy farm, and leads to a chain link fenced cemetery. There's a dumpster and then a house on the right before reaching the dairy farm, if you reach Camp Alta Mons, you've gone too far.
It was previously believed that Jesse Hall married Catherine Zoll Huff, daughter of Jacob Zoll, on 12/15/1828, but no proof has been found to verify that this was Jesse Hall born 1760, age 68 in 1828. Catherine was the widow of Samuel Huff, and his will was dated 1825 Montgomery Co., VA and probated Feb 1826.
CHILDREN OF JESSE HALL AND PHEBE WILBUR:
1. Asa Hall (c1779, Dutchess Co., NY-) Asa Hall, brother of Jesse, is the only Asa Hall on the 1798 tax list, but two Asa Hall's appear on the 1799 Montgomery Co, VA Personal Property Tax List, one of whom is believed to Asa Hall, age 20, son of Jesse and Phebe Hall with 3 horses being taxed. Asa Hall, Jr. does not appear on the tax list until 1810 at age 18. By 1800, Asa Hall, Sr. is once again the only Asa Hall on the tax list, which might indicate the year Jesse's eldest son died.
2. Freeburn Hall (c1781, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. Catherine Pate (c1789-) on 27 Apr 1807; (he is shown as age 69 on the Montgomery Co., VA 1850 census, Catherine is shown as age 61). Freeburn d. 5/22/1876 (Montgomery Co., VA Death Reg. 1853-1896). Age 95, birthplace NY. cod: pneumonia.
3. David Hall (c1783, Dutchess Co., NY-) (year of birth determined from Jesse's will, mentioned as his second son, indicating he was alive in 1848, no further information)
4. Sarah Hall (c1785 Dutchess Co., NY-) died young.
5. Susannah Hall (c1787, Dutchess Co., NY-) m. William McNeely and the marriage bond was dated 12/25/1811; (year of birth determined from the age of her last child (1828-) she would have been 41/42; she was the first daughter named in her father's will).
6. Phebe Hall (c1789 Montgomery Co., VA-7. Jesse Hall, Jr. (c1791, Montgomery Co., VA-) died as a young man, never married.
8. John Hall (c1793, Montgomery Co., VA-), m. Sarah "Sally" Pate on 10 Sep 1811; (age 56/57 on 1850 MCV census, and m. to his 2nd wife Susan).
9. Lydia Hall (c1795, Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Bartlett Martin, bond dated 8 Sep 1828; (year of birth year from 1850 MCV census, age 55/56, was the third of four daughters named in her father's will).
10. Mary "Polly" Hall (c1797 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Eli Rumburgh marriage bond 28 Feb 1815, m. 12 May 1815 (year of birth determined from the date of her marriage, and the fact that she was the last of four daughters named in her father's will).
11. Charles Hall (c1799 Montgomery Co., VA-) m. Elizabeth Iddings, d/o William on 3 Jul 1820; (birth yr. from the 1850 MCV census, age 50).
Gravesite Details
Barnett Family Cemetery also known as Alleghany Springs Cemetery Shawsville, Montgomery Co., Virginia
