Biographical Sketches
A. LESTER HALL, M. D.
It is much to achieve success, it is infinitely more to win the gratitude of the suffering and afflicted. For about 28 years this gentleman has devoted his time and energies to the aid and relief of his fellow men, has worked his way upward to a foremost rank in the medical profession, and such has been the cordial, kindly, generous manner of this ministration that in the hearts of those who have received it there is a sense of grateful recognition that words cannot express.
Dr. Hall is a native son of Missouri, his birth having occurred at Arrow Rock, March 10, 1845. The ancestry of the family is Scotch and English. The paternal grandfather, Rev. Nathan H. Hall, was a Presbyterian minister, a native of Kentucky. For a quarter of a century he engaged in preaching in Lexington, Kentucky, and then spent some years in pastoral labor in St. Louis. His death occurred in Columbia, Missouri, when he had attained the age of 76 years. He was a man of striking personal appearance, large and well formed, and was an orator of superior ability, an earnest, logical speaker and a successful evangelist.
The Doctor's father, Matthew W. Hall, was born in Kentucky, and also followed the medical profession. In February, 1845, he removed to Missouri, locating at Arrow Rock, where he made his home for 12 years. On the expiration of that period he took up his abode on a farm near Marshall, where he spent his remaining days. He was united in marriage with Miss Agnes J. Lester, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of Bryan Lester, who was born in Charlotte, Virginia, and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of great force of character but of very amiable disposition, gentle and considerate. To many of his slaves he gave their freedom. He reared a large family and died when about 60 years of age. Dr. Matthew Hall and his wife were prominent settlers of Arrow Rock, and were numbered among Missouri's pioneers. In the Presbyterian church they held a membership, and the Doctor served as elder, taking a very prominent part in its work. During the civil war, he served as surgeon in the Confederate army. In the community where he lived he was a recognized leader, and twice represented his district in the legislature. His death occurred on the 7th of November, 1894, at the age of 78 years, and his wife passed away in 1883. They were the parents of 11 children, 8 of whom are now living, namely: Dr. C. Lester; William Ewing, of Kansas City, Missouri; Dr. John R., of Marshall, Missouri; Louisa F., wife of W. W. Trigg, of Booneville, Missouri; Matthew W., of Saline county, Missouri; Florida L., wife of Judge D. W. Shackleton, of Booneville, Missouri; Dr. Thomas B., of Saline county; and Effie B., wife of Fred B. Glover, of Parkville, Missouri.
Dr. C. Lester Hall was reared in Saline county, this state, and acquired his early education there. He afterward attended school at Booneville until 17 years of age, when, in 1862, he joined the army of General Price, and went to Lexington, Missouri. At that place he was taken sick and returned home, but in December he again joined the army. At Milford's surrender he was taken prisoner and held in captivity for 3 months, after which he took the oath of allegiance to the United States and returned home.
The Doctor began studying medicine in 1864, in Booneville, and subsequently attended the St. Louis Medical College through the school year of 1864-5. During the winter of 1866-7 he was a student in Jefferson Medical College, of Philadelphia, and in the spring of 1867 he graduated and joined his father in the practice of his chosen profession, this partnership continuing for 6 years. In 1873 Dr. Hall removed to Marshall, Missouri, where he enjoyed a large and lucrative practice until September, 1890, when, desiring a broader field of labor, he came to Kansas City, where he has since made his home. Although he successfully engages in general practice, he makes a specialty of the diseases of women. He is a member of the American Medical Association, the Western Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Jackson County Medical Society. He is now the honored president of the Missouri State Medical Society, and in 1894 was president of the Kansas City Academy of Medicine.
On the 16th of June, 1869, Dr. Hall was united in marriage with Miss Katherine Sappington, daughter of Hon. E. D. and Penelope (Breathitt) Sappington, her grandfather Breathitt being at one time governor of Kentucky. Five children were born by this marriage - Darwin Walton, Penelope, C. Lester, Katherine May, and one who died in infancy. The Doctor and his family hold a membership in the Central Presbyterian church, take a deep interest in its prosperity, and while living in Marshall he served as elder of the church. He is a Master Mason. The family home is located at No. 2720 Troost avenue, and is noted for its hospitality.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.