EDWARD GUINN HALL, deceased, was born in Baltimore, Maryland, September 10, 1810. His father, Washington Hall, whose parents were Dutch, was uncertain whether his birthplace was in England or Maryland. He was engaged for a number of years in the wholesale mercantile trade, at the end of which period he removed to Cecil county, same State, where he resided upon a farm for fifteen years, when he returned to Baltimore, where retired from the cares of trade he enjoyed in tranquility the fruits of a well spent life, dying a good old age, respected by all who knew him. His wife, whose maiden name was Guinn, bore him seven children, namely: Edward, Washington, Samuel, Charles, Richard, Ann R. and Achsah.
Edward Guinn Hall was reared and educated in Baltimore. He graduated when he was seventeen years old and was admitted to the bar before he attained his twenty-first year. Soon thereafter he settled upon a 600 acre farm owned by his father in Cecil county, living there until the year 1838, in which year he removed to Illinois and took up his residence in what is now known as Rushville township, on land which he inherited from his father. He continued to reside there until his death, which occurred July 28, 1857.
He was a man of good, strong sense and excellent judgment. A sound patriot, he took active interest in the affairs of his country. An admirer of old "Tippecanoe" and "Harry" Clay, each of whom received his vote for President, the defeat of the latter sat heavily upon him. He was an ardent Whig and at the organization of the Republican party in 1854 he identified himself with that organization, continuing a faithful member of it to his death. Being educated himself, and thoroughly appreciating the advantages of knowledge, he desired his children should have the benefit of a liberal education, which wish his widow carried out.
He was married, August 26, 1845, to Priscilla Baker, born in Flemingsburg, Fleming County, Kentucky, April 9, 1825. Her father, Francis Baker, was a native of Maryland, having been born near Baltimore. When a young man he removed to Kentucky, engaging in farming in Fleming and Maysville until 1837, when he emigrated with his wife and four children to Illinois, making the entire journey overland. During that winter he visited in Indiana, and in the following spring settled in section 7, Rushville, where he bought a tract of land. At that time the country was sparsely settled and frame houses were the exception, the people being well satisfied to own log cabins. Wild turkeys and other game were abundant and the trusty rifles of the neighbors kept their tables well supplied with this kind of food. Mr. Baker died there in 1844, aged eighty-seven years, universally mourned. He was a soldier during the war of 1812.
The maiden name of Mrs. Hall's mother was Mary Magdalene Brandenburg, who was born in Berlin, Germany, and who died at the home of her son, Dorsey Baker, while on a visit, February 16, 1858. Her home was at Mrs. Hall's. When a girl Mrs. Hall attended the Black Jack school, a house built of logs resting upon underpinning of logs, with slab seats and heated with a fireplace. She resided with her parents until her marriage. Mrs. Hall is the mother of seven children, namely: Achsah A., Washington, Charles, Melinda, Mary, George Edward and Richard. Mrs. Hall is a lady of intelligence and great worth and is held in great esteem by all who know her. Her days pass peacefully and she is happy in the consciousness of having done well the duties and responsibilities of her station.