George Hall, D. D. S.

George Hall, D. D. S., one of Lima's leading
professional men and formerly postmaster of this city for a period of
nine years, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, was born in
Iowa, and is a son of the late Harrison Hall, who was once the leading
contractor in this city, dying here in 1902 at the age of 88 years.
George Hall was educated at Cornell College, Mount Vernon, Iowa, and
began the study of medicine and dentistry with Dr. Carhart, of that
city. At the outbreak of the Civil War, although but 18 years of age
and with a promising career before him in professional life, he enlisted
in the three months service but was not mustered in the United States
service because the Iowa quota was filled. The doctor then re-enlisted
in the three years' service on the call for 300,000 men. Dr. Hall's
entire term of service covered four years and four months, at the close
of the first three years re-enlisting as a veteran. The young soldier
participated in all the battles in which his command was engaged until
July 22, 1864, when in front of Atlanta, he was made a prisoner of war,
the entire command being captured at the same time. As a prisoner he
was remanded to Andersonville where three wretched months were spent;
three of almost equal misery were passed at Florence, South Carolina,
and one month at Charleston, where on the third attempt he accomplished
his escape. This was done by jumping from a moving train near
Wilmington, North Carolina.
Dr. Hall had then been imprisoned just seven months to a day, and did
not purpose being again subjected to the horrors from which he had
escaped. Cautiously he made his way to Wilmington, then occupied by the
Confederates, and fortunately found a Union family willing to secrete
him and give him necessary food and raiment. After remaining with these
good Samaritans for six days, the city was taken by the Federal forces,
and as soon as possible he reported to the commander, General Perry,
The exposure brought on a violent illness and he was sent to the
hospital at Annapolis, where he spent 2 months. His honorable discharge
was received on July 21, 1865, at Louisville Kentucky.
Dr. Hall then joined his parents at Lima, whither they had removed
during the war, and as soon as he was fully restored to health he
established a dental practice in which he has virtually been engaged
since 1867, although much of his time has been occupied in the discharge
of duties of a public nature, President Harrison appointed him
postmaster at Lima and he served also under Presidents McKinley and
Roosevelt, having always been more or less prominent in political
matters in this section of the State. The affairs of his city have also
claimed his interest. He has frequently been elected a member of the
City Council and has been president of that body. He served two terms
on the Board of Education of Lima, and among thoughtful citizens he is
recognized as one of the strong men of the community.
In 1875 Dr. Hall was married to E. Virginia Hackedorn, who is a
daughter of George G. Hackedorn, long engaged in a banking business
here. Fraternally, Dr. Hall is prominent in Masonry, belonging to the
Blue Lodge, Council, Chapter and Commandery at Lima. He is also an Odd
Fellow. He has been one of the moving spirits in Grand Army circles
here; has been commander of Mart Armstrong post, No. 202, and has served
as a member of the administrative committee of the Department of Ohio,
G. A. R.