Orson Hall, Sr

ORSON HALL, ONE OF PIONEERS OF TABER, SUCCUMBS. LEAVES LARGE POSTERITY AND RECORD HELD HIGH IN EASTERN COMMUNITY. (From our Own Correspondent)

TABER, May 9--Ranks of the pioneer settlers of southern Alberta were further thinned in the pasing at his residence on Russell Avenue about four this morning of Orson Hall, farmer, northeast of Flucastle for 13 years, resident here since 1917 and previous to connection with the Taber District, a resident of Raymond and Magrath for two years.

Ever an enterprising and hardworking farmer till retirement 12 years ago, the late Mr. Hall had farmed extensively in the river belt 15 miles northeast of Taber, staying with the game during poor years and good and was known far and wide as an experienced farmer and worthy citizen. Age and weakened constitution were seriously felt three or four years ago, and a stroke a year since deprived him largely of power of speech. Of late the pioneer had suffered others and it is believed one inwardly, following partial paralysis, which brought the end suddenly with members of the family at hand.

With the wife and family, the late Mr. Hall emigrated to Canada in 1902, taking the old "Turkey Trail" line from Great Falls to Alberta to allow shipment of effects, settling at Raymond first, then at Magrath, while yet the first Raymond Sugar Factory had not been built. Settlers from the region had moved to the site of Taber, founding a village a mile northeast of the watertank, where a waterbelt was found, and taking homesteads in the surrounding area. The Hall family did likewise in 1904. Mr. Hall settloing at once on the homestead chosen, himself and son taking up other land later and continuing to farm in the vicinity till Mr. Hall disposed of his holdings to his sons Ott and Dave in 1917, when he removed to Taber purchasing lots and a dwelling opposite former residence of S. J. Layton and adding other buildings.

Here he continued to reside till his last days, a well-known figure in the town not yet on the map when he settled in the district. His first wife predeceased him and Mr. Hall later married Mrs. Price, mother of Eddie and Henry Price, widowed some years before. There are many relatives in the U. S. and the family connection is large, including several sons and daughters, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, among the sons being Messrs. Ott, Dave, Al and Lee, the first two residing in Taber though extensive farming interestes as the others and all the families are well-known in the district. The Hall connection is probably indeed one of the most important in Taber and surrounding areas. Mrs. G. C. McCartee, wife of the depot cashier, is a granddaughter and Mrs. Howard King of High River, another.

The late Orson Hall was a prominent member of the LDS body here and the family active in that connection. Services in memorial will be held under LDS auspices, but date has not actually been set as yet. It is probable arrival of distant relatives will be awaited and attendance of priminent stake and other church officials from Lethbridge and southern towns is certain, while passing of the pioneer has been the cause of much remark generally, so that the funeral Obsequies will be amont the most important events for some time.

-Lethbridge Herald, May 10, 1929, transcribed by Rhonda Holton

• Reference: Find A Grave Memorial - SmartCopy: Jun 26 2017, 20:25:33 UTC
• Reference: MyHeritage Family Trees - SmartCopy: Jul 4 2022, 16:59:06 UTC