Hall, Hannah (1819-1837)

MEMOIR OF HANNAH HALL,

(Vineyard, Oldham circuit).

Hannah, the daughter of John and Sarah Hall, was born Nov. 10, 1819, at Broadway Lane, near Oldham, and died February 4, 1837.

In childhood she was of a quiet and meek disposition, affectionate and kind to her parents.  In the year 1825 she removed with her parents to a place called Vineyard, which now forms a part of Oldham circuit.  In 1826, her father and mother became members of the P. M. society.  In 1828, the Vineyard was missioned by our people, at which time Bro. and Sister Hall were the only members in the place.  A society was formed, and Brother Hall was appointed the leader, which office be sustains with stability and credit

In 1830, a room was opened for preaching, and a Sunday school was commenced.  Hannah Hall was one of the first scholars.  Her attendance was regular, and the school became her delight.  In 1832, she was afflicted with the typhus fever, and confined to the house thirteen weeks; during which she became very seriously inclined; and being much affected with the solemn thoughts of the eternal world, she, with fervent prayer, sought the blessing of salvation; and obtained redemption through the blood of Christ, the forgiveness of all her sins.  She joined her father’s class, and continued a steady member till she was called to join the assembly of the just.

She was a constant attender on the means of grace; treasured up the word of Christ in her heart, and could repeat the principal part of a sermon after her return home.

During the last twelve months of her life, she was particularly serious, loved retirement, and frequently left company to enter into her closet, and pray to her heavenly Father who seeth in secret.  Her spiritual strength was renewed by waiting on the Lord, and her soul made more fully meet for glory.

On Thursday, February 2, she was attacked with the cramp in her bowels; medical aid was called in, but in vain; her disorder increased, and her pains were in-describable; but her mind was weaned from the world; she was seeking a better country.  She longed to be with Jesus; and, while her father was praying for the continuance of her life, she said, “Father, let me die.”

And he seeing that all hope of her recovery was gone, prayed earnestly to God, to grant her an easy death.  His prayer was answered, for without a struggle or groan, her happy spirit took its flight to the celestial regions, where the inhabitants no more say, “I am sick.”

I preached her funeral sermon to a crowded and deeply affected congregation, on Sunday, March 19, 1837, from Isaiah xl: 2, “Her warfare is accomplished.”

Samuel Atterby

Primitive Methodist Magazine, 1838.  Page 25.