They raised their family in Le Roy.
Death Notice
Le Roy Gazette
November 16, 1864
In Le Roy, on Saturday, Miss Harriett Harvey, aged 57 years
David Hascall was a man of more than ordinary education and intelligence and took an active part in town affairs. In his early life he was a school teacher. He served in the War of 1812. He moved to Genesee county in 1808, and located one mile north of the Village of Le Roy, and later settled on 100 acres, one half mile west of Le Roy, where they resided for many years. David and Sarah then moved to Clay street until their death. David Hascall served in the War of 1812. He was a mason.
Le Roy Gazette
In Le Roy, July 24th after a long illness, Mrs. Sallie Walden, widow of the late David Hascall, in the 89th year of her age. Mrs. Hascall was born in Lenox, Massachusetts, in 1787, and was the daughter of Capt. Walden of Revolutionary memory, who died here many years ago of old age.
She was married in Ontario county, N.Y., in 1807, and removed to Le Roy with her husband when the town was yet unsettled, enduring the hardships and privations of a pioneer life. Le Roy has been her home during these long years of joys and sorrows; here she has lived to see the wilderness blossom as the rose; here she has raised a family of six children, four of whom are now living - two sons and two daughters - Hiram W. and Henry M. Hascall, Mrs. Jane Summerfield of Chicago, and Mrs. Richard Barnard of this place, and who has kindly cared for her mother for many years with all the affection that a daughter could give in sickness and health, sparing no pains to make life pleasant, and in the last and closing scenes of life to smooth her pathway to the tomb.
Her bedside was surrounded by her children and grandchildren, and everything that earthly friends could do, was done to save the kind old mother a little longer, but all of no avail, the old tenement of mortality could no longer contain the Spirit immortal and it ascended to Him who gave it, full of hope without a murmer. She for many weeks has been waiting for the summons to call her home, where she could meet her loved ones that had gone before, and when the messenger came, she was ready to depart; death had no terrors for her.
John was commissioned by New York Governor Tompkins, to serve as an officer in the state militia. He served in the War of 1812, and participated in several severe battles at or near Fort Erie.
He was admitted to practice law at the bar of Kalamazoo county in 1832. He was a member of the New York Legislature. He was a merchant, owner of flour and woolen mills. He was, also, an inventor; the spring weighing scales, a portable flour mill, and the great wheat harvesting machine, forerunner to the McCormick reaper, being among his achievements.
In 1831, John Hascall shared his ideas for a harvesting machine with Hiram Moore. Mr. Moore commenced working on the invention with the financial help of Mr. Hascall and Lucius Lyon. They secured a patent in 1836. In a field at the north edge of Climax, Michigan, July 12, 1838, Hiram Moore, using 20 horses, cut a swath 15 feet wide, cut, threshed, seperated, cleaned and sacked 30 acres of wheat, yielding 1100 bushels. This was one days work with the assist of two teams and wagons following to carry the wheat to the granary.
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The Kalamazoo Gazette, on June 9, 1854, carried the full text of the speech of Charles E. Stuart, delivered to the U. S. Senate on the Bill for extension of Moore & Hascall's Harvester. The speech recaps the difficulty, Moore and Hascall, had in extending their patents. They tried to get congressional help for several years to allow their patents to hold beyond the normal prescribed time. The case points out the difficulty of effectively protecting your patents, as the device was in high demand and in continuous state of improvement.
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Pioneer Collections
Report of the Pioneer Society of the State Of Michigan
Volume 3; page 132John Hascall, born in Connecticut, resided some years in Genesee county, New York, where he devoted himself to the practice of the law, serving as a soldier in the war of 1812, and participating in several of its battles. In 1830 he came to Kalamazoo county, and settled on what was subsequently known as Genesee Prairee; in his earlier life he was an active politician, widely known in western New York in the years 1828 and 1828, during the anti-masonic excitement, receiving political position from his demostrations through the press against masonry. His success as a lawyer in Genesee county, New York, until he ventured into political life was marked. In Michigan he gave a limited attention to the practice of law, devoting much time to the process of harvesting and the threshing grain by machinery. It is claimed by those who had the opportunity to observe, that with him, originated the machine invention of cutting grain, which has given to the prairies of the west the ability to supply the world with bread. John Hascall died at Kalamazoo in A. D. 1853. A wide circle of acquaintances testified that he possessed the qualities of integrity and useful ability.John Hascall was a lawyer and editor of the Kalamazoo Gazette.
Volney received his early education at Kalamazoo; partly in the Literary Institute, and partly in the Kalamazoo Branch of the Michigan University. He obtained employment in a lawyer's office to help pay his way, and also served as an apprentice in the printing office of Henry Gilbert. He studied law with Elisha Belcher, was admitted to the Bar in 1843; practiced law with Mr. Belcher for two years. In 1846 he purchased the Gazette newspaper printing office, which he ran until 1862. He retired from the business due to ill health and toured Europe four time (1861, 64, 68 and 74). He resided for a considerable time in England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy.
He was a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1850. He was appointed by President Buchanan, in 1857, Register of the General Land office for the Western District of Michigan.
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A record of the writing of Volney HascallIt was on June 22, 1831, that our family first saw the spot marked out for its future home in the wilds of Michigan. This was on the Genesee Prairee, four miles southwest of Kalamazoo village, where my father in company with Anthony Cooley and Erastus Smith had immigrated and located their claims in October, 1830. They gave the prairie its name in honor of Genesee county, New York, from whence they came.
On our arrival in June we found three or four families who had preceded us and pitched their squatter tents on various parts of the prairie. These were Enoch Harris, a colored man, and his wife; a Mr. Wild and family; a Mre. Hunt and family; a Mr. Stillwell and family. The surrounding country was wild and undisturbed as it had been for centuries.
Numerous bands of Indians had deeply trodden trails which traversed the prairies and forests. Among the first things that attracted my attention about our homestead was a large circle amid a grove of trees where the earth was trodden much like the trails near by. This we learned was the spot where the Indians held their festivities and rehearsed their war dances.
About this time some excitement occured as a result of the murder of an Indian by one of his own tribe on West Grand Prairie. The criminal had been tried and condemned, but permission was granted him to visit his relatives and friends for the last time before his execution. No bail was required. The prisoner had given his word that he would return and there was much speculation among the whites as to whether he would make good. The Indian returned puntual to the hour and the sentence of death was immediately carried out. His body was placed sitting upright in the midst of a rude structure of logs where it remained for months.
Early in the spring of 1832 a new and more formidable cause for excitement followed. It was reported that Black Hawk with a large body of his warriors was marching directly on our settlements and that there was imminent danger of a massacre. A draft was made on the male inhabitants for military service and general muster was to take place on Prairie Ronde. Soon news came that General Atkinson had engaged Black Hawk and taken him prisoner. This restored quiet to the community.
Game was exceedingly plentiful, deer, bear and wolves were seen in all directions by the settlers and many were killed.
When I first visited Kalamazoo in 1834, at the foot of Main street on the bank of the river a cabin was occupied by Nathan Harrison who operated a ferry consisting of a canoe or two and a large skiff, the west shore of the river was lined with the beautiful birch bark canoes of a company of Indians who had come bringing maple sugra, venison and pelts to trade with the whites. The Indians generally desired whisky, flour or some gaudy article of dress in exchange. For many years Kalamazoo was a favorite resort of the natives for purposes of barter.
About a mile below this place on the east bank of the river was an old French trading post, kept by a half breed named Liephart where the early settlers found scanty supplies of drygoods and groceries.
There soon appeared, however, a tall, spare and rather eccentric Yankee who was to eclipse the old trading post in the way of supplying necessities to the settlers. Col. Hosea B. Huston came with a stock of merchandise and put up a hastily constructed store at Main and Rose streets. At the time of my first visit in 1834 this store had just been opened. It was a popular place of resort for citizens "to talk over matters." Here it was that I first saw Titus Bronson - the strange, lank, half-crazy, eccentric founder of the village, known over the country as "Potato Bronson," a name given him because of the devotion he showed for a patch of potatoes on Prairie Ronde the year before. Here, too, I first saw Cyrus Lovell, Kalamazoo's first lawyer.
In October, 1835, I became an apprentice to Gilbert and Chandler at the printing business, they having a short time previous commenced publishing a paper called "The Michigan Statesman," and which was shortly afterward changed to "the Kalamazoo Gazette." In a few weeks Mr. Chandler retired and Mr. Gilbert became sole proprietor. In 1840 Gilbert sold to E. D. Burr who surrendered it after a few months. I bought the paper in 1845 but held it on notes and was obliged to turn it over three months later to J. W. Breese. After nine months Mr. Breese was glad to sell to me again and I took charge on May 1, 1946.
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The Kalamazoo GazetteA man who made his name known throughout his State, who made an impress upon his time and whose life though lived in public view was without guile, has passed from earth. At one hour before midnight on Friday, Volney Hascall died. The mere announcement of this fact, as it appeared in the Gazette, carried deep mourning throughout Kalamazoo and true sorrow and deep feeling to many a heart which had learned the virtues and the value of the life that had ceased. Those who knew him best feel as if that loss could never be repaired, and as if a light that we had seen for years had suddenly gone out and left us in the darkness.
For, Volney Hascall's life was cast on no common world. Whether we view him as a boy, studious and ambitious, or as a man, earnest and God fearing, we see much to admire, much that is praiseworthy, and we see but little to condemn. He was strong in his opinions, he was fearless in giving them expression and he formed them with wisdom; and thus being formed, they became the opinions of others as well as himself. During the years that he was proprietor of the Gazette, he made the paper a power, and his editorials were to the press of Michigan what Greeley's were to the nation. Especially was this true during the memorable campaign when Lincoln was first elected President. Mr. Hascall was an earnest admirer of the "Little Giant" and he espoused his cause with with all the ardency of a loyal nature. He worked and wrote for the candidate of his choice and received personal thanks of the great Statesman.
His constitution never was robust, and his incessant and energetic labors wore upon him and he was finally obliged to cease his work and start abroad in search of health, - a phantom that ever after eluded his grasp. Health once lost but rarely returns, and this was true in the case of Mr. Hascall. With his energy and his ambition, he felt sorely tried that he was obliged to cease active life and yet but few ever heard him murmer or wish that things were changed. He did his duty as he saw it, and he bore the crosses of life without complaining.
Those who were intimate with Mr. Hascall know that this is true. They know that he strove to make life pleasant for those about him. They known that in the family circle and by his own fireside he was the light and the life. With his extensive reading, his knowledge of the world gained through his travels, his wide acquaintance with men and his sound, solid sense, it was a "feast of reason and a flow of soul" to be permitted to pass an evening in his company. While he was strong in his convictions, he was also honest in them, for he never clung to them when he found that he was wrong. He hated anything that partook of sham or shoddy, just as thoroughly as he admired that which is true, for he was a fearless, brave and upright man, such as the world needs and such as it can ill afford to spare. His life is worthy of emulation and its record is one of honor.
But he has gone. No more shall we see his familiar face and form among us. No more shall we hear his cheery voice, or feel the warm and friendly pressure of his hand; but, while we shall miss him, and while we deeply mourn his loss, we and all his friends can proudly point to the record he made, and can truly say, Volney Hascall did not live in vain.
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A short Biographical Sketch of the Life of Volney HascallVolney Hascall was born at Le Roy, Genesee county, New York, Feb 2d, 1820. In 1830, his father, Hon. John Hascall, with his family, emigrated to the new territory of Michigan, and settled in Kalamzoo county. The elder Hascall was a prominent lawyer, magistrate, owner of flour and woolen mills in Genesee county, N.Y. He was actively identified with the politics of his day and elected a member of the New York legislature. John Hascall was a man of indomitable energy, strongly marked mental powers, with a decided bent towards philosophical and metaphysical inquiry and speculation.
Volney Hascall, his son, inherited in a marked degree his father's love of philosophical and metaphysical research; taking a deep passionate, interest in discussions, treatises and books upon those subjects, in connection with his well known general love of belles letters.
Mr. Hascall was an active, thorough student in his early days at the Literary Institute, and the Kalamazoo branch of the Michigan Univesity. During these years, relying solely upon his own resources, he obtained employment as clerk in a lawyers office, also mastered the art of printing in all its branches in the establishment of Henry Gilbert, Esq., of which newspaper, the Kalamazoo Gazette, he subsequently became the owner.At the close of his University course, Mr. Hascall took up the study of law in the office of Elisha Belcher; was admitted to the bar in 1843, and in partnership with Mr. Belcher entered upon the practice of his profession.
Following his ardent desire to be engaged in a more congenial and diversified field of enterprise, in 1846 Mr. Hascall purchased the Gazette newspaper, and as sole editor and proprietor, took up the ardous duties and responsibilities of a public journalist. He conducted the paper and the business of the office with signal ability and success until 1862, when in consequence of severe and protracted ill health, he was compelled relucatnly to relinquish the business.
Seeking rest from the exhaustive duties of editorial life, in 1861, '64, '68, '74, he made the tour of Europe, visiting all the principal capitals, places of public interest and celebrated resorts, both in Europe and the United States. He resided abroad a considerable length of time in England, France, Germany, Switzerland and Italy, studying the moral, social and political conditions of the people of the several countries. His physical ailments were only partially alleviated by change of climate and the best skilled medical treatment which he availed himself of frequently. When we consider, that for the last twenty years at least, Mr. H. has been a constant sufferer from disease; that the very foundations of his life were being sapped, his vital forces diminishing day by day, his achievements during these years, and the heroic efforts made to regain health are truly wonderful.
Mr. Hascall never sought political distinction, but held various local offices in early life. He was chosen a member of the State Constitutional Convention in 1850, to revise the constitution of Michigan, and rendered effecient, valuable service in the work of the convention.
In 1857, he was appointed by President Buchanan, Register of the General Land office for the Westen District of Michigan. He was also chairman of various political organizations and committees of the State, district and locality. Previous to the War of the Rebellion, Mr. H. was known as a Democrat in politics, while as a citizen, he has always been earnest, patriotic and self-sacrificing -- prompt in defense of the rights of all people, and loyal to the Government and its written code.
He has always been a staunch friend and liberal contributor, to the various religious, educational and public enterprises of the locality.
As an editor and political writer for twenty years and more, Mr. Hascall attained enviable distinction; evincing marked clearness and penetration of judgement in the discussion of important and abstruse questions of public policy. His deductions were always clear, logical and convincing; while his candor and gentlemanly bearing, even during the heat of sharply contested political campaigns, gained for him universal esteem and respect of political opponents. In composition, his style was terse, vigorous and profound. Since 1861, continuous ill health has precluded his engaging in any active pursuits.
In his religious faith, which sustained him to the end with the sure hope of a blessed immortality beyond, Mr. Hascall was an earnest, unsectarian believer in the Divinity, teachings and religion of Jesus Christ.
Mr. H. was twice married. His first wife, Louisa A. Sweetland, of Geneseee county, N.Y., died at Kalamazoo in 1862. He was married again, January 1st, 1864, to Miss Sophie Beerstitcher of Neuville, Canton Berse, Switzerland, who has devoted herself faithfully all these years of failing health, to the care of a loving and appreciative husband, and survives his loss.
To know Mr. Hascall, was to esteem and love him. Of Sterling, irreproachable character, he was modest and unobtrusive, sympathetic and generous hearted. Strong in his mental convictions, of ready penetration and sound judgement, he was always true to his beliefs. His home was emphatically in the library, and amid the fellowship of his books he always took the greatest delight. Possessed of superior intellectual culture and endowments, his range of study was thorough and extensive. Of refined taste and active sensibilities, he was genial and communicative in social life; and in his friendships positive and enduring. Without fear or forebodings of any kind, relying upon the sure mercies of God, he went down into the dark valley, strong in the assurance that he was soon to emerge upon the other side, where sickness and sorrow are unknown, and take up his adobe in those mansions of rest, eternal in the heavens.
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American Biographical History of Eminent and Self-Made Men with Portrait Illustrations on Steel, Volumes I-IIVolney Hascall of Kalamazoo, Michigan, the son of John and Mary (Sweetland) Hascall, was born in Le Roy, Genesee County, New York, February 2, 1820. His father, John Hascall, was born in Connecticut, and was taken, by his parents, to Deerfield, Massachusetts; thence to Genesee County, New York, being among the early pioneers of that region. John Hascall was commissioned, by Governor Tompkins, an officer in the State militia, and served in the War of 1812, participating in several severe battles, at and near Fort Erie. He was a merchant, owner of flour and woolen mills, and lawyer and magistrate for many years. John Hascall was identified prominently with the polities of his day; was especially active during the intense anti-masonic excitement of 1826-8; and was elected a member of the New York Legislature. He was, also, an inventor; the spring-weighing scales, a portable flour-mill, and the great wheat-harvesting machine, out of which grew the McCormick reaper, being the most prominent of his mechanical achievements. In 1830 he removed to Kalamazoo County, Michigan Territory, and engaged in farming, law practice, and the perfecting, in connection with his copartners, of the great harvester, which was designed for cutting, threshing, and winnowing the grain, in one operation. He was a man of marked and strong mental powers, with a decided, almost controlling, bent towards philosophical and metaphysical inquiry and speculation. He died in 1853.
Volney Hascall, his son, the subject of this sketch, inherits, in so marked a degree, his father's love of philosophical and metaphysical contemplation and research, that it may be said to be a prevailing trait of his character. He has always taken a deep and passionate interest in books on these subjects, in connection with his love of belks-lettres. He received his early education at Kalamazoo; partly in the Literary Institute, and partly in the Kalamazoo branch of the Michigan University. The course of study embraced the ordinary English branches, logic, Latin, higher mathematics, elocution, etc. Being thrown entirely upon his own resources at this time, he obtained employment in a lawyer's office, to earn the means for paying his way, and served, also, as an apprentice in the printing-office of Henry Gilbert. He mastered the art in all its branches, and subsequently purchased the establishment.
Mr. Hascall studied law with Elisha Belcher; was admitted to the bar in 1843; practiced his profession some two years, in partnership with Mr. Belcher; in 1846, purchased the Gazette newspaper printing-office, conducting the paper and the business of the office with signal ability until 1862, when, in consequence of ill health, he was compelled to relinquish the business. Seeking rest from the arduous duties of editorial life, he made the tour of Europe several times,--in 1861, '64, '68, '74; he visited all the principal capitals, places of public interest, and celebrated resorts, both in Europe and the United States. He resided abroad a considerable length of time, in England, France, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, closely studying the moral, social, and political condition of the people-of-the several countries.
Mr. Hascall held various local offices in early life. In 1850 he was chosen member of the State Constitutional Convention, from Kalamazoo County, to revise the constitution of Michigan, and, in that capacity, rendered efficient service. He was appointed, by President Buchanan, in 1857, Register of the General Land-office for the Western District of Michigan, for the sale of vacant public lands; was also chairman of various political, State, district, and local committees and organizations, for many years. A Democrat in politics, earnest, patriotic, and self-sacrificing, he has always been prompt in defense of the rights of the people, and loyal to the Government and its written code. He has ever been a stanch friend and liberal contributor to the various religious and educational institutions of the locality, and of all public enterprises calculated to enhance its material prosperity. As an editor and political writer for twenty years, he attained great distinction; evincing marked clearness and penetration of judgment in the discussion of important and abstruse questions of public polity. His deductions were always clear, logical, and convincing; while his candor and gentlemanly bearing, even during the heat of sharply contested political campaigns, gained him the universal respect of political opponents. His style of writing is terse, vigorous, and profound.
Stricken with ill health in 1862, he has never since recovered sufficiently to resume active life; thus being debarred from entering upon the career to which he had intended to devote his riper and more matured faculties. He is an earnest, unsectarian believer in the teachings and religion of Jesus Christ. Volney Hascall married Miss Lonisa A. Sweetland, of Genesee County, New York, September 18, 1844. She died in 1862. He married Miss Sophie Beerstecher, his present wife, January 1, 1864. She was a native of Canton Berne, Switzerland. Mr. Hascall is of sterling and irreproachable character, modest and unobtrusive, sympathetic and generous. He is strong in his mental convictions, true to his beliefs, of ready penetration and sound judgment; a man of extensive reading, superior intellectual culture and endowments, of fine taste, genial and communicative in social life, a fast friend,--one who has the esteem and confidence of all.
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New York Passenger Lists
Ship William Penn frm Le Havre, France, arrived New York 5 Jun 1868
The Kalamazoo Gazette
Died in this village Oct. 28th, Mrs. Louisa Adelia, wife of Mr. Volney Hascall, aged 41 years.
Mrs. Hascall was of a retiring temperment, but those who were so happy to make her acquaintance found it very valuable. She was a sympathetic, devoted, self-sacrificing friend. She was characterized by a lender of conscientiousness, a clarity of purpose, an arden love of truth, which she wished to ... expressed both faithfully and lovingly, and by the possession of these graces that throw a charm about her home. Just four weeks, to the very day and hour prior to her decease, she was instantaneously prostrated by an attack of congestive nature, which threatened fatal results, but after much suffering she rallied. On Tuesday morning last, while engaged in domestic duties, she was visited with a second attack, which suffered to deprive her of consciousness and in one hour, jast at noon, she ceased to breathe.
Mrs. Hascall united with the Congregational Church in this place in the spring of 1854. Naturally sel distrustful, she clasped the saviors pireced hand tremblingly, - but her hand never let go its hold. Christ was all the dearer because he would receive one one who deemed herself unworthy. In the interval between the first and second prostration, her faith was strengthened, her long felt dread of death vanished in view of the sustaining power of her Savior, and her soul seemed to reflect some of the mellow hues of the colorful world into which, through the mercy of Christ, we believe she has entered.
The Centreville Observille Observer
For many weeks the people of Centreville have anxiously watched the condition of Mrs. Hascall and prayed for her recovery to health and strength. Few if any homes that have not had evidence of her thoughtful consideration. Those in need turned to her as their unfailing friend, those in joy delighted in having her share their pleasure, those in sorrow received from her some token of her sympathy, a tender little note accompanied by a bunch of flowers, arranged as only she knew how to bring out their full beauty; for everyone she had some kindly act; kindliness and helpfulness seemed to radiate from her. So when it became known on Monday evening that she had finished her mission, sorrow was in every heart. Her life has been one of service: from her young womanhood her first consideration has been for others.
And flowers! How she loved them and how her garden in her healthful days was a riot of color and beauty, not laid out in exact plats and filled with stiff designs so conventional as to be almost painful, but it went wandering away, every turn disclosing some new harmony, some happy surprise. Away in a dark corner was some plant that lighted it up like an exquisite gem while out in the bright sunshine were those "Smiles of God" that enhanced its beauty. Everywhere was harmony and beauty, without the primness or precision that is man-like but never like God's harmony of nature. God had given her that love of his works that made her in complete harmony with nature and her garden was but symbolical of her nature and life: always beautiful, always harmonious, always helpful.
Mrs. Hascall was born in Switzerland May 27, 1838, and died at her beautiful home in Centreville on Monday Evening, July 6, 1914, aged 76 years, 1 month, 9 days. In 1856 the family emigrated to this country and came directly to Centreville, which they have always regarded as their home. Here she spent her young womanhood until she bagan teaching and for many years was occupied in that calling and in traveling for she was much in demand as a traveling companion. She spoke four languages, was a fine business woman and highly educated, an ideal educator, companion and friend. Her travels were very extensive, embracing nearly every country on the globe. Her great privileges never changed her nature: she was ever the same unassuming, delightful person that never forgot a friend or considered herself superior.
In 1856 she was married to Volney Hascall, of Kalamazoo, who was editor and proprietor of the Kalamazoo Gazette for thirty-five years. Mr. Hascall died in about 1878. On July 6, 1880, she was married to Leonidas H. Hascall. a half brother of her first husband.
For two years they resided in Kalamazoo and then came to Centreville to be among her own people and here she has resided since. Her love for Centreville and its people never waned: she was first in every good work and there are scores of things on every hand to evidence her love and generosity. Our side-walk to the depot and cemetery were made possible through the generosity of herself and sister Mrs. Thomas.
Mr. Hascall died August 26, 1911, after a very long and most trying illness. She was his constant nurse; no one could meet his wishes as could she and she sacrificed herself for him. There is peculiar significance and harmony in her release from human life on the anniversary of her marriage.
For the past two winters she has gone with her sister and brother and wife to California and how she did enjoy the land of winter flowers and sunshine, and yet she never recovered from the sorrow of Mr. Hascall's death and has only been waiting for reunion..
Of the original family of seven children but four are now living - Adolph, Mrs Julia B. Thomas, Eugene and Augustus, all of Centreville. There are 23 nephews and nieces, all of whom were as dear to her as own children.
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New York Passenger Lists
Ship William Penn frm Le Havre, France, arrived New York 5 Jun 1868
Amasa was a farmer, served as constable at one time, and was a tax collector for western New York. He was considered a talented player of the violin. In 1868, Amasa followed his sons and moved to Goshen, Elkhart, Indiana. He traveled by wagon to Buffalo, Niagara, NY, then by boat to Detroit, Michigan, then overland to Goshen.
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Obituary Le Roy GazetteDeath of Amasa Hascall. This old Genesee co. pioneer died at Goshen, Ind., Sept. 10th of Paralysis aged 90 years. Sixty seven years ago he started in here as a citizen of the then wilderness, and deported himself as well as to win the respect of his fellow citizens through his long and well spent life. He was a brother of the late Judge A.P. Hascall.
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Obituary The Goshen TimesDied in this city, on Monday, the 10th inst., Amasa Hascall. He was born in Windham county, Conn., July 28, 1787, making him over 90 years of age. This unusual longevity was inherited from his ancestors, his father living to the age of 96. His early years were spent among the pine grubs of the Berkshire hills of Massachusetts, when in 1800 his father removed to the then West - the "Genesee country." in Western New York, where among the many vicissitudes attending the early settlement of that new country, the subject of this sketch had his full share. The period of his early manhood were full of the most exciting events of this country -- the war of 1812, The Indian troubles, the Masonic "Morgan abduction," were exciting to a degree little known to us. That region of country was first settled by the ablest men from all parts of New England States, and the history of that period reads more like romance than reality. He was a warm partisan, and for nearly thirty years held the office of constable, his jurisdiction extending from the Genessee river to Buffalo, and from Lake Ontario to Pennsylvania. As in all new countries, the "desperado" class were numerous, and with this class largely he had to deal, and many a severe encounter he had with them. His stalwart build, quick habit, and true courage, made him feared by this class. During this period, when his duties did not call him away, he was making a farm out of the dense wilderness, and this afterwards became the quiet home where he raised a large family. He loved the quiet of home, the association of his intimate friends, and his late years were spent in comparative comfort. A few years ago he came to this city to spend the remainder of his days with his children, who were all here. And so, full of years and without 'spot os blemish" he has passed away. Peace to his ashes. Amasa was a farmer, served as constable at one time, and was a tax collector for western New York. He was considered a talented player of the violin. In 1868, Amasa followed his sons and moved to Goshen, Elkhart county, Indiana. He traveled by wagon to Buffalo, New York, then by boat to Detroit, Michigan, then overland to Goshen.
6369. Vesta Antoinette Hascall
Vesta Antonette Hascall Will
Estate to go to her Brother Franklin Augustus Hascall
in the event he predeceases her the estate goes to his children and his wife.
Milo Maxfield Hascall, Frank N. Hascall, Hubert E. Hascall and May N. Hascall
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Obituary, The Goshen Daily News-TimesMiss Vesta Antoinette Hascall, aged 82, sister of the late Frank A. Hascall, died this morning at 9:30 at her home at 214 North Second Street. She died of a complication of diseases and though she had been critically ill for the last four weeks, she had been rapidly failing in general health for the past year.
Miss Hascall was born in Le Roy, N. Y., on July 4,1847, was the daughter of Amasa Hascall and Vesta Alderman Hascall, and was on two children born to this union, the other being Frank A. Hascall, who died on Sep. 12 of this year. Amasa Hascall had been married before and Miss Hascall was the last to die of 11 children born to him. The family had resided in the community since 1868 and were well known and respected citizens, prominent in political and social activities.
Miss Hascall was a lifelong member of the Presbyterian church and had been active in all church work up until the past few months. For many years she and Miss Minnie Wilden had conducted a school for young girls in the basement of the courthouse called the Girls; Industrial school, where the household arts were taught. The effect of this course of instruction was far reaching in its benefit to the community. Three nephews, Frank N. Hascall, M. M. Hascall and Hubert Hascall survive.
Probate file, Chandler Ganson, Genesee surrogate court New York
List of next of kin:
Lurena Graves (sister) Kalamazoo Michigan,
Nancy J. Wiard (sister) Le Roy New York,
Elizabeth A. Platt (sister) Vacaville California,
Janes S. Pratt (niece) Colamer Ohio,
Austin B. Ganson (nephew) Haverstraw New York,
Luseby Ballard (sister) Le Roy New York, administratrix
Around 1802 Thomas move to Geneseo, Livingston, New York, where he purchased a farm and established a blacksmith shop. He was the inventor of the Wiard plow. On 1804 he moved to East Avon and started a plow factory, which he operated with his sons the remainder of his life. In 1876 the factory was moved to Batavia.
The following notes were prepared by Richard K. Hascall:
General Charles C. Hascall was one of the first pioneers of Oakland county, Michigan, and founded the first bank started in the city of Pontiac.
Charles C. Hascall commanded a troop of "Oakland Cavalry" during the Black Hawk disturbance. He later moved to Genesee County Michigan and was the first Receiver of the Land Office at Grand Traverse in 1836. He was a prominent citizen of Flint and was proprietor of the Flint Democrat.
On June 7 1828, A letter from Governor Cass to Chas. C. Hascall notified Charles of three affidavits arraigning Charles' conduct as a Justice of the Peace and seeking his removal from office. On June 19 1828 A letter from Governor Cass to Charles C. Hascall notified Charles that he did not find sufficient cause to remove him from office.
On Jan 31 1836 Lucius Lyon wrote to Charles indicating the president's support of statehood for Michigan.
On February 21 1836 Lucius Lyon wrote to Charles as member of the Senate for Michigan. Discussion centered on the boundary dispute with Ohio. If the legislature persisted in its claim the president would be forced to not consider statehood for Michigan. Lucius was encouraging Charles to support the unjust boundary with Ohio in order to ensure statehood. He, however, suggested that the western and southern boundaries could be adjusted somewhat.
Charles served on the first board of trustees(1854) for the Michigan Institute for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, and the Blind located in Flint, Michigan.
KNOWLTON, D. William died 1/31/1856 age 50 years. wife Charlotte Hascall. buried Brecksville Cemetery. born and married in NY.came with his family to Ohio in 1838 and moved to Olmsted Falls.
From the Biographical Directory of the American Congress 1774-1971, we find that Augustus moved to Le Roy in 1815, attended public and private schools; engaged in surveying; studied law, was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Le Roy. He also served as justice of the peace and supervisor and judge of the court of common pleas. He was presidential elector on the Whig ticket of Taylor and Fillmore in 1848. Augustus was elected to the House of Representatives as a Whig to the Thirty-second Congress where he served from 4 March 1851, to 3 March 1853. The Ingham Collegiate Institute of Le Roy was incorporated 6 April 1852, with Augustus as one of the trustees. The Charter of Le Roy was amended 6 April 1856, and Augustus was among the first trustees of the village under the new charter. Augustus served on a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws for the Genesee County Pioneer Association established 5 October 1869, with Augustus as assistant secretary.On the morning of January 17, 1855, a major fire destroyed many business's in Le Roy, among these was the Law Office of Hascall & Bangs.
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Le Roy GazetteThe Hon. Augustus P. Hascall died at his house, in this village, on the morning of June 27th.
This sad event, although not wholly unexpected has saddened the hearts of our whole community.
The subject of this notice was born at Hinsdale, Massachusetts on the 24th day of June, 1800. Soon after his family removed to Canandaigua, and in 1805 thence to Le Roy where, with unimportant exceptions, he had continued to reside until his death. During his youth, notwithstanding the lack of educational advantages incident to a wilderness, by persevering application and industry, he acquired sufficient knowledge to enable him to enter upon the study of the law, qualified himself fully, was admitted to practice and successfully followed his profession until some ten or twelve years since, when he retired from its labors. During all this time his life was marked with no stain. He was was a careful practitioner, a safe counselor, a great discourager of litigation, thoroughly a peacemaker, and an honest lawyer. He had creditably discharged the duties of the offices of Justice of the Peace, Supervisor of the town of Le Roy, Judge of the Genesee Common Pleas, and representative in congress from this Congressional district, and to a remarkable degree enjoyed the confidence of the community in which he lived. He largely interested himself in the education of youth, and for more than thirty years had been a member of the Board of Trustees of the Le Roy Female Seminary and Ingham University. In all local improvements, and in every effort to adorn and beautify our village, he willingly lent his aid. Fond of Society, unusually social, a close observer, with a retentive mind, a good conversationalist, an evening spent in his company gave to his listeners the unwritten history of Western New York, delightfully embellished with anecdote and illustrated with pictures of frontier life.From early youth he was a member, and for many years an elder at the Presbyterian Church society of this village, and did more to promote the material and spiritual growth of the church than any member now surviving him. He was essentially a worker by day and by night in the cause of Christ, and in his daily life exemplified that which he was taught. An affectionate husband, a kind and indulgent father, his family relations were unusually pleasant. To the needy he gave freely; to those suffering in mind he administered consolation; in his death the whole community has lost a friend.
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On March 10, 1852, The Le Roy Gazette reported that Augustus was admitted to practice as Attorney and Counsellor in the U.S. Supreme Court.
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On February 3, 1864, the Rochester Union and Advertiser indicated that Augustus and his son Lucien purchased farms in New Jersey approximately 30 miles from Philadelphia, and were leaving Le Roy. On April 12 1865 the Le Roy Gazette indicated that A.P. Hascall was visiting Le Roy and his residence was Delaware.
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The first anti-slavery meeting held in Le Roy was in August 1835. Judge Hascall and other Le Royans attempted to disperse a mob that had assaulted those at the meeting and were stoned for their efforts.
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The appraisal of his property in August 1872 valued his personal property at $1572, of which $500 was for 800 books in his library. The list of items runs from a wooden potato box at 25 cents to solid silver teaspoons at $1 each. It included an extensive list of furniture and a significant amount of carpets. The appraisal also listed 24 notes owed to Augustus worth approximately $11,000.
Augustus provided $500 each to the children of his deceased son Herman, Alice and William. The balance of his estate went to his four sons, Lucien, Herbert, Theodore and Melvin, after they assure the well being of his wife Malvina. Lucien and Malvina were co-executors of the estate.
Le Roy Gazette
23 March 1842On the 15th inst., in the Insane Asylum at Brattleborough, VT., Mary Elizabeth, wife of Hon. Augustus P. Hascall of this village, aged 35 years.
The deceased, for many years had been afflicted with a severe scrofulous affection, but which, within the last few months past, changed into an internal disease, and in its progress so seriously affected her mind as to produce insanity. As the most promising source of relief she was taken to the above named institution, where soon the disease assumed a more dangerous type, and the fourth day after her arrival terminated her mortal existence. Her father, who, in consequence of the ill health of her husband, had accompanied her, was the only friend, permitted to see her close her eyes in death. All, however, which kindness and skill could do was done by the attending physician, Dr. Rockwell, and the assistants of the institution, to minister to her comfort and to smooth her passage to the grave. The bereaved parent speedily returned with the cold remains to the desolate home of the departed, and on Saturday last, a great and sympathizing congregation gathered to pay the last offices of human kindness and respect to one long and greatly beloved, and many were the tears of affection shed over her grave. A widowed husband, 5 children, parents, a circle of brothers, sisters, and other relatives, the Church of which she was a member, and the community in which she lived unitedly mourn her melancholy and earl departure. But we sorrow not as those who have no hope. For years she has lived the consistent Christian. She was an affectionate wife, a faithful mother, a kind neighbor, and a conscientious professor of the religion of the Gospel. None who new her well, could doubt her love of its doctrines, or her pleasure in its duties. She has gone, we hence believe, from this troubled scene, where pain no more afflicts, where the weary are at rest, and where all tears will be wiped from every eye. May we who live, bear in this afflictive dispensation, the warning voice, " Therefore be ye also ready," and "prepare to meet our God."
From the twenty-second annual reunion of the Association/Graduates of the United States Military Academy at West Point New York held 12 June 1891, we learn the following about the life of Herbert as presented by his cousin Milo S. Hascall and Alfred Mordecai of the U.S. Army.Herbert was appointed a cadet at the United States Military Academy at West Point at the age of seventeen. He graduated with honors 1 July 1856. He was assigned to the Fourth regiment of Artillery and was first stationed at Fort Independence, Boston Harbor. He served in Florida where in 1856-57, he was engaged in the hostilities against the Seminole Indians. In 1858, he was on frontier duty at Fort Leavenworth, quelling the Kansas disturbances. In 1859, he was at Fort Laramie until he joined the expedition against the Mormons in the Utah Territory. During this period on the plains he entertained in his tent Horace Greeley, an incident mentioned in the works of Horace. He served as assistant professor of mathematics at West Point for several years. Shortly after his service at West Point the Civil War started. At his request he was returned to his company where he served with distinction on the staff of General Keyes in the Manassas campaign, July 1861, during the first Battle of Bull Run. For conspicuous bravery during that battle he was promoted to First Lieutenant and Brevet-Captain. He was in command of a battery in the defense of Washington, and in the guarding of the Upper Potomac until September 1861. He was then assigned to the staff of General T.W. Sherman as Assistant Quartermaster where he participated in the Dupont-Sheridan Expedition against Hilton Head and Bay Point, South Carolina. During this service he came down with malaria. Due to this illness he was returned to West Point as assistant professor of mathematics.
From his military personnel records we get a more realistic view of Herbert. On 2 June 1862, he was sent to Brigham Hall asylum where he was diagnosed as suffering from melancholia. He was released 2 February 1863 to the care of his father Augustus. The Rochester Union and Telegraph on April 16, 1863, noted that Herbert and Augustus purchased property in Canandaiqua. Appearantly Augustus moved there to assist his son. Brigham Hall asylum was located in Canandaiqua New York. Augustus later appealed for disability leave for Herbert. A board of inquiry was held and ruled that Herbert was fit for duty. He then resumed his post at the Academy. On 26 January 1863, he accepted a promotion to captain in the 5th U.S. Artillery.
While serving at West Point in 1867, Herman solicited support for a promotion from General Keyes and Sherman. A letter from General Keyes reported on Herbert's action at the Battle of Bull Run. He reported favorably on his performance and indicated that he led the attack on Falls Church. On 25 June 1867, General Sherman wrote a letter of support for Herbert's promotion for service while under his command. These letters are followed by endorsement from General Ulysses S. Grant. Accordingly, Herman was commissioned brevet Major and brevet Lieutenant-Colonel on 27 August 1867. He was later promoted to brevet Colonel. He then returned to duty and entered garrison life at Fort Adams, Rhode Island.
From 15 August 1871 through 31 December 1871, Herbert was forced again to take sick leave due to mental illness. In January 1872, he took a leave of absence to establish a Chair of Mathematics at the Stevens School of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. On 2 May 1872, he was forced to resume his sick leave status. On 18 February 1873, he was again determined to be insane (diagnosis was acute mania) and was transferred to McLean's asylum, Summerville, Massachusetts. By 30 July 1873, Herman was attempting to resume his duties at Fort Adams. The officers called to review his status were reluctant to accept his return. By 12 February 1874, he was in the State Asylum at Utica, New York suffering from depression. He remained on sick leave until November 1874, when he was placed on the retiree list due to disabilities contracted while on duty.
After his retirement he lived most of the time in Gloversville, Fulton, New York. He was most likely in the Canandaigua Asylum in Gloversville, where we find record of him on 7 January 1883. He later moved to Chicago, Cook, Illinois where He died 14 October 1890, from kidney failure.
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The Le Roy Gazette in noting his death, says " Colonel Hascall possessed a warm and loving nature, an exceptionally brilliant intellect, a character as robust as honest, and a presence that attracted all. He was a true friend, the loving husband, the considerate commander, and ever loyal to all; in short he was the true soldier. His genial ways, his ready smile, his anxiety for the good of others, brought to his side real friends wherever he was known, and among his circle of acquaintances were numbered the best and most noted of the land."The funeral of Colonel Hascall occurred on Friday from the former residence of his father on East Main Street in Le Roy, New York. He was buried in the family plot in the Myrtle Street cemetery.
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A report made from the Committee on Pensions submitted to the U.S. Senate, 17 December 1890, to authorize a widows pension for Mary Hascall,widow of Herbert, provides additional insights to the difficulties suffered by Colonel Hascall. Per the Physicians who attended him from 1862 until his death disabilities contacted during his service ultimately culminated in a complication of diseases, chiefly Brights disease which culminated in insanity and death.Herbert Hascall married Mary C. Browne of Oswego, Oswego, New York on 25 September 1866, at Oswego. They had no children. Mrs. Hascall collected a pension until January 1897, when she notified authorities of her remarriage.
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Obituary Le Roy GazetteA dispatch was received here yesterday announcing the death in Chicago of Col. Herbert Hascall, son of the late Judge A.P. Hascall of Le Roy. The deceased was born and educated in Le Roy, going hence to West Point, where he distinguished himself by his scholarship and became a professor of mathematics. He married, served in the war, participated in the first battle of Bull Run, and after the war resided at Oswego. He had suffered from mental troubles, but the cause of his death is not yet learned.
The deceased leaves a wife, a brother Lucian in Kansas, and two half brothers, Theodore and Melvin of New York. The remains are to be brought here for interment in the family lot and will leave Chicago today.
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Obituary Kalamazoo Mi.Lieut.-Col. H.A. Hascall
He passes away quietly at his home after a long illness
Many of our citizens will remember Col. Hascall, who many years ago was a frequent visitor in Kalamazoo, the cousin of Volney Hascall, a former editor of the Gazette, and brother of Herman E. Hascall, for many years a resident here and publisher and editor of the Telegraph. Col. Hascall was very popular here and much admired, one of the most gentlemanly of men and a jolly fellow, remarkable for his soldierly bearing and beloved for geniality and fine social graces - one of the best class of West Point graduates. We had the following notice of him in the Chicago Tribune of Oct. 15. His death will be a source of regret to his many friends in Kalamazoo. He was an uncle of Mrs. Glen Stuart of this city and was a member of the well known Judge Hascall of Le Roy NY:Lieut-Col. Herbert A. Hascall, U.S.A., retired, died yesterday morning (Oct. 14.) at No. 31 third third street. He had been ill for some time and his death was caused by a complication of troubles. The remains will be taken to Le Roy, NY, for interment. Hascall was appointed to West Point in 1852, graduated in 1856, and was gazetted second lieutenant of the fourth Artillery. He was sent to Fort Independence, and from there went to Florida, where he saw service in the Seminole Indian war. In 1857 he went overland to Fort Leavenworth and Fort Laramie and then on to Utah, participating in the Mormon troubles. He was then ordered back to West Point and appointed assistant professor of mathematics. In 1861 he entered the field as captain of the fifth artillery, and was in the battle of Bull Run, and other engagements. Afterwards he was appointed quartermaster of the federal troops at Hilton Head SC, and remained there until taken ill. After his recovery he returned to West Point and this time was tutor of Fred Grant and Admiral Farragut's son. In 1863 he was breveted major in the regular army, and in 1865 was promoted for faithful service to a lieutenant colonelcy. In 1874 he was placed upon the retired list for disability contracted while on duty.
51st Congess, 2nd session
Report # 3362
January 6, 1891
Mary B. Hascall
Report on widows pension
Charles M. Hascall was born April 1840, in New York (probably Le Roy). He enrolled in Captain Burrow's Company, 17 Michigan regiment, on 8 July 1862. His Muster-in date was 2 August 1862. On August 8, he was reported as sick in a hospital in Washington. His death is reported as 5 September 1862, of typhoid. He died at Washington, District of Columbia. He is reported as buried in Washington by the U.S. Army. The family plot at the Myrtle Street cemetery in Le Roy, New York also contains a plot for Charles.
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Le Roy Gazette, New York
September 10, 1862Death of a soldier
Charles Morris Hascall, 17th Michigan Infantry, son of Hon. A.P. Hascall of Le Roy, died of fever at the Hospital in Washington, D.C., on Friday, Sept. 5th aged 23 years
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The Kalamazoo Gazette
September 12, 1862A report has reached town, which we fear will prove correct, that Charles M. H. Hascall, brother of H. E. late of the Telegraph and Chas. Alcott both died in the hospital in Washington last week. They were members of Capt. Burrows Company, 17th Regiment, which left the state only three weeks ago.
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U.S. Veterans' Gravesites, ca.1775-2019
Name: Charles Hascall
Death Date: 6 Sep 1862
Plot: Site 3438
Notes: PVT D 17 MICH INF
Le Roy GazetteMrs. Malvina H. Hascall, wife of the late judge Hascall, died at her residence in Le Roy, on Wednesday, after an illness of several months.
Mrs. Hascall was the fifth daughter of Silas And Charlotte Conkling Simons, of Canajoharie, N.Y., who removed to Pavilion, where she was born February 3, 1820. When 14 years of age she went to New York to receive her education, and remained there seven years with her uncle, Mr. Jonas Conkling, an extensive and well known carpet merchant in those days. On April 23, 1844, she was united in marriage with Hon. Augustus P. Hascall, who died June 27, 1872, at the age of 72 years. She united with the Le Roy Presbyterian church in 1841, and retained her membership to the close of her life. Judge Hascall represented this district in congress during the administration of Presidents Pierce and Fillmore. At one of the latter levees she was escorted to dinner by the president, an honor very highly esteemed by the ladies at the capital on such occasions. Mrs. Hascall was a prominent member of Washington society at the time, being very attractive in conversation and appearance.
Last fall Mrs. Hascall made her usual visit to her sons and other relatives in New York, and while there in April she was attacked by bronchocele, and owing to her age and the speedy development of the fungus growth, the difficulty was beyond the reach of surgery or any remedy known to medicine. The highest medical talent was employed, but to no advantage. Recognizing that her days were numbered, she became possessed of the desire to return to Le Roy, where the remains of her husband are resting, and was accordingly brought her in about the middle of May. Notwithstanding the steady progress of the disease she was cheerful and resigned to the last, putting her trust in Him "Who doeth all things well" and expressing her entire willingness to await the summons of the Master. It was indeed a beautiful illustration of how the Christian may die. She passed away on Wednesday, amid the sorrow of the whole community.
Marriage Notes for Augustus Porter Hascall and Malvina H. Simons
MARRIAGE:
Le Roy Newspaper
April 24, 1944Married
In this village on Tuesday morning, by the Rev. Mr. Crawford, Hon A. P. Hascall to Miss Melvina H. Simons, all of Le Roy.
Prior to 1810 lived at Mt. Morris, New York.
Served in War of 1812
1850 census in Jackson County, Michigan, has Samuel in Michigan State Prison, Jackson, since 1847 on conviction of perjury.
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Michigan Soldiers Home records for Samuel S. Hascall
Enlisted December 1862, Hanover Michigan
Private G Company 7 Michigan Cavalry
Discharged March 29, 1865 at Washington DC (disablity rheumatism and general debility)
Entered Old Soldiers Home July 24 1888
Died March 8, 1890
Married, next of kin not given.
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1880 census has him listed as married, but no spouse with him.
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Military pension file of Samuel S. Hascall
Injured, by horse falling on him in the spring of 1865. Injury to left ankle.
6398. Bartholomew Pratt Hascall
Died in Michigan Soldiers Home
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Probate record shows the value of the estate as $65
Martha H. TenEyck and Helen H. Woodward presented themselves as his sisters and only living Heirs.
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Michigan Soldiers Home records for Pratt B. Hascall
Enlisted August 6, 1862, Detroit Michigan
Corp. 24 Michigan Infantry
Discharged in the field September 25, 1863 for chronic diarahea and rheumatism .
Contracted rheumatism at Fredericksburg December 13, 1862.
Contracted Diarahea at Gettsyburg July 6, 1863.
Entered Old soldiers home April 30, 1886. Died there July 9, 1891