He was born in May 1834, in Ireland, to Joseph J Hall and Mary Stewart. [sources: date: 20 (1835), 25 (28 in 1861), 30, 31, 32 (35 in 1870), 37 (79 in 1914), 48 (46 in 1880), 53 (16 in 1850), 54 (1835), 61, 63 (26 in 1860). place: 30, 31, 32 (PA), 48, 53, 61, 63 (PA). parents: 61; 53, 63]
He immigrated to the United States in 1836. [source: 31]
In 1850, he was (probably) living in ward 4, Moyamensing, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with Joseph and Mary Hall (presumably his parents), and with Maria, Elizabeth, Lydia, Margaret, William, and James (presumably siblings). He was not working. [source: 53]
In 1860/1861, he married Mary Bardsley. She was born in December 1833, in England. This was the first marriage for each of them. They had no known children. [sources: 30, 31, 37, 61 (born 15 April 1833, Oldham, Lancashire, England)]
In 1860, he was apparently living in Covington City, Kenton, Kentucky. He was living with his brother William, William's family, and with his father Joseph and brother Stewart. He was a stone cutter. [source: 63]
When he enlisted, he was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [source: 25]
Matthew Hall was mustered into service and appointed first lieutenant in company E on 9 September 1861, at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was mustered in by Lieutenant Colonel Reiff, at Philadelphia Pennsylvania. [sources: 1, 3, 19, 25, 28 (20 Aug 61), 38, 41, 49 (30 Aug 61 as private), 51, 64, 68]
On 29 June 1862, he, along with the other commissioned officers in the regiment (except Colonel Gregory), signed a statement denying accusations that they were on the verge of open mutiny, that the regiment had been reduced to 400 men, and that Colonel Gregory was too lenient to Confederates and too harsh to men in the regiment. [source: 36]
He was promoted from first lieutenant to captain on 20 December 1862, when John Lentz was promoted. [sources: 1, 3, 19, 25, 42, 51]
On 12 June 1863, he certified various facts about the death of William S Willis, supporting the pension application of Willis's mother. [source: 69]
He fought at the Battle of Gettysburg. He was wounded there in the arm on 2 July 1863, by a bullet Walter describes as appearing "mysteriously" among them. He was sent to the hospital, along with John Henry. [sources: 1, 3, 7, 19, 22, 25, 28 (20 Aug 61), 38, 41, 49 (30 Aug 61 as private)]
His leave was extended on 30 July and 19 August, and as of 28 August his time was to expire on 7 September 1863. It expired on 4 October 1863. He was granted a ten-day extension on 5 October 1863. [sources: 8, 21 (probable further extensions), 23, 24]
On 12 October 1863, the Philadelphia Press published a letter signed by men on duty at Camp Cadwalader, including Matthew Hall, asking Pennsylvanians to re-elect Governor Curtin. [source: 46]
On 1 November 1863, he certified that William Bryson had been killed in the line of duty. [source: 50]
Joseph Rementer (E) began working as his cook on 6 November 1863, and was still his cook on 14 November 1863 and 30 December. [sources: 9, 10]
He accompanied a detail for picket duty on 20 November 1863. [source: 11]
He was detached by Colonel Gregory on 1 March 1864, to collect conscripts in Philadelphia. [source: 12]
On 20 June 1864, he certified that John Monteith had served in company E and died of wounds received in action. His statement located him "near Petersburg Va". [source: 55]
On 29 June 1864, he was the only commissioned officer in company E, with 83 enlisted men, 41 of whom were present for duty. [source: 13]
On 5 July 1864, he was appointed to a Board of Survey to determine what government property was in company C. On 5 July 1864, he certified that Thomas Riley had served as a private in company E, and was killed on 12 May 1864 in action at Spottsylvania, Virginia. [sources: 15, 56]
On 10 July 1864, he was appointed to a Board of Survey to determine what government property was in company D. [source: 16]
On 17 July 1864, he certified that Joseph H Prickett had served in his company and died after being wounded in action on 18 June 1864. [source: 58]
On 30 August 1864, he certified that Charles Mellor (E) died of wounds received while charging the enemy's works. [source: 57]
On 24 September 1864, he was appointed a member of a council of administration. On 27 September 1864, he was ordered to turn over to Theodore Hope the ordnance, ordnance stores, and other property in company E. [sources: 17, 18]
He mustered out when his term expired, on 28 September 1864. He was then Captain of company E. [sources: 1 (9 Sep), 2 (29 Sep), 3, 9, 25 (9 Sep), 28, 33, 47 (9 Sep), 49, 51, 64 (9 Sep), 68]
On 11 May 1870, he testified in support of the pension application of William S Willis's mother. [source: 69]
In 1870, he was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, with his wife Mary. His occupation was "ret [?] Hardware Store", and he owned $15,000 in real property and $2,500 in personal property. [source: 32]
In 1871, he joined Post 2, Philadelphia, of the Grand Army of the Republic. [source: 49]
At a meeting of the 91st's survivors after Edgar Gregory's death, he was appointed to a committee to draft resolutions about Gregory's death. In November 1871, he was part of the committee assigned to write a constitution and by-laws for the 91st's Survivors' Association. [sources: 35, 45]
At the first meeting of the Survivors' Association, on 4 December 1871, he was elected Treasurer. [source: 44]
He applied successfully for a pension on 2 January 1878. [sources: 27, 47]
In 1880, he was living at 1623 Pine Street, 7th ward, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was living with his wife Mary, and a servant. He was a hardware merchant. [source: 48]
In 1881, he was Post Commander of post 2, Philadelphia, of the Grand Army of the Republic. [source: 49]
He was on the committee of arrangements for the 1884 meeting of the 91st's Survivors' Association. He attended the meeting, and was elected treasurer. [sources: 6, 41]
At the December 1885 meeting of the regiment's Survivors' association, he was Treasurer. [source: 60]
At the December 1886 meeting of the regiment's Survivors' association, he was elected Treasurer. [source: 59]
On 6 February 1889, he was elected to the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. He had insignia number 6767. [sources: 34, 51, 52]
In 1889, he had been appointed Inspector-General of the Grand Army of the Republic. [source: 49]
In 1890, he was living in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, perhaps at 826 Preston Street. If he was living there, his occupation was slate mantels, at 1927 Market Street. He had a wounded arm. [sources: 28, 29]
In 1900, he was living at 4036 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a dealer (and repairer??) in heaters. He owned the house, and it was mortgaged. He was living with his wife, Mary, and their servant, Ann L Brien. Mary had had no children. [source: 30]
On 8 March 1907, he again applied for a pension, under the Act of 6 February 1907. He received $15 per month, retroactive to 8 March 1907; the pension certificate was dated 15 October 1907. [sources: 47, 67]
Effective 24 May 1909, his pension was increased, to $20 per month. The pension certificate was issued on 15 June 1909. [source: 67]
In 1910, he was living at 4036 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was a merchant, in mantels and tiles. He was living with his wife Mary, and various boarders. [source: 30]
His widow, Mary, died on 10 May 1910, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. On 13 May 1910, her funeral service was held, at her late residence, 4036 Spring Garden Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. [sources: 61, 65, 66]
On 3 October 1910, the Pension Bureau issued a duplicate pension certificate. [source: 67]
Effective 17 May 1912, his pension was increased to $30 per month, under the Act of 11 May 1912. [source: 67]
He died on 9 May 1914, in Erie, Pennsylvania. The funeral was held at 5024 Race Street, where his sister Mrs Lydia Pacey lived. Among those invited to attend was Post 2 of the Grand Army of the Republic. He was buried in Westminster Cemetery, Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. [sources: 20, 37, 47, 54, 61, 64]
1 Bates, Samuel Penniman. History of Pennsylvania volunteers, 1861-5. Harrisburg: B. Singerly, state printer, 1869-71. 5 volumes. 'Ninety-first regiment', volume 3, pages 186-233. (In the roster, and p.189.)
3 list of commissioned officers, company E
4 Thomas F Walter, 'Personal recollections and experiences of an obscure soldier', Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail v.3 #40 p.1.
5 Joseph Welch, Pennsylvania at Gettysburg. Volume 1: 1914, pp.500-507, at page 502.
6 newspaper accounts of the 1884 reunion: Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail, 20 September 1884, page 5, column 4; and Grand Army Scout and Soldiers' Mail, 20 December 1884, page 6 column 2.
7 Pennsylvania Memorial, 91st Pennsylvania plaque, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (Matthew Hall)
8 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 28 August 1863
9 letter, Gregory to Marvin, 14 November 1863
10 letter, Sellers to Marvin, 30 December 1863
11 special order 107, HQ 91st PA, 20 November 1863
12 letter, Sinex to Marvin, 7 March 1864
13 letter, Gregory to Bennett, 29 June 1864
14 special order 13, HQ 91st PA, 1 March 1864
15 special order 63, HQ 91st PA, 5 July 1864
16 special order 65, HQ 91st PA, 10 July 1864
17 special order 85, HQ 91st PA, 24 September 1864
18 special order 87, HQ 91st PA, 27 September 1864
19 regimental descriptive book
20 Westminster cemetery (Bala Cynwyd) records, on http://www.thefinalwalt.com (thanks to Amy Waltz!) (Matthew Hall)
21 letters received, #6, received 4 August 1863, dated 31 July; #14, received 21 August, dated 19 August; #30, received 12 September 1863, dated 8 September; #33, received 23 September 1863, dated 19 September; #34, received 27 September, dated 24 September; #37, received 8 October, dated 5 [?] October (Matthew Hall)
22 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 8 August 1863 (Capt Hall)
23 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 7 October 1863 (Cap Hall)
24 consolidated morning report, 91st PA, 9 October 1863 (not named)
25 Civil War Veterans' Card File, available at the Pennsylvania State Archives, searched 5 May 2004 (Matthew Hall)
26 consolidated morning report, 91st Pennsylvania, 20 April 1864 (Capt Hall)
27 pension index, by name (Matthew Hall)
28 1890 US Census, Veterans' schedule, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 535, page 1 (image 1762 on Ancestry), line 9 (Matthew Hall)
29 1890 Gopsill's Philadelphia directory (Matthew Hall)
30 1900 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (ward 24), supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 561, page 11 (stamped 132A), lines 17-19 (Matthew Hall)
31 1910 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia (ward 24), supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 512, sheet 2, lines 57-58 (Matthew Hall)
32 1870 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, 7th ward 19th district, page 356 =handwritten page 72, lines 14-17 (Mathew Hall)
33 consolidated morning report, 30 September 1864 (Capt Hall)
34 "Original Companions of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States" (Matthew Hall)
35 'The Reserves', Philadelphia Inquirer, 18 November 1871, page 2 (Matt. Hall)
36 'Ninety-first Pennsylvania Regiment'. Philadelphia Inquirer, 11 July 1862, page 2 (Matthew Hall)
37 [death notice], Philadelphia Inquirer, 12 May 1914, page 8 (Mathew Hall)
38 'Camp Chase at Gray's Ferry' Philadelphia Inquirer 19 October 1861 page 8 (- Hall)
39 'Camp Chase', Philadelphia Inquirer 30 November 1861 (Matthew Hall)
40 'Departure of Col. Gregory's regiment', Philadelphia Inquirer 22 January 1862 page 2 (Matthew Hall)
41 'G.A.R.', Philadelphia Inquirer 6 September 1884, page 3 (Matthew Hall)
42 'Promotion in the Ninety-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers', 'Promotion in the Ninety-first regiment ...', Philadelphia Inquirer 15 May 1863 page 8 (Lieut Hall)
43 'The Battles at Gettysburg', Philadelphia Inquirer 7 July 1863 page 2 (Matt. Hall)
44 'Ninety-first regiment', Philadelphia Inquirer 5 December 1871 page 3 (Matthew Hall)
45 'General Gregory'. Philadelphia Inquirer 11 November 1871 page 2. (Captain Hall)
46 'An urgent appeal from the soldiers', Philadelphia Press, 12 October 1863, page 2 (Matthew Hall)
47 pension index, by regiment, 91st PA Infantry, company E (Matthew Hall)
48 1880 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, ward 7, supervisor's district 1, enumeration district 127, microfilm series T9, film 1170, page 182D = 20 handwritten (Matthew Hall)
49 Beath, Robert B. History of the Grand Army of the Republic. NY: Bryan, Taylor, & Co., 1889. Page 149 (Matthew Hall)
50 certificate, dated 1 November 1863, in pension certificate file, Rebecca Bryson, National Archives and Records Administration, RG 15, certificate WC 19,912 (Matthew Hall)
51 Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Register of the Commandery of the State of Pennsylvania April 15, 1865--September 1, 1902. Philadelphia, 1902. (Matthew Hall)
52 Register of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States. Compiled from the Registers and Circulars of the Various Commanderies by J. Harris Aubin. Boston: Published under the Auspices of the Commandery of the State of Massachusetts, 1 January 1906. (Matthew Hall)
53 1850 US census, Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Moyamensing, ward 4, microfilm series M432, film 809, page 442 = 879 handwritten (Matthew Hall)
54 Find a grave memorial 10128071 (accessed 19 September 2010) (Matthew Hall)
55 widow's pension certificate file, NARA, certificate 52,669, Sarah widow of John Monteath (Matthew Hall)
56 abstract of widow's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate 38,120, Ann Powers widow of Thomas D Riley
57 dependent's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 44,752, Julia Mellor mother of Charles A Mellor (Matthew Hall)
58 abstract of children's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, certificate WC 125,266, Mary Prickett et al. (Matthew Hall)
59 [survivors' association]. National Tribune 6 January 1887 page 6 (Matthew Hall)
60 'War Veterans Banqueting', Philadelphia Inquirer 15 December 1885 page 8 (Matthew Paul)
61 Pennsylvania death indices, 1914 ('Hall, Matthew; 48110; Erie; May 9.')
62 'Hall', an Ancestry family tree, owner Maryhfarnett, accessed 8 February 2014 (Matthew Hall)
63 1860 US census, Kentucky, Kenton, Covington City, ward 4, microfilm series M653, film 379, page 163 handwritten = 667 handwritten (FamilySearch) (Mathew Hall)
64 Pennsylvania, veterans burial cards, 1777-1999 (Matthew Hall)
65 Pennsylvania death indices, 1910 ('Hall, Mary; 53924; Phila.; May 10.')
66 death notice, Philadelphia inquirer, Friday 13 May 1910, page 7 (Mary Hall)
67 Veterans administration pension payment cards, 1907-1933 (Matthew Hall)
68 index to compiled service records of volunteer Union soldiers who served in organizations from the state of Pennsylvania (Matther Hall)
69 dependent's pension certificate file, National Archives and Records Administration, record group 15, Eliza Willis mother of William S Willis, WC 146,647 (Matthew Hall)
Captain Matthew Hall, Inspector-General, entered the service August 30, 1861, as a Private 91st Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and was wounded in the arm at Gettysburg. He was mustered-out as Captain on the expiration of the three years term. Joined Post 2, Philadelphia, in 1871, and was Post Commander in 1881; was appointed Inspector-General to fill vacancy caused by the resignation of Comrade Wm. F. Rogers.
| line | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| Dwellings visited | 673 | ||||||||
| Families visited | 764 | ||||||||
| Name | Joseph Hall | Mary " | Maria " | Elizabeth " | Lydia I " | Margaret " | William " | Matthew " | Jas " |
| Age | 50 | 50 | 18 | 14 | 6 | 3 | 18 | 16 | 9 |
| Sex | M | F | F | F | F | F | M | M | M |
| Color | |||||||||
| Occupation of males over 15 years | laborer | none | tailoress | app Carpenter | none | ||||
| Real estate owned | |||||||||
| Birthplace | " [sc. Ireld] | " | " | Pa | " | " | Ireld | " | Pa |
| Married within year | |||||||||
| Attended school within year | 1 | 1 | |||||||
| Over 20 & can't read/write | |||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 |
| Dwelling number | 981 | |||||||
| Family number | 1163 | |||||||
| Name | William Hall | Mary " | Emma " | Mary " | William " | Joseph " | Mathew " | Stewart " |
| Age | 29 | 24 | 4 | 2 | 2/12 | 50 | 26 | 18 |
| Sex | M | F | F | F | M | M | M | M |
| Color | ||||||||
| Occupation | Stone Cutter | Engineer | Stone Cutter | " | ||||
| Value of real estate owned | ||||||||
| Value of personal estate | 500 | |||||||
| Place of birth | Ireland | Pennsylvania | " | Kentucky | " | Ireland | Pennsylvania | " |
| Married within year | ||||||||
| Attended school within year | ||||||||
| Cannot read & write | ||||||||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. |
| line | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 |
| Dwelling-house number | 452 | |||
| Family number | 492 | |||
| Name | Hall Mathew | - Mary | Conner Ann | Bardsley John |
| Age | 35 | 35 | 50 | 33 |
| Sex | M | F | F | M |
| Color | W | W | B | W |
| Occupation | ret [?] Hardware Store | Keeping house | Domestic Servant | Ret [?] Hardware Store |
| Real estate value | 15,000 | 30,000 | ||
| Personal estate value | 2500 | 20,000 | ||
| Birthplace | Penna | England | Virginia | England |
| Father foreign born | 1 | 1 | ||
| Mother foreign born | 1 | 1 | ||
| Birth month if born within year | ||||
| Marriage month if married within year | ||||
| Attended school past year | ||||
| Can't read | 1 | |||
| Can't write | 1 | |||
| Deaf, dumb, blind, etc. | ||||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old | 1 | 1 | ||
| Male US citizen at least 21 years old who can't vote ... |
| line | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| street name | Pine | ||
| house number | 1623 | ||
| dwelling visit # | 172 | ||
| family visit # | 221 | ||
| name | Hall Matthew | - Mary | Conner Ann |
| color | W | W | B |
| sex | M | F | F |
| age | 46 | 46 | 67 |
| month born if born in year | |||
| relationship | wife | servant | |
| single | |||
| married | 1 | 1 | |
| widowed/divorced | 1 | ||
| married during year | |||
| occupation | Hardware Merchant | Keeping house | Cook |
| months unemployed | |||
| currently ill? | |||
| blind | |||
| deaf/dumb | |||
| idiotic | |||
| insane | |||
| disabled | |||
| school this year | |||
| can't read | 1 | ||
| can't write | 1 | ||
| birthplace | Ireland | England | Maryland |
| father's birthplace | Ireland | England | Maryland |
| mother's birthplace | Ireland | England | Maryland |
| line | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| street | Spring Garden St | ||
| house number | 4036 | ||
| dwelling number | 212 | ||
| family number | 213 | ||
| name | Hall Matthew | __ Mary | Brien Ann L |
| relationship | Head | Wife | Servant |
| color | W | W | W |
| sex | M | F | F |
| birth date | May 1834 | Dec 1833 | Dec 1853 |
| age | 66 | 66 | 46 |
| married? | M | M | S |
| # years married | 39 | 39 | |
| mother of how many children? | 0 | ||
| # of children living | 0 | ||
| birthplace | Ireland | England | Ireland |
| father's birthplace | Ireland | England | Ireland |
| mother's birthplace | Ireland | England | Ireland |
| immigration year | |||
| # years in USA | |||
| naturalized citizen? | |||
| occupation | Dealer Heater [?] + Rep [??] | Servant | |
| # months not employed | 0 | 0 | |
| # months in school | |||
| can read | yes | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes | yes |
| speaks English | yes | yes | yes |
| owned/rented | O | ||
| free or mortgaged | M | ||
| farm/house | H | ||
| # of farm schedule | |||
| line | 57 | 58 |
| street | Spring Garden st | |
| house nr | 4036 | |
| dwelling nr | 29 | |
| family nr | 48 | |
| name | Hall Matthew | __ Mary |
| relationship | Head | Wife |
| sex | M | F |
| color | W | W |
| age | 75 | 75 |
| marrital status | M1 | M1 |
| #years present marriage | 49 | 49 |
| mother of children | 0 | |
| mother of living children | 0 | |
| birthplace | Ireland (Eng) | England Eng |
| father's birthplace | Ireland (Eng) | England Eng |
| mother's birthplace | Ireland (Eng) | England Eng |
| immigrated | 1836 | 1841 |
| naturalized/alien | ||
| speaks English | yes | yes |
| occupation | Merchant Mantels - Tiles | none |
| employer etc. | Emp | |
| out of work 15 Apr 1910? | ||
| # weeks out of work 1909 | ||
| can read | yes | yes |
| can write | yes | yes |
| school since 1 Sep 09 | ||
| owned/rented | O | |
| owned free or mortagaged | M | |
| farm/house | H | |
| nr on farm schedule | ||
| civil war vet | ||
| blind | ||
| deaf & dumb | ||
HALL.--May 9, 1914, at Erie, Pa., Captain MATHEW, husband of late Mary Hall, aged 79 years. Relatives and friends, also Potter Lodge, No. 441, F. and A. M.; Post No. 2, G.A.R., and Survivors of Company E, 91st Regiment, Penna. Volunteers, are invited to attend funeral services, on Wednesday, at 2.30 P.M., at residence of his sister, Mrs. Lydia J. Pacey, 5024 Race st. Interment at Westminster Cemetery.
HALL.--On May 10, 1910, MARY, wife of Mathew Hall. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the funeral services on Friday, at 2 P M precisely, at her late residence, 4036 Spring Garden st. Interment private.
| CLASS. | RATE. | DATE OF COMMENCEMENT. | DATE OF CERTIFICATE. |
| REISSUE | 15 | Mch 8 /07 | Oct. 15/07 |
| INCREASE | 20 | May 24/09 | June 15/09 |
| Dupl. REISSUE | 30 | May 17/12 | Oct 3/10. July 10/12 |