James Hallett - Obituary
March 25, 1822 - March 17, 1889
The Herald, Mt. Carroll, Carroll Co., IL
Obituary Published March 22, 1889

James Hallett
In 1816 when Moses Hallett and John Bancroft left Barnstable, Mass., and for a period of 76 days blazed their way over the mountains, and through forests to the wilds of Howard county, Mo., they formed the advance guard of that arm of study, fearless pioneers, that made it possible for the early followers to make of this country, the beautiful dwelling place of man, it has since became. The trials and hardships, suffering, and self-denial of the old frontiersmen, has passed into history. It is part of the heritage of the children of these hills, and valleys, and plains, But the women of that early day, were the ones who exercised the greater courage, and fortitude. And, great indeed, must have been the love, and adoration of those women, for their husbands when they voluntarily severed all their ties and associations of childhood, home, and amid tears and lamentations, went forth into the great unknown country. Such a woman was Eunace Crowell, of Hyannis, Mass., and when she became the wife of Moses Hallett, who had returned from Missouri to claim his bride, and started with her husband for his new home. She knew she had said goodbye forever to her birthplace, to home, kindred and friends, and taken up her burden, to lay it aside at her Master's call. These two names, Hallett and Crowell are linked with all the early settlements, and associations of Cape Cod, from the landing of the Pilgrims to the present day. Moses Hallett and Eunace Crowell were of these brave, and God fearing people, and late in the "twenties" when they emigrated from Missouri, first to Shuyllsburg, Wis., then to Jo Daviess county, Ill., in 1831 , they brought with them, their first-born son, James, and at the old "Glen Farm," amid all the turbulent scenes of that time - Indian insurrections, , when the family were compelled to retreat into Apple River Fort, because of the then existing Black Hawk war, the early mining excitement of Galena, and all the circumstances attending the development and settlement of a new country, James Hallett was reared. James Hallett was not the only child of these parents. Timothy, still a prominent resident of Galena, Ill., Bartlett, who died 16 years ago, and whose memory is green in the hearts of the people of Carroll county because of his pure life and character. One daughter, Lucy, now Mrs. Samuel Snider of Lena, Ill., and the youngest son, Moses, Judge of the U. S. District Court of Colorado. Is it any wonder this family stands in almost every page in the history of this part of the state?
James Hallett came to Mt. Carroll with his brother Bartlett in 1847 and has lived here continuously ever since. He was married to Amanda M. F. Lindsay, a child of Virginia parents. The eldest son, Russell, lives in Mount Carroll, and William resides at Wyoming, IA. The youngest son, Reuben, is connected with a manufacturing establishment in Cincinnati, Ohio. The daughter, Effie L., is with her mother. One son, Walter, being dead.
Mr. Hallett engaged in the occupation of farming, and that of brick manufacture, and up to the moment of his death, his busy brain was at work. he furnished the material and erected nearly all of the public buildings of Carroll County His brick manufacture was extended to adjoining towns, and counties, and at one time was operating three yards. With all public movements he has been associated. County and personal trusts have been reposed in him, and in all educational interests he was at the front. He has given employment to more men than any other businessman in the county, and many a man now living, can testify to his kindly heart, and consideration. James Hallett was one of the best types of American manhood. His long and busy career so suddenly ended, is proof that he was happy in work. He toiled with his men early and late, and asked no man to do what he was not willing to do himself. All of his business transactions partook of the strictest adherence to truth and justice. His mind was vigorous and comprehensive, and he directed and managed many business speculations at the same time. If he mistook impulses for convictions, he was the first to admit the error. On all questions requiring a firm and decided expression of opinion, no man can accuse James Hallett of hesitating or faltering. He never sacrificed his dignity to an overweening deference to anything or anybody. He was loyal and courageous, stern and inflexible in purpose, simple in manner and habit of life. He despised vulgar display, and abominated vanity. He was not without his faults. Never can the old adage be used with truer or firmer emphasis, "They were of the head, and not the heart." In politics, he was an old time Whig, but upon the birth of the Republican part he supported all its candidates till 1886, when he openly and loyally indorsed the Prohibition movement, having been a rigid temperance man all his life. In this, as all other convictions, he was fearless and cared naught for the criticism of others. With him, temperance, and prohibition were questions of right, and duty, to be held above all else.
The religious life of James Hallett is known by all who ever came in contact with him, or entered his home. He united with the Presbyterian Church in Galena, in 1840, and changed his connection to the Presbyterian church of Mt. Carroll in 1847, under the pastorate of Rev. Calvin Gray. His devotion to his society, his earnest and tireless work in its interest, is known and remembered by all. He remained loyal to the Presbyterian Church, and in 1871, when it was no longer able to maintain itself financially, and never afterward maintained regular services, he did not falter in his duty, but chose to worship with the Lutheran denomination in Mt. Carroll. In the Sunday School he was a familiar figure, and was fourteen years at the head of the Lutheran school, and believed it to be a great educator. He believed all children received, and took on impressions for good, and become conscious of responsibilities that never afterwards left them. But it was in the home, in the society of his wife, and children, and friends, that the true beauty of his worth and character became apparent. No guest ever left that home but what he carried with him some appreciation of the influence of Christian teaching. Ever thoughtful, kind and considerate. He loved his home. As his boys grew into manhood, some married and left the old home, the others duties kept them much away. About Effie, the daughter, his heartstrings became entwined, and he was very happy with her. In the latter years of his life, as his increased heart trouble compelled him to abandon somewhat the rush and work of the past, the life of the home became beautiful. He passed a great deal of his time in their society, and was never content when not near his wife, who was constant in her loving care every moment. For over forty years they have been loving and faithful companions, and were devoted to each other.
The stricken lady and family have the heart-felt sympathy of all, in their sorrow and grief. On Saturday night Mr. Hallett complained more than usual of increased difficulty in breathing, and was unable to sleep. He had written up his diary, spent some time over the newspaper, and had retired. Finding sleep impossible, he arose and arranged his pillows in a large easy chair before the fire. Mrs. Hallett was about him all the time, and together they had examined the R. R. Time table, to ascertain if the incoming train from the west was past due, as they expected their son William that morning. He remarked that it was "too late to look for Will now," and laid the paper aside. Mrs. Hallett had left him for a moment, but hearing a gasp and a sign, turned quickly and rushed to her husband's side. His head had fallen over, his eyes presented an unnatural appearance, he tried to speak but could not, and in a few swiftly rushing seconds, as the clock was upon the stroke of three, on the morning of March 17 his spirit passed from his body. Mrs. Hallett's cries brought Effie, and Mr. Hallett's two nieces from their rooms, the assistance of the neighbors was called in, and Dr. Shimer sent for. He came as quickly as possible, but his journey was useless.
The funeral services were held at the family residence Monday afternoon, conducted by Rev. C. A. Gelwicks of the Lutheran Church, assisted by Rev. E. Wells of the Baptist Church. Rev. Gelwicks delivered a touching and impressive address, dwelling upon the personal life and character of the deceased, and a review of his long and useful career. Rev. Luman A. Pettibone of Burlington, Wis., who for many years has been a close and intimate friend of the family, pronounced a tender and loving eulogy, after which an opportunity was given the old friends and neighbors to look upon the face of their dead companion, for the last time on earth. The old settlers association, of which Mr. Hallett was a member, served as an escort, and in the cemetery over-looking the old home, at the close of a beautiful day, all that was mortal of this loving husband, kind father and faithful friend was laid at rest.
He has not lived in vain, tho' some griefs of his life were bitter and would try the courage of the bravest of men, he bore that crushing sorrow with patience and humility, looking to Him, whose pitying heart broke with sympathy for this world's woe, saying, "My Lord, and My God."