Every genealogist dreams of uncovering a long-lost piece of their family’s history, a tangible connection to the past that brings ancestors’ stories to life. For me, that dream became a reality when I was unexpectedly reunited with the Hall Family Bible, a cherished heirloom that once belonged to my 5th great-grandparents, Abel Hall (1743–1816) and Caroline Brockway (1748–1807). This remarkable journey began with a simple forum post from a stranger and led to the recovery of an ancestral treasure, filled with invaluable genealogical insights and personal letters that shed light on the lives of my early American ancestors.
The Unexpected Forum Post
One day, as I was going through my usual genealogy forums and message boards, I was surprised to find a post someone that had come into possession of an old family bible due to a death in their family, and wanted to pass it on to a direct descendant. This was the Hall Family Bible that had belonged to Caroline Hall (Brockway).
After seeing this post I immediately responded to let him know that I was a descendant and very much interested in the bible. We then exchanged emails to confirm details and figure out how to transfer the bible. I was immediately intrigued and a bit skeptical—after all, what were the chances that a family bible belonging to my 5th great-grandparents, Abel Hall and Caroline Brockway, would surface in Ohio? Abel and Caroline were from Lyme, Connecticut and I lived at the time outside Rochester, New York.
This unexpected forum post set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to the recovery of a priceless piece of my family’s history, a connection I never thought I’d have the chance to make.
Actual Forum Post and Initial Reply
I no longer seem to have the email exchanges with the contact that had the bible, but I was able to locate the original forum post online at genealogy.com:
Here is my response to the forum post back in 2009 which eventually led me to obtaining the Hall Family Bible.
The Family Connection to Cleveland
Once I received the message about the Hall Family Bible, the next challenge was ensuring that this precious item made its way back to me. The sender had mentioned that they were located in Cleveland, Ohio, which was quite a distance from where I lived at the time. Thankfully, I had a cousin (also a Hall descendant) who lived in the Cleveland area, which turned out to be a pivotal factor in this story.
I reached out to my Cleveland-based relative, explaining the situation and asking if they could assist in retrieving the bible. Fortunately, they were willing and able to help. They made arrangements to meet with the person who had found the bible, ensuring it was safely in their hands. This relative then coordinated with his father, my uncle, who was traveling to my area, providing a direct route for the bible to be delivered to me.
The process was smooth, thanks to the cooperation and generosity of all involved. My Cleveland cousin and the finder of the bible displayed remarkable kindness and dedication, treating the bible with the care and respect it deserved. Their efforts made it possible for me to reconnect with a piece of my family’s past that could have otherwise been lost forever.
Receiving the bible was an emotional and deeply gratifying experience. It was more than just a physical object—it was a tangible link to my ancestors, a connection made possible through the goodwill and collaboration of relatives and strangers alike. This part of the journey reaffirmed the importance of family connections, both near and far, in preserving our shared history.
The bible was delivered to me in late spring or early summer of 2010, over 14 years ago. I still have the bible in my possession.
Uncovering the Hall Family Bible’s Treasures
As I carefully turned the fragile pages of the Hall Family Bible, I was astonished by the wealth of historical records and personal letters that lay hidden within, offering a profound glimpse into the lives and legacy of my ancestors.
Exploring the Hall Family Bible Pages
Note Inside Bible
Upon opening the Hall family bible, I was greeted with a note that that was tacked to the cover with a small nail.
The note indicated: “A bible that was my Hon. Mother’s. Supposed to be given to her by my father before marriage in the year 1769”.
Inside Cover
Underneath the note there was some writing on the inside cover of the Hall Family Bible. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make out many of the words. Maybe you would have better luck than me.
First Page
The first page in the bible was a blank page with writing. It states “Caroline Hall, Her book new bound March 1772”. It then has her name listed a couple more times.
Second Page
The second page of Caroline Hall’s Bible was another blank page with her name listed again.
Back Page
At the end of the bible was a partially torn page. At the top looked to be a calculation of someone’s age as it was subtracting what looked to be 1748 from 1788 to come up with 40. This may have been Caroline trying to calculate her age as I have her as being born in 1748. The only other legible information is the word “Lyme” which is where both Able and Caroline lived referring to Lyme, Connecticut.
Additional Treasures Discovered Inside Hall Family Bible
In addition to the actual handwriting on the bible itself there were two letters and notes referencing the letters. These will be covered in separate posts.
- Letter from Deacon Abel Hall to Rev. Griswold – June 20, 1789
- Letter from Jacob Hall to his brother Able Hall – January 20, 1806
Abel Hall and Caroline Brockway: A Brief Family History
Abel Hall was born in 1743 in Lyme, Connecticut, during a time when the American colonies were still under British rule. As a young man, Abel lived through the tumultuous years leading up to the American Revolution, and like many of his generation, he played a role in shaping the new nation. He married Caroline Brockway in 1769, who was born in 1748, also in Lyme, Connecticut. Caroline came from the Brockway family, which had deep roots in the New England region, known for their resilience and commitment to their communities.
Together, Abel and Caroline settled in Lyme, Connecticut, where they raised their family amid the growing tensions of colonial America. Abel’s life spanned some of the most significant events in American history, from the Revolution to the early years of the United States. He served as Captain in the Revolutionary War and later became Deacon.
Caroline Brockway, equally devoted to her family, managed the household and supported Abel in their endeavors. The couple had several children, who carried on the Hall family name and traditions.
Abel Hall passed away in 1816, nearly a decade after Caroline, who died in 1807. They were both laid to rest in Laysville Cemetery in Connecticut, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and family unity that continues to be honored by their descendants today.
My Relationship to Abel and Caroline
The following shows my relationship down from Abel and Caroline Hall:
- Abel Hall (1743 – 1816) and Caroline Brockway (1748-1807) had a son Isaac Hall (1774 – 1813).
- Isaac Hall was married to Joanna Corrary who was born about 1780 and died in 1819. They had a son William Edwin Hall (1810 – 1890).
- William Hall was married to Esther Mather (1818 – 1896) and they had a daughter Sophia P. Hall (1837 – 1925).
- Sophia Hall married William A. Clendenning (1832 – 1912) and they had a son Eugene Jay Clendenning (1866 – 1937).
- Eugene Clendenning married Mary Agnes Dwyer (1870 – 1958) and they had a son Eugene William Clendenning (1908 – 1994).
- Eugene William Clendenning is my grandfather and he married Mildred Mary Murphy (1907 – 1999). They had a daughter who is my mother.
The Importance of Preservation and Connection
The discovery and recovery of the Hall Family Bible have underscored for me the profound importance of preserving our family’s history. This bible is not just an old book; it is a tangible link to my ancestors, a repository of memories, and a record of lives lived through significant historical moments. Within its pages are more than just names and dates—there are stories, emotions, and connections that bring my family’s past into the present.
By sharing the details of this bible, including photos and scans of the documents it contains, I hope to highlight the vital role that preservation plays in genealogy. These records might have been lost to time, but through the efforts of a stranger and the commitment of my relatives, they have been saved and shared for future generations. Each document, from handwritten notes to personal letters, provides a window into the lives of Abel Hall, Caroline Brockway, and their descendants.
Preserving these artifacts is not just about safeguarding the physical items; it’s about maintaining the connections they represent. As we digitize and share these records, we ensure that the legacy of our ancestors is not forgotten, allowing others in the family—and even those connected to the broader history of the time—to find meaning and inspiration in these remnants of the past.
In sharing this story, I hope to inspire others to take an active role in preserving their own family histories. Whether it’s an old bible, letters, or photographs, these items hold invaluable insights and connections that can deepen our understanding of who we are and where we come from. The Hall Family Bible’s journey back into our hands is a reminder that the past is never truly lost, and with dedication and care, we can keep our ancestors’ stories alive for generations to come.
Hall Family Bible Conclusion
The journey of recovering the Hall Family Bible has been a remarkable testament to the power of connections—both familial and serendipitous. From a chance encounter of a forum post to the dedicated efforts of my relatives, this story highlights the profound impact that shared commitment can have in preserving our history. The bible, once a forgotten artifact, now serves as a beacon of our family’s past, filled with personal records and heartfelt letters that enrich our understanding of Abel Hall and Caroline Brockway’s lives.
Sharing this experience with you, along with the detailed records and photographs of the bible, is a way of honoring the legacy of my ancestors and emphasizing the importance of genealogical preservation. As we continue to explore our family histories, let this story inspire you to seek out and cherish your own ancestral treasures. The past is full of stories waiting to be uncovered and preserved, and through our collective efforts, we ensure that these stories endure for future generations.
I am deeply grateful to all who played a part in this journey, from the individual who inherited the bible to my relatives who made its return possible. Their contributions have not only reunited me with a piece of my family’s heritage but also reinforced the value of preserving and sharing our histories. May this be a reminder that no matter how distant or lost it may seem, our past is always within reach, waiting to be rediscovered and celebrated.
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