In February of 1851 our Mahala ‐‐ a 34‐year‐ old widow with two children (including my 2nd great‐grandpa, 11‐year‐old Samuel Houston Sharp) ‐‐ marries 60‐year‐old Col. Joshua James Hall (ca.1790‐1871). unretouched photo of James M. Hall] This Col. Hall has a son from a previous marriage ‐‐ James Madison Hall (1819‐1866). The only known photo of this J.M. Hall is a poor‐quality black and white image printed in A.A. Aldrich's book on The History of Houston County, Texas.
THE COLONEL AND THE LADY Novelties for January, Godey's Lady's Magazine
In July of 1859, at 40 years of age, this J.M. Hall marries Mahala's 18‐year‐old daughter (and his own step‐sister), Margaret Annot Sharp (1840 ‐ ca. 1878).
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