HON. BENJAMIN HALL
Hon. Benjamin Hall, son of Jason C. and Permelia Hall, was born near Ingham's Mills, Fulton county, N. Y., March 9, 1846, and remained on his father's farm until 1870. He was educated in the public
schools of his native town, and inherited those sterling characteristics which mark the successful man. In 1874 he removed to Utica, where he has since resided, and where he established in the same
year his present hide, wool, and fur business, which since 1880 has been located on the corner of Bleecker and John streets. Here he has successfully built up a large and profitable trade, and is
one of the oldest dealers in this line in the city. He is one of Utica's most enterprising business men, and is well and favorably known throughout the county and State. By honest dealing, strict
attention to details, and continued industry he has steadily increased his establishment until now it is one of the leading houses of the kind in Central New York. As a business man, and socially,
too, he is held in high esteem, and enjoys the confidence of all who know him.
Mr. Hall has for many years been an active Republican, and in the councils of his party is a recognized leader. In 1885 he was elected to the Assembly from the first district of Oneida county and was re-elected in 1886 by a largely increased majority. In the Legislature he was devoted to the interests of his constituents and to the State at large, and was classed with the working members of that body. His prudence and efficiency while in office secured for him the honor of being the first Republican in his district who was nominated and elected for two successive terms. As assemblyman his vote and influence were always in the interests of wholesome legislation for the elevation of society and the promotion of good government. He served on many important committees, being chairman of those on canals and joint library, and introduced about fifty bills, most of which became laws. He was well liked by his associates, and his counsel was often sought by older members.
In the city of Utica Mr. Hall is prominently connected with various institutions and societies. He is a member of Oriental Lodge F. & A. M., Oneida Chapter, No. 57, R. A. M., Utica Commandery, No. 3, K. T., Utica Consistory, No. 2, A. & A. S. Rite, and Ziyara Temple Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, 32°, Northern jurisdiction. He is also a member of Imperial Council R. A., and was one of the first members of the Arcanum Club and one of its original board of governors. He is a member of Oneida Lodge I. O. O. F., an honorary member of the Utica Citizens Corps, and a member of the Merchants and Manufacturers Exchange and one of its board of directors. He is also a member of the Utica Chamber of Commerce and of the Oneida Historical Society. In all these as well as the general prosperity of the city he takes a keen interest. Public-spirited and progressive he is a self-made man, and owes his success in life almost wholly to his individual efforts.
Mr. Hall was married on February 27, 1872, to Miss Catherine P., daughter of Hon. Archibald McDonald Harrison, of Cressy, Ontario, Canada. Mr. Harrison was distantly connected with ex-President Benjamin Harrison and a cousin of the late Hon. John A. McDonald, who for many years was at the head of the Dominion government of Canada.
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