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David L. Hall was born in about 1836 in Fayette County, PA, the son of Joseph and Elizabeth Hall and stepdaughter of Elizabeth (Rowan) Hall of Nicolay, PA. He served in the Civil War and died in captivity as a prisoner of war.

He grew up not having learned to read or write. At the age of 24, in 1860, he resided with his parents at Wharton Furnace, Fayette County and earned a living as a day laborer at the Wharton Furnace.

Susan's rare signature as a "Hall."

On Nov. 3, 1861, at the age of 25, David married 19-year-old Susan Workman (1842-1896), daughter of Solomon and Ann (Keifer) Workman. Rev. Jacob Beighley, having traveled from Brandonville, WV, officiated at the wedding ceremony, held in Wharton Township.

They produced one daughter, Mary Margaret Fike, who was born in Wharton. Susan Hall -- a relative? -- was present at the birth and likely served as a midwife.

During their brief married lives together, the Halls resided in Elliottsville, Fayette County.

Records show that David L.'s Army enlistment date was Nov. 2 or 23, 1862 and that he joined the 14th Pennsylvania Cavalry, as did his brother-in-law Jacob Hull. He and the 14th Pennsylvania took part in the Battle of Rocky Gap, or Dry Creek, near White Sulphur Springs, WV on Aug. 26, 1863. Both armies suffered a collective 350 casualties, including David's step-cousin Burkett M. Fawcett of the 3rd West Virginia Infantry, who was picked off by an enemy gunshot. View more images of the Rocky Gap battlefield site.

Junction of Anthony's Creek Road and the James River and Kanawha Turnpike at Rocky Gap  near today's Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia. The road in center was filled with dead and wounded, and may have been where David L. Hall was captured. The White Sulphur Springs, by William Alexander MacCorkle. Below: Belle Isle prison in Richmond where David died in 1863.

During the battle action, David's horse was killed and, when the regiment retreated, David was left behind and captured. From Rocky Gap, he was transported to the capitol of the Confederacy in Richmond, where he was incarcerated in the Belle Isle prison. The prison was sited on an island in the James River, where lower-ranking soldiers were held and typically only until more suitable facilities could become available. He may not have known that his daughter had been born in October 1863.

After three months on the unsanitary Belle Isle, and having ingested poor food and water, David contracted a deadly case of diarrhea. He was unable to recover and died on Nov. 25, 1863. His burial site is unknown.

14th Pennsylvania Cavalry book naming David L. Hall

Thelma Chidester Anderson's 1962 book, Workman Family History, reports a "David Hall" who was "born about 1840 in Wharton Twp., Pa.; drafted in April 1862 for service in the Civil War and was later reported missing in action." The book The Fourteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in the Civil War states that he was captured and died as a POW.

The untimely death left Susan a widow and single mother at the age of 21. After the war, on July 18, 1865, she began receiving a military pension as compensation for her loss. [Widow App. #102.174 - Cert. #84.704] Friends John E. Collins and William Van Sickle, who had served with David in the army, provided supporting testimony of her claim, saying they had known the couple before the war. Sgt. J.M. Nesmith gave details of how David was captured in battle.

On Nov. 24, 1869, Susan remarried to farmer Ezra A. Thomas (Oct. 31, 1847-1938), but they had no further offspring. Upon this marriage, Susan no longer was eligible to receive the first husband's pension, but on Sept. 8, 1870, it was awarded to their daughter Mary Margaret. [Minor App. #190.317 - Cert. #145.435] Susan's father was assigned as legal guardian to her daughter.

Ezra had been born in an 18 ft. by 18 ft. log cabin. As a boy, he joined the Church of the Brethren. The family was so poor that his mother used a certain store box for both a cupboard and table, and a large log was used as the fireplace mantel. Mortar for the cabin was handmade and carried in a bucket which Ezra helped to apply. At the age of 21, he relocated from Preston County to Wharton Township, Fayette County. 

He remained a member of the Brethren Church for 75 years and "was noted from early boyhood for his kind deeds and consideration of others," reported the said the Uniontown Morning Herald. "He had served as a member of Wharton township school board but was content to devote his life to God and to follow the tilling of the soil. Even after he passed the 85 mark, Mr. Thomas often drove his farm products in Uniontown and vicinity. He was noted for his square dealings. Although he never had a brush in his mouth or never cleaned his teeth, not one tooth was missing at the time of his death. A razor never touched his face or a barber cut his hair until several years ago."

Sadly, Susan died on July 12, 1896, terminating their marriage of about 26 years.

A little more than a year later, on Sept. 4, 1897, in Uniontown, at the age of 45, Ezra remarried to 30-year-old Sarah "Sadie" Van Sickle (March 15, 1867-1932), daughter of Samuel and Frances (Hensel) Van Sickle and a native of Somerfield, PA. The couple made their home in Farmington, and their marriage lasted for 35 years until the separation of death.

Suffering from chronic kidney and heart disease, Sadie died in Uniontown Hospital at the age of 65 on July 29, 1932. An autopsy was performed to determine the precise cause of death. Her remains were placed into rest in the Bethel Cemetery. Charles E. Collen of Uniontown signed the death certificate. An obituary in the Morning Herald stated that she was survived by a brother, Marion Van Sickle of Elliottsville.

Ezra spent his final years living alternately with his brother James M. Thomas at Gibbons Glade and brother Josiah A. Thomas at 26 Lawton Avenue in Uniontown. His eyesight remained "far above ordinary at that age," said the Herald, and he "still was able to read without the aid of glasses." In early February 1938, he attended both church and Sunday School at the Uniontown Church of the Brethren, and the Herald added that "The Holy bible was his constant companion and eternity held nothing but anticipated happiness and everlasting joy for him."

While under brother Josiah's roof, Ezra passed away at the age of 90 on Feb. 18, 1938. A lengthy story in the Herald noted that he had collapsed that morning as his sister in law "was washing his face in bed preparatory to going down stairs to his breakfast" and that he had "been in extraordinary good health until several days ago when his appetite was impaired." The Herald went on to report: "Retiring at 6:30 Thursday evening the remarkable man complained Friday morning of 'not feeling well.' His brother ... had been up to his room earlier in the morning. He had requested that his hands and face be washed for breakfast. Mrs. Thomas was complying with his request at 9:40 when the Death Angel removed one of Fayette county's most lovable citizens, who by clean living had gone far beyond the normal span of life.... Mr. Thomas went as he had prayed he would go -- without suffering. The light that burned for more than 90 years just flickered and went out as Death struck at a shinking mark." 

Funeral services were held in the Bethel Church of the Brethren near Farmington and burial in the church cemetery, with James Fike, Albert Rothermel, Henry Herring, James Fearer, Quinter Barnthouse and Richard Ghrist serving as pallbearers. Traveling to attend the funeral were Mr. and Mrs. Wilmer McArdle and son Robert of Cumberland, MD, Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Thomas of Meyersdale, Somerset County, PA and Mr. and Mrs. James Thomas of Clifton Mills.

~ Daughter Mary Margaret (Hall) Fike ~

Daughter Mary Margaret Hall (1863-1922) was born on Oct. 27, 1863, an only child of her parents. She was an infant when her father died as a POW during the Civil War. 

Upon her mother's remarriage, Mary Margaret was awarded a pension in 1869 as compensation for her loss, and began receiving $8 per month, payable to her grandfather and legal guardian, Solomon Workman. 

As a young lady, she joined the Church of the Brethren. When she was 19 years of age, on June 3, 1881, Mary entered into marriage with Rev. Silas Wesley Fike ( ? -1935). They made their home near the Hatfield School House. 

Their six known children were John Orville Fike, Plura Pearl Fike, Bertha Ida May Fike, Nora Ellen Fike, George Emmel Fike and Hulda Minerva Fike. 

Mary Margaret died in Uniontown on July 18, 1922, caused by "acidosis" and shock from a fractured femur after a fall. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery. An obituary in the Uniontown Morning Herald noted that she "was the only child of David L. and Susan Hall, both deceased, of Elliottsville, Pa." The Meyersdale Republican's column for Confluence happenings added that Mr. and Mrs. Orville Fike and son Eugene Elbridge and Mrs. Mansfield R. Osler traveled to attend the funeral. 

Silas outlived his bride by nine years and retired from the ministry. He made his last home with his daughters Plura and Bertha at 311 Derrick Avenue. Sadly, he died at the age of 76 on Dec. 12, 1935. An obituary appeared in the Uniontown Evening Standard. Funeral rites were conducted at home by Rev. C.C. Sollenberger of the Church of the Brethren on Robin Street.

Son John Orville Fike (1882-1959) was born on July 9, 1882 in Elliottsville, Fayette County. He exchanged marital vows in 1918 with Blanche Edna Haney (1896-1961). The pair resided in South Union Township and produced two known children, Oma Ruth Brooks and Glenn Orville Fike. For 48 years, John was a school educator in the county, including 28 years as principal at Continental No. 1. He retired in about 1950. They held a membership in the Church of the Brethren. Their final home was at 75 Maurice Street, Uniontown. John died at the age of 76 on April 15, 1959. Interment was in the local Oak Grove Cemetery, with Rev. Robert E. Houff presiding.

• Granddaughter Oma Ruth Fike ( ? - ? ) was a 1937 graduate of Uniontown High School. On Christmas Day 1940, Oma Ruth wed her high school classmate David L. Brooks Sr. ( ? - ? ) in a quiet ceremony in Oakland, MD, presided by Rev. Minor Sprague of St. Paul's Methodist Church. The marriage was not announced for five months, and when made public in late May 1941, the Uniontown Evening Standard said she had worn "a becoming gown of soldier blue velvet with rose accessories and an orchid corsage." They became the parents of David L. Brooks. David was employed in 1942 as a first elevator operator in the Fayette Title and Trust Building. The couple made their dwelling-place in Monroeville near Pittsburgh in 1959.

  Great-grandson David L. Brooks Jr. (1942-2018) was born on Sept. 5, 1942 in Uniontown Hospital. His birth was announced on the pages of the Uniontown Evening Standard. He is known to have served in the U.S. Armed Services during the Vietnam War. He married Ruth Moline ( ? - ? ) and was the father of Davey Brooks and Robert Brooks and stepfather of John Moline. They appear to have resided at one time in Hammond, IN. Their final home was in San Tan Valley, AZ. David died on Sept. 21, 2018. His obituary was printed in the Hammond (IN) Times.

• Grandson Glenn Orville Fike (1926-2008) was born on Sept. 17, 1926 in Uniontown. he was a 1944 graduate of Uniontown High School. He then joined the U.S. Army Air Corps and served during World War II, training at Fort McClelland. Glenn was joined in matrimony with Jane Olive Hebb (Feb. 23, 1926-2008), daughter of William and Della (Rowe) Hebb. Their union endured for a remarkable half-century. Five offspring in this family were Patricia Zavage, Pamela Fike, Thomas J. Fike and Donald W. Fike plus an infant son who died in 1948. Glenn earned a living over the years as an automobile mechanic and lubricator, working for several local vehicle dealerships including Berwyn S. Detweiler Studebaker Garage in 1948. He also owned J&G Enterprises. Jane was an alumna of South Union High School and held a membership in the Order of Eastern Star and was active in the fellowship class of the Asbury Methodist Church. Their home address in the 1970s was 75 Maurice Street. Sadly, the pair died within a little more than eight months of each other in 2008. Jane passed first, on on Feb. 25, 2008. Rev. Mart Mace presided at the funeral. Then at the age of 82, Glenn died in his residence on Nov. 1, 2008. Pastor Bonnie Hartley led the funeral service. The remains were placed into eternal sleep in Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

  Great-granddaughter Patricia Fike married (?) Zavage. Together, they bore a pair of sons, Peter Zavage and Christopher Zavage. Patricia was in Uniontown in 2008-2025.

  Great-granddaughter Pamela Fike ( ? - ? ) has dwelled in Uniontown.

  Great-grandson Thomas John Fike (1950-2025) was born on May 14, 1950 in Uniontown. He was a 1968 graduate of Uniontown High School. He then went on to earn a degree from the Fayette Campus of Pennsylvania State University and graduated from the Fayette Institute of Commerce and Technology Inc. As of 1975, he was employed in the mortgage department of Fayette Bank and Trust Company. On Valentine's Day 1975, Thomas was united in wedlock with Lynda Lee Burrell ( ? - ? ), daughter of Clarence and Bettie Lou Burwell. They exchanged their vows in Central Christian Church, by the hand of Rev. Norman C. Hunt. In announcing the happy event, the Uniontown Evening Standard published Lynda's bridal portrait and reported that the "bride chose a white long A-line gown of crepe knit with mandarin collar, empire style jacket and trimmed in marabou on the hood, cuffs and hemline. The town was styled and created by the bride's mother. Her heartshaped bouquet consisted of white baby carnations and red rose buds." They stayed together for a remarkable 50 years until the separation of death. Their pair of children included Rev. Reagan Fike and T.J. Fike. They settled in Uniontown, where he was employed as an automotive repairman by Brashear Auto Body and by Fayette Resources. They belonged to the Central Christian Church, and he was a member and master of the Laurel lodge of the Masons. Lynda was a 1972 graduate of Uniontown Area Senior High School and at the time of marriage worked as a teller for First National Bank. He was harvested away by the grim reaper of death at the age of 75 on July 10, 2025.

  Great-grandson Donald W. Fike (1952-2019) was born on March 25, 1952 in Uniontown. He put down roots in Uniontown. He was a longtime truck driver and held a membership in the Laurel lodge of the Masons and the Scottish Rite of Uniontown. Then in about 2003, he tied the knot with Paula Balentine (( ? - ? ). daughter of Robert Balentine Sr. of Star Junction. Their marriage held firm over the entirety of their 16 years together. As a patient in Mon Valley Hospital, he passed into the heavenly host at age 67 on July 26, 2019. Burial was in Belle Vernon Cemetery. 

Daughter Plura Pearl Fike (1883-1945) was born on Dec. 2, 1883. She never married but, like her sister Bertha, devoted her life to her work as a school teacher. In July 1907, she took an examination to receive a certificate to teach in a class that also included her distant step-cousins Andrew Jacob "Bud" Enos, Hazel Dell Leonard and Edward Campbell Miner. The Uniontown Morning Herald commented that hers' was "one of the largest classes of teachers for professional certificates ever assembled in Uniontown in the High school building..." Her certificate was awarded in June 1908. In the fall of 1907, she was assigned to a school in Redstone Township, where her sister Bertha also was working. Plura moved to Sandy Hollow No. 4 School in the fall of 1909 in the Brownsville Township School District. A year later, she was assigned to a school in the coal mining patch town of Grindstone. Plura was named in the gossip columns of the Morning Herald in July 1914 when spending the summer with friends and relatives in Grove City, PA. Over the years, she made her home with her father and sister Bertha. By the fall of 1915, she was teaching at Braznell No. 2 School in Grindstone. Her next school circa 1921 was at Hatfield in the South Union Township School District, and she appears to have remained there at least through 1940. Ill health forced her to retire in about 1943. Her last residence was in the old family home on Derrick Avenue, and she suffered from kidney problems and diabetes as well as hardening of the arteries and hypertension. She was felled by a cerebral hemorrhage and two days later died at the age of 61 on Sept. 22, 1945. Rev. M. Guy West, pastor of the Church of the Brethren, officiated the funeral service, and the remains were lowered into the sacred soil of Park Place Cemetery. Students at South Union Township High School were dismissed early on the day of the funeral in respect to her memory. Obituaries were published in the Morning Herald and Connellsville Daily Courier.

Daughter Bertha Ida May Fike (1887-1968) was born in 1887. As with her sister Plura, she devoted her life to her profession as an educator and never married. She and Plura shared a home with their widowed father at 311 Derrick Avenue in Uniontown. Circa 1907, Bertha and Plura were assigned to schools in Redstone Township near Brownsville, Fayette County. Then in the fall of 1909, she was moved to the Brownfield School in the South Union Township School District, and to Little Brownfield in the fall of 1910 at a salary of $52 for an eight-month term. At the end of 1913, she is known to have been placed in the Luzerne Township School for an eight-month term -- for 1915 at the Charleston School in Luzerne -- and for 1916 at the school in the coal mining patch town of Hiller, with a class of 40 pupils. Bertha and Pearl are known to have assisted their father in his Church of the Brethren ministry including meetings of the Dorcas and Men's Bible classes over the years. She also was active with the Women's Christian Temperance Union and in 1938 was elected president of the Laurel Hill chapter. Remaining in the Luzerne School District, she was made principal of the Alicia School in the fall of 1929. But in March 1936, during the depths of the Great Depression, she was among 17 Luzerne teachers whose contracts were terminated. How long she was without work at this time is unknown, but in March 1940 she and several others sued for reinstatement as invalid under the teachers' tenure act -- "on the ground that the suspensions are not based on seniority rights, that there has been no substantial decrease in enrollment, consolidation of schools or curtailment or alteration of the school program," reported the Uniontown Morning Herald. She and the others won their case in August 1940 in a ruling by Judge W. Russell Carr, and a year later was awarded back pay of $839.95 plus $37.68 interest. She spent her final years in Pittsburgh's Allison Park community, at 2483 Trotter Drive, with her nephew, Dr. G.F. (or G.J.) Fike. The angel of death cleaved her away from a cerebral stroke at the age of 81, in St. Francis Hospital, on Dec. 12, 1968. The remains were transported back to Uniontown for burial in Park Place Cemetery.

Daughter Nora Ellen Fike (1889-1918) was born on Jan. 25, 1889. She does not appear to have married. Her home was with her parents in South Uniontown, Fayette County. At the age of 29, she contracted pneumonia and influenza and within a few days succumbed to the spectre of death on Dec. 2, 1918. Burial was in Park Place Cemetery. A brief notice of her demise was published in the Connellsville Daily Courier.

Son George Emmel Fike (1891-1967) was born on May 4, 1891. He settled in South Union Township and, as with his sisters Bertha and Plura, was a local educator for decades. George married Mary Teresa Christie (Dec. 13, 1893-1951), daughter of James and Catherine (Cairns) Christie. The couple's only son was Dr. George James Fike. George is known to have served as principal of the Craig School in Uniontown and of the Bute elementary school in North Union Township. George also held a seat on the South Union Township school board for three decades. He was a member of the Church of the Brethren while Mary Teresa belonged to St. John's Roman Catholic Church. In her own right, Mary Teresa was a 1911 graduate of Uniontown High School and attended Grove City College. She went on to teach in the South Union Township schools for 33 years, including the Areford School. As of 1951, their home address was 310 Derrick Avenue. Mary Teresa was diagnosed with cancer and cysts of the ovaries and intestines. She underwent two surgeries in 1950 and 1951 at Uniontown Hospital, but no cure was to be. She passed away at the age of 57 on April 22, 1951. James outlived his bride by 16 years and retired in 1959. His last home was at 347 Derrick Avenue. Sadness gripped the family when he suffered a heart attack and was pronounced dead on arrival at Uniontown Hospital at the age of 75 on Oct. 20, 1967. Burial was in Oak Lawn Cemetery.

• Brownsville High School

  Grandson Dr. George James Fike (1919-1994) was born on Feb. 28, 1919 in Uniontown. He stood 6 feet, 2 inches tall in young manhood and weighed 210 lbs. On Dec. 17, 1939, when he was 20 years of age, he entered into marriage with teacher Iris Linn (June 24, 1918-1987), daughter of Clara Mae Linn of Hopwood. The wedding ceremony was held in the Lutheran Church of Accident, MD, by the hand of Rev. L.A. Wagner, with the happy news announced in the Uniontown Morning Herald and the Connellsville Daily Courier. They became the parents of two -- Margaret Rooney and Ellen Spears. Iris was an alumna of North Union High School and at the time of their nuptials earned a living in Uniontown as a beautician. George earned a bachelor's degree in 1941 and a master of arts degree in 1948 from West Virginia University and a master's of education in 1946 from the University of Pittsburgh. He taught for three years in South Union Township High School and another three years in Brownsville High School. Then in 1948 he was hired to teach science at the Benjamin Franklin Junior High School in Uniontown. He went on to receive a doctorate from Pitt in 1954. He immediately was hired as principal of Pitcairn High School. The Fikes relocated to Allison Park, a suburb north of Pittsburgh. As of 1967, their address was 2483 Trotter Avenue. In time he joined the faculty of Slippery Rock University as director of student teaching and upon retirement was named professor emeritus. He held memberships in the Kiwanis Club and Elks and belonged to the Infant Jesus Roman Catholic Church of Mount Sinai, NY. They migrated to Florida in 1977. Iris died at the age of 69, in Bayonet Point, Pasco County, FL, on Sept. 27, 1987.  The spirit of death swept George away in Morton Plant Hospital in Clearwater, FL on Dec. 7, 1994. An obituary appeared in the Tampa Tribune.

  Great-granddaughter Margaret Fike Rooney lived in New York City in 1994.

  Great-granddaughter Ellen Fike Spears moved to New York City and dwelled in Queens in 1994.

Daughter Hulda Minerva Fike ( ? - ? ) may have died young, sometime prior to 1910.