Quick Facts
Biography
Reverend Thomas Hall was born April 8, 1750 in the Township of Byberry, Pennsylvania, and was the second eldest son of Captain John Hall (1722–1798) and Sarah (Parry) Hall. He was a cousin of Dr. Benjamin Rush through his aunt, Susannah Hall, and a nephew of the Reverend Samuel Finley (1715–1766) through his aunt Sarah Hall (1728–1760).
Thomas Hall is especially notable as an historical figure because during the years leading up to the American Revolution (especially during the years 1774 and 1775), Hall was a leading advocate of the acquisition of rights of all colonists in Philadelphia and later in Virginia. However, when it became apparent to him that the American colonies intended to split entirely with England, he left the home of his birth and never returned.
A number of letters survive (some of which have been published in The William and Mary Quartery Historical Magazine) in which he recounts both his reasoning for his departure from America before the Revolution, as well as some of the details of his eventful life.
Thomas Hall first resided in England. He matriculated 9 October 1779 at the University of Leyden in the faculty of law in the Netherlands. He did not graduated at this University although he is mentioned in the publication of Peacock.
His uncle Dr. Benjamin Rush apprenticed under Dr. John Redman (physician) who also studied at the University of Leyden.
Thomas Hall eventually settled in Livorno, Italy where he became the chaplain and where he died on April 12, 1825. He was buried in the Old English Cemetery there.