REV. SHERMAN HALL, (deceased) one of the most useful of the pioneer missionaries of Minnesota, was a native of Wethersfleld, Vermont, born on the 30th of April, 1800. He early began his preparation for the ministry, and after a preparatory course at Exeter Academy, entered Dartmouth College, graduated at the end of a four years' course, and finished his theological studies with three years more of study, at Andover Theological Seminary. Early in his ministry, he was located at La Pointe, on Lake Superior, where he remained twenty-two years. Then he was sent to the Chippewa Agency, near the present site of Crow Wing, to take charge of the government schools at that point. Here he took up and completed a work, great enough in itself to be his lasting memorial. He, in substance, created the Chippewa language. He first translated the New Testament into that tongue, and had it published in New York City in 1843-44, and revised it in 1856. He next prepared a grammar of that tongue, but this was stolen from him. His next work was a hymn book in the same language, and afterwards followed "Peep of Day" and "Lessons in the New Testament." But just when he was becoming of greatest use to this people, the Government removed the schools to Gull Lake, and changed their denominational control, which would seem to have been a great mistake, as he had become thoroughly acquainted with the Indian life and mode of thought, and so the better prepared to advance their civilization. After this. Father Hall, as he was familiarly called, removed to Sauk Rapids, where for many years, he was pastor of the Congregational church. In addition to his ministerial labors, he was, for many years. Judge of Probate of Benton county, and also County Superintendent of Schools. He was a missionary in the Northwest forty-eight years, and won the warm affection of the people everywhere, the savage as well as the civilized, and died be loved and respected by all. He died on the 31st of August, 1879, from injuries received in falling from his wagon and striking on the back of his head. Mr. Hall was married in Cambridgeport, Massachusetts, on the 15th of June, 1831, to Miss Betsey P. Parker, of Pepperell, Massachusetts. Of five children born to them, but three are living Edwin S., Harriet P., and Sarah E.

History of the Upper Mississippi Valley (1881) p. 347 [Sauk Rapids]

Also see the Edwin S. HALL biography.