Belinda (Linnie) Harris Hall

Linnie Harris was appointed a library trustee when the citizens of West Liberty voted to have a public library in 1900.  She served as vice president and was on the executive committee during most of her tenure, ably conducting meetings whenever the president was absent.  She continued to be a member of the Board of Trustees until her death in 1921.[1]

Belinda Harris, better known as Linnie, was born May 3,1856 in West Liberty, daughter of William and Elmira Harris.  The family had come to West Liberty in 1854 from Ohio and Mr. Harris owned a tailoring shop.[2]  Linnie taught in the local schools for 45 years and was a much-loved teacher by her pupils. She was instrumental in starting the West Liberty Chapter AH of P. E. O. and was its first president. She was an active member of the Presbyterian church and was affiliated with the Pythian Sisters as well as the Fortnightly Literary Club.[3]  She lived with her parents, caring for them until their deaths. [4]  At age 50 she married John C. Hall on Nov. 29,1906 and assumed the roles of wife and stepmother in addition to teaching school.[5]  Linnie Harris Hall died March 11, 1921 from kidney disease.[6]  She was survived by her husband, two stepchildren, three brothers and a sister.[7]

– Pam Schnittjer

 

[1]  West Liberty Library Board of Trustees Minutes, Vol. One, p. 28, 58, 104, 143, 191, Vol. Two, p. 77.

[2]  Portrait and Biographical Album, Muscatine County, Iowa, 1889, page 517

[3]  West Liberty Index ,West Liberty, Iowa, March 17,1921 p. 1.

[4]  1900 U. S. Federal Census, Wapsinonoc, Muscatine, Iowa Sheet #9.

[5]  Ancestry.com. Iowa, U.S., Marriage Records, 1880-1951 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc. 2014.

[6]  Ancestry.com. Iowa, U.S., Death Records, 1920-1967 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2017.

[7]  West Liberty Index ,West Liberty, Iowa, March 17,1921 p. 1.