In memory of a very good man, Railroad Doctor Dorsett Wesley Hall of Meridian, Mississippi.

Recently we were contacted by a local family inquiring about any information that we could dig up about their relative, Dr. Wesley Dorsett Hall. Without hesitation, we agreed to dive right in to locating any and all information that we could find. Here is what we know:

Dr. Dorsett Wesley Hall (Dr. D. W. Hall)

Born 1882

Died June 8th, 1920

Death Place: Union, Mississippi

Practice type: Allopath (Allopathic medicine, or allopathy, is an archaic term used to define science-based, modern medicine.)

Practice Specialities:

Meridian, MS, 1913

Lucy, TN, May 13, 1914

Union, MS, May 20 1920

Licenses

TN, 1913

MS, 1916

Practice Dates Places

Meridian, MS 1913

Lucy, TN, May 13, 1914

Union, MS May 20, 1920

Medical School

Mississippi Medical College, Meridian, 1912

TN-08 Memphis Hospital Medical College, Memphis, 1913 (G)

We have this information, a photo and his railroad watch. Eager to learn more about him, we took took to the archives. What we found out about the life and story of Dr. Hall was both heartwarming and heartbreaking. After hours of combining different articles, we came across a tribute that was published by 'A Friend'. Read the full write up below:

IN MEMORIAM Dr. Dorsett Wesley Hall.

In June, 1920 Dr. Dorsett Wesley Hall, of Union, Miss., past into the Great Beyond and at this particular time, the' anniversary of his death, it seems fitting to make a few observations on the life and character of this worthy young physician. Well might the people of the little town of Union tread softly, reverently bow their heads, and drop a tear today in commemoration of this departed friend and neighbor, for they have suffered a deep and personal loss; a loss that is felt as keenly today as when they looked in to his calm and lifeless face, with the drapery of his couch about him. Surely, no man was ever more deeply mourned by his neighbors. They believed in him, trusted him, loved him, and their faith and confidence in him was never betrayed. When a pure, good man answers the final call: a man who has lived a worthy and exemplary life untainted by the common evils of the world, he leaves behind him a legacy far more valuable than riches, a sweet and fragrant memory that ravages of time cannot erase. Such was the character of Dr. Hall, as was exemplified in all his walks of life, and the influence of such a life will continue a vital force in making the world better and adding to its happiness.

His sense of right was great and beautiful; he loved justice, truth and honor. His sympathies were easily and deeply touched, and his love went out like sweet showers to his fellow-men. His unshrinking fidelity to duty formed the guiding start to his whole life, and in all his activities whether in his professional work, his church work, or in his social relations with his friends and family, he was ever found actuated by this same, lofty motive. Dr. Hall was a faithful and consistent and active member of the Baptist church, ever responsive to its needs, and giving much of his time and talent to the religious development of his community. He was a most liberal contributor to all good and worthy objects.

A few months previous to his death, Dr. Hall fell a victim of pneumonia, and after several weeks of a hard-fought battle against this insidious malady in one of Meridian’s hospitals, he recuperated and returned to his home at Union. Here he soon regained his strength sufficiently to resume his practice. But it seemed that the Grim Monster had already singled him out as one of its victims and God had need of His beautiful spirit to join his heavenly band. For no sooner had he entered into his daily routine of duties, than he had the misfortune to step upon a rusty nail, this being followed by lockjaw, which resulted in his death. In the prime of his life, and at zenith of success in his professional career, he laid himself down to rest leaving a life full of promise, a devoted young wife, and a sweet little two-year-old girl. With a consciousness of the approaching end he awaited it’s coming with a Christian fortitude only to be sustained by the hope of immortality and a faith in an ever-living God. May we strive to emulate the noble traits of his character, and to penetrate the good deeds which he delighted in doing for his fellow-men. Thus, may it prove to us all, as it surely has to him, that “death is the crown of life,” and that “the King of Terrors is the Prince of Peace”. Thus, may we all be enabled to realize in the fullness of time that:

“There is no death!

What seems so is transition.

This life of moral breath,

Is but a suburb of the life elysian,

Whose partals we call Death.”

-A Friend.

After reading this article published in The Union Appeal dated June 23rd, 1921 and sharing it with the family -- we all shed a tear or two. A family member shared with us that "She remembered their mother saying that the medication that may have saved his life was on its way from New Orleans by train." Let this serve as a reminder of a few things...

1. The stories of these people on which our town was founded are worthy of keeping alive and sharing with the world.

2. Important then and equally important now -- the rails are (and were) a crucial method of how things (including medications and goods) are transported every single day.

Dr. Hall -- we are honored to keep your story alive and so privileged to have met your family. We are still working to gather more information on the life and legacy of Dr. Hall. If you have any additional information that could be useful, please email us at info@meridianrails.org