Historical Obituary
Horton Bluff, NS
April 28, 1827 – August 27, 1904
Nova Scotia mourns the loss of William Hall, VC, a true Canadian hero and the first Black person, the first Nova Scotian, and one of the first Canadians to be awarded the Victoria Cross. William Hall passed away on August 27, 1904, at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy of bravery, resilience, and dedication to his country.
Born in 1827 in Horton Bluff, Nova Scotia, William Hall was the son of escaped African American slaves who had fled to Canada seeking freedom. Raised in a community with deep roots in both African and Loyalist history, Hall grew up surrounded by tales of struggle and perseverance, which would shape his character and future actions.
Hall's life took a remarkable turn when he joined the Royal Navy at the age of 15. His naval career was distinguished by his service in many parts of the world, including the Crimean War, where he took part in the Siege of Sevastopol. However, it was his heroic actions during the Indian Rebellion of 1857 that earned him the Victoria Cross.
On November 16, 1857, during the Siege of Lucknow in India, William Hall displayed extraordinary bravery. Amidst heavy enemy fire, Hall and his comrades manned a gun aboard HMS Shannon that was instrumental in breaking through the walls of the fort. Despite being under intense attack and suffering casualties, Hall refused to abandon his post, continuing to fire until the mission was accomplished. For his gallantry, he was awarded the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration for valor in the British Empire.
After his distinguished military career, Hall returned to Nova Scotia, where he lived a quiet life as a farmer in Avonport. Despite the significance of his achievements, Hall remained a humble man, known for his kindness and dedication to his family and community.
In 1901, Hall was honored at the Jubilee of Queen Victoria, where he was presented to the Prince of Wales as a Victoria Cross recipient, further solidifying his place in history. His story, though not widely recognized during his lifetime, has since become a powerful symbol of the contributions of Black Canadians to the nation's military history.
William Hall passed away in his home in Avonport, surrounded by his loved ones. He is buried at the cemetery of the Baptist church in Hantsport, where a memorial now stands in his honor.
As we remember William Hall, VC, we celebrate a life of courage, service, and quiet dignity. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Canadians and serves as a reminder of the diverse contributions to our shared history.
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