James O. Hall

James O. Hall (June 30, 1912 - February 26, 2007) was an amateur historian who specialized in the assassination of Abraham Lincoln. He was widely regarded as one of the top experts on this matter, and is noted for having discovered a letter by John Wilkes Booth, written on the morning of the murder, in which Booth attempted to justify his actions. He also argued that Samuel Mudd was guilty of helping Booth.

His books include "Come Retribution" by William A. Tidwell, James O. Hall and David W. Gaddy; "On the Way to Garrett's Barn--John Wilkes Booth & David E. Herold in the Northern Neck of Virginia, April 22-26, 1865"; and "The Surratt Family and John Wilkes Booth". [ [http://www.surratt.org/su_bibl.html Surratt House Museum Bibliography ] at www.surratt.org]

He served in the U.S. Army as First Lieutenant during World War II, then worked for the Department of Labor. He was widowed and living in McLean, VA at his death. The James O. Hall Research Center at the Surratt House Museum is named for him. [ [http://www.surratt.org/library/index.html Surratt House Museum--James O. Hall Research Center ] at www.surratt.org]

References

*"A History Hobby" by Andrew Ferguson, Wall Street Journal, 25 May 2007 [ [http://www.opinionjournal.com/taste/?id=110010121 The Wall Street Journal Online - Taste Commentary ] at www.opinionjournal.com]
*Biography at James O. Hall Research Center, Surratt House Museum [ [http://www.surratt.org/library/johall.html James O. Hall Research Center at Surratt House Museum--Mr. James O. Hall ] at www.surratt.org]

Notes

External links

* [http://www.surratt.org/ Surratt House Museum]