William Halls

William was in the building and construction industry in Canada from the time he was very young. His father, Thomas, was a mason by trade having been a mason in England before coming to Canada with his wife and young son. William worked with his father for a number of years in the London , Ontario area. In the late 1880's William moved to Toronto and continued in the construction trade, building houses throughout Toronto, and at least one church.The following obituary is from an unknown Toronto newspaper in March of 1915.

Mr. William Halls, senior member of the firm of Wm. Halls & Son, builders and contractors, Toronto, passed away at his residence, 68 Indian Rd. Crescent, on Friday, March 5th, after an illness of about a

month. The late Mr. Halls was in his 72nd year. The late Mr. Hallls had for many years attended the Howard Park Methodist Church, and was the contractor who built the new church, which is now almost completed, and also of the Sunday school, which was completed some three years ago. Born in England (Devonshire) over seventy one years ago, he came out to this country with his parents in the year 1846, being then about two years of age. The late Mr. Halls has always been closely connected with the Methodist Church, taking the greatest interest in all the departments of church life. Many years ago Mr. Halls and his family were actively connected with North Parkdale Methodist Church. The funeral service was held at his late residence on Monday, March 8th, the Rev. E. H. Lanceley officiating, the interment taking place later at Humbervale Cemetery. The late Mr. Halls is survived by his widow, Mrs. Susan Halls, and two sons Harry and Fred Halls, and Mrs. Wm. G. Martin and Mrs. T. H. Wood, daughters. During the last week of his illness Mr. Halls presented to each of his grandchildren (over twenty in number) a copy of the Holy Bible.