Edwin Sealy Hull was born on September 17, 1818, in North Carolina, to Henry and Eleanor Hull. His father earned a living as a tailor. He grew up in North Carolina, and his father died in March 1829. According to an early biographer, his father’s death left him as the “chief dependence of his mother.” He travelled to Raleigh, North Carolina, to “learn the tailor’s trade,” and he organized a reading club while he was there.

 

He married Sarah A. Young on November 25, 1841, and they had at least seven children: James, born around 1843; Thomas, born around 1847; Emily, born around 1853; Ellen, born around 1856; Alonzo, born around 1860; Francis, born around 1864; and Minnow, born around 1868. They lived in Marion, North Carolina, and he worked as a tailor and a local postmaster. By 1850, he owned $3,400 of real estate. The family moved to Panola County, Texas, around 1857, and he earned a living as a merchant. By 1860, he owned $3,280 of real estate and $12,300 of personal property.

 

He supported the Confederacy during the Civil War. In August 1863, he mustered in as a private in Company B of the 1^st Cavalry Battalion, Texas State Troops. In October 1863, he was promoted to quartermaster. He remained in the army until at least January 1864.

 

He returned to Panola County after leaving the army, and he resumed his work as a merchant. By 1870, he owned $6,300 of real estate and $1,800 of personal property. His wife died on March 28, 1906, and he passed away in February 1909.

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