James Hall

Journalistic Pioneer

Adam Trammel
Anna-Jonesboro Community High School, Anna

James Hall was a very important figure in Illinois journalistic and literary history. Hall edited the first and second Illinois newspapers. He also wrote many short stories, essays, biographical sketches, and even a novel. Hall was not only a writer and editor, he was a lawyer by profession. By the end of his law career, he had earned the rank of judge. However, he is most remembered for his many famous literary works.

James Hall was born on July 29, 1793, to John and Sarah Hall. John Hall was a wealthy Maryland landowner. His son was exposed to many intellectual discussions that encouraged his free-thinking. At the age of twelve, he was sent to an academy near Philadelphia. Hall's teachers disliked him because he tended to form his own opinions on many subjects. In 1813 Hall joined the military. Despite his anti-war views, he believed that the British had no right to raid farmhouses in America. Thus, Hall fought in the War of 1812, earning the rank of third lieutenant. Hall then decided to become a professional soldier. When the United States declared war on Algeria, Hall volunteered as a midshipman. However, the military declined his offer. In 1816 Hall was stationed in Pittsburgh. Two years later he resigned from the army. James Ross, a friend of his family and a very distinguished lawyer, taught Hall how to be a lawyer. Ross had been George Washington's lawyer and had also been a United States senator. Later that year, Hall was admitted to the bar and quickly became a successful lawyer in Pittsburgh.

Hall began his writing career by sending copies of the verses he had written about dancing partners to the Port Folio. Hall continued to contribute pieces that he had written to various magazines. In 1820 he moved to Shawneetown, Illinois. Only sixteen days after his arrival in Shawneetown, he was editing the local newspaper, the Illinois Gazette. It was the second Illinois newspaper. In 1820 Hall purchased part of the newspaper from A.W. Kimmel. He now co-owned the Illinois Gazette, along with Henry Eddy, a former student of Hall's. Hall himself wrote many of the newspaper's articles, which dealt with issues such as politics and current issues of Shawneetown. Hall also wrote articles that dealt with slavery in Illinois. He remained neutral on the issue, but allowed a place for letters written by citizens in the newspaper. In 1822 a local politician, Ninian Edwards, gave Henry Eddy money to buy Hall's half of the paper. Edwards did not like the fact that Hall published articles that could be dangerous to his political career. This ended Hall's involvement in the Illinois Gazette. In 1824 the Illinois legislature appointed Hall to the rank of judge. He remained in that position until 1827. This position earned him the name Judge Hall. The name stuck, and from then on, he was often referred to as Judge Hall.

In 1827 Hall left Shawneetown and moved to Vandalia, Illinois' state capital. His reason for moving to Vandalia was that he had been elected state treasurer by the Illinois legislature. Two years later, Hall purchased half-interest in the Illinois Intelligencer from Robert Blackwell. As soon as Hall joined the newspaper, its quality greatly increased. However, one of his editorial decisions cost him reelection as treasurer. In the 1830 gubernatorial election Hall backed William Kinney. Kinney's opponent, John Reynolds, won the election. Therefore, Hall lost his position as treasurer due to the spoils system.

Later that year, he began publishing the Illinois Monthly Magazine, the first literary magazine in Illinois. The magazine appeared for two years and featured many types of literary works. Hall had to supply most of the material for that magazine himself. The men who did help with the writing of this magazine were very distinguished men. One was Salmon Portland Chase, later secretary of the Treasurer under Lincoln, and chief justice during Reconstruction.

In 1832 Hall's book, Legends of the West, was published by his brother, Harrison. This book contained many of Hall's best works. Eight editions of this book were eventually printed. Hall played an important part in the development of the American short story. In his short stories was a description of the prairies, their first accurate description in American literature. In 1833 Hall packed up once again to move to Cincinnati. Here he directed the Western Monthly Magazine. Hall spent the rest of his life in Cincinnati.

James Hall was undoubtedly one of the greatest frontier writers of his time. His contributions to early newspapers helped to form the basis for modern newspapers in America. He virtually invented the editorial section of the newspaper. Hall was also one of the best short story writers of his time. On top of his literary career, he also had a successful law career. It was nothing short of amazing for him to have two good careers at the same time.—[From Mary Burtschi, A Port Folio for James Hall; Mary Burtschi, James Hall of Lincoln's Frontier World; John Flanagan, James Hall.]

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