CLAIBORNE HALL, farmer and merchant, Athens; is a native of Patrick Co., Va., where he was born Sept. 5, 1819; in the 10th year of his age, with his father's family, he emigrated to Boone Co., Mo., and shortly afterward located near Athens, Menard Co., remaining here until 1843, when he removed to Iowa, and settled on the "New Purchase," there, for five years, he improved and then purchased a quarter-section of land; it was during this time that he was elected Justice of the Peace for what was known then as the "Attached Territory" of Mahaska Co. Marion Co. was organized out of that territory in 1846, Mr. Hall being elected County Surveyor. He was subsequently elected to the offices of Probate Judge, Sheriff, Recorder, Collector, and Treasurer for said county. At the close of his term of office, in 1854, he returned to farming, having purchased another farm, near Knoxville. While thus engaged, he became editor and proprietor of the Democratic Standard, the first Democratic paper published in that county. After a year's editorial experience, he was elected County Superintendent of Schools. Two years afterward, he removed to Knoxville, and engaged in mercantile business, continuing in this until the autum of 1864, when he removed to Athens, his former place of abode. Since that time he has farmed, and for several years has been identified with mercantile life in Athens. In 1845, Mr. Hall was married to Miss Susan T. Duncan, daughter of Marshall Duncan, near Salisbury, who had emigrated from Kentucky at an early day. One son, Wilson B., was the only child born of this union. Susan T. died in 1850. Three years afterward, Mr. Hall married Eliza J. Olive near Zanesville, Ohio, who also died Dec. 10, 1864. Two years later, Mr. H. was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Riggin, of this county, daughter of Harry and Mirian Rigin both of whom emigrated to this State from Tennessee, in 1817. Mr. Hall's life has been one of varied usefulness, and he is yet an active businessman, and highly esteemed citizen. Of the religious character of Mr. hall, it may be proper to state that he has been an acceptable member of the Christian Church, since 1838, and was ordained Elder therein in 1859, and has discharged the duties of this sacred calling with faithfulness and ability.