John S. Hall was reared on a farm. In boyhood he received his mental training in the common schools, and, on reaching mature years, applied himself to farming. At the beginning of the Civil War, he enlisted in Company G, Fifty-second Regiment Virginia Volunteer Infantry, in which he served about a year. In 1864 he located in Morgan County, and engaged in farming on rented land. Shortly afterward he purchased the farm where he has since resided, which now consists of 200 acres, situated a mile and half from Literberry.

On August 3, 1865, Mr. Hall was united in marriage with Elizabeth A. Henderson, and soon afterward commenced housekeeping in his present home. He and his wife became the parents of three children, namely: Hattie B., who is married and lives on the home farm; Lula, the wife of J. R. C. Bateman; and Annie who lives with her father. The mother of this family died March 2, 1898. In political campaigns, Mr. Hall maintains an independent attitude, using his judgment as to the best man on whom to bestow his suffrage. Religiously he is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has served as Trustee for many years. He is a man of high character, and as a farmer has secured most praiseworthy results from his many years of toil.