J. Knox Hall, a son of Dr. Thomas and Matilda (Manifold) Hall, is a native of Stark county, having been born in the town of Toulon, April 20, 1848. He was educated in the Toulon public schools and upon leaving school entered the office of the old Stark County News to learn the printer’s trade. Later he was associated with W. E. Nixon in the publication of the Stark County Sentinel. Purchasing Mr. Nixon’s interest, he continued as sole proprietor, editor and publisher of the Sentinel until 1885, when he was appointed postmaster of Toulon by President Cleveland—the first postmaster in Illinois to be appointed by the new administration. At the close of his term as postmaster he resumed literary work, in which he is still engaged.
     Politically Mr. Hall is a democrat, though he is broad enough to respect the opinions of those who view the political situation from a different standpoint. For four years he was a member of the Toulon city council, at the time of the waterworks and sewer system were under construction, and he has always taken a commendable interest in every movement for the improvement of his native city. In church matters he was formerly a Baptist but now belongs to the Congregational church.
     Mr. Hall is a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being a member of the Toulon Lodge, No. 93, Free and Accepted Masons; Wyoming Chapter, No. 133, Royal Arch Masons; Kewanee Commandery, No. 71, Knights Templar; and Mohammed Temple, Ancient Arabic Order Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, of Peoria.