Pittsburgh's Literary Start

Was James Hall's "The Billiard Table" the first short story to be set in Pittsburgh...in addition to being one of the first American short stories? 

And was James Hall really the inventor of the newspaper editorial section?!

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.

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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.]