James Davidson Hall (1806-1892) was the son of Rev. James and Rachel Johnston Hall. Born in Iredell County, NC, Hall entered the University as a junior in 1826 and graduated second in his class in 1828. He taught in Washington, NC, for two years, then entered Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, graduating in 1833. He was ordained by the Orange Presbytery in the same year. In 1846 Hall moved to Gaston County, NC, where he lived and preached for the rest of his life. He also founded and became the principal teacher of a "classical school of high order" (McElroy 31), and he helped establish Davidson College. Hall was married three times, his first two wives each bearing a son but dying shortly thereafter. With Elizabeth Price Neagle he had five sons and one daughter.