Ernest Hall (Arizona politician)
{{Short description|American politician from Arizona (1880–1959)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Ernest Hall
|image = ErnestHall.1920.jpg
|caption = Hall, ca. 1920
|order1 = 3rd
|office1 = Secretary of State of Arizona
|term_start1 = January 2, 1921
|term_end1 = January 2, 1923
|predecessor1 = Mit Simms
|successor1 = James H. Kerby
| state_senate2 = Arizona State
|district2 = Maricopa County
|term_start2 = January 1917
|term_end2 = June 1918 (resigned to join U. S. Army)
|predecessor2 = O. S. Stapley
Sam F. Webb
|successor2 = C. C. Green
| state_senate3 =
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|birth_date = {{Birth date|1880|02|10}}
|birth_place = Creston, Iowa, U.S.
|death_date = {{Death date and age|1959|03|29|1880|02|10}}
|death_place = Prescott, Arizona, U.S.
|nationality = American
|party = Republican
|spouse = Lillian
|children =
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|alma_mater =
|profession = Politician, farmer
|website =
}}
Ernest R. Hall (February 10, 1880 – March 29, 1959) was an Arizona politician who served a single term in the Arizona State Senate during the 3rd Arizona State Legislature.{{cite web | url=https://azmemory.azlibrary.gov/digital/collection/p17220coll18/id/63/rec/20 | publisher=State of Arizona | pages=8–9 |title=History of the Arizona State Legislature 1912–1966 | accessdate=March 3, 2022}} He ran several other times for the state legislature, mostly for the State Senate, but once for the State House of Representatives. He also ran three times for Arizona Secretary of State, winning in the 1920 election. Other offices he held were justice of the peace and postmaster, both in the Salome, Arizona area. He was a combat veteran of World War I, and was a very successful farmer in Maricopa County for several decades.
Early life
Hall was born on February 10, 1880, in Creston, Iowa. He was the brother of Dick Wick Hall, and came to Flagstaff, Arizona, in 1899, before moving to Phoenix the following year.{{cite news|title=Ernest Hall, Ex-Arizona Official, Dies |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102538848/ |newspaper=Arizona Republic |date=March 30, 1959 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1901 Hall, along with his brother Dick, moved to Wickenburg, where they began the Wickenburg News Herald, which became the largest newspaper in Wickenburg.{{Cite book | last = Goff| first = John S. | title = Arizona Biographical Dictionary | publisher=Black Mountain Press | year = 1983 | page=45 | location = Cave Creek, AZ | oclc = 10740532 }}{{cite news|title=Gone Home |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102541653/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 13, 1901 |page=5 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}}
Political career
In the late 1890s and 1900, Hall was a deputy in the office of the Secretary of Arizona Territory, Charles H. Akers.{{cite news|title=Untitled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102512806/ |newspaper=Weekly Journal-Miner |date=June 26, 1901 |page=3 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=An Artist In Skins |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102512927/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 2, 1900 |page=5 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}} In December 1906 he was elected to serve as the justice of the peace in the Harrisburg precinct of Yuma County.{{cite news|title=Official Minutes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102566537/ |newspaper=The Arizona Sentinel |date=December 12, 1906 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}} He served in that capacity until April 1908.{{cite news|title=Official Minutes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102566610/ |newspaper=The Arizona Sentinel |date=May 6, 1908 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} During the Arizona State Constitutional Convention, while Hall was not an official delegate, Hall was there and was responsible for writing many provisions of the document.
In 1914 Hall announced his candidacy for the State House of Representatives from Maricopa County, running on the Bull Moose Party ticket.{{cite news|title=The Candidates Of All Parties |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102569401/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 19, 1914 |page=9 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} However, he removed himself from the Bull Moose ticket in early October, and later was added to the Republican ticket, replacing Garrett P. Schuller, who retired.{{cite news|title=Candidates Get Off The Moose Ticket |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102569500/ |newspaper=The Tucson Citizen |date=October 1, 1914 |page=4 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Substitutions On Ticket |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102569555/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=October 10, 1914 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} In the November general election, he came in 8th place, with 3140 votes, the top 6 vote getters who filled the 6 spots in the House, all Democrats, received between 5745 and 6870 votes.{{cite news|title=Complete Returns From Maricopa County |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102569698/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 9, 1914 |page=7 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} 1916 saw Hall running for the Republican ticket for the State Senate. In the primary there were three candidates, and Hall and H. B. Wilkinson, became the Republican nominees.{{cite news|title=Here Are Men for Whom Parties Will Vote Today |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102579153/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=September 12, 1916 |page=4 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Republican County Ticket |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102579249/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=October 15, 1916 |page=8 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} Hall and Wilkinson defeated O. S. Stapley, an incumbent, and H. A. Davis, who had served in the first Arizona State Senate, in the November general election.{{cite news|title=Olney's Lead Is Swelled By Late Returns |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102580136/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=September 15, 1916 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Who's Who In Legislature Of Arizona This Year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102580310/ |newspaper=Tombstone Weekly Epitaph |date=November 19, 1916 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} During the special session of the legislature, Hall announced his resignation and enlisted in the U. S. Army.
In August 1920 Hall announced his candidacy for the Secretary of State of Arizona. He was unopposed in the Republican primary.{{cite news|title=Here's A List Of The Candidates On State Republican Ticket |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102630324/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 17, 1920 |page=3 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} He defeated Democrat Harry S. Ross in the general election, 31,328 to 29,658.{{cite news|title=How It Happened And What Will Happen Now |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102630919/ |newspaper=The Holbrook News |date=November 12, 1920 |page=3 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} Hall was the first Republican elected as secretary of state in Arizona.{{cite news|title=It's Moving Day Tomorrow At Big State House |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102631161/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=January 2, 1921 |page=7 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} As secretary of state, Hall often had to step into the role of governor, whenever Governor Campbell was out of the state.{{cite news|title=Ernest Hall Acting Governor Of State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102632633/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=May 10, 1921 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Asks Requisition Of Man Charged With Assault |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102632675/ |newspaper=The Tucson Citizen |date=September 21, 1921 |page=8 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Fock To Arrive At Grand Canyon Dec. 5 |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102632762/ |newspaper=Bisbee Daily Review |date=December 1, 1921 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} Hall declared his intention to run for re-election in July 1922,{{cite news|title=Ernest Hall Comes Out On Record For Secretary Of State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102673869/ |newspaper=Weekly Journal-Miner |date=July 12, 1922 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} and he faced off and defeated Wesley A. Hill in the Republican primary.{{cite news|title=Ward Petition Has Most Names Of Any State Candidate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102673970/ |newspaper=The Copper Era and Morenci Leader |date=August 18, 1922 |page=8 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Hunt's Lead Over Ward In The State Is 3,946 Votes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102674161/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=September 15, 1922 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} However, he was defeated by James H. Kerby in the November general election.{{cite news|title=Ernest Hall Sends Congratulations To Democratic Victor |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102674292/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 13, 1922 |page=3 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Official Summary Of Arizona's Vote |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102674784/ |newspaper=The Coconino Sun |date=December 15, 1922 |page=13 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} Despite his statement that he was forever finished with politics, in 1926 Hall announced his candidacy to once again run for the State Senate.{{cite news|title=Ernest R. Hall And O. E. Schupp Seek Republican Nomination As Maricopa County Senate Members |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690504/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=July 28, 1926 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} The two Republicans ran unopposed in the primary, but were defeated by Dan P. Jones and Harlow Akers in the November general election.{{cite news|title=Preparations Made To Print Primary Ballot |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690571/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 10, 1926 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Democrats Get All County Offices In General Election |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690649/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 3, 1926 |page=9 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}
In July 1930 Hall announced his candidacy for the state legislature once again. However, this time he was running for a seat in the House of Representatives, in Maricopa District 16. He defeated Mrs. Belle Butler in the Republican primary, but lost to J. F. Jennings in November's general election.{{cite news|title=Two Women Certain Of Legislative Seats, Maricopa Vote Shows |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/10061163/19300921-two-women-certain-of-legisla/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=September 21, 1930 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Official Election Returns Announced By Maricopa Board |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102694473/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 14, 1930 |page=17 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1932 he ran for one of two seats on the State Tax Commission, going up against the two Democrat incumbents, Frank Luke and Thad M. Moore. The two incumbents easily won re-election, by a more than 2–1 margin.{{cite news|title=Hall To Run For State Tax Commission |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102694794/ |newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen |date=August 2, 1932 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1932 he ran for one of two seats on the State Tax Commission, going up against the two Democrat incumbents, Frank Luke and Thad M. Moore. The two incumbents easily won re-election, by a more than 2–1 margin.{{cite news|title=Bill Reducing Legislature's Pay And Dry Repeal Passed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102694902/ |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |date=November 10, 1932 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1934 he was recruited to run for the Secretary of State position again.{{cite news|title=Republicans Toss Hats Into Ring, But Recommend No One |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102695527/ |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |date=September 23, 1934 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Last Minute Political Entries |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102695644/ |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |date=October 14, 1934 |page=10 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} His opponent was incumbent James H. Kerby, who defeated him in the 1922 election. In the November rematch, Kerby once again came out on top, easily defeating Hall 59,113 to 33,170.{{cite news|title=State Canvass Of Votes Made |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102695756/ |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |date=November 27, 1934 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}
Life outside politics
In 1905 Hall and his brother Dick, along with C. H. Pratt and Charles Caldwell, the latter two both of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, developed the townsite of Salome, Arizona. They drilled a well on the site, the first well drilled in northern Yuma County.{{cite news|title=New Town On New Railroad |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102553191/ |newspaper=Weekly Journal-Miner |date=January 11, 1905 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=VEAcAAAAIBAJ&pg=1688,215211&dq=dick+wick+hall&hl=en|title=Salome Remembers Dick Wick Hall|date=September 2, 1986|work=The Courier|page=1C|location=Prescott, Arizona}} The four men also incorporated the Arizona Contracting Company, which was formed to develop the townsite, as well as to engage in mineral exploration.{{cite news|title=Articles Of Incorporation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102566503/ |newspaper=Weekly Journal-Miner |date=May 31, 1905 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1906 Hall was splitting his time between Wickenburg, where he had a home, and Salome, where he was appointed postmaster, with his brother Dick being vice-postmaster.{{cite news|title=Personal Mention |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102553468/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=January 27, 1906 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 25, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Salome Postmaster |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102553557/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=October 15, 1906 |page=4 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} Early in 1908, he became an agent for the fruit tree company, Stark Brothers, of Louisiana, Missouri.{{cite news|title=Personal And Otherwise |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102567137/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=February 22, 1908 |page=10 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} Later that year, he and his father, Thomas, had begun a fruit farm in Maricopa County, southwest of Phoenix, named the Blue Ribbon Ranch.{{cite news|title=Of Local Interest |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102566882/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=June 25, 1908 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Halls Get Mixed |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102570096/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 8, 1915 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} The two continued to be the local representatives for the Stark Brothers.{{cite news|title=25% Discount To Mail Order Buyers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102567207/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 17, 1909 |page=7 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} By 1910 they were exporting fruit to other states.{{cite news|title=Phoenix Pears For Kansas City Market |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102567243/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=October 14, 1910 |page=5 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}
Hall served as the superintendent of the agricultural division of the Arizona State Fair in 1910 and 1911.{{cite news|title=Retrospective View Of Territorial Fair |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102567340/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 14, 1910 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Retrospective View Of Territorial Fair |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102568002/ |newspaper=The Coconino Sun |date=September 15, 1911 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} He married Lillian M. Knall in Phoenix on February 28, 1912.{{cite news|title=Untitled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102566729/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=March 3, 1912 |page=13 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1917, after the regular session of the legislature, Hall returned to Wickenburg to oversee the operations of the Glory Hall Mine, which he co-owned with his brother, Dick.{{cite news|title=Who's Who In Legislature Of Arizona This Year |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102581779/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=March 28, 1917 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} In October of that year, he put his Blue Ribbon Ranch up for sale, and became the editor of the Wickenburg Miner.{{cite news|title=The Best Of Soil |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102581910/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=October 26, 1917 |page=9 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Untitled |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102581972/ |newspaper=Casa Grande Dispatch |date=December 7, 1917 |page=4 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} In 1917, after the regular session of the legislature, Hall returned to Wickenburg to oversee the operations of the Glory Hall Mine, which he co-owned with his brother, Dick. In October of that year, he put his Blue Ribbon Ranch up for sale, and became the editor of the Wickenburg Miner.
When the United States entered World War I, he volunteered for the army and served with the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe for nine months. He resigned from the State Senate in June 1918 and enlisted in the 27th Engineers Battalion, which saw action at both the Battle of Saint-Mihiel and the Meuse–Argonne offensive.{{cite news|title=Bill In Legislature To Put Capital Punishment Before Voters Next Fall |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102582296/ |newspaper=Arizona Daily Star |date=June 9, 1918 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=Letters From Soldiers |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102582798/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=August 24, 1918 |page=7 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 26, 2022}} {{Open access}} He attained the rank of sergeant.{{cite news|title=A Splendid Candidate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102630104/ |newspaper=The Tucson Citizen |date=July 11, 1920 |page=4 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} After the war, Hall returned to Phoenix in April 1919, where he met up with his brother, Dick.{{cite news|title=Tells Of Wealth At New Texas Oil Field |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102629855/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=April 6, 1919 |page=7 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} The two traveled to northern Texas where they engaged in the oil exploration business, along with their partner, Ernest Douglas, at first working in the interests of Aritex Oil Company.{{cite news|title=Three Arizonans In Possession Of A Promising Tract |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102629876/ |newspaper=Casa Grande Dispatch |date=April 25, 1919 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} By May they were offering people the chance to invest in the burgeoning oil industry, through their mutual membership trust, the Texhall Oil Syndicate, which had interests in several oil properties in Texas.{{cite news|title=Texhall Oil Syndicate |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102629909/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=May 12, 1919 |page=5 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 2, 2022}} {{Open access}} This venture was profitable, and short-lived, and the two brothers were headed home by June.{{cite news|title=Made Their Stake |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102629954/ |newspaper=Mohave County Miner and Our Mineral Wealth |date=June 14, 1919 |page=1 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}} On his return to Arizona he began working for the state highway department until June 1920, when he resigned to take over the cotton and fruit operations of the Elias and Pool ranch, of Arizona Securities Company.{{cite news|title=War Candidate Is Candidate For Secretary Of State |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102630215/ |newspaper=The Tucson Citizen |date=August 1, 1920 |page=3 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 27, 2022}} {{Open access}}
After his defeat in the 1922 election for Secretary of State, Hall stated that he was officially retired from politics.{{cite news|title=Ernest Hall Going Back To Mining |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690348/ |newspaper=The Coconino Sun |date=December 8, 1922 |page=8 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} He went into a mining venture with his brother Dick near Salome.{{cite news|title=Former Secretary Here |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690372/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=April 25, 1923 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=New Incorporation |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690391/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=April 28, 1923 |page=6 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} In addition, he went back to farming with his father, this time focusing on pecans, although they still continued to grow fruit.{{cite news|title=Trees Combine Utility With Great Beauty |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690447/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 1, 1925 |page=16 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title=See The Pecans |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690467/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=November 15, 1925 |page=10 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}}{{cite news|title= Ernest R. Hall To Seek Seat In Legislature |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102694039/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=July 24, 1930 |page=2 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} His wife, Lillian, had been involved in selling real estate since 1925, and in 1927 Hall joined her and opened up his own real estate agency, Ernest R. Hall Realty Company.{{cite news|title=New Realty Office Opened On Adams By Ernest R. Hall |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102690959/ |newspaper=The Arizona Republican |date=May 29, 1927 |page=16 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} While running his real estate practice, he still was involved in farming, becoming one of the largest fruit and pecan producers in the Phoenix area. In 1953 he returned to Salome, and was their justice of the peace until just prior to his death.{{cite news|title=Salome Survives Era Of Boom-Bust Mining |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102696802/ |newspaper=Arizona Republic |date=February 15, 1953 |page=51 |via = Newspapers.com|accessdate = May 28, 2022}} {{Open access}} Hall died on March 29, 1959, in Prescott, where he had been living in the Arizona Pioneers' Home. He had been ill for several years.