Oral History Interview with Jack Hall

Interview Summary

Hall describes his experiences during World War II in Germany. After military service, Hall returned to Harlan County and initially worked in a coal mine. Hall later owned and operated a gas station. Hall then bought his father’s barber shop once he retired. Hall describes his political career, which began with a six-year stint on the Harlan City Council and was later elected sheriff. Hall also describes the challenges of shutting down moonshine operations in the mountains of Harlan County. Hall details his work as a sheriff and issues with the drug trade in the county. Hall concludes the interview with a discussion about United Mine Workers’ strikes in the area.