It seems that our subject never spent more than one year in school, on account of his father's death. He had to help support his mother, and other members of the family. From the age of seven years to sixteen he worked very hard, and was his mother's main support. When he had arrived at the age of sixteen, our country was then engaged in the great civil war. Mr. Hall's love for his race, his patriotism and love for our country prompted him to enlist as a soldier in the 24th United States Regiment. At the close of the war he returned to Philadelphia, where he secured work and assumed the responsibility of supporting his mother, sister and younger brother. In 1871 he was employed by Mr. Oscar Robbins in the old Fifth Street Market. His employer was the largest poultry and game dealer in Philadelphia. Mr. Hall held his position for over ten years. In a short while after leaving Mr. Robbins, he started in business for himself. Having but little money, and a great deal of opposition to contend with, it was for a while an awful struggle, so much so, that he frankly admits, that had it not been for his noble and loving wife he would on several occasions have given up. True merit will always win in the end, and this proved true in his case; for to-day, Mr. Hall has one of the largest wholesale and retail poultry and game stalls in the 12th Street Market. He employs four men, paying each of them the same salary he received when on a salary himself. [Illustration: WALTER P. HALL, PHILADELPHIA.] One need only see how well his home is managed and kept, to fully realize that it is a happy home. You also behold the power and usefulness of a true and loving wife. In addition to his regular business he finds time to do great good in church-work as a class leader. He has filled that position for seventeen years, and has been a trustee for fifteen years, and a Sunday-school teacher for five years, having a large class of young men in whom he feels great interest. His class he had to give up on account of being elected as Sunday-school Superintendent. Then to add to his church-work he has been made president of the Southeast Branch of the Y. M. C. A. For seven years Mr. Hall has been the president of the Pioneer Building and Loan Association of Philadelphia, which stands second to none of its kind in the country. Many poor people have this association to thank for the homes they live in to-day.