[1] As a youth Hall served as an apprentice under his uncle, David Fowle, founder and printer of The New Hampshire Gazette, which is what introduced him to the printing trade.
[1][2][3] Hall moved to Rhode Island and at the age of twenty-two entered into a partnership with the widow Anne Franklin[4][a] in the publication of the Newport Mercury, beginning with the issue of August 17, 1762.
Subsequently he moved his printing operation to a large brick building nearby, owned by a Mr. Blaney, which also contained the office of the Salem custom house.
With the assistance from friends and neighbors Hall was soon able to continue the printing and publication of the Gazette, giving thanks and tribute to all who gave him help and support in the issue immediately following the fire.
[16] On February 14, 1776, Hall's brother and partner, Ebenezer, died, leaving a wife and child, and with Samuel publishing the paper on his own again.
[17] In April 1776 Hall moved his newspaper to Boston, and continued printing his paper, now simply called The New England Chronicle, with The Essex Gazette removed from the title, and operated there until 1781, until he returned to Salem.
Historian Isaiah Thomas said of Hall that, "He was a correct printer, and judicious editor; industrious, faithful to his engagements, a respectable citizen, and a firm friend to his country."