Publisher and businessman. Born in Edinburgh, the son of Rev. James Gall (1808-95), Gall was educated at the former Circus Place School in the city's New Town. He joined the publishing firm of Gall & Inglis, begun by his grandfather another James Gall (1784 - 1874), but suffering health problems he embarked for the better climate of Jamaica.
He joined a book-selling and stationery business in Kingston, quickly rising to become a partner, and also started a Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in the city, the first in Jamaica. He later produced a daily newspaper (Gall's Newsletter), noted for its caustic comments on Jamaican society. He also served as Secretary to the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce and built the Myrtle Bank Hotel which grew to become one of the island's finest.
He died in Jamaica.
