Claris G. Hall was born on October 8, 1901 to John R. and Elizabeth Hodges Hall in Malvern, Hot Spring County, Arkansas. At 18 months old, Hall contacted polio resulting in a permanent limp and the nickname, “Crip.” In 1919, Hall graduated from Malvern High School and went on to attend the University of Arkansas where he majored in journalism and was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity and Theta Nu Epsilon. Hall also brought together two young students who would later become the famous duo, Lum and Abner. Hall attended Arkansas Law School in Little Rock, earned his L.L.B. degree, and received his attorney license in June 1936.

Hall married Nancy Pearl Johnson, daughter of George Sim and Minnie Bryan Johnson, on October 5, 1929. Hall and Johnson had one child, Nancy Anne, who married R. Robert Bailey.

Hall practiced law privately in Little Rock with Senator E.B. Dillon. In 1934, Hall ran for Arkansas Secretary of State, but was defeated by Ed McDonald. Hall ran again in 1936 and won, defeating George W. Neal. The longest serving Arkansas Secretary of State, Hall held office until his death on January 14, 1961. He was succeeded by his wife, Nancy Hall, who was appointed by Governor Orval Faubus to serve the remainder of his term.

Among his achievements as Secretary of State, Hall was integral in the planning and construction of the 44 acre capitol grounds in Little Rock; he initiated the lighting of the capitol dome during the Christmas holiday in 1938; he renewed the publication of the defunct, The Historical Report of the Secretary of State in 1958; and, known for his extensive traveling, Hall influenced the creation of the honorary title, Arkansas Traveler, established to highlight distinguished state visitors. Hall was also elected treasurer of the National Association of Secretaries of State at the Portsmouth, New Hampshire conference in 1949.

Hall was a member of organizations, such as the Knights of Pythias, Benevolent Order of Elks, Order of Moose, and the Second Presbyterian Church of Little Rock.