Born in Woodbridge, South Africa, in 1824, David Gall trained as a printer in England before migrating to South Australia in 1850. He joined the staff of printer Henry Hussey in 1850, and became a partner in the business around 1854. From around 1857 Gall was the sole owner, and printed under his own name. David Gall retired in 1873 and sold the business to his brother-in-law, George Scrymgour, in 1875.