Orange HALE, Harry, Henry, John Gardner, Mark, Robert Safford, Safford Eddy, Thomas & William Bainbridge Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 169-173 Biography of Harry HALE (1780 - 1861) - pp 169-171 (father of Henry; John G.; Mark; Robert S.; Safford E.; Thomas & William B.) Harry HALE, late of Rindge, New Hampshire; Windsor [Windsor County, Vermont] and Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont]; was born 10 February 1780 in Rindge [Cheshire County], New Hampshire. His father, Colonel Nathan HALE [born Hampstead, Rockingham County, New Hampshire, 23 September 1743?], who had been at home after July 1777, upon his limited parole to return within the enemy's lines at the end of two years, if not sooner exchanged, had left home pursuant to the terms of his parole, to return within the enemy's lines, and at the time of his son's birth was a prisoner of war in the hands of the British at New Utrecht, Long Island [Kings County, New York], where he [Nathan HALE] died 23 September 1780 [on his birthday?], without again visiting his home, so that the subject of this sketch never saw his father. His training of course devolved upon his widowed mother [who seems to have been Abigail GROUT, daughter of John GROUT (born 1704) and his wife Johanah BOYNTON, part of the large Vermont GROUT family; see the Vermont GROUT biographies], a woman of remarkable energy, decision, and intelligence. He [Harry HALE] was educated at the common schools in Rindge, with the addition of a term or two at New Ipswich Academy, but succeeded in acquiring a thorough practical education, and was always remarkable for his command of pure and forcible English both in writing and in speech. When about twenty years of age he joined his brother Nathan at Windsor [Windsor County, Vermont], and either then or on arriving at his majority, entered into copartnership with him under the firm name of N. & H. Hale, country merchants, having a store at Windsor Street, and after a few years another at the West Parish, now West Windsor. He removed from Windsor to Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont] in 1807, and there continued for some years in partnership with his brother Nathan. On the dissolution of their partnership, he [Harry HALE] formed a business connection with Joshua DICKINSON for several years, carrying on a country store under the firm name of Hale & Dickinson. They built the structure on the west side of the north common, since known as the Dickinson store. Somewhere about 1825 he retired from trade, and thenceforth devoted himself to the management of his grist mill and his farms. He was early chosen a captain of militia and was best known by the title of Captain. He was frequently elected to town offices, selectman, lister, town agent, etc. For many years he was justice of the peace. In 1828, 1832, and 1836 he represented Chelsea in the state Legislature. For several years he was county clerk of Orange County and bank commissioner of the state. He was repeatedly moderator of the town meetings, and in all respects a leading citizen of his town. He always took an active interest in politics; was an early Federalist, but when John Quincy ADAMS became a candidate for the presidency warmly supported him against the violent opposition of many of the leaders of the old Federal party. On the breaking out of the anti-Masonic excitement about 1827 and 1828, Mr. HALE, who had never been a Mason, fully sympathized with the hostility to that institution, and was first elected to the Legislature as a candidate of that party. Subsequently he acted for many years with the Whigs, but on the organization of the so-called "Liberty Party," his firm and unyielding hostility to slavery led him to join it, and to it adhered until his death. In 1843 he received its nomination for state treasurer on the ticket with Lawrence BRAINERD as Governor, and this compliment was renewed for several years. It may be added that he never sought office, and that all his nominations and elections came unsought. In all the relations of public and private life, he bore an honorable and unsullied character, and his whole career was marked by integrity and uprightness. Perhaps his most distinguishing characteristic was his firm and exact adherence to justice, which made him a safe umpire not only between his neighbors, a duty he was often called to, but an almost equally safe arbitrator between himself and his neighbor. He was a most liberal supporter of the Congregational church, and which he worshipped, but never became a member until 1838. He was never a rich man, but never failed to " one hundred cents on the dollar," and but once while in business was compelled to ask so much as an "extension of time" from his creditors, which was most freely and willingly granted, and within which his indebtedness was fully met. The generous education which he gave his children was a continual drain on his resources which he never regretted, although it left him in moderate circumstances, financially, in his old age. He [Harry HALE] died at Chelsea in June 1861. In 1802 Mr. [Harry] HALE married, first, in Rindge [Cheshire County, New Hampshire], Phebe, daughter of David and Phebe (SPOFFORD) ADAMS; [Phebe born 17 February 1777 in Rindge]; she died at Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont] 13 January 1815, having been the mother of eleven children, six of whom survived her. On 14 November 1818 at Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont] he [Harry HALE] married, secondly, Lucinda, [born 28 May 1785 at Woodstock, Windsor County, Vermont] daughter of Ephraim and Mary (SAFFORD) EDDY. She bore him seven children [Abigail Grout (1817), Safford Eddy (1818), Laura Charlotte (1820), Robert Safford (1822), John Gardner (1824), William Bainbridge (1826), and Matthew (1829), all born Chelsea, Orange County, Vermont]. All her own children and four of her stepchildren survived her. She [Mrs. Lucinda HALE] survived her husband and died 01 August 1871 at Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont]. On the renovation of the Congregational church in Chelsea in 1876, a memorial window of stained glass was placed in the rear of the pulpit, which describes Mr. [Harry] HALE as "Foremost among those who builded this house to the worship of God, 1810," adding the text selected by his children, "One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity." Biography of Mark HALE (1806 - ?) - p 171 Mark HALE, born 20 August 1806, son of Harry and Phebe HALE, was appointed a midshipman in the navy in 1825 and resigned in 1832. No tidings have been received of him since his resignation, and he probably died many years ago. He is described in a letter written by one of his shipmate's to his father as a young man of fine person, prepossessing manners, and as highly respected both in his private and official capacity by his brother officers in every grade. Biography of Thomas HALE (1813 - 1893) - p 171 Thomas HALE, was born 21 June 1813 in Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont], son of Harry and Phebe HALE. Was admitted to the bar in 1844, but never practiced the legal profession to any extent. Most of his life was spent in journalism. He was for many years editor of the "Vermont Journal" at Windsor, and also founded and edited the "New England Observer" at White River Junction. He was also the editor of the "Sentinel" at Keene [Cheshire County], New Hampshire, and of various other papers in New England. As a journalist he was very successful, continuing in that profession until he was compelled to abandon it by the failure of his sight. In 1869 he [Thomas HALE] was married to [Miss?] Sarah Ballou POTTER, and died 04 March 1893 in Plainfield [Union County], New Jersey, survived by his widow and one son, Thomas. Biography of Henry HALE (1814 - 1890) - p 171 Henry HALE was born 21 June 1814 in Chelsea, son of Harry and Phebe HALE. [Note that the day and month of birth for Thomas and Henry are identical.] Graduating at the University of Vermont in 1840, he studied law and practiced his profession first at Orwell [Addison County, Vermont], then at Poughkeepsie [Dutchess County], New York, and removed to St. Paul [Ramsey County], Minnesota, in 1855, where he resided until his death; Henry HALE died in December 1890. Not long after he removed to St. Paul he gave up professional labor and devoted his time mainly to the care of the estate which he accumulated there, and to travel, making frequent visits to Europe, where he spent a large portion of his time. Just before his removal to St. Paul, he [Henry HALE] married Mary Elizabeth FLETCHER, daughter of Paris FLETCHER, Esq., of Bridport [Addison County, Vermont]. He had two children, both of whom died in infancy, and he left only his widow surviving. By his will he left a large portion of his fortune to the city of St. Paul for the purpose of founding a free library and free dispensary. He was a man of great reading ability and had a high standing in his profession. Biography of Safford Eddy HALE (1818 - 1893) - p 171 Safford Eddy HALE was born 26 October 1818 in Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont, eldest son of Harry and Lucinda HALE. Received his professional education in the medical department of Dartmouth College. In 1842 he went to Elizabethtown [Essex County], New York, where he entered upon the practice of medicine, which he continued until within a few months of his death; Safford Eddy HALE died 18 April 1893. With an acute and cultivated mind, polished manners, agreeable presence, lively wit, fine professional attainments and skill, absolute integrity and fearless independence, he at once became and continued to the end to be one of the most respected citizens of Elizabethtown. He felt a lively interest in all matters of public concern, and although not an active politician or desirous of office, he from time to time served the community in such positions as justice of the peace, commissioner of highways, county treasurer, etc. He was for one term president of the Essex County [New York] Medical Society and its secretary for many years. He [Safford Eddy HALE] married Elizabeth Palmer CHURCHILL, daughter of Joseph CHURCHILL, Esq., of Woodstock [Windsor County, Vermont]; she [Elizabeth Palmer HALE] died 08 March 1871. He [Safford Eddy HALE] left surviving him three children: Frederick G., a lawyer at Chicago [Cook County, Illinois]; Joseph C., of Leadville [Lake County], Colorado; and Clara L., who lived with her father, and still resides in Elizabethtown [Essex County], New York. Biography of Robert Safford HALE (1822 - 1881) - p 172 Robert Safford HALE was born 24 September 1822, second son of Harry and Lucinda HALE. Graduated at the University of Vermont in 1842, and received from that college the degree of L L. D. Studied law in Elizabethtown [Essex County], New York, and was admitted to practice in 1847, and continuing in that profession at Elizabethtown until his death. He [Robert Safford HALE] married Lovina SIBLEY, daughter of Jeremiah STONE of Elizabethtown [Essex County], New York, who survived him. Mr. HALE also left five children: one son, Harry, who is a practicing lawyer in Elizabethtown; and four daughters, three of whom are living at Elizabethtown with their mother. Robert Safford HALE died 14 December 1881. The following extract from the memorial minute adopted by the Board of Regents of the State of New York on the occasion of his death, gives a concise and clear sketch of his public life: "In 1856 he was elected judge of Essex County [New York], and in 1859 a regent of the university. In 1860 he was appointed a presidential elector, and in 1865 was elected to Congress. In 1868 he was employed as special counsel of the Treasury before the Court of Claims of the United States. In 1870 he was nominated as a judge of the Court of Appeals, but with the majority of his party candidates, was not elected; in 1871 he was appointed agent and counsel of the United States before the mixed commission of claims under the treaty of Washington; was again elected to Congress in 1873, and in 1876 was appointed by the Legislature one of the commissioners of the state survey." "To the discharge of these various professional and public duties, Mr. HALE brought a singular combination of powers. His fine natural ability was admirably trained by various study and accomplishments. His mind was a treasury of well ordered knowledge. His eloquence was clear, forcible and brilliant; and his quick sympathies, his profuse and delightful humor, his moral earnestness and courage made him one of the most delightful of companions, as he was one of the most persuasive of advocates and most upright of magistrates. His political, like his professional career, was distinguished by that independence which is rare as it is manly, and which of itself is a public influence of the highest character. In this board, Mr. HALE's service was constant and efficient. In all its deliberations his sound judgment, his clear perception and his great experience were invaluable, and the board are but too sadly conscious that his loss cannot be replaced." Biography of John Gardner HALE (1824 - 1892) - p 172 Rev. John Gardner HALE was born 12 September 1824 at Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont], third son of Harry and Lucinda HALE. Graduated at the University of Vermont in 1845, and Andover Theological Seminary in 1851. In 1852 he was sent by the Home Missionary Society to Grass Valley [Nevada County], California, where he resided for several years. Before his departure to California he [Rev. John Gardner HALE] had married Jane P., daughter of Israel DWINELL of East Calais [Washington County, Vermont], and after a few years he returned to Vermont, and was settled successfully at East Poultney [Rutland County], Chester [Windsor County], and Stowe [Lamoille County, all three in Vermont]. His health was always rather delicate and the climate of Vermont somewhat severe, therefore he again went to California, and settled at Redlands [San Bernardino County], where he [Rev. John Gardner HALE] resided until his death in March 1892. At all his places of residence he was respected and loved as an able, sincere, and earnest minister of the gospel. He left surviving him one son, Rev. Edson Dwinell HALE, a Congregational minister in California; and three daughters. Biography of William Bainbridge HALE (1826 - 1892) - pp 172-173 William Bainbridge HALE was born 20 July 1826 in Chelsea [Orange County, Vermont], son of Harry and Lucinda HALE. He had not the benefit of a college education, but was a great reader and had a wonderfully retentive memory, and was really a better educated man than most college graduates. He was for many years the president of the First National Bank of Northampton [Hampshire County], Massachusetts, and a prominent and influential citizen of Northampton. William Bainbridge HALE married, first, Harriet Amelia, daughter of Wright PORTER of Hartford; she [Harriet Amelia HALE] died 10 December 1882. On 07 July 1886 William Bainbridge HALE married [second wife] Mrs. Victoria MORRIS, of Grassdale [Fauquier County?], Virginia, who survives him. After his second marriage, he removed to Grassdale, Virginia, where he continued to reside until his death; William Bainbridge HALE died in November 1892. He left two sons, children of his first wife: Philip, an organist and musical critic of Boston [Suffolk County], Massachusetts; and Rev. Edward HALE, a graduate of Harvard, who is now a Unitarian minister at East Orange [Essex County], New Jersey. The following from the "Springfield Republican" is a just tribute to the memory of William Bainbridge HALE: "In Northhampton he was interested in various manufacturing enterprises as well as banking; for several years was president and manager of the old Florence Sewing Machine Company in its palmy days; and was also interested in the Knapp dovetailing machine and other industries. He was identified with the affairs of the old town of Northampton; in 1860 was president of the Young Men's Institute; and did much in bringing about the establishment of the present large and flourishing free library. In town meetings he was a ready and fluent speaker; always took an active hand in debates, frequently having stirring discussions on educational and other questions with Judge BOND, the late Charles DELANO and others; was a man of more than ordinary ability, of wide reading, and possessed an extraordinary gift of language, which at times mounted to eloquence. He spoke in public readily and fluently, and with great effect. His manner was autocratic; often he expressed himself with impolitic vigor; his likes and dislikes were apt to be extreme, but his weight of character overbore all the traits that might have made enemies. He was never persuaded to run for office, and his transparent unselfishness increased his influence. Submitted by Cathy Kubly