Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1891-06-04
Obituary.
JOHN NJ. HALE,


John NJ Hale, who died in th. city the a5tt
ult.. wss born in Rutland, Vermont. July 10
li9l. When fifteen years Of age he went to
Castine to live with his brother who was g
lawyer at that place. There the subject of thi,
sketch was employed as clerk in the store OF
Mr.. Bryant. and continued in that employ
for several years. He was at Csstine during
the time the town was occupied by the British
who held IT from 1sl4 until April %. 1916
more than four months after the treaty OF
peace.
About the time that Mr.. Hale reached his
msjority he took for the benefit OF his health
sea voyage 10 Bermuda with his brother
who WAS master OF the vessel. He gained
rapidly IN health. but did not take kindly TO a
ses-fsrng life. As his brothers vessel was
bound to another foreign port. Mr.. Hale left
her there and came directly to the United
States on another vessel, safely arriving In due
season; but his brothers vessel never re-
turned. She was lost with all on board.
Mr.. Hale married Miss Sarah, daughter of
Doty Little. Esq, Of Csstne, Feb 81, 1921,
and shortly after, or about seventy years ago,
came 10 Ellsworth. where they established
their home. Here he engaged in trade. open
ing the first cash store which was ever opened
in Ellsworth. He slso engaged extensively in
the lumber business and was, at various times
In his life, quite large vessel owner.
After engaging alone in trade for several
wears he formed a partnership with the late
Mr.. Albert Robinson. the father OF f. F.
Robinson. Esq. and they kept store on Main
sireet-in the Norris store. we think-for a
long while.
Mr.. Hale's experience as a mail route con-
tractor dates back many years. and comes
down TO a comparatively late period This
business was quite extensive. For several
years he AMI his and Others were asso.
ciated together in this and the livery stable
business, under the firm name OF John NJ. Hale
Co.. which was continued in part to the dav
OF Mr.. IIsle'- death. Their stage routes were
important ones. such a. Bangor snd Ellsworth,
Ellsworth, Cherryfeld, etc, and several
others.
Mr.. Hale was Collector OF Customs Of the
district Of Frenchman's Bss during the adj
mini>'rstions OF VIM. II. Harrison and John
Tyler. and held many other places OF public
trust. During the important period which
covers the late Civil War, he was chairman OF
the board OF Selectmen and rendered the town
most excellent service.
His first wife died in 1877. and in ISIS he
married a second wife. Mrs. Frances Redman
Of Cherryield. who died In August last Mr..
Hale was the fsiher Of fifteen children. six Of
whom are now living. Il is coincidence
worthy Of note, that the father. John VI. Hale
was II the Ellsworth custom house under W.
H. Harrison. and the son, T. F.. Hale. i. in
the Ellsworth custom house. y half centur,
later. under Gen. IIarrison's grandson, Benj.
Harrison. the present Chief Magistrate.
For seventy YEAR Mr. IIale> face has been
familiar one in Ellsworth; be has gone In and
out smong the people at the stores the Offices
sud the homes; he was often seen on the
street,; every school-bov knew him; but no
person had aush, to SAY against him. H. life
wa. remarkably upright one. lie was not
only honest in the discharge OF hl- business
and dutie-. but he brought To Whist he had to
% such system and precision a insured un-
usual correctness. In politics he was Whis
during the days Of that party. and atter its
decease. Republican. He regarded hi- politi-
cal duties ~ sacred ones. and always threw his
ballot for the right NJ he Jaw the right. AT
our election last fall. though Mr.. Hale was
feeble from the iufrmite> OF age he insisted
on going 10 the polls snd casting his vote, and
h could not be d!s-usded from biz purpose.
The polling place was in the upper story Of the
engine house on Franklin street. TO that room
with some assistance he worked hi, way up
the stairs and threw his last vote for the can
didate- OF hi- choice The act was one Of great
satisfaction 10 himself and BIZ friends
The funeral took place from his late resi-.
dence at the corner Of Main and High streets.
Thursday forenoon, the Rev. c. r. W. Hub
bard officiating; and during the hour OF the
funeral all the stores in the place were closed
a. "a token OF respect 10 a departed citizen and
friend. honored by all who knew him.