St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1906-03-14

The CALIFORNIAN takes pleasure in
presenting to its readers this week an
excellent reproduction Of an oil portrait
of the late Col. Oscar c. Hale, recently
presented to the National Bank OF New
bury at Wells River by Mrs. Julia
Hutchins Hale of Boston, who married
Col. Hale's brother. The portrait is
encased in rich gilt frame and hangs in
the directors room at the bank. All
who have seen it have greatly admired it
and the Older residents pronounce it
speaking likeness of this distinguished
6nancier.
Col. Oscar c. Hale was cashier OF the
bank from Feb. 1, 1871, to Jan. /, 1858,
and was generally regarded as one OF the
leading financiers of this section. 1t will
be OF interest to our older readers to
recall the names of those associated with
him in the management of the bank,
When he became cashier the board OF
directors consisted of Samuel Hutchins,
Alexander Gichrist, William Wheeler,
E. B. Chase, Levi P. Parks. When he
retired from the board and went west
the directors were Charles Hale, Samuel
Hutchins, A. B. w. Tenney, Robert
Harvey. William R. Shedd, Abel Under
wood, Isaac N. Hall. TIL. descendants
of many OF these gentlemen are living in
this section and the grandson of Mr..
Hutchins is now treasurer of the Wells
River Savings Bank.
COL Hale was a native of Newbury
and planted the big tanarack which
stands in front of Charles v. Eastman S
house. He died in Keokuk, la. In the
II years that he was cashier the bank
prospered steadily under his conservative
management and several important
deals were financed Older residents re.
call him as cool, clear headed and a
fine business man. His portrait shows
him to be kindly and those who know
him say he was as fine man as he
looked. He secured his title of Colonel
from service on the Governors staff and
was Wing in politics. In 1856 he was
elected to the Legislature from the town
of Newbury, and democratic associate
acknowledged that he was one of the
leaders in that assembly. He was a
liberal supporter of the gospel and fol-
many years the treasurer oil the Well:
River church. Col Hale was also
actively engaged in the building OF what
is now the White Mountain division Of
the Boston G. Maine. This was the
White Mountain railroad and by the
terms of the charter the stockholders
were held liable for all the debts OF the
road. On this account he lost heavily in
this enterprise, though it can be said tc
his credit that he never tried to dodge his
responsibility in this transaction.
Oscar c. Hatch, president OF thu
Littleton National Bank, was named fol
the subject of this sketch and the opinion
OF this distinguished New Hampshir,
banker is of interest in this connection
Writing OF the man Mr.. Hatch says,
Col. Oscar [. Hale removed from
Wells River to Iowa, when the writer
was a mere boy and my persona
acquaintance with him was therefore
quite limited. But this personality was
so indellbly impressed upon the old Banl
OF Newbury, where was employed to
four years, that mention OF him and hi
ways were so frequently made by tn
customers of the Bank, together will
interviews with him when visiting hi
old home, that | know him quite wei
and esteemed him very highly.
Il regarded him as business man o
exceptional ability, systematic, industri
Gus, gentleman under all circumstances
and the personihCation of honor.
He was my friend but bave no
overestimated him."
The esteem in which Col. Hale wa
held as a banker is evidenced by thes
resolutions which we're passed at tn
time oil his resignation:
Upon motion OF Hon. Abel UNDERWOOD
1T was unanimously Resolved, That tn
Bank OF Newbury, for the last II years
under the management OF Col. o I. Hale
late cashier, has been eminently success
tul and prosperous; and that said Hale
Tor the industry, fidelity and ability witt
which he has managed the affairs OF SAT-
Bank, is entitled to the hearty thanks
the stockholders, and carries with him
to his new field of operations in the west
their best wishes.
Upon motion of Alexander Harvey
E"q, seconded by Harry Chamherllr
Esq, 1t was further unanimously Rt
solved, That the sum of one hundre
collars be appropriated from the proht
Oh the Bank, tor the purchase OF silve
pitcher with a Suit ahie ;usrrintion, to b
presented to Col. 0. c. Hale, as Sigh
testimonial OF their appreciation OF tn
value OF his services as expressed in tn