JOHN R HALE

Among the successful and enterprising farmers of Doniphan county is this gentleman. who owns and cultivates two hundred and forty acres of good land in Wolf River township. He is a native of the Buckeye state, his birth having occurred in Sandusky county, Ohio, March 29, 1841. His father, William Hale, was born in Devonshire, England, in 1805, and on coming to the United States took up his abode in Ohio. He had no capital, but was industrious and energetic and as the result of his well directed efforts he acquired a good farm. As a companion in life's journey he chose Miss Sarah Chalise, who was born in Devonshire, and they became the parents of the following named children: John R.; Mary; William, deceased; Erastus, who is living on the old homestead in Ohio; Adelia, who has passed away; and Mariah, wife of Thomas Potter. The father was called to his final rest in Ohio in 1882.

The duties and pleasures which usually occupy the time of most farmers' sons engrossed the attention of John R. Hale during the days of his youth. He attended the schools of the neighborhood and followed the plow through the summer months and in the winter seasons he pursued his studies, acquiring a fair English education. In July, 1863, when twenty-two years of age, he responded to his country's call for troops, enlisting in the First Ohio Heavy Artillery, under the command of Colonel C. G. Hawley. The command was assigned to General Thomas' army and did garrison duty most of the time. After two years' service Mr. Hale was mustered out at Knoxville, Tennessee, and honorably discharged at Camp Dennison, Ohio. In 1868 he came to Kansas, purchasing a farm in Brown county, but as his capital was limited he did not operate his land the first year, but remained in the employ of Mr. Snyder, a nurseryman. The next year he began to plow and plant his own tract and for a time he kept house alone. His home was furnished with chairs, tables and other furniture of his own manufacture, but in time this was replaced by the more modern articles secured from the extensive factories which now send their productions to all sections of the country. In 1880 Mr. Hale took up his abode in Doniphan county, where he now owns two hundred and forty acres of land under a high state of cultivation and well improved with all the modern accessories and conveniences.

In December, 1874, was celebrated his marriage to Miss Sarah Benfer, daughter of Elias Benfer, and they now have a daughter, Maude, born in December, 1879. In politics Mr. Hale is a Republican and gives his hearty support to the men and measures of his party, but has never sought or desired office.