BIO: Lieut.-Col. Harry S. HALE, Centre County, Pennsylvania

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Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the 
Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical 
Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. 
Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898.
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COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD - 79

LIEUT-COL. HARRY S. HALE, the only son of the late Dr. Elias W. Hale, of 
Bellefonte, Centre County, was born at Lewistown, Penn., August 12, 1852. In 
early boyhood he attended school at Reedsville, Mifflin County, and in 1864 came 
with his father to Bellefonte, where he continued his studies under the tuition 
of the Rev. J. C. Laverty, an Episcopal minister, and at the academy under the 
presidency of Prof. Murray. In 1869-70, he was in attendance at Phillips 
Academy, in Exeter, N. H. He next was one year at Hopkins Grammar School, of New 
Haven, Conn. Afterward he spent two years at Lehigh University, at Bethlehem, 
Penn.  At this time he was in poor health, and he passed a year or more in the 
lumber regions of Minnesota.  He returned East and spent a year on his father's 
farm at Mill Creek, in Huntingdon Co., Penn. In 1874 he took an interest in the 
flouring-mill of Gerberich, Hale & Co., of Bellefonte, and remained actively 
engaged in that business until the time of his death.
  Perhaps the military history of Harry Hale was the most notable part of his 
life, and by these relations he became widely known among some of the most 
prominent military officers in the State. In June 1880, largely through his 
efforts, Company B, of Bellefonte, was organized, he being one of the signers of 
the application.  He was at that time elected second lieutenant of the company, 
in all the affairs of which he took a prominent part. This company became 
Company B, of the 5th Regiment of the N. G. of Pennsylvania. He was soon 
appointed adjutant of the regiment, and in 1887 he was elected lieutenant-
colonel, which relation he sustained to the 5th Regiment until shortly before 
his death, filling the position with credit to himself, and to those he 
represented; but in April, 1889, he was compelled to resign the office on 
account of failing health. He was a stanch Republican, and in 1886 the party 
nominated and elected him, over a strong opposition, chief burgess of 
Bellefonte. During this time he gained the confidence of the people, and was re-
elected for a second term. While serving in this capacity, he was always kind 
and affable to many who at times did not deserve his sympathy.  He was obliging, 
and at all times ready to bestow a favor. Brave and courageous, standing up for 
the right, whether politically or in pursuance of his duty as a public officer, 
Col. Hale was a young man possessing these qualities, which claimed the 
admiration of all, and made him a man of great promise. He was a gentleman of 
commanding appearance, being six feet in height, and otherwise magnificently 
proportioned.  When appearing in rank he was a very conspicuous figure. He was 
kind, honest and true, having a large heart, not only for the rich, but for the 
poorer class of people, aiding them by deeds of generosity. He was prominent in 
Masonic circles, having been for ten years or more a member of the fraternity, 
belonging to both the Commandery and Chapter.  He took a great interest in all 
of their proceedings.  The death of Col. Hale occurred at Bellefonte on May 24, 
1889, and he was given one of the most imposing and impressive funerals. His 
remains were interred at Lewistown, Penn., whither they were accompanied by 
Company B, with the field and staff officers of the 5th Regiment, and a body of 
Masons from Bellefonte. Cal.  Hale was unmarried.