My Genealogy Hound

William P. Hale. It cannot be expected, in a work of this kind, where but brief biographical sketches of prominent citizens of the county are presented, that a lengthy laudatory article should be written of each one, and yet at times there are met with some who have been so intimately and closely identified with the county, and whose names are so familiar to all, that it is only just to dwell upon what they have done, and the influence of their career on others, not as empty words of praise, but the plain statement of a still plainer truth. Mr. Hale was born in Maury County, Tenn., on the 30th of July, 1839, and is the fourth in a family of eleven children born to Bird S. and Martha Ann (Dyer) Hale. The father died in his fortieth year, and left this large family of small children. In 1855, three years after his death, Mrs. Hale, being desirous of keeping the family together, came to Mississippi County, and settled in Osceola, on the 20th of November. Directly upon their arrival William P. Hale began gathering corn, and the next year rented fifty-four acres, on which he raised a large crop. From this time on, until reaching his majority, he continued to farm on rented land, and succeeded in keeping the family together. When twenty-one years of age (1860) he selected Miss Orlean J. McKinney as his wife. Her father, Judge L. H. McKinney, is an old settler of this county, and one of its most prominent citizens. After his marriage Mr. Hale bought 160 acres of land, but the war breaking out about this time, agricultural pursuits were almost wholly suspended, although they farmed enough to supply the wants of the family. In 1866 Mr. Hale bought 100 acres for $5,000, with twenty-five acres under cultivation, and here he lived for nine years. He had built a number of cabins, an ice-house, and soon a cotton-gin, which brought him in a large income, in addition to his own crops. He also cleared up all his farm, which is now wholly under cultivation. In 1870 he erected a store building in Osceola, engaged in mercantile pursuits, and thus continued in that place until 1879, when he sold the goods and has since rented the store. In 1875 he erected a fine residence in Osceola, at a cost of $4,000, and it is still one of the best residences in the town. One year later Mr. Hale, in partnership with his brother, F. B., bought a large tract of land of 1,200 acres, 250 of which were cleared. The brother moved upon this place, and in four years time he had cleared up a large tract, all of which was yielding extensive and profitable crops. During eight years of this farming they made enough to pay for the entire plantation, and, in 1884, Mr. Hale bought his brother’s interest for $13,000, all of which was made on the place. He has since added 600 acres, making his plantation now about 1,700 acres, and he has in this tract nearly 1,000 acres under cultivation. This extensive place is located two and a half miles above Osceola, and it is one of the finest in Mississippi County. He is also the owner of other tracts, in all of which he has about 1,150 acres under cultivation. He manages all the land himself, and estimates that it brings him in an income of at least $12 per acre net. In 1872 he leased a building in Osceola, which he converted into a steam gin, and at the expiration of the lease bought the property, and soon built a large and good gin. This was destroyed by fire two years later, and, as Mr. Hale had bought a large tract in the upper part of the town, on which there was a large gin, he did not rebuild. From this tract he has sold most of the lots on which the upper part of Osceola is built. He has erected at least ten buildings in the town, and has been active in contributing to its prosperity. Since living in town Mr. Hale has always been an active man in the affairs that promised to promote the interests of the locality. He has held the office of alderman, and served several times as school director. To his marriage were born fifteen children (six of whom are living): Bland William, married Miss Tee Driver, and lives in Tennessee; Martha E., died in infancy; Edward J., married Miss Carrie Bostwick, and resides on his father’s farm; Ida Maud, wife of S. M. Jackson, of Dyersburg, Tenn.; James H., at present attending school; Maggie Lee, died at the age of three years; Franklin Bird, died in infancy; Harry Joplin, aged seven years; Beulah Orlena, five years; Walter P., died at the age of three months, and four died unnamed. The family are members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hale is a member of the Masonic Lodge, Chapter and Commandery. He is also a member of the K. of H. of Osceola.