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On the morning of July 24, 1922, Col. Henry S. Hale, one of the oldest, best loved, and most highly esteemed citizens of Graves County, Ky, a veteran of many hard-fought battles in the War between the Sttes, "crossed over the river to rest in the shade of the trees."

Colonel Hale had lived to the ripe old age of eighty-six years. He was a native Kentuckian, born in Warren County, near Bowling Green, May 4, 1836, and he lived the greater part of his life in Mayfield, Graves County, Ky.

He was an upright citizen of strong convictions, loved and honored by all who knew him, therefore prominent in nearly every walk of life, especially so in Church, educational, and civic improvement. It was due to his influence and work that the first temperance election was held in Mayfield; and mostly through his efforts has our city for more than fifty years had no evil influence of the saloon to combat.

He was a man of great and wide influence, his death causing a sense of grief and personal loss to many people throughout the entire South. He was a valuable citizen, a loyal friend, a courteous, true Southern gentleman of the "old type;" a leader in Church work, and always lined up with every movement for the betterment of his community and country. He stood for right, and was ever ready to lend a helping hand to the needy, a listening ear to the troubled and heavy burdened, to aid his comrades of the War between the States.

Colonel Hale acquitted himself honorably in the discharge of the duties of the public offices which he held, always courageous, loyal, and faithful to every trust. He served his county as sheriff and representative; was the organizer of the First National Bank of Mayfield, and served as President from the organization to his death, except during his administration as State Tresurer of Kentucky.

A brief history of his Confederate service is taken from "Service Record of Lieut. Col. Henry S. Hale," by the late Gen. Virgil Y. Cook, Batesville, Ark.:

"Henry S. Hale, a native of Kentucky, Christian, soldier, financier, statesman, entered the Confederate army as captain of Company H, 7th Kentucky Infantry, September 18, 1861.

"Participated in the battle of Shiloh, April 6 and 7, 1862, and as senior captain, commanded the regiment in retiring from the battle field.

"Promoted major, May 25, 1862. The regiment was mounted and assigned to service with Gen. N. B. Forrest, March 10, 1864, participating in all his battles and campaigns to the end, May 10, 1865.

"At Brice's Cross Roads, Miss., June 10, 1864, where General Forrest annihilated the command of the Federal general, Samuel Sturgis, Maj. Henry S. Hale was in command of his regiment, displaying such extraordinary gallantry and judgement as to attract favorable notice of General Forrest, who, in conversation with the writer hereof after the war, accorded to Major Hale such valuable and effective service the contributed largely to the Confederate victory.

"At the bloody battle of Harrisburg, Tupelo, and Old Town Creek, Miss., July 13, 14, and 15, 1864, Major Hale was again in command of his regiment and participated with his usual effectiveness.

"At Old Town Creek, late in the afternoon, July 15, the Federals made a determined stand and, being favorably posted for the defensive, the Confederate casualties were greater in proportion to time engaged than in any of General Forrest's battles. It was here that Major Hale was severely wounded, lingering many weeks between life and death, during which his absences was keenly felt by the regiment.

"On February 28, 1865, the Kentucky Brigade of Forrest's Cavalry-i.e., the 3rd, 7th, 8th, and 12th Kentucky Mounted Infantry-was reorganized, the 3rd and 7th being consolidated. Several gallant and efficient officers, who ranked Major Hale, were supernumerated, and he was promoted to the lieutenant colonelcy of the consolidated regiment."

In the passing of Col. Henry S. Hale, the Mayfield Chapter, U. D. C., ha sustained an irreparable loss in a devoted friend, wise counselor, and one of its most loyal honorary members; while his family, Church, and countless friends are bereft of that ready sympathy and spirit of helfulness which ever animated his life.

His home for many years was the home of the Mayfield Chapter, or organization having be made at his home, November 29, 1899, at which time he, Mr. J. T. George, Mrs. Josephine Pope Evans, and the lamented Dr. J. L. Dismukes were made honorary members of our Chapter for their splendid service rendered in perfecting the organization. His much beloved wife, Mrs. Adelaide Virginia Hale, was made President, which place she faithfully filled until 1907, when ill health forced her to resign.

(Memorial Committee, Mrs. George T. Fuller, Mrs. J. L. Stuntson, Mrs. J. E. Warren.)