Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Hale, Jonathan 1902 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net July 7, 2011, 11:48 am Lyons Herald, 27 Jun 1902 On Friday morning, June 21, 1901, at his home in the village of Lyons, surrounded by his loved ones, Jonathan Hale passed “over the river” into that better and brighter land, from whose bourne no traveler ever returns. The funeral services were held Sunday from the house and were attended by over 300 of his neighbors and friends, who thus paid their tributes of love to one who in life was the friend of all. The casket was covered with flowers, as follows: Masonic emblem, Anchor from employees, Pillow from children, bouquet of carnations from Lizzie Hale, bouquet of roses from Jack Hale, bouquet of roses from Cora Aldrich, bouquet of carnations from Fred Ellenburg. Beautiful and appropriate music was furnished and by request Rev. J. R. Bowen read the following biographical sketch of the deceased: It is with no small degree of reluctance that the citizens of Lyons are forced to the sad realization that the familiar face and form of Jonathan Hale will no more be seen upon our streets and that his friendly voice, which always kindly greeted us, is forever hushed in the silence of death. Naturally to the family circle and relatives this bereavement comes with greater intensity. They are however not the only ones who sincerely mourn upon this occasion for our late, much beloved fellow citizen. The subject of this biographical sketch was a native of England, born in Halford, Warwickshire, Feb. 2, 1828. In accordance with the English custom he was apprenticed to learn a trade, choosing that of miller and baker. Following the tide of emigration he came to America in 1854 and in October of that year settled in Oakland county, Michigan, taking charge of the Drayton Plains mills and later of others in that vicinity. September, 1855, he was united in marriage with Mary E. Hamler, forming that happy companionship which has continued for 46 years. Of the four children born to them three are living, Elmer B., Lewis H. and Frank. In 1864, Mr. Hale removed to Rochester, Mich., and in 1867 became a resident of Lyons, where for 34 years, he has not only been active in business, but a constant promoter of whatever in his judgment would enhance the business interests of the place. In connection with his brother, and later with two of his sons, an extensive milling industry has been carried on, proving not only exceedingly beneficial to the business interests of Lyons, but gaining for the firm an enviable name, both at home and abroad. A Lyons audience need not be told that a leading characteristic of the deceased was a high sense of honesty in all business and social relations. Said an old resident of the village, “I have known Jonathan Hale intimately since coming to this place and if I was to write his biography would use but two words, ‘Honest man,’” His word in business matters was as good as any collateral. A well known farmer and former business man assured the writer that he had had extensive business relations with Mr. Hale during all these years and in every instance all transactions were characterized by strict integrity and great liberality. That he was kind hearted and benevolent is the testimony of scores whom he has befriended. His great liberality in support of churches and various benevolences is well known. Politically, as well as concerning village affairs and interests, he held well defined views but was never intolerant or uncharitable toward those who differed from him. Notwithstanding his early educational opportunities were limited, his studious habits enabled him to become a well informed man. The large heartedness of the man was exemplified in the fact that one of his first acts after getting a start in America was to assist in bringing from England the younger members of the family, acting not only the part of a kind brother, but that of a father as well. Mr. Hale was the possessor of a strong, sweet musical voice which until failing eyesight prevented, he devotedly used in the service of song in the churches of Lyons and on other occasions. He was most sought after to sing at funerals, and no matter how busy at the mill he never refused the request. He was christened in the Church of England and for some time later held a membership in the M.E. Church. His honorable relations with the Masonic fraternity will doubtless be set forth by members of that order, by whom he was held in high esteem. But why say more than that in all the relations of husband, father, brother, citizen and friend he was a true man, with a sense of honor too high to do an injustice to anyone. In loving remembrance we mourn his death and honor his memory more than words can express. The services were in charge of Rev. Dr. Thomas, of Ionia, who spoke hopeful and loving words to the family and friends of the deceased. He said that life was but the season of preparation, and that what we call death is but the passing into a higher and better existence. The pallbearers were: J. F. Baker, H. Hitchcock, W. Halsted, Will Webber, H. A. Ranger and Will Hawley. Interment in the Lyons cemetery. Jonathan Hale was one of Lyons best citizens and during his entire residence here has been thoroughly identified with the business interests of the village, ever willing and ready to extend a helping hand to every industry which could in any way aid in its material prosperity. He succeeded in building up a flouring mill business which contributed to the welfare of the town and made it possible for it to exist as a commercial center. He was ever zealous of our water power privileges and gave of his time and means in its development. In 1868 he was first elected as a trustee of the village and in 1870, 1878, 1879, and 1800 was its president. He was also trustee on other occasions and also a member of the school board, in all of which official positions he was ever faithful to the best interests of the village and district. For several years past Mr. Hale’s eyesight has been nearly gone, but up to the time he was stricken with apoplexy he was able to get around and was full of good cheer. He was a man whose heart was overflowing with kindness, and he gave liberally to alleviate suffering wherever found. This is illustrated by the following incident related to the writer by the deceased some little time prior to his death. Upon one of his errands of mercy he discovered a little child whose eyesight was impaired or lost entirely. The parents were not able to secure the required medical treatment and Mr. Hale, knowing by experience, the sadness of the affliction took upon himself the expense of sending the child to an eye expert, where sight was restored, and Mr. Hale, choking with emotion, said that he experienced more joy when the child came to him afterwards and said, “Oh how happy I am; I can see the beautiful sky,” than if someone had presented him with a thousand dollars. Such experiences as this might be multiplied over and over, but suffice to say that his life was full of just such kindly acts, and his chief happiness was in doing all the good he could find to do. Deceased leaves a widow and three sons, Lewis H. and Elmer R., surviving members of the Jonathan Hale & Sons, and who will continue the business to which the father gave the best years of his life, Frank H., formerly a successful banker at Carson City and Rochester, but now a member of the real estate, loan and investment firm of Farley & Hale, of Detroit. He also leaves a brother, Jack, engaged in the milling business at Ionia, and a sister, Mrs. J. E. Ellenburg of Muir, all of whom have the sympathy of the community. At the age of 73, after a heroic fight for life, and with a soul that never faltered, the friend of all has solved the mighty mystery which men call death, and, as all of the race ever have and ever must, has solved it alone. Into the unknown future which held within its bosom no fear for him, Jonathan Hale has passed, leaving behind him the record of an honest man. Dead! File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/h/hale14360nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 8.6 Kb