JOSIAH HALE

            JOSIAH HALE, M.D., a retired physi­cian of Owensboro, Ky., was born in Ohio county, of that state, Jan. 25, 1829. His parents, Caleb and Sally (Huff) Hale, were both natives of Virginia, but came in their childhood to Kentucky with their parents. Caleb Hale's father was Arm­strong Hale, who was born in London, England, but came to America, settling first in Virginia and in 1800 in Ohio county. He was a farmer all his life. Caleb Hale was a farmer and also a cabi­net maker. In political opinion he was a Whig and took an active interest in all public questions. At one time he was sheriff of Ohio county, where he passed his whole life. Doctor Hale received a common school education and studied medi­cine under Doctor Haines, beginning in 1852. In 1856 he was graduated from the University of Louisville, with the degree of M.D., and began practice at Fordsville in his native county. Later he removed to Hartford and practiced there until 1863, when he took a post-graduate course in New York and located in Owensboro. In 1872 he again attended post-graduate lectures in New York, and in 1881 was delegate to the International Medical Congress, which met at London, in August of that year. During his professional career Doctor Hale was regarded as one of the most progressive and successful physicians in his section of the state. He still re­tains his membership in the American Medical, the Kentucky State and the Tri-State Medical societies, the last named being composed of the States of Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky, and belongs to the Owensboro Medical society. He was a member of the state board of medical examiners as long as the board was in existence and his retirement from active practice caused regret among his many patrons. While actively engaged in professional work he was hon­ored with the vice-presidency of the Kentucky State Medical society. Doctor Hale is an honored member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Before the war he was a Whig, during the war he was a Republican, then affiliated with the Democratic party until 1896, when he re­joined the Republicans. He owns a fine farm, property in the city of Owensboro, and is one of the substantial citizens of Daviess county. He has been twice married. His first wife, to whom he was married in 1852, was Nancy J. Willis, of Ohio county. She died in 1862 and in 1873 he was married to Emily McHenry, daughter of judge John H. McHenry, of Hartford. Doctor Hale has had three children, only one of whom is now living.  Bettie and Emma both died in infancy and Mary is now the wife of J. A. Dean.

Source:  Memoirs of The Lower Ohio Valley, published 1905.

Note:  Josiah Hale died 14 September 1905 In Owensboro. He is buried in the Rosehill  Elmwood Cemetery, Owensboro.