John Blackwell Hale

John Blackwell Hale (February 27, 1831 – February 1, 1905) was an American politician and lawyer. A Democrat, he was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Missouri.

Born in Virginia, Hale moved to Missouri and practiced law in Brunswick. He was a member of the Missouri House of Representatives. During the American Civil War, he served in the Union army. He was a member of the United States House from 1855 to 1887, representing Missouri's 2nd district.

Early life Hale was born on February 27, 1831, in Brooke County, Virginia (now Hancock County, West Virginia), the son of Presbyterian minister John Hale and Elizabeth (née Blackwell) Hale. He was educated at common schools in Virginia.

In 1841, Hale moved to Missouri, returning to Virginia in 1844, until moving permanently to the state in 1847. There, he read law under Able & Stringfellow, and in 1849, was admitted to the bar, after which he began practicing law in Brunswick.

Hale was a member of the United States House of Representatives, from March 4, 1885, to March 3, 1887, representing Missouri's 2nd district. He was not nominated for the following election. In 1888, he switched to the Republican Party. With the party, he was nominated for Judge of the Western District of the Missouri Court of Appeals, among other offices, all of which he refused.