William Hale

William Hale (August 6, 1765 – November 8, 1848) was an American merchant, shipowner and politician. He served as a U.S. representative from New Hampshire during the early 1800s.

Early life and career Hale was born in Portsmouth in the Province of New Hampshire, the son of Samuel Hale and Mary Wright Hale. He attended the public schools. He moved to Dover, New Hampshire around 1765 to work with his older brother Samuel as a merchant, shipowner and shipbuilder.

He served in the New Hampshire Senate from 1796 to 1800, and as member of the Governor's Council from 1803 to 1805. Hale was elected as a Federalist to the Eleventh Congress serving from March 4, 1809 – March 3, 1811. He was reelected to serve in the Thirteenth Congress and Fourteenth Congress, and served from March 4, 1813 – March 3, 1817.

Hale died in Dover on November 8, 1848, and is interred in Pine Hill Cemetery.

Personal life Hale married Lydia Rollins on April 30, 1794. Their children included: Thomas Wright (1795–1855); John (1796–1798); Mary Ann (1798–1882); Elizabeth (1800–1882); Lydia Rollins (1803–1877); William (1804–1893); Andrew Rollins (1806–1876); Samuel (1808–1810); Charles (1810–1819); and Richard Rollins (1812–1815). Hale hosted both President James Monroe and General Lafayette in his home.