"History of Cottonwood and Watonwan Counties of Minnesota, 1916"



Walter M. Hale, station agent for the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha Railroad Company, at Windom, clerk of the city council and for years actively interested in the affairs of this part of the state, is a native of the great Empire state, born in Herkimer county, New York, June 28, 1862, son of Edward and Martha (Iles) Hale, both natives of England, who came to this country with their respective parents in the days of their youth and were married in New York.

Edward Hale was a stone mason by trade and in the early eighties came to Minnesota, locating at Windom, where for some time he followed his trade and later became proprietor of the old Pioneer hotel in that city. He is a Mason and a member of the Episcopal church and took an active part in both church and lodge affairs. His wife died at Windom some years ago and he is now living with his daughter, Mrs. Jens Peterson, at Chippewa Falls, this state.

Walter M. Hale was reared at Mohawk, Herkimer county, New York, receiving his education in the schools of that town and a business college at Utica, New York. He early began the life of a railroader and became an expert telegraph operator. Upon locating at Windom in 1883 he was made operator in the station of the "Omaha" road at that place and after about eighteen months of that service was transferred to the station at Mountain Lake, where he was the agent for eighteen months, at the end of which time in 1886, he was transferred back to Windom and there installed as station agent, a position which he has held ever since, thus holding a record as one of the oldest men in continuous service as station agents in this part of the state. Mr. Hale has not only been faithful and diligent in the affairs of the company he has so long served, but he has found time to give thoughtful attention to public affairs. He is a Republican and for nearly ten years served as clerk of the city council at Windom. For three years he has also been a member of the school board and in other ways has contributed to the public service of his home town, long having been regarded as one of the useful and substantial citizens of that place.

On March 14, 1883, just before coming West, Walter M. Hale was united in marriage, at Little Falls, Herkimer county, New York, to Mary E. Smith, who was born at that place. Mr. and Mrs. Hale have a very pleasant home at Windom and give their earnest attention to the various social and cultural activities of their home town. [transcribed for Cottonwood Co. AHGP] They are members of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Hale is prominent in local lodge circles and is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Royal Arcanum, in the affairs of all of which organizations he takes a warm interest.



� 2005 Cottonwood County Minnesota AHGP