E. M. Hale
E. M. Hale, a successful business man and leading jeweler of Lima, was born May 4, 1835, in Wilmington, Clinton County, Ohio, his father being William Hale, one of the best known citizens of that county. William Hale built the Court House in Clinton and was a prominent man during his lifetime.
E. M. Hale remained in his native county until 1858, when he entered a jeweler's shop to learn the trade, and in November of that year went to Lebanon, Ohio, to engage in the business for himself. He was a member of the firm of Baker & Hale for 10 years, when Mr. Baker retired and his place was taken by a Mr. West, the new firm being known as Hale & West. They added a line of books to their stock of jewelry and built up a brisk business, conducting it together about 10 years, when Mr. West purchased the entire business. Mr. Hale then opened another store where he handled jewelry and musical instruments about three years, until October 3, 1881, when he came to Lima and located his present enterprise on the Public Square. During the quarter of a century in which he has been established in Lima, he has built up a reputation for reliability and integrity that it would be difficult to equal, and his business has flourished to a remarkable degree. He has been ably assisted in his business by J. W. Puetz, who has been confidential clerk and manager for more that 24 years.
Mr. Hale was married in 1872 to Mrs. France Van Note, widow of Willliam Van Note, formerly Frances A. Pauley. They have one child, Helen M, wife of E. B. Edmonds, a prominent merchant of Bluffton, Indiana, to whom Mr. Hale has given the business established by him at a previous date. Mr. Hale is a member of the Knights of Pythias (Uniform Rank), Independent Order of Odd Fellows (both subordinate lodge and encampment) and the Blue Lodge, Chapter and Council of Free and Accepted Masons.