H. D. Hale
The Union Handle and Manufacturing Company, which is the largest business concern in the village of Ashley, was established July 1, 1905, and gives employment to 40 men. They manufacture farm and garden tool handles, wagon stock, wood specialties, and bending materials, and ship their goods to all parts of the United States and Canada; some of their goods go to foreign countries, also. Plans have recently been completed for a 40-foot addition to the present building and machinery purchased for the manufacturing of wood "D" scoop and spade handles, this addition to be completed and in operation within 60 days.
H. D. Hale, who is manager of the Union Handle and Manufacturing Company, was born October 19, 1865, in Arcadia. Hancock County, Ohio, and is a son of Thomas J. and Mary (Miller) Hale. This branch of the Hale family, who originally came from the East, are an old and well known family in Hancock County, and are blood relation to Senator Hale, and also to Nathan Hale.
Mr. Hale was reared and grew to manhood on a farm in Hancock County, and when about 23 years old engaged in a general saw-mill business at Arcadia. He continued in this business with much success for a period of seven years, when he was burned out, subsequently removing to Mt. Vernon, where he was again engaged in the same business for about one and a half years. He then went to Centerburg and for a time dealt in lumber and wagon materials; thence to Columbus, Ohio, where he continued to deal in lumber for five years, after which he sold oul and came to Ashley. At one time he was engaged for three years as wood-handle buyer for the Geneva Tool Company, and was also interested in plants at Circleville, and Marysville, as well as operating a factory in Delaware where the McKenzie Lumber Plant is now located. Upon locating in Ashley in 1905, Mr. Hale established his present business, the Union Handle and Manufacturing Company, which is the most extensive business concern in this community.
Mr. Hale was united in marriage, March, 1888 to Emma Wells, of which union there were born four children—Flossie M., Ethel L. Paul E., and Fred W. Politically, Mr. Hale is a Republican and has held various township offices. Fraternally, he is a member oi the Masonic Lodge of Bucyrus, and of the Knights of Pythias of Arcadia.
20th Century History of Delaware County, Ohio, and Representative Citizens, Edited and compiled by James R. Lytle, Delaware, Ohio, Biographical Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908