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Rh of Scott's novels or in some other work of classical fiction, yet was quite as fond of outdoor recreation, much of which he found in garden work. From early childhood he had a taste for botany, and while still young acquired some knowledge of this useful science. Work of a different kind was laid upon him while hardly more than a child. He was "trained to the case," in his father's printing office, and when only twelve years of age printed a little book, all the work on which was done with his own hands. He also aided in the editorial rooms, and acted as secretary to his father in railroad engineering work. All this was education of a useful and practical kind; but the equally important school training was not neglected, and he was sent in succession to a private school, to the Boston Latin school, and to Harvard college, where he was graduated in 1839. In later life, as a fruit of his ministerial and literary labors, college honors came to Mr. Hale. He received the degree of S.T.D. from Harvard in 1879 and that of LL.D. from Dartmouth in 1901.

After leaving college, his first occupation in active life was as a reporter in the Massachusetts General Court. This was followed by two years (1839-41) work as usher in the Boston Latin school. But his mother's wish that he should enter the ministry was soon to be realized, his own inclination leading him to the reading of theology and church history and to attendance on lectures at the Harvard divinity school. While a student of divinity he preached at Washington, District of Columbia, in 1844-45. He was ordained to the ministry in 1846, his first charge being that of the Church of the Unity at Worcester, Massachusetts. He had always been Unitarian in faith, and while young was received into membership in the Brattle street church, one of the oldest Unitarian churches of Boston.

The story of Mr. Hale's ministerial career may be briefly summed up. His connection with the Church of the Unity continued for ten years; and in October, 1856, he became pastor of the South Congregational (Unitarian) church of Boston, where he remained till his retirement as pastor emeritus, October 1, 1899. During this period he served for several years as "Preacher to the University," as the Harvard chaplain is called. In 1903 he was appointed chaplain of the United States senate.

He was married while stationed at Worcester (October 13, 1852) to Miss Emily Baldwin Perkins; and of his nine children, four are now living. Asked to recount the more important pieces of public service