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William B. Hale died April 13, 1922, at his home at Morattico, Lancaster County, Va., after an illness of several months. He was born September 17, 1845, at his ancestral home, where he spent the greater part of his life.

In 1861 he volunteered his services to defend his beloved country and became a member of Company E, 40th Virginia Infantry, where he served with courage and valor until General Lee laid down his arms at Appomattox. He was severely wounded at the battle of Gettysburg, and the time he spent in the hospital was the only part of the entire war that he was not at the front.

After the war Mr. Hale returned to his old home, where he married Miss Bettie A. Rock. They were blessed with twelve children nine surviving him. His life was a loving expression of his beautiful Christian faith. He was kind, gentle, and sincere; his bright, cheery disposition was like a sunbeam to those about him. The Lawson-Ball Camp U. C. V., of which he was long a member will feel his loss very keenly.

At Old Farnham Baptist Church, where for so many long years he had been one of the leading members, he was laid to rest beside his wife, who preceded him only a few months.

(Mrs. Luther G. Connelle, Historian Lawson County Chapter U. D. C.)