A Congregational minister, educator, and civic leader
| When Burke met | 1788 |
| Where Burke met | North Branford, CT |
| Occupation | Clergy |
| Interaction with Burke | Burke visited him every evening after his religious experience |
| Identity Status | Confirmed |
| Genealogy | WikiTree |
| Memoir Pages | 42 |
Notes
Rev. David Hale (1761–1822) was a Congregational minister, educator, and civic leader born in Coventry, Connecticut, to Deacon Richard and Elizabeth (Strong) Hale, and was the younger brother of patriot Nathan Hale. After graduating from Yale College in 1785, he studied theology and served as a supply preacher in Northford, Connecticut, in 1788. In 1790, he married Lydia Austin and was ordained pastor of the Newent Congregational Church in Lisbon, Connecticut. He operated a highly successful boarding school from his home to supplement his salary until declining health and depression forced his resignation from the pastorate in 1803. Returning to his native Coventry, Hale managed his father’s estate and engaged prominently in local civic affairs, serving as a deacon of the First Church, a magistrate, a judge for the Tolland County Court, and a representative in the Connecticut General Assembly.
Sources
Burke, William. Memoir of William Burke: A Soldier of the Revolution, Reformed from Intemperance, and for Many Years a Consistent and Devoted Christian; Carefully Prepared from a Journal Kept by Himself; to Which Is Added, an Extract from a Sermon Preached at His Funeral, by Rev. Nathaniel Miner. Hartford, CT: Case, Tiffany, 1837.