Both his mother and grandmother encouraged his education and he was tutored by the local minister, Rev. The sixth of ten surviving siblings, Nathan's early years were marred by sickness but he eventually grew into a strong, healthy child with a quick mind. As a prosperous farmer and deacon of the church, Richard Hale was a pillar of the Coventry community. The Hale family boasted many Harvard graduates and the Strongs included numerous ministers and teachers with solid ties to Yale College. His parents, Richard Hale and Elizabeth Strong Hale, were staunch Puritans who believed in religious devotion, a strong work ethic, and education. Nathan Hale of Coventry, CT was born in 1755 into two respectable New England families. They were enthusiastic and ready to "exert their talents and abilities for liberty", to say nothing of "glorious deeds". It shows the thinking of young professionals in Connecticut just prior to the outbreak of the revolution. Yale classmate, James Hillhouse, wrote this in a letter to Nathan Hale when he was studying law in New Haven and Nathan was teaching school in New London. James Hillhouse to Nathan Hale, July 11, 1774 "Liberty is our reigning Topic, which loudly calls upon every one to Exert his Tallants & abilities to the utmost in defending of it - now is the time for heros - now is the time for great men to immortalize their names in the deliverance of their Country, and grace the annals of America with their glorious Deeds." He is representative of many young 18th century professionals obsessed with being of service, who - foreshadowing a 20th century brand of patriotism - asked not what their country could do for them but rather what they could do for their country. This short biography outlines Hale's life and examines the myths and facts surrounding his remarkable story and his famous last words. Yet in spite of the above, this remarkable young man ended his life in the most ignominious manner known to his day and age: death by hanging - the ultimate degradation - reserved only for the most despicable of criminals. His amiability, intelligence, and love of learning are mirrored in his remarkable collection of friends, his outstanding career at Yale, and his growing success as a schoolmaster. We know that he attended religious services while in the army and prayed with his men who were ill. Those who knew him commented on his kindness and strong Christian ideals. Nathan's love of sports included wrestling, football and broadjumping (stakes marking one of his record-breaking broad jumps are said to have stood on the New Haven Green for many years). No wonder it was said that all the girls in New Haven were in love with him.
HAPPY N HALE SKIN
He had fair skin and hair, light blue eyes and stood just under six feet tall. Although there are many contemporary accounts regarding his appearance and personality, no negative statements have been recorded indeed, he was vividly remembered and admired by his acquaintances - longer than 60 years after his death.Īccounts from classmates, friends, relatives, fellow soldiers, teachers, and students all carry the same general theme: that he was kind, gentle, religious, athletic, intelligent, good looking and as one contemporary testified, "the idol of all his acquaintances."īoth men and women commented on his striking appearance. He was very well educated for his day - a Yale graduate in an era when very few went to college. Nathan Hale was a young man who had every prospect for a happy and fulfilling life. A Time for Heroes: The Story of Nathan Haleby Circian