John P. Hale

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John Parker Hale (March 31, 1806 – November 19, 1873) was an American politician and lawyer from New Hampshire. He served as a United States Senator and was a prominent abolitionist.

Early Life and Education

Hale was born in Rochester, New Hampshire. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy and graduated from Bowdoin College in 1827. After studying law, he was admitted to the bar in 1830 and began practicing in Dover, New Hampshire.

Political Career

Hale began his political career as a member of the Democratic Party. He served in the New Hampshire House of Representatives from 1832 to 1834. In 1843, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives, where he served until 1845.

Abolitionism and the Free Soil Party

Hale became increasingly opposed to the expansion of slavery and broke with the Democratic Party over this issue. In 1845, he was elected to the United States Senate as an independent, and later joined the Free Soil Party. He was a vocal critic of the Mexican-American War and the Compromise of 1850.

Return to the Senate

Hale returned to the Senate in 1855, serving until 1865. During his tenure, he continued to advocate for the abolition of slavery and supported the Union during the American Civil War. He was also a candidate for President in the 1852 election, running on the Free Soil ticket.

Later Life and Legacy

After leaving the Senate, Hale was appointed by President Abraham Lincoln as Minister to Spain, serving from 1865 to 1869. He retired from public life and returned to Dover, where he died in 1873.

Hale is remembered as a pioneering abolitionist and a key figure in the early anti-slavery movement in the United States.

Related Pages

• Abolitionism in the United States
• Free Soil Party
• United States Senate
• American Civil War
• Compromise of 1850
• Mexican-American War

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