The following material was submitted by Irene Hale hale@reborn.com.

From The Fort Scott (Kansas) Tribune, Nov 12, 1948

FRANCIS KIMBALL HALE

Francis Kimball Hale, 85, better known to his friends as "Kim", a pioneer retired farmer and stockman of the Fulton and Mapleton neighborhood, died this morning at 8:30 at Kurtz convalescent home at 424 South Main. Death was attributed to senility. The deceased came with his family from Lawrence, Kas., 80 years ago in a covered wagon and settled in the Fulton-Mapleton vicinity where he farmed extensively until his health caused his retirement about nine years ago. For many years he was known as the watermelon king because he raised larage and juicy melons. He enjoyed a wide acquaintance of friends both in the county and city. Mr. Hale, who was a son of Elmerine and Sarah Hale, was born in Bowling Green Ky., March 17, 1863. He was married to Catherine Johnson at Fulton in 1891. She died april 13, 1921. Surviving are one son, Clyde Hale of Harding, Kas., and one daughter Mrs. Bess Shenk of Ottawa. One son and one daughter are deceased. A sister, Elizabeth Beth of Fulton, died Sept. 20, 1948. There are nine grandchildren.

Note: Francis Kimball Hale's parents are Almarine and Elizabeth Catherine (Neill) Hale, who arrived at Ft. Scott in Sept. 1857. Other siblings are William Suell Hale, George Henry , Sarah L. , James N., Judson, John P., and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Catherine (Hale) Beth.

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