William Haile

William Haile ( MAY 1807 in Putney, Windham County, Vermont; † July 22, 1876 in Hinsdale, New Hampshire ) was an American politician and 1857-1859 Governor of the State of New Hampshire.

Early years and political rise

William Haile enjoyed only a very limited schooling in the local schools of his home. As a young man he came to Chesterfield, where he worked 1823-1828 for a shopkeeper. Later he started his own business and opened her own shop in Centre Village. Until 1835, he remained in that place, then he moved to Hinsdale, where he continued his shop until 1846 and at the same time was working in the lumber business. He also founded a textile factory there.

Between 1846 and 1850 he was a member of the House of Representatives from New Hampshire. Thither he returned in 1853 and 1856 respectively returned for a legislative period. Between 1854-1856 he was member of the State Senate. In 1855 he was president of that body. William Haile joined the then newly formed Republican Party as their candidate, he was elected in 1857 to the first Republican governor of his state.

Governor of New Hampshire

Haile took up his new post on June 4, 1857. After a re-election in 1858, he could remain in office until June 2, 1859. Haile was as a Republican against the further spread of slavery and condemned the decision of the Supreme Court of the United States, Roger B. Taney, which escaped slaves had to be shipped back to their former masters. Haile was for immigration restriction and against the public sale of alcohol. On these two points, he continued the policy of his predecessor Ralph Metcalf. He also advocated a reform of the school system, but he was able to implement only partially.

After the end of his governorship Haile withdrew from politics. He went back to his business interests in Hinsdale. In 1873 he moved to Keene. William Haile died in 1876. Together with his wife Sabrina Shaw Walker he had four children, including his son William was the 1890-1893 Lieutenant Governor of Massachusetts.