Title: Yankee Spy!  New Hampshire’s Jonathan Hale in the Civil War.

Description: Cheshire County native Jonathan Davis Hale left NH to seek his fortune in the mid-1800s.  He gained wealth in his adopted state of Tennessee, only to lose it all when the Civil War began because of his support for the Union. Consequently, he served as a spy for the Union throughout the war.  His amazing life story is a tale of wealth, happiness, patriotism, danger, loss, and, finally, heartbreak and poverty.

Presented by:  Alan Rumrill:, Senior Historian, Historical Society of Cheshire County

Served as Executive Director of Historical Society of Cheshire County, 1983-2024.

Earned a BA in History from Keene State College and an MLS from University of Rhode Island.

Native and current resident of Stoddard, where his family has lived since 1770.

Has written many articles and ten books on regional art and history, has presented over 1000 local history presentations, and prepares 3 media features each week: Monadnock Moments (WKBK), Mystery Photo (Monadnock Shopper), A Moment in Local History (Keene Sentinel).  He has also researched, designed, and installed dozens of feature exhibits on local art and history topics.