Edward Everett Hale (1822-1909) was an American Unitarian minister, a social reformer, and a prolific and versatile author.

Edward Everett Hale, born in Boston, was a descendant of eminent New England families on both sides. His father was a newspaper editor and his mother an author.

After preparation in private schools, Hale entered Harvard at the age of 13 and graduated at 17. While still in college he worked as a part-time reporter; soon after graduating he initiated his career by contributing to magazines. He studied theology independently and was licensed to preach in 1842. He became pastor of the Church of Unity, Worcester, Mass. (1846-1856), and of Boston's South Congregational Church (1856-1899). He married Emily Perkins, a member of the crusading Beecher family, in 1852.

Hale was a leader in the Social Gospel movement of the last half of the 19th century and a forceful advocate of emigrant aid, African American...