I believe James J. to be the son of Jefferson Hale and Ellen Murphy.  I found a James J. Hale in the 1860 and 1870 census for Lincoln Co. Ky. living in the household of Jefferson Hale and listed as his son.  I found James J. Hale and Mary Hale and family in the 1900 Lincoln Ky. census. 

                        James J. Hail b. april 1854 age 46  yrs. married 15

                        Mary C. Hail    b. april 1867 age 33  yrs married  15  

                        Annie E.  b. June 1886  age 13

                        James A.  b. June 1888  age 11

                        Martha S. b Jan. 1894  age 6

                        John L.  b. May 1896   age 4

                        Nannie B. b. nov 1898 age 1

 

I believe James J. Hale is the same individual as Jefferson Hale who died Feb 25 1912.  According to the death certificate which I was able to obtain, Jefferson Hale was born April 22, 1854 and was the son of Jefferson Hale and Ellen Murphy.  I found Jefferson Hale in the 1910 census listed as an inmate in an insane asylum.  It stated :Jefferson Hale age 54 was married and had been for 26 years.  This would be consistent with the date of James J. Hale and Mary Higginbotham"s marriage which was Sept. 13, 1885.  I hope this information helps someone else who may be looking for answers.   James J Hale was my great-grandfather.  My grandmother was Mamie Hale.