GEORGE W. BALLARD. When the country was convulsed with the war spirit and commercial
as well as domestic life was shaken to its very center by the chances that hung upon
numbers of the respective armies and the comparative military genius of the leaders, so that foreign
nations looked on the struggle with the greatest interest and closest attention, he of whom we write
sought peace and solitude in the newness of the Prairie State, hoping to do his part for the Union
by supplying the forces with the products of his labor. Now located on section 5, of Jonathan
Creek Township, Moultrie County, he of whom we write settled in this county in 1860. He is a Virginian
by birth and education, being born in Fauquier County, Va., September 16, 1834. His parents
were Jonathan and Mary Ann (Dawson) Ballard.
Our subject's father was by occupation a millwright and was engaged in the exercise of his calling
in his native State, Virginia, where his decease took place at which time our subject was but a
child. The mother lived for some years longer, but she too died in Virginia. Thirteen children
were left to feel the bereavement of a double orphanage, of whom our subject was the seventh
in order of birth. He was reared on the home farm and resided in Virginia until 1860, when he came
to Illinois and rented land in Moultrie County. Three years later he purchased forty acres of prairie
land on section 4, of Jonathan Creek Township, and he has since been a resident here. That his efforts
have not been in vain during these years that have elapsed since his settlement in this State, is
proven by the fact that he is now the owner of three hundred and seventy-four acres of land, and
besides the acquisition of this handsome property has spent large sums in the erection of a good
class of buildings upon his place.
The year prior to Mr. Ballard's coming to this State, was made memorable to him by his marriage
in Virginia to Phoebe Martin, a daughter of Isaac and Florinda (Wood) Martin. The lady was born
in Harrison County, Va., April 19, 1838. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have had thirteen children, although
eleven are at the present time all who are surviving. They are John, Edward, Montville, Dora,
Florence, Lucy, Martha, Harlow, Ira, Ida and Blanche. Dora is the wife of Moses Dickson; Florence is
the wife of William Kinney; Lucy married William Matthews; and Martha was united to Edward Enterline.
This large and interesting family has grown to manhood and womanhood and have
taken responsible positions in social and commercial life. The sons are sturdy, independent young
men, filled with a vitality and energy that are bound to bring them to the fore in their business relations.
Politically he of whom we write is a Democrat, admiring the doctrines and platform of that
party and the leaders thereof, and finding in it more admirable principles than in any other political
body. He has been Road Commissioner for twelve years and in this position has accomplished
much for the township, making the thoroughfares not only passable, but keeping them in such good
condition as redounds greatly to the credit not only of our subject personally, but to the county
that elects him.
Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties, 1891 - p. 615/616
Transcription copyright 2003/2007, Moultrie County ILGenWeb/USGenWeb
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