David Ballentine

As printed in 1902

DAVID BALLENTINE.

David Ballentine, deceased, was well known in Clark county as a representative farmer of German township, whose word was above question, whose life was honorable and upright and whose loyalty to citizenship was one of his marked characteristics.. He was born in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, and with his parents came to Ohio when yet a young boy. His father and his mother, William and Nancy Ballentine, were both natives of Ireland, and in that country were reared and married, their wedding journey consisting of the voyage to America. They crossed the Atlantic to Baltimore and in that city both were taken 11l and their money was exhausted in this way. The father was a weaver by trade and when he had sufficiently recovered his health he began working at his chosen pursuit in Baltimore, his wife spinning the yarn. After they had gotten a start and acquired a little money they removed to Pennsylvania, where they purchased a farm. There the father also followed weaving, while his sons cultivated the land. Their home was in German township, Cumberland county, and it was upon that farm that David Ballentine of this review was born and grew to manhood. While at home, with others of the family, he burned the brick and built a good brick house, which has since been; burned down, after having been occupied for many years.

David Ballentine acquired a fair common-school education, and always fond of books, he became an extensive reader. He had considerable elocutionary ability and all enjoyed hearing him read aloud. He also sang well and those accomplishments made him a favorite in the various household where he visited the friends who were entertained at his own home. He remained in his father's home until the time of his marriage, which important event in his life was celebrated September 10, 1856, in German township, Clark county, by Rev. Jesse Goddard, the lady of his choice being Miss Loretta Wagner, who was born in Springfield township, November 30, 1838, but at the time of her marriage was living in German township. Her parents were John and Nancy (Frey) Wagner, natives of Virginia, and in her childhood they came to Ohio with their respective parents. Mrs. Ballentine's father was a soldier in the war of 1812, enlisting for service He was and among when only sixteen years of age. a poor man and worked at day labor in stone quarries, but he provided as best he could for his children. Mrs. Ballentine acquired a good education in the public schools, She was the fourth in order of birth in a family of twelve children, and Mr. Ballentine was also a' member of a family of twelve,

In the spring prior to his marriage Mr. Ballentine had purchased seventy acres of land and soon after his marriage he and his wife removed to that farm, upon which he lived throughout his remaining days. AS time passed he added to the place, investing his savings in further property, until he became the owner of valuable land, comprising a farm of one hundred and seventy acres, which he placed under a high state of cultivation, the well tilled fields bringing to him a good return for his labor. He was enterprising and energetic, made the most of his opportunities and through his diligence acquired a comfortable competence.

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ballentine were born eleven children, of whom five are still living. Of those who passed away James was eighteen years of age at the time of his death, and the others dies in infancy. Clara, the wife of John Gove, had five children—David, Clarney E., Edgar Lamar, Della Myrtle, and Florence Belva. The last named was the eldest and died at the age of fourteen years. Ada, the second surviving daughter of Mrs. David Ballentine, became the wife of Oliver Rust and has five children — Grace Adele, Clinton Luther, Roydon Earl, Lottie Gail and Oliver. McClellan, who lives in German township, married Ida Michael, and their children are—Pearl S., Estella G., Ernest, Glennie May, Emery and Bertha Loretta. Martin Luther married Rosa Donovan, and with their one son, Paul Lamar, resides in Springfield. John W., the youngest, wedded Maggie Wilson and lives in Lawrenceville.

Mr. Ballentine was a Democrat in his political affiliations. He was pleasing in personal appearance, being a man five feet, eight inches in height, heavy set, well proportioned, and with black hair and eyes. In manner he was rather reserved and retiring, but when once his friendship was gained he was always true and loyal, holding friendship inviolable. He was a temperate man and to his family a devoted husband and father. His personal characteristics were such that they endeared him greatly to those who knew him best. He passed away in 1885 at the age of seventy-one years and was laid to rest in Lawrenceville cemetery, where Mrs. Ballentine has erected a tasteful monument to his memory. His life was characterized by diligence in business, by honesty in all transactions and it won for him the respect and confidence of those with whom he was associated. -He left to his widow sixty acres of land and also the home in which she lives in German township, so that she-is well provided for and is able to enjoy the comforts as well as the necessities of life. She is an estimable lady who is widely known and has many friends in Clark county.:

As printed in A Biographical Record of Clark County Ohio (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.