John Ball

As printed in 1894

JOHN BALL, deceased, was born on the 5th of December, 1835, in Rutland, Jefferson County, N. Y., and was a son of William and Arodyne (Hill) Ball, who belonged to old families of the Empire State. In the usual manner of farmer lads the Colonel spent the days of his boyhood and youth, remaining at home with his parents until tweiit-two years old. The year 1853 witnessed his arrival in Minnesota, whither he came in company with B. J. Grimshaw. He entered the employ of Thomas Simpson, of Winona, who was then engaged in surveying the Menomonee Indian Reservation in Wisconsin. Later, in the fall of 1855, he went to Dubuque, Iowa, and the following year again came to Winona. He passed one 3-ear in Steele County, and until 1861 engaged in surveying and dealing in land, being in the employ of the Government during a portion of that time. Having determined to enter the legal profession, he took up the study of law with the firm of Lewis & Simpson, and was admitted to the Bar in 1860, but did not engage in practice.

Mr. Ball had watched with interest the progress of events which had preceded and brought on the Civil War, and true to the cause of his country he resolved to strike a blow in defense of the. Union when the South began hostilities. Hardly had the smoke from Ft. Sumter's guns cleared away when, as a private, he joined Company K, First Minnesota Infantry. This company was formed of seventy'-six men, who enlisted for three months' service, but over sixty of them continued in the three-years service. When the regiment was organized Mr. Ball was made Captain, and in 1864 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel of the Eleventh Minnesota Infantry. He was with his regiment in Kentucky and Tennessee, and as his superior otBcer, Col. J. B. Gilflllan. now Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, was often called away-, he practically had command of the regiment. When a private he shared with his comrades their high reputation for bravery and steadiness, and when he became an officer he was noted for his valiant service and for his unUinching discharge of duty. He took part in many of the hard-fought battles of the war, including the battle of Bull Run, Ball's Bluff, Yorktown, Fair Oaks, Peach Orchard, Glendale, Malvern Hill, Charleston, Fredericksburg, that most important battle of Gettysburg, and others.

On his return from the war, Colonel Ball purchased from Col. H. C. Lester his abstract books, completed the set, and in connection with John B. Fellows carried on the abstract business. He was lionored with a number of public offices, to which his worth and ability justly entitled him. He served as School Director and as Alderman, and in the year 1866 was elected on the Republican ticket to represent his district in the State Legislature. After his retirement from that office he was elected County Treasurer, a position which he filled with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents until his death. John Ball Post, G. A. R., was named in his honor, and indicated the high regard in which he was held by his army comrades. With the Masonic fraternity he held membership.

On the 27th of December, 1865, Colonel Ball was united in marriage with Miss Emma Lewton, of Lewiston, daughter of James J. and Cynthia (Parker) Lewton, who came to Winona in 1858. Her father was a contractor and builder, and both he and his wife died in Winona. Mrs. Ball was a native of Jefferson County, Ky., and the family removed from Louisville, Ky., to this place. She is a lady of high education and is refined and cultured, which fact is shown throughout her beautiful home. To Colonel and Mrs. Ball were born three children: Mary Agnes, now the wife of M.P.Hanson, who is in the North- Western Railroad office; William Parker, who resides inGoldendale, Wash.; and Charles G., who is in the employ of the Edison Electric Company, of Brooklyn, N. Y.

Colonel Ball was wounded at the battle of Bristol Station, while leading a charge, and never fully recovered from his injuries. This undoubtedly hastened his death, and he died at the home of his parents in Rutland, N. Y., September 26,1875. He was laid to rest in Woodlawn Cemeteiy, and many friends mourned his loss. His life was indeed exemplary. He was honest and straightforward in all business dealings, scrupulously self-sacrificing, and was a true gentleman in the highest sense of the term. The Bar passed strong resolutions of respect at his death, and throughout the county friends mourned him like a brother.

James Hardwick.

As printed in Portrait and biographical record of Winona county, Minnesota. Containing biographical sketches of prominent ... citizens .. (1894). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.