John Ball 1829-1887

BALL, FAWCETT, HEALD

Posted By: Sharon Elijah (email)
Date: 1/25/2019 at 10:28:34

15 September 1887 - The Local Record

John Ball, a respected Friend, died at his old home,-- now the home of his daughter, Atlantic B. Fawcett,--near Centerdale, Ia., August 31st, at 2 o'clock a.m. of Diabetes.

He was born in Columbiana county, Ohio, on the third of May, 1829; son of Joseph and Hannah Ball.

He came to Iowa in the fall of 1850, and in 1852, he married Cynthia Heald. This union was a happy one, and six children came to bless their home, all of whom are now living; and all, with the exception of a son in California, followed their father to his last earthly resting place, at the Friend's graveyard, north of West Liberty, on September 2nd.

John Ball was an active business man, and a respected neighbor and friend. To know him in business life, was to admire his honesty, and his quiet manly way, of dealing with his fellow men.

To know him in his home, was to admire him the most, for here he showed his best qualities, and made for those he loved a hallowed spot on earth. To know him, was to know a devoted husband, a kind father, and a true friend. And when in the fall of 1882, he moved to California, and became a citizen of Pasadena, the people of Centerdale felt the loss keenly, and were glad to welcome him, in the spring of this year, when he, with his wife and youngest son, came back to visit his children, and friends in this neighborhood. Although we knew that disease had fastened itself upon him, few of us had any idea that he had come back to his old home to die.

He talked of his adopted home in the land of orange blooms and flowers; and by the sparkle in his eyes, we knew that the love for his new home was strong and true.