BALL, George Washington 1848 - 1920

BALL, HUNT, LAUGHLIN, BURNS, LANGFIT

Posted By: Joey Stark
Date: 4/30/2006 at 21:06:24

"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Monday, March 15, 1920
Front Page, Column 4

SEN. GEORGE W. BALL PASSED AWAY HERE SUNDAY AFTERNOON

George W. BALL, Senator from the Jefferson-Van Buren county district, and well known throughout Jefferson and surrounding counties passed away somewhat suddenly about two o'clock Sunday afternoon. His death occurred at the R. D. HUNT residence on South Main street, where he had made his home with his daughter.

Funeral services will be held at the Christian church Tuesday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock in charge of Rev. R. H. Polly. The Odd Fellows will conduct the services at the grave.

About three weeks ago Mr. BALL suffered from an attack of the grip, which resulted in the return of a former bronchial trouble. However he seemed so completely recovered that last Tuesday he came up town. That afternoon he attended the stock holders' meeting at the Iowa State Bank and took art (sic - part) in the discussion of business. It was not until Saturday that Mr. BALL felt unable to be up and about the home.

In 1854, when six years of age, George W. BALL came with is parents to Jefferson county from Hancock county, West Va. Oct. 31, 1872 he was united in marriage with Miss Margaret LAUGHLIN, who died several years ago. Their living children are: Charles F., Joseph L., Harry I., W. N. (Dick) and Mrs. R. D. HUNT. Mr. BALL is also survived by
his brother Wm. C. BALL and one sister Mrs. Cynthia BURNS.

While an active and successful farmer, Mr. BALL gave attention to other business matters and for thirty years has been more or less active in public life, serving in both houses of the Iowa Legislature.

Mr. BALL had served one term as State Senator and was hesitant about any further political activity owing to his advancing years. It was only the solicitation of his friends which prevented the withdrawal of his name some time ago. A more complete account of his life will appear tomorrow.

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"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Monday, March 15, 1920
Page 2, Column 1

GEORGE W. BALL

The Jefferson-Van Buren Senatorial district, and this community in particular, realizes today the loss of the one man who stood out most prominently in the public life of this county and district. But the public can bear with fortitude the loss of a public man. The sentiment is sometimes academic.

Very different, however, is the feeling in regard to the passing of George W. BALL. The people will not be saying that "Senator" BALL is dead -- they will use the name without prefix, as befits the mention of a personal friend. No other man in Jefferson county had so wide a personal acquaintance. He was the type of men in public office, who, though sometimes seemingly exceeding rare, are the salt of a democracy--the men of heart and brains and conscience, who nevertheless retain the idea that they should represent their constituents as well as themselves.

It is indeed a great man who can fight for a principal (sic - principle) when the bone of contention is insignificant. For a man, the mental peer of every state officer in Iowa's capital, to take George W. BALL's stand upon capital extension is more than politics and more than stubborness (sic). Mr. BALL well knew that the state's money was not to be squandered, well knew each need and each advantage, but he was unalterably and everlastingly opposed to the tactics of legislatures which are elected to serve their constituents and forthwith forget the folks at home when they reach Des Moines.

Local public interests of every kind looked to him for a generous share of moral and financial assistance and not in vain. Ready as he was to give of his means toward public enterprises he was extremely cautious about donating the taxpayers' money for such purposes without express consent.

Nothing would be farther from the fact to say that Mr. BALL was a "farmer legislator," with the common connotation. He was too broad a business man, too keen a thinker for that classification. The rural population has been and doubtless will be fooled in supporting "farmer" candidates if it supposed them impervious to the blandishments of the lobbyists, who inoculate them with the "higher office" bacillus.

George BALL was not interested in being a close pal with the Executive Council or with the presiding officer if that meant reflecting their sentiments rather than those of his constituents.

A man of kindly disposition and benevolent in the Scriptural way he pursued his course, happy not to share the Pharisee's conspicuousness. Recognizing the needs of humanity, he was not possessed of any idea of its self-sufficiency; but rather saw in the church the great corrective. He was an uncompromising foe of the liquor interests and through long years worked consistently to bring about the conditions more fully resulting from the recent amendment to the Federal constitution.

Common honesty and fairness, the foundation of his character, made him favor equal suffrage at a time when it was not particularly popular in Jefferson county.

There is sense of personal loss felt throughout Jefferson county today, because there has passed out a man of the people, one who was proud not so much of his Colonial ancestory (sic) as of the fact that he was, like Lincoln, one of the common people whom God must like so well. And may we not also recognize that in the midst of full activity he has fallen--

"As when a kingly cedar, green with boughs,
Goes down with a great shout upon the hills,
And leaves a lonesome place against the sky."

(same publication and page, but Column 3 -- )

N O T I C E

All members of Jefferson lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F., are requested to meet at the hall this evening at 7:30 o'clock to make arrangements for the funeral of George W. BALL.
527--15

~~~~

"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Tuesday, March 16, 1920
Page 3, Column 2

LIFE OF GEO. W. BALL

The city was startled on Sunday by announcement ot fhe (sic) death of Senator BALL. He had been unwell for some days but on the 8th had attended a meeting of the stockholders of the Savings Bank, and while he was weak, he seemed to be on the road to recovery. None of his friends anticipated that he was to go so soon.

George W. BALL was born in New Cumberland, West Virginia, and was the son of Joseph and Margaret LANGFIT BALL. His ancestry was of the same family as Mary BALL, the mother of George Washington. He came with his parents to Jefferson county in 1854, his father purchasing what is known as the Marcy farm just west of the Fair grounds, but sold this in a few years. He bought the BALL homestead, in the western part of Center township, where George was raised, later buying the farm and making it into one of the best and most highly improved in the county. He was educated in the public schools and in the Fairfield University, which was conducted by Andrew Axline in the large brick building which stood a little southwest of the present site of the electric light plant.

He held various township offices, and was the representative from this county in the 22nd and 23rd General Assemblies. The campaign in this county preceeding his election as representative the first time, was the hottest since the Civil war. Prohibition was the issue and Mr. BALL stood squarely against the saloons. Party lines were in large measure dissolved. The canvass went into every school district in the county and was in a considerable degree individual. Mr. BALL was elected by over 400 majority which was very large under the circumstances.

He was also the representative of Jefferson county in the 36th General Assembly and was in the Senate in the 37th and 38th General Assemblies. At the time of his death, he was a candidate for re-election, and would not have had any opposition in his own party in this county and probably none in the district.

Mr. BALL was a man of influence and distinction in this county and in southern Iowa. He was a man of great native force and intelligence. His was a dominating personality.

He gave one the impression of positive strength and when this was joined to unusual activity, it constitutes a man who had to be reckoned with in the community. On any question with which he had to deal, he speedily reached a definite decision and was ready to make it known and give his reasons.

He believed in progress and his face was always turned toward the front. He worked hard in the interest of proper legislation for the control of the railroads, for Prohibition, and for Woman Suffrage. It was recognized by those who knew that his work in behalf of these and other reforms was of the greatest value. He never trimmed or waited on the sentiment of others. He could take counsel of others but he also took counsel of his own judgment and principles. In politics, the most trying medley in the world, he played the game fair. His promise, once given, was inviolate. All persons knew where he was and what he meant to do. He never withheld his words, or tempered their force out of fear of any man or of any consequences of himself. He was loyal to his friends, and they trusted him absolutely.

Naturally he came to the front and was concerned with all the activities of the community. For any cause which appealed to him, and tht (sic) number of such causes was large, he was the most paient (sic), tireless and effective worker in the county. He gave of his effort and liberally of his means. He was a generous public spirited citizen. He will be missed profoundly. His associates, as they carry on the work of the community, will say one to another ,'We should have BALL to help us in this."

George W. BALL was married in 1872, to Margaret L. LAUGHLIN of this county, who died in 1912. Four sons, Charles, Harry, Joseph and W. N. BALL and one daughter, Mrs. Nellie HUNT, survive him, together with a number of grandchildren. Harvey L. BALL, his second son, who was born in 1876, died in 1883. Mr. BALL was one of nine children, only two of whom are living: Mrs. Alex BURNS of Ottumwa, and W. C. BALL of this city.

The funeral will be held this afternoon, March 16th, at 2:30 o'clock. The services will be conducted by Rev. R. H. Polly of the Christian church, Mr. BALL having been an active and devoted member of this church for many years. Interment will be in Evergreen cemetery.

~~~~

"The Fairfield Daily Journal"
Thursday, March 18, 1920
Page Two, Column 1

SENATOR BALL'S LAST LETTER.

The late Senator George W. BALL had a fixed determination never to accept a place of responsibility without the purpose to fulfill the obligation in active manner. With his advancing years he expressed hesitance about announcing himself as a candidate for re-election in the Second Senatorial district, but was urged to do so by a large number of voters.

Later when he suffered from an attack of grip and feared that his health would be permanently impared (sic), Senator BALL wrote out a letter which he was about to send to all of the newspapers which had carried the announcement of his candidacy. The writer, as well as some others, saw this letter, but urged Mr. BALL not to hasten in sending it out. After his death the Editor of the Journal asked if the letter could be found and, if so, published.

Herewith is given the last letter from Mr. BALL; short and characteristic, and expressing his deep appreciation of the confidence the public so long reposed in him:

Dear Editor:
You will please discontinue the publication of my announcement as a candidate for State Senator for the Jefferson-Van Buren district. On account of advancing age, I have decided to retire from public life and to spend my remaining days in the privacy of home.

In thus involuntarily laying down the trust that has so long been confided to my keeping, I do so with a deep sense of gratitude for the generous support and many evidences of confidence that have come to me from the people of my county and district, running over a period of more than thirty years. While I have doubtless made mistakes and failed to measure up to the expectations of many, yet my only purpose has been to faithfully serve the best interests of those whom I represented, and if in the main I have succeeded in doing so, then I am content.

With grateful thanks for and pleasant memories of the many kindly friendships bestowed upon me in the past, I bid adieu to public life, and remain."

Your fellow citizen,
George W. BALL.

Little did George BALL realize that this would be farewell message to the people of this county and district, but how would it be improved?

-----------------

THE SENATORIAL SITUATION

The death of Senator George W. BALL has left a vacancy which is seems hard to fill yet the matter should have attention of the members of the Republican party in the two counties concerned in securing a successor.

It is conceeded to be the turn of Jefferson county to furnish the candidate. At the same time we should give consideration to the interests of the entire district. It is no easy task to find a man of integrity and ability commensurate with the responsibilities of the office and who is so situated as to be able to make the personal sacrifice of time required.

It has been remarked by a number of Republicans and it is felt by the Journal that if Charles J. Fulton would allow his name to be used, it will be gratifying to so large a number of Republicans that he will be unopposed in either county in the primary.

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"The Fairfield Tribune"
Friday, March 19, 1920
Front Page, Column 2

SENATOR G. W. BALL CALLED BY DEATH
PASSING OF PROMINENT AND INFLUENTIAL CITIZEN COMES AS SHOCK TO FRIENDS

Senator George W. BALL died last Sunday afternoon at his home in this city, on South Main street. His death came as a great shock to his friends as it was wholly unexpected. Mr. BALL had not been well for some time but appeared to be improving and it was not thought that his condition was at all critical.

The following sketch of his life is contributed to the Tribune:

George W. BALL was born in New Cumberland, W. Va., and was the son of Joseph and Margaret LANGFITT BALL. His ancestry was of the same family as Mary BALL, the mother of George Washington. He came wit his parents to Jefferson county in 1854. His father purchased what is known as the Marcy farm just west of the fair grounds but sold this in a few years. He bought the BALL homestead in the western part of Center township where George was raised, later buying the farm and making it into one of the best and most highly improved in the county. He was educated in the public schools and in the Fairfield university which was conducted by Andrew Axline in the large brick building which stood a little southwest of the present site of the electric light plant.

He held various township offices and was the representative from this county in the 22nd and 23rd general assemblies. The campaign in this county preceding his election as representative the first time, was the hottest since the civil war. Prohibition was the issue and Mr. BALL stood squarely against the saloons. Party lines were in a large measure dissolved. The canvass went into every school district in the county and was in a considerable degree individual. Mr. BALL was elected by over 400 majority which was very large under the circumstances.

He was also the representative of Jefferson county in the 36th general assembly and was in the senate in the 37th and 38th general assemblies. At the time of his death, he was a candidate for reelection and would not have had any opposition in his own party in this county and probably none in the district.

Mr. BALL was a man of influence and distinction in this county and in southern Iowa. He was a man of great native force and intelligence. His was a dominant personality.

He gave one the impression of positive strength and when this was joined to unusual activity, it constituted a man who had to be reckoned with in the community. On any question with which he had to deal, he speedily reached a definite decision and was ready to make it known and give his reasons.

He believed in progress and his face was always toward the front. He worked hard in the interest of proper legislation for the control of the railroads, for prohibition and for woman suffrage. It was recognized by those who knew that his work in behalf of these and other reforms was of the greatest value. He never trimmed or waited on the sentiment of others. He could take counsel of others but he also took counsel of his own judgment and principles. In politics, the most trying medley in the world, he played the game fair. His promise once given was inviolate. All persons knew where he was and what he meant to do. He never withheld his words, or tempered their force out of fear of any man or of any consequences to himself. He was loyal to his friends, and they trusted him absolutely.

Naturally he came to the front and was concerned with all the activities of the community. For any cause which appealed to him, and the number of such causes was large, he was the most patient, tireless and effective worker in the county. He gave of his effort and of his means liberally. He was a generous, public spirited citizen. He will be missed profoundly. His associates as they carry on the work on the community will say to one another, "we should have BALL to help us in this."

George W. BALL was married in 1872 to Margaret L. LAUGHLIN of this county, who died in 1912. Four sons, Charles, Harry, Joseph and W. N. BALL, and one daughter, Mrs. Nellie HUNT survive him, together with a number of grandchildren. Harvey L. BALL, his second son who was born in 1876, died in 1883. Mr. BALL was one of nine children, only two of whom are living: Mrs. Alex BURNS of Ottumwa and W. C. BALL of this city.

The funeral was held Tuesday afternoon, March 16, at 2:30. Services were conducted by Rev. R. H. Polly of the Christian church, Mr. BALL having been an active and devoted member of this church for many years. Interment was in Evergreen cemetery.

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*Transcribed for genealogy purposes; I have no relation to the person(s) mentioned.

Note: Buried in Lot SDof25-006 with wife Margaret.