Calvin Ballard (1899)

ALDRICH, BALLARD, PARR, TAYLOR

Posted By: Kent Transier
Date: 12/30/2007 at 22:53:43

Winterset Reporter
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, 16 November 1899
Page 1

Calvin Ballard’s Sudden Demise

Calvin Ballard was born in Indiana on April 12, 1829. In 1855 he married Miss Anna M. Parr and she died in 1864. He afterwards married Mrs. S. A. Taylor whose maiden name was Aldrich.

Mr. Ballard came to this county from Indiana in 1866, bringing with him a number of cattle and horses. The stock he traded for a stock of goods and engaged in the mercantile business on the west side of the square. He afterwards sold out and returned to Indiana; remaining there for about three years he returned here in 1864, and again engaged in business.

Remaining here for some time he again sold out, went to Fontanelle and went into partnership with A. B. Smith, deceased, the firm being known as Smith and Ballard. They came to Winterset and opened a store and were in partnership for a long time. Some years later Mr. Ballard engaged in the drug business, but of late years has been living a retired life.

The deceased was about our streets last Saturday in his usual health. Sunday morning he accompanied his wife to church and while there he was very suddenly taken ill. He got up and went out thinking that fresh air would relieve him. Upon returning several in the audience noticed that he caught the seats to steady himself. He remained but a few minutes and when he attempted to leave the church, and someone seeing his frail condition assisted him. His eyes had become glassy and a carriage was procured and he was taken home. He was placed upon a bed and soon went to sleep, never to waken. He died at about 10 o’clock Sunday evening. Apoplexy is supposed to be the cause of his death.

He leaves a wife and one son, Wm., of Des Moines, to survive him.

The funeral occurred from the residence at 2 o’clock Tuesday afternoon and the services were conducted by Rev. Ely, pastor of the Presbyterian church. The remains were taken to Rock City Cemetery, followed by a large concourse of friends.
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The Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
Thursday, November 16, 1899
Page 1

STRICKEN IN CHURCH

Calvin Ballard Received a Stroke of Apoplexy last Sunday Morning, and Died at 10 p.m.

A very sad shock to all the friends and loved ones of Mr. Calvin Ballard has come through his death at his home last Sunday night.

He had been enjoying his usual good health, and on Sabbath morning went with his wife to church. During the services he seemed to feel ill, and left the room for a few moments. When he came back those about him noticed his paleness, and in a little while he tried again to leave the room. He was very weak and evidently suffered great pain. Several came to his assistance and helped him to the door, and he and his wife were taken home in a carriage immediately. Medical assistance was called, and, after reaching home, he seemed to rally, and until afternoon was better. Suddenly he seemed to lose consciousness and remained in that condition until ten o’clock, when he passed away.

His son Will was sent for some time previous to the death, but did not arrive until 1:30 a.m., Monday.

The death of Mr. Ballard is a sad loss to the community, and the members of the Presbyterian church, who have seen his labors of love among them for so many years, feel deeply the sorrow which is laid upon them all.

The funeral was held at the home at two o’clock on Tuesday afternoon, conducted by Dr. B. E. S. Ely, of the Presbyterian church, and attended by a large concourse.

Calvin Ballard was born April 12, 1829, near Bridgeport, Indiana. His parents were Quakers, or Friends, but when quite young he united with the Methodist Episcopal church. In 1856 he removed to Fontanelle, Iowa, where he engaged in mercantile business and united with the Congregational church. In 1858 he came to Winterset and united with the Old School Presbyterian church. In 1862 he returned to his former home in Indiana, where he remained until 1866, when he came again to Winterset, where he has since resided. Shortly after his return, in 1867, he was elected a trustee of the Presbyterian church, continuing to discharge the duties of that officer very efficiently until he was elected an elder in the fall of 1874, and discharged the duties of that office up to the time of his death. No one, perhaps, was more right and efficient in church affairs was he.
He was twice married. In January, 18(55) to Annie Parr, at Indianapolis, Indiana, who died May 21, 1864. He was married again in 1866 to Mrs. Sue A. Taylor, the beloved companion who now mourns his death. He was the father of three sons, David Edwin and John Calvin, both deceased, and William, who now resides at Des Moines.

He was highly esteemed, and for many years occupied a prominent place in society and the church, of which he was a very active and liberal supporter.
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Note: Transcribed as published. Census records indicate he first came to Madison County before 1860 and not in 1866 as stated in the obit.

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