Samuel Abbott Ballard (1836-1907)

BALLARD, FERGUSON, BOYES, ROBBINS

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 5/24/2024 at 18:42:45

From Story City Herald October 17, 1907 (page 1)

SAM BALLARD DROPS DEAD

Apparently in Best of Health, He Falls Over Dead

Genial Sam Ballard is no more.

Without warning, like a bot of lightning out of a clear sky, death came to him Thursday afternoon while he was watching some workmen put up telephone poles in the southeast part of town. Apparently as well as ever and smiling at something he deemed funny, he suddenly threw up his hands and fell backward dead, death being due to the bursting of a blood vessel in the brain.

The news of his death spread very quickly, and was heard with a pang of regret by a host of friends. "Sam" was known by everybody hereabouts: children, especially were fond of him. Though a deaf-mute all his life his good nature had endeared him to all who knew him.

The funeral was held Sunday afternoon from the Ferguson residence, Rev. Yarger officiating, and interment took place at the Sheffield cemetery south of town. Loving hands laid him away in his narrow bed in confidence that when the last trumpet shall sound he will awake to hear the celestial strains of the heavenly choir.

S. A. Ballard was one of the earliest settlers of Story County, coming here with his parents in 1857. His father died about 30 years ago and mother two years later. At the dying request of his mother he had made his home with Mr. and Mrs. H. F. Ferguson [Mrs. Hiram Ferguson, Martha (Ballard) Ferguson being his sister] during the past 28 years, receiving at their hands loving care and kindly consideration. Besides Mrs. Ferguson, two other sisters survive him, namely, Mrs. H. H. Boyes of Howard township and Mrs. O. M. Robinson [should be Robbins] of Kansas.

Deceased was 71 1/2 years old.