William Green Ball, MD
This is my 4th great-grandfather, William Green Ball.
Remember, he’s the one whose mother I finally found not too long ago. We’d always suspected his middle name came from his mother’s maiden name but didn’t know for sure. After all, he had brothers named Jacob Weaver Ball and James Robinson Ball, and those were perfectly good maiden names as well.
He died in Iowa in 1881, and I wish I knew more about when and where this photo was taken. I’ve never seen the original, but there seem to be some other family photos that were taken at the same time. On the 1880 census, he and Elizabeth, his wife, are living down in Benton County, Arkansas. He was born in New York City in 1808, went to Clark County, Indiana after the death of his father about 1818, and then on to Warren County, Iowa by 1848. I suspect he spent some time in Missouri before he went to Iowa but I haven’t dug that part out yet. I do have some indication that he was in Montgomery County, Kansas in between Iowa and Arkansas. He became a part of the community wherever he was, but he also didn’t seem hesitant to move on if he thought there were more opportunities elsewhere.
In Iowa he was a “country doctor,” but he was also one of the founding members of the agricultural society. On occasions he ran for a county office, and his home was sometimes the voting site for the precinct where he lived west of Indianola. His father had been a shipbuilder and both of his brothers remained in New York City. Two of his sons died “crossing the plains,” and he raised one of their daughters, Martha Jane, who was my grandmother’s grandmother. I feel fortunate to have a photo of him. It took me a long time to find it, and sure enough, it proved my theory that you have to track the daughters of the daughters of the daughters–she’s the one who had them. Thanks so much, Kel.
And here’s Grandmother Elizabeth Charlton Ball.
She was born in Tennessee, married in Indiana, and died in Iowa in October, just weeks after her husband. In fact, his obituary of September, 1881, says “he returned to Warren County about 4 weeks ago, with his aged wife, who it is expected will soon follow him to the long sleep.” Sure enough, they both “sleep” in Linn Grove Cemetery in Warren County, Iowa.
That tall marker just to the right of the flag pole is theirs. Her name is on one side and his is on the other.
My GG GF, Zadoc Perkins, sister, Martha Jane, married William’s oldest son, Simpson Charlton, born 1826, in IN. William Green was born in NY, don’t know what city. In 1880, Sipson and Martha are in Van Beuren, AR. One of their children is born there. Martha dissapears from the scene but Simpson and one of his son’s are in Sevier co, AR in 1900. I think Simpson is buried there and the son and family move to OK.
Comment by Larry Brule — 24 February 2007 @ 5:15 pm
Dr. Ball’s son Simpson Charlton , is my GGG Uncle through marriage to Martha Jane Perkins. I have some information on this family comming to AR. and , then, to OK.
Comment by Larry Brule — 18 March 2007 @ 7:27 pm
I have heard the story of Dr. Ball. It was Henry Wonderlin, an acquaintence of Dr. Ball, who, as an Indian scout, happened upon the massacre of Dr. Ball’s sons, rescued the little girl and arranged for her safe return to Iowa .. because he knew who she was. Because of this, Henry acquired or bought one of Dr. Ball’s farms in Warren County, Iowa. I would be interested to learn more about this incident.
Comment by Ellen Wonderlin — 3 April 2007 @ 10:07 pm
I am the gg granddaughter of Dr. Ball’s daughter Mary Esta, who married John W. Shellman. Before finding this site I had no photos of Dr. and Mrs. Ball. Thanks so much for putting them up and telling their stories!
Comment by Melody Shellman — 12 July 2007 @ 4:42 pm
I too am aware of the massacre story as told by my Wonderlin family. Diaries of Henry Wonderlin’s granddaughter mention that Martha Jane returned to Iowa occasionally, and she visited with Henry Wonderlin and his family. As always, my family wishes your family well!
Comment by Karen Crosby — 10 April 2008 @ 3:13 pm