Re: Martin Ballou, b. 1780 RI?, d. 1869 Union Co. OH
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Re: Martin Ballou, b. 1780 RI?, d. 1869 Union Co. OH
Joyce Althoff 7/13/02
From "An Elaborate History and Genealogy of the Ballous in America" by Adin Ballou
Martin Ballou was a well constitutioned, enterprising, energetic man and took to himself a wifeof kindred qualities.What his early occupation was we do not clearly make out, but he became a sturdy Ohio farmer.He began his manhood career in or near Pawtucket, Rhode Island, whence he went to Boston, Massachusetts for three or four years, thence back to Rhode Island, probably Cumberland or Pawtucket and thence started for a new home in the West.
He appears to have mounted his goods and family on an emigrant horse-wagon and to have gone through New York and Pennsylvania by slow stages and many perilous hardships, till he reached the Scioto River, where he pitched his tent near Columbus, Ohio.It was an elevated, healthy site, but proved too rough for comfortable tillage and a little late he removed to a more facile homestead.At length he bettered himself by removal to Union County, Ohio where he made himself master of a handsome farm.Having passed through a trying succession of pioneer experiences, in which his wife and children had their full share, he settled near Milford Center, Ohio.There Mrs. Betsey, the companion of his youth and helpmeet through many a privation, rested from her toils.She died November 13, 1851, age 71 years and 8 months.We do not learn that her husband ever married again.
His posterity were multiplying around him and home was rendered comfortable in old age by many dutiful ministries of his children and grandchildren.In these he took great delight to the last.He was a lively politician and patriot.When the great succession war (Civil War) broke out, he was intensely interested, but always confident the Union cause would triumph and he lived to realize his hopes.He was fond of his newspaper and rejoiced in grandsons that had served in the armies of their country.He had quite a vigorous old age and at 85 could walk and work briskly.In spite of serious pecuniary losses incurred by becoming surety at various times for failing neighbors, he had at interest a goodly capital to supply his last days with ample comforts.
In religious sentiment he lived and died a Universalists, beloved by all his offspring and highly respected by his fellow-citizens in general.He began to fail in health a year or so before his death and finally succumbed to the death-angel November 25, 1869, age 89 years and 26 days.His remains repose with those of his wife, children and descendants in a cemetery near Milford Center, Union County, Ohio, commemorated by a modest monument and his grandchildren speak of him with reverential affection.
Son of David Ballou and Lucy (Martin) Ballou
More Replies:
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Re: Martin Ballou, b. 1780 RI?, d. 1869 Union Co. OH
Joyce Althoff 3/16/05
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Re: Martin Ballou, b. 1780 RI?, d. 1869 Union Co. OH
Judith Churchill 3/16/05
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Re: Martin Ballou, b. 1780 RI?, d. 1869 Union Co. OH