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File contributed to the Fulton County ILGenWeb Project
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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of Fulton County
Munsell Publishing Co., Chicago, 1908

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The Biography of Thomas W. BALLARD 

[Surnames: ASHTON, BALLARD, BATTY, BAUMAN, BYBEE, COX, ELLIOTT, FISHER, GOODRICH, WELLER] 

BALLARD, THOMAS W. 

    
A well known and enterprising farmer on Sct. 26, Buckheart Twp., he was born where he now lives on March 1, 1858, a son of Linville and Lavina (Bauman) Ballard, natives of Kentucky, where the former was born near Winchester, Clark County, in January, 1819. He married Lavina Bauman, a daughter of Peter Bauman, in 1853. The paternal grandparents were John and Nancy (Bybee) Ballard, natives of Virginia. 
    
Linville Ballard located in Liverpool, IL, Dec. 11, 1852, where he conducted what was called a tavern, and there also married to Lavina Bauman. In 1853 he made his first purchase of land, a 60 acre tract in Sect. 26 Buckheart Twp. The old home was one of the primitive log cabins and the land was partially improved. He added from time to time, until at his death, after disposing of some of his landed possessions, he was still the owner of 400 acres in Buckheart Twp. He was an extensive breeder of hogs and cattle, and often had at one time, 400 head of hogs and 50 to 60 head of cattle. 
    
In politics he was a strong Democrat, but never aspired to public office. To Linville Ballard and his wife were born seven children: Mary, deceased wife of Lewis D. Ashton; Amdra, wife of George W. Elliott of Canton; Thomas W.; Josie, deceased wife of Willard Fisher of Canton; Leroy C., a farmer in Banner Twp.; Florence, a resident of Canton who married Elmer Weller, deceased; and Harry who died in infancy. 
    
Thomas W., subject of this sketch, received his mental training in the District schools. He remained under the parental roof until 21 years of age, when he rented a portion of the homestead property for 1 year. He then rented the old Bauman farm near Lewistown, and in 1881 purchased the farm which has since been his home. 
    
In 1879, Mr. Ballard married Nettie T. Goodrich, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Goodrich. She was born in New Hampshire, and accompanied her parents of Illinois. One child resulted from the union, who died in infancy, the mother also passing away. 
    
On March 31, 1898, Mr. Ballard was wedded to Eva Cox, a native of Canton, and a daughter of William and Mary (Batty) Cox, of English birth. William Cox was born in 1831 and arrived in Canton in 1843. Mr. Cox came to the United States with his father, at the age of twelve years, proceeding direct to Canton. Mary Batty, on arriving in this country located in New Jersey, where her marriage took place. 
    
Mr. Cox being now deceased, his widow, at the age of 63 years makes her home in Canton. They became the parents of 15 children, six of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are: Mark C. of North Dakota; William of Canton; Eva (Mrs. Ballard); Thomas B. of North Dakota; George of Monmouth, IL; Clara of Canton; Charles of North Dakota; Mary A., and Joshua. 
    
In politics Mr. Ballard is a Democrat, and Mrs. Ballard is a member of the Christian Church.