Shelby County Indiana Genealogy & History, Obituaries

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Ballard

The Canberra Times
Oct. 29, 2014
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JOHN ADDISON BALLARD
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Born 6.11.1930 Oak Park, Illinois USA. Died 25.10.2014 Canberra. At home surrounded by loving and loved family: Partner - Ted Reid. Grandchildren...
[The remainder of the article is on a pay-to-view site.]
Note: John was a greatly-appreciated mentor and generous contributor to the Shelby County, Indiana, Genealogy & History website for many years.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
October 12, 1999
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James M. Ballard, 63, formerly of Shelbyville, died Oct. 5 in Chula Vista, Calif.
Born on Aug. 30, 1936, in Shelbyville, s/o Silas and Charlotte Ballard. Married to Sue (Moody) Ballard, and she survives.
Industrial engineer at Parker Hanniflin Corp., San Diego, Calif. Graduated from Shelbyville High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include 2 daughters: Deborah Ballard, Chula Vista, Lori Ballard, New York: a son, Bob Ballard, Shelbyville; and two grandchildren.
Preceded in death by three sisters.
Humphrey Mortuary, Chula Vista, handled the arrangements.
Summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Thursday August 21, 1997
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Grace E. Ballard, 73, Morristown, died Wednesday, Hancock Memorial Hospital, Greenfield.
Born December 20, 1923, Winchester [Randolph County], to Charles and Mary (Smith) Edgeman.
Married Richard T. Ballard; he survives.
Retired history teacher; taught at Northwestern School Corp. for 28 years.
Graduate of Indiana State University and Ball State University.
Member of St. Michael Catholic Church.
Other survivors: daughter, Elizabeth Roberts, Morristown.
Asbury Cemetery, Morristown, with Rev. Robert Mazzola officiating.
Pasco Memorial Mortuary, Greenfield, is handling arrangements.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelbyville News
Saturday, November 7, 1970
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RUSSELL E. BALLARD
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Russell E. Ballard, 76, 539 W. Taylor St., former member of the Shelbyville City Council for three terms, died today at 9:00 a.m. at Major Hospital. He had been a patient there since Monday. A retired machinist, Mr. Ballard had been employed with the Shelbyville Desk Co. for 40 years until his retirement. He was an elder and former deacon of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Ballard had also served as a Democrat precinct committeeman and was a former secretary of the International Woodworkers Union.
Born in Shelbyville on Nov. 8, 1893, Mr. Ballard was the son of Silas and Hattie (Davidson) Ballard. On Feb. 18, 1913, he married Goldie M. Rogers, who survives. Also surviving are two children, Chester E. Ballard, Shelbyville, and Mrs. Floyd (Esther Marie) King, Indianapolis; three grandchildren, and four half brothers and half sisters, Mrs. Kenneth (Myrtle) Imlay, Mrs. Lowell (Gladys) Gordon and Paul Ballard, all of Shelbyville and William Ballard, Adams. A brother and a half brother preceded in death.
Services will be Monday at 2:00 p.m. at the Ewing Mortuary, with Rev. James A. Schimacher officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 1:00 p.m. Sunday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Greensburg Daily News
December 19, 1969
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Shelby Rites for Silas Ballard, 63
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Shelbyville, Ind. - Silas Ballard, 63, Shelbyville, an employe at Chambers Division of Alta-Mill Corporation here for 40 years, died at 6 p.m. Thursday at W.S. Major Hospital. He had been in failing health since last August and seriously ill the past three weeks.
A native of Rushville, he was born Oct 21, 1906, the son of Silas and Minnie Schoeppel Ballard. He had resided in Shelbyville since 1922. He was a member of the Eagles Lodge at Shelbyville and attended the West Street United Methodist Church here.
Surviving with the widow are: Three daughters, Mrs. Robert (Joan) Van Cleve, Largo, Fla., Mrs. Richard (Sue) Krackenberger, Indianapolis, and Mrs. Lewis (Mary Lou) Glover, Shelbyville; a son, James M. Ballard, Venice, Calif.; two sisters, Mrs Kenneth (Myrtle) Imlay and Mrs. Lowell (Gladys) Gordon, both of Shelbyville; three brothers, Russell and Paul Ballard, both of Shelbyville, and William Ballard, Adams; and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a brother, Earl Ballard, in 1918.
Funeral rites will be held at 10 a.m. at the Carmony Funeral Home in Shelbyville with the Rev. Robert M. Todd, pastor of the West Street United Methodist Church, officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the funeral home after 2 p.m. Sunday.
Contributed by John Ballard

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday November 23, 1944
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ILLNESS FATAL TO LOCAL MAN
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William W. Ballard, 81, Dies At Home Here
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William W. Ballard, age 81, well-known retired brickmason, succumbed at 6 a.m. Monday at his home at the Hotel Shelby. Mr. Ballard had been ill for the past several months and in a critical condition for the past 10 days. Death was due to asthma.
Born in this city on September 9, 1863, he was the son of Elijah and Martha Ballard. On September 22, 1883, he was married to Miss Mary E. Durham, who preceded him in death in 1941. Surviving are two children, Mrs. Gladys Oswald, of Indianapolis, and Gordon Ballard, of Louisville, Kentucky; two grandchildren, Mrs. Alberta Richey, of Indianapolis, and William R. Oswald, who is stationed with the U.S. Navy in New Orleans; a brother, A. B. Ballard, of this city, and one sister, Mrs. Laura Michelsen, of Franklin. Another son, William C. Ballard, preceded him in death.
Mr. Ballard was a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, where funeral services will be held at 9:00 a.m. Wednesday, with Rev, Clement Zepf officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill cemetery .
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday, February 9, 1943
Page 1 column 6
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DEATH FOLLOWS LONG ILLNESS
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Silas Ballard, age 69, father of Russell Ballard, city councilman, died Sunday at 11:30 p.m. at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Myrtle Imlay, of 909 south Miller street. Mr. Ballard had been in failing health for the past several years and his death was due to complications arising from a stroke of paralysis suffered last Tuesday.
He was born in this city March 7, 1873, the son of John and Mariah Ballard. For many years he worked as a finishing foreman at the Hodell and Schmoe furniture factories in this city. Early in life he became a member of the First Christian church. He was married in 1892 to Hattie Davidson. She died on August 28, 1898. To this union were born two sons. The son, Russell, survives. On March 19, 1902, he married Minnie Schoeppel, who preceded him in death in 1941. Six children were born to this union and five survive. They are Mrs. Imlay, at whose home he died; Paul, Silas, Jr., and Gladys, all of this city, and William, of Adams. Also surviving are one sister, Mrs. Fannie Mings, of this city; one brother, John Ballard, and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. at the Edwards & Kohlmeyer funeral home with Dr. C.A. Bowler officiating. Burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery. Friends may call at the home of Mrs. Imlay at any time until the hour of the funeral.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Greensburg Daily News
July 10, 1939
Former Resident of St. Paul Dies
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Miss Maude Ballard, who died in Shelbyville Sunday, was a former resident of St. Paul where her parents, John Durbin and Mary Florence (Cartmel) lived when she was a girl. She was a bookkeeper for several years and a prominent member of the Eastern Star and the Christian church. A sister, Mrs. Chris Albion, survives. The funeral will be Tuesday afternoon.
Contributed by John Ballard

An Indianapolis Newspaper

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Contact the Indiana State Library for a full copy.
Ballard, Maude / Death of Shelbyville woman. N. July 10, 1939. pt. 1 p 9, c 7.

Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, January 12, 1935
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J. D. BALLARD, BUILDER, DIES
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Shelbyville Man Passes Away at Home; 2 Daughters, Sister survive
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J. Durbin Ballard, prominent for many years in business activities of the community, died at the home at 637 South Harrison street, shortly after 12 o'clock this morning. Mr. Ballard was connected with the contracting and bulding industry during his active business career. In his early life he was a school teacher. In failing health for some time, Mr. Ballard became seriously ill only about two weeks ago.
The deceased was born in Rush county, a son of Madison and Sarah Tevis Ballard. He was united in marriage to Miss Florence Cartmal on October 5, 1871. Mrs. Ballard preceded him in death on May 21, 1931. Mr. Ballard was a member of the First Methodist Episcopal church here, and of the local Masonic lodge. Two daughters, Miss Maude Ballard and Mrs. Chris Albion, and one sister, Mrs. Katherine Raynes, survive.
Funeral services will be held at the home in South Harrison street Monday afternoon at 2 o'clock, with Dr. L. T. Freeland, of the First Methodist church, in charge. Burial will take place in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Loren Murphy, funeral director.
Submitted by Barb Huff

Greensburg Daily News
May 4, 1931
Funeral Held for Shelbyville Woman
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Mrs. Florence Cartmel Ballard, 78, who died at her home in Shelbyville Saturday, was buried today, the funeral being conducted in the home at 2:30 by the Rev. L. T. Feeland.
The deceased was a daughter of Milton C. and Elzabeth Donnell Cartmel and was born near Middletown, Shelby county, Aug. 8, 1871. She married J. Durbin Ballard Oct 5, 1871. The husband and two daughters survive: Mrs. Chris Albion and Miss Maude Ballard, of Shelbyville. Also a sister, Mrs. James Wagoner. Arthur and Misses Emma and Bessie Donnell are cousins and there are other relatives in Decatur county.
Mrs. Ballard was a prominent member of the Methodist church and belonged to the D.A.R. and was quite active in both organizations so long as her health permitted.
Contributed by John Ballard

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday January 19, 1924
Page 1 column 5
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ST. PAUL WOMAN DIED YESTERDAY
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Mrs. Anna Ballard, Age Seventy-Seven,
Lived Entire Life In St. Paul
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FUNERAL SERVICE MONDAY
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Mrs. Anna Ballard, age 77 years, the widow of D. J. Ballard, of St. Paul died yesterday afternoon at 3:15 o’clock of pneumonia. Mrs. Ballard was in failing health for the past year. She was the daughter of Joseph R. and Catherine French and was born in Middletown, Indiana on February 15, 1846.
Mrs. Ballard resided in St. Paul her entire life. On September 18, 1867 she was married to Dr. D. J. Ballard, a prominent doctor and Civil War veteran. To this union were born three sons, one of whom survives her, Harry W. Ballard, of Detroit, who was present at the time of her death. Two sisters, a brother and a grandson also survive Mrs. Ballard. They are: Mrs. E. Derbyshire, of Kissimmee, Florida; Mrs. Elizabeth Plymate, of Acton, Indiana; William French, of Eldorado, Oklahoma, and the grandson, Jack Ballard, of Detroit.
Dr. Ballard preceded his wife in death four years ago, having died on January 9, 1920. Both he and Mrs. Ballard were of the sturdy worthwhile character found in the early pioneers of Indiana. Mrs. Ballard at the age of fourteen years joined the Methodist church in St. Paul, and furnished an excellent example of good Christian motherhood. Her long residence in the community and her usefulness and kindness makes her loss the more keen to her neighbors and friends.
The funeral will be held from the late residence in St. Paul on Monday morning at 10 o’clock, Rev. Watkins, pastor of the Methodist church at St. Paul will officiate. Interment will take place in Paul Hill cemetery, in charge of C. F. Fix & Son, funeral directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Indianapolis Star
Saturday, June 2, 1923
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DROPS DEAD IN STORE -- James W. Ballard, 50 years old, Lorraine hotel, dropped dead yesterday afternoon in the Philpott drug store, 902 North Illinois street. Death was caused by heart disease, Dr. William A. Deoppers, deputy coroner, said. Ballard, who was employed at the Hoosier Athletic Club as cloak room checker, walked into the drug store complaining of pain, police were informed. Dr. M. T. Patton, 2941 North Delaware street, pronounced the man dead. Coroner Robinson was informed that Ballard had relatives in Danville, Ind.
Contributed by Marsha Ensminger
[Per John Ballard, this gentleman is probably not related to the Shelby-Decatur County family.]

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday May 3, 1922
Page 1 column 2
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SYLVAN BALLARD DIED WEDNESDAY
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Local Brick Mason Passed Away At Home
Today In West Hendricks Street
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PNEUMONIA CAUSED DEATH
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Sylvan Ballard died at his home at 313 West Hendricks street at 10:45 o’clock this morning following an illness of less than a week. Pneumonia was the cause of his death. He was taken ill last Saturday and never recovered. He was 31 years, seven months and 19 days of age. He was born October 14, 1890.
He was married to Ethel Evans on September 2, 1913. To this union one daughter was born, Eleanore. Mr. Ballard was the son of Mrs. Albert Rhoades. Besides the wife and daughter, he is survived by his mother of Union township, one brother, Bert of Indianapolis. In 1920 he united with the West Street M.E. church. He was also a member of the local brick masons union.
Funeral services will be held at the West Street church at two o’clock Friday afternoon, the Rev. Murr officiating. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery, C. F Fix & Son in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, August 11, 1921
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FORMER RESIDENT
        OF COUNTY DEAD
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Word has been received from Frankfort, announcing the death of Chapman Ballard, which occurred at his home at that place Sunday. He was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. John L. Ballard and was born in Liberty township. He was about 60 years of age and was quite well known in this county, where he had many friends.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday January 10, 1921
Page 1 column 2
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PIONEER DOCTOR DIED SUNDAY EVE
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Daniel J. Ballard Had Practiced Medicine
At St. Paul Over 40 Years
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HOLD FUNERAL WEDNESDAY
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Dr. Daniel Jefferson Ballard, age seventy-nine years a practicing physician at St. Paul for more than forty years, died Sunday night at eight-thirty o’clock at his home in St. Paul. His death was caused by organic heart trouble.
Dr. Ballard was one of the better known residents of the St. Paul community. He had practiced medicine there since 1876, when he left medical college. For a number of years he operated a drug store in St. Paul, with the assistance of his wife, who was a graduate of a school of pharmacy.
Dr. Ballard was born in Orange township, Rush county October 8, 1841. He was a son of Madison and Sarah Ann Ballard. At the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted with Company E 37th Indiana Volunteers and was later transferred to the Engineers. He was mustered out of the service October 26, 1864.
After leaving the army he attended school at St. Paul and Shelbyville and later entered the Cincinnati School of Medicine, from which he graduated in February, 1876.
He was married to Miss Anna E. French, of Liberty township, Shelby County, on September 18, 1867. He leaves his widow, one son, Harry Ballard, who is now in Canada; one grandson; one brother, Durbin Ballard, of this city; and one sister, Mrs. Kate Raynes, of Robinson, Illinois.
Dr. Ballard was a member of the Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias lodges, at St. Paul, and held the G.A.R. post at St. Paul.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock at the M. E. church in St. Paul, the Rev. James L. Brown officiating, assisted by the Rev. Miller. Burial will be made in Paul Hill cemetery, Stewart & Fix in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelbyville Republican
Wednesday January 15, 1919
Page 1 column 2
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MRS. DOROTHY BALLARD
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Young Woman Died Early Wednesday Morning
After Illness of Two Weeks
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HUSBAND OVERSEAS
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Mrs. Dorothy Ballard, wife of Burnett Ballard, died Wednesday morning at 8:20 o’clock at the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michelson, in East Polk street. Her death followed an illness of two weeks. Mrs. Ballard recently gave birth to twin boys, both of whom were dead when born. Peritonitis followed, causing her death.
Mr. and Mrs. Ballard were married January 1, 1918. The husband is now in France, as a member of the American Expeditionary Forces. Mrs. Ballard was twenty years old last May fifteenth.
She graduated from the Shelbyville high school with the class of 1918. Mrs. Ballard was a musician of much ability, and served as pianist at the Christian church, of which she was a member, for a number of years.   The arrangements for her funeral will be announced later by Stewart & Fix, who are in charge.
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Ibid.
Thursday January 16, 1919
Page 6 column 2
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Funeral services for Mrs. Dorothy Ballard, who died Wednesday morning, will be held Friday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock at the home of the parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michelson in east Polk street. The Rev. M. S. Decker, pastor of the Christian church will officiate. Burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday January 2, 1919
Page 1 column 3
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FUNERAL FOR TWINS
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Twins still-born Wednesday night to Mrs. Dorothy Michelson Ballard, of East Polk street, were buried this afternoon in the City cemetery. Stewart & Fix in charge. Mrs. Ballard is a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Michelson.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelbyville Republican
Thursday March 12, 1914
Page 1 column 7

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MRS. MARIA BALLARD CALLED BY DEATH
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Died At The Home of Her Daughter,
No. 243 Walker Street
At Three-Thirty O’Clock After Long Illness
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CHARTER MEMBER OF CHURCH
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Had Been a Member of the Church Here
Since She Was Sixteen Years Old,
Or Year 1848—Funeral Saturday Afternoon
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Mrs. Maria Ballard, one of the oldest residents of Shelbyville and well known among the Shelbyville people and residents of the county, died on Thursday morning at three-thirty o’clock at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Clell Mings, No. 243 Walker street. Her death resulted from a complication of diseases, caused by old age. Mrs. Ballard had been in ill health for the past three years. For the last several months her strength has been fast ebbing and it was known by the relatives and close friends that the end was near.
Mrs. Ballard was born in this county and lived all of her long life within its boundaries. The greater number of the years were spent in this city, which she saw grow, step by step, from the cross roads town of her youth to the city of eleven thousand souls with its throbbing industries of today.
Mrs. Ballard was born September 3, 1832. At the time of her death she was aged eighty-one years, six months and eight days. She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Henry, pioneer residents of the county, who have been dead for many years.
Mrs. Ballard was the wife of the late John Ballard, who died thirty-five years ago. He was a contractor here during his life.
Mrs. Ballard held the unique distinction of being the oldest member of the First Christian church of this city. She joined the church in the year 1848, when she was sixteen years old and had held her membership there since. She attended the services regularly and was an earnest worker during the years that her health and age would permit. During the later years of her life she was gladdened when some of the members of the church or the pastor would pay her a call.
Mrs. Ballard is survived by two daughters, Mrs. Susan Ballard, of Columbus, and Mrs. Clell Mings, of this city; four sons, Jesse Ballard, of Florida; Douglas V. Ballard, of Tennessee; Silas Ballard, of Rushville, and John Ballard, of this city.
The funeral services will be held at the late home, No. 243 Walker street, Saturday afternoon at two-thirty o’clock, the Rev. W. C. Eldred, Pastor of the First Christian church officiating. Burial will be made in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Ralph J. Edwards.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Monday June 10, 1907
Page 1
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YOUNG ENGINEER OF
WATER AND LIGHT PLANT
LOSES LIFE
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William C. Ballard Scalded And Suffocated
By Steam Escaping From Broken Pipe
While Groping In The Dark
Where He had Fallen Into Pit in Engine Room
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FRAGMENTS OF STEEL
HURLED FOR GREAT DISTANCE
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Scalded and suffocated by steam escaping from a broken and twisted pipe leading from boilers with nearly a hundred and twenty pounds of pressure, William C. Ballard, engineer at the electric light plant, met his death about one o’clock this morning. He died at the post of duty.
Prior to his death the electric light plant had been the scene of one of the most striking accidents in the history of Shelbyville. The big fourteen-ton fly-wheel, with its massive rim of steel traveling at the rate of a mile a minute, had let go, tearing the roof from the engine room, knocking out parts of the wall and scattering itself over the neighborhood.
One piece of the rim, about three feet in length, had torn a big hole in the east end of the engine room had then shot over the three story building of the Conrey-Birely table company a hundred yards distant and coming down on the dynamo room had smashed thru the roof tearing and breaking eight inch rafters and knocking out a big section of the twenty-four inch brick side wall. Another fragment of the big wheel, also traveling over the factory, crashed thru the roof of the glue room. Small pieces of the wheel were scattered about for great distances to the east and west. Two jagged pieces of steel crossed Noble street, traveled over two or three houses and seven or eight back yards and finished their mad career by tearing the roof off a woodshed in the rear of the residence of Anthony Banschback, who lives on Elizabeth street on the west side of the ally between Pike and Noble streets.
Exactly what caused the fly-wheel to burst is a matter of conjecture. Such accidents are not uncommon and are as a rule due to excessive speeding of the engine. But that that was not the cause in this particular case is the belief of Superintendent Harding, his theory being based on the fact that the governor of the engine are in perfect working order and the governor belt did not displace in the slightest. Aside from the breaking of the wheel the engine is uninjured except that one rod was bent. This can easily be replaced and the powerful machine will be as good as it was before the accident. Engineers of the city are somewhat inclined to think that the accident was caused by a runaway engine, others that it was due to a defect of the fly-wheel.
Another theory advanced is that the big belt running to the driving shaft became torn and in knocking about cut the big steam pipe which feeds the engine. The pipe was so situated that it fell into the rapidly revolving fly-wheel and caused the latter to fly into a hundred pieces.
The engine is a 225 horse power Hamilton Corliss engine and was installed here thirteen years ago. The fly-wheel was the largest in the city. A few years ago the breaking of the big belt which ran around the wheel knocked out one end of the engine room.
General Superintendent Rowland, of Crawfordsville, arrived here today and held a consultation with Superintendent Harding. A new fly-wheel will be ordered at once and it is thought that it will be here in the course of ten days or two weeks. If a temporary arrangement can be made for a big pulley which can be used while another fly-wheel is being secured, the plant will be able to furnish street lights in a very few days.
No damage was done to any other part of the water or light plant. The mercantile service depends upon another engine which is located in the large dynamo room and this part of the machinery was unaffected.
Three men were in the building at the time the fly-wheel let go. These were Ballard, the unfortunate engineer who lost his life; William Fryer, fireman of the electric light plant boilers, and Tilford Beaumont, the fireman for the water works. When the crash came and all lights went out, Ballard and Tilford were standing near the doors of the boiler room leading to the dynamo room and a distance of fifty feet from the engine room. Ballard started to enter the dark dynamo room, but Beaumont called to him that he had better go around the building, as the trouble was back where the big Corliss engine was.
Ballard and his two companions left the building by the Elizabeth street entrance. They were standing outside when Ed Deitzer, the well known member of the city fire department, arrived, the first of the neighbors to reach the scene. Ed asked them if any of them had been hurt. They answered that no one was injured. Deitzer then asked them about the water system, but they were unable to tell him in what condition that was as they had just come from the building and had not yet located the trouble.
Lanterns were secured and the men started into the building to pull the fires from under the boilers, the pressure of steam being great and the men fearing that additional trouble would happen if they left the fires in the furnace. Deitzer, Beaumont and Fryer entered the boiler rooms, failing to notice that Ballard was not with them. Evidently he had left them, proceeded around the Noble street side of the plant and had gone into the engine room thru the rear door.
Residents of the neighborhood were aroused by the noise of the tearing roof and falling walls and by the escape of steam. Some of them say that at first they thought it was thunder and that it was only the persistent hiss of the steam that led them to think that something was wrong at the electric light plant. Superintendent Harding was summoned by telephone and was soon on the spot.
By candle light and lantern light the engine room was explored. Then the body of Ballard was found lying in the pit beneath the engine room and about six feet from the east end of his engine. Perhaps he had tried to find the valve to shut off the engine and bewildered by the steam, groping for the valve in the dark, had fallen into the pit. Under ordinary circumstances this would have not been a dangerous place, but to Ballard it meant death. The big steam pipe feeding the engine room had been cut in two by a flying piece of the wheel and the pipe dropping into the pit was discharging its steam within a few feet of the spot on which the unfortunate young man alighted. In the dense mass of hot steam he was scalded and suffocated.
Such is one theory. Another, which is held is that Ballard, reaching the engine room, discovered where the trouble lay and started into the front part of the building to tell his companions. Failing to see that the platform which covered the lower part of the belt had been torn away, he dropped into the pit. This theory has as a corroborating circumstance the fact that he was found in the pit at a point near the door leading to the dynamo room and in just the course he would have taken to reach the front part of the plant.
About two weeks ago young Ballard, while hunting frogs near St. Paul in company with Charles Aldrich, was accidentally shot in the heel with a Winchester rifle and from this injury he was still suffering slightly at the time he lost his life.
The death of the young engineer is a sad one indeed. He was twenty one years and six day old and was the son of Mr. and Mrs. William Ballard, of east Pennsylvania street. He was industrious and economical, and he and his parents had been stinting themselves that the boy might acquire a good education. He completed a course at the Shelbyville business college and was a hard working and very painstaking student. He had also studied civil engineering and had reached the point where he was competent to occupy a good position in that line. He was working at the electric light plant for the purpose of obtaining money with which to finish his training.
He was a member of Kiowa Tribe No. 199, Improved Order of Red Men and was also a Haymaker. He was popular among his associates, all of which appreciated the struggle upward the young man was making and all of whom were anxious to see him succeed. The funeral services will be held at the home of his parents Wednesday afternoon at two o’clock, the Rev. L. O. Richmond officiating. The funeral will also be under the auspices of the Red Men. Interment will take place in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of D. B. Wilson & Son.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday January 1, 1903
Page 4 column 5
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Chester M. Ballard, son of Mr. Silas Ballard, died at the home of his grandmother, Mrs. Tilitha Davison, No. 218 East Pennsylvania street, Saturday, December 27th, at 8:30 p.m., age 6 years, 7 months and 12 days. Interment will be made December 30th in Forest Hill cemetery. Funeral services will be held at the house by Rev. Mahan. D. B. Wilson & Son in charge.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday March 6, 1902
Page 2 column 7
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Clarence Ballard, youngest son of Dr. D. J. Ballard, of St. Paul, died Saturday in St. Louis, of pneumonia. He attended Shelbyville high school a few years ago, and graduated from Purdue University, where he held a position as chemist after his graduation. His remains arrived at St. Paul this morning for interment.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Thursday, November 28, 1901
Page 1, column 8
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The death of Kirk Ballard at Anderson, which was mentioned in yesterday's Democrat was a great surprise to the people here. No one here knew he was sick. He was a son of John Ballard, now a resident of California and a man 90 years old. Kirk's domestic life has not been happy. He left here about a year ago and went to Anderson to work at his trade, that of a brick mason. He has done a great deal of brick work here, but never seemed to prosper. He was probably his own worst enemy. His remains will be interred at Anderson.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday September 18, 1900
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Albert Ballard died at the home of his mother, Mrs. Mariah Ballard, of No. 149 East Walker street, at 6:30 o’clock p.m., Thursday, September 13, of typhoid fever, aged twenty-six years. He was the youngest of a family of ten children, five of whom survive. By trade he was a cabinet maker and was employed by the Conrey Birely Table Company. He was the support of his widowed mother who will sadly miss him. He was a member of the M. E. church. The funeral services will be held at the home of his mother at 4 o’clock p.m. Saturday, September 15, Elder Mahan of the Christian church, officiating. Interment in Forest Hill. Friends may call at the house from 7:00 to 8:30 this evening and from 10 a.m. Saturday. Funeral in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, June 28, 1900
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PASSING AWAY
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Of Councilman Elijah M. Ballard Sunday Morning
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Death, Sunday morning at 8 o'clock, ended the suffering of Elijah M. Ballard at his home, No. 126 East Walker street. Deceased had been in failing health the past two years and at the time of his death was aged 62 years, one month and nine days.
Deceased was born in Shelbyville and was the son of John Ballard who survives him. Mr. Ballard early in life learned the brick masons trade and had worked at this trade most of his life, the latter part of which he did contracting. He was an honest, conscientious man, one who enjoyed the confidence of his fellow man and neighbors. After the death of his wife, several years ago, he raised a family of children without remarrying. To these children he was ever watchful and greatly devoted. At the time of his death he was a member of the City Council, being elected by the democrats, which office he held several years, his present term not expiring until May 1902. As an official he always had the best interests of the city in view.
The brick masons will serve as pall bearers assisted by the members of the City Council, who will act as assistant pall bearers. The remains will be buried in the City Cemetery, services at the house at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 26, by the Rev. Gould. Deceased leaves a father, three sons and two daughters.
Contributed by John Ballard

The Shelby Republican
Tuesday August 31, 1897
Page 5 column 7
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Hattie H., wife of Silas Ballard, died at her home No. 214 East Pennsylvania Street, at 11 o’clock p.m., Friday August 27, of lung trouble, aged 23 years. Funeral services were held at the house at 2:30 p.m. Monday, August 30, Elder Groom officiating. The casket was open to the friends from 5 o’clock p.m. Sunday to 2 o’clock Monday. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery in charge of Edwards & Hageman.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Tuesday July 14, 1896
Page 4 column 3
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Miss Clara Ballard died at the residence of her sister, Mrs. E. J. Keller, No. 33 North Tompkins street at 3:20 p.m. Monday, July 13, 1896, age fifty-two years. The remains will be buried Wednesday, July 15. Services at the house at four p.m. Dr. J. C. Caldwell officiating, assisted by Rev. M. A. Farr. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery, D. B. Wilson & Son funeral directors. Miss Ballard’s death was caused from cancer of the stomach. Deceased was well known for her work among the poor and in the church. She was an aunt of Assistant Post Master, Harry C. Keller. Those wishing to view the remains will call at the residence from eleven a.m. tomorrow until 3:30 p.m.
Contriuted by Barb

The Shelbyville Daily Democrat
Wednesday October 25, 1893
Page 4 column 2
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Bertha J., daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Ballard, died at their residence, No. 121 East Jackson street, at 5:30 o’clock this morning, aged 9 years. She will be buried at Forest Hill cemetery at 3 p.m., Thursday, October 26. Services at the house by Rev. Farr. D. B. Wilson & Son funeral directors.
Contributed by Barb Huff

The Shelby Republican
Thursday, February 23, 1893
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Bristol, the three-months old son of Mr. and Mrs. J. C. and Emma Ballard, died at their residence on East Jackson street at 1 o'clock a.m. February 13. The remains were buried at Forest Hill cemetery, Tuesday, February 14, at 2 o'clock p.m. Wilson & Son.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Standard
Greensburg, Decatur County, Indiana
23 Mar 1888
Page 5
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St Paul - Died, at his home in St. Paul, on Mrch 19, 1888, of pneumonia, Madison Ballard, in his 75th year. He was born in Kanaway [Kanawha] County, Va., on March 13, 1814. He had been a faithful member of the M.E. Church for 56 years. He lived and died with a full trust in the Saviour of men. His vacant seat in our church will be hard to fill. It can be truly said that one of the great of the world has gone to rest.

Ibid.
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----- Mrs. Kate Rayner [Raynes] of Robison [Robinson], Ills., Mrs. D Thompson, of Indianapolis, and Dearborn [Durbin] Ballard and wife and Mrs. Ricketts of Shelbyville, attended the funeral of Madison Ballard.
Contributed by John Addison Ballard

The Shelbyville Republican
Monday March 19, 1888
Page 1 column 4
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John D. Ballard this morning received a dispatch from St. Paul that his father, Madison Ballard, was dying and for him to come at once if he expected to see him alive.

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Ibid.
Page 1 column 3
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Madison Ballard, an old and respected citizen of St. Paul, died at 9 o’clock this morning, after an illness of only three days.
Contributed by Barb Huff for John Ballard

Shelby National Volunteer
Thursday, January 5, 1871
Page 3, column 1
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A CHILD BURNED TO DEATH
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On Friday last, a little son of Elijah Ballard, about 3 years of age, was so terribly burned by its clothing catching on fire, that it died on the Friday evening following. The mother had temporarily gone out of the house, and on returning, found the little fellow standing in the middle of the floor, his clothes on fire, endeavoring to brush the flames from his face with his hands. She immediately extinguished the fire, but he was so terribly burned on the lower part of the body as to cause his death as above stated. His sufferings, of course, surpassed all description.
Submitted by Barb Huff

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