Corp. Lafayette Ball

Married Mary DeMoss March 5, 1871 in Pulaski Co, Indiana

Married Eleanor Johnson January 8, 1891

Exerpt from: History of Cass County Indiana : From its earliest settlement to the present time : with biographical sketches and reference to biographies previously compiled"

Lafayette M. Ball.

A residence in Cass county that has covered nearly seventy years entitles Lafayette Ball, of Logansport Rural Route No. 4, to more than passing mention as one of Clay township's old and honored pioneer citizens. Coming o this township when still in infancy, he was for a long period identified with the agricultural interests of his section, and although he has now retired from the more strenuous activities of life, having reached a position when he feels he can afford to rest from his labors, he still takes a keen interest in all that affects the community in which he labored for so long. Mr. Ball was born in Washington county, Pennsylvania, July 24, 1843, his grandfather, Iden Ball, being a prominent member of the Society of Friends in the Quaker settlement in that county. His parents came to Indiana in 1844, and first settled near Twelve Mile, one-half mile east of Bethlehem church, in which vicinity Lafayette Ball was reared to manhood. During the Civil war he enlisted in the Ninety-ninth Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was mustered into the LTnited States service where the Spry building now stands, on Pearl street, Logansport, and with this organization served two years and ten months, leaving the service with the rank of corporal. He was a brave and faithful soldier, and when his military career was ended resumed the duties of peace, which he has performed in the same able and faithful manner.

On January 8, 1891, Mr. Ball was married to Eleanor Johnson, daughter of Edward and Matilda (Archer) Johnson. Edward Johnson was a native of Vermont and his wife of Williamsburg, Ohio, and they came to Cass county at a very early day, Mr. Johnson first engaging in the blacksmith business, which he gave up to devote his entire time to agricultural pursuits. This latter occupation he followed throughout the remainder of his life, and passed away September 2, 1891, in which year his wife also died on August 28th. Mrs. Ball is a lady who is possessed of a genial, cordial and kind nature, and has ably assisted her husband in the care of their happy and pleasant home. Three children were born to Mr. Ball by his first marriage, namely: Harry, Linda and Lillian, the latter of whom is now deceased.

At the time of the marriage of Mr. Ball and his present wife they settled on the old farm, formerly the property of Mr. Ball's father, and originally a tract of 80 acres. For some years Mr. Ball continued operations there. Eventually he retired from active pursuits, however, and sold a part of the land, he now owing forty-seven acres, while his wife owns twenty-two and 28-100 acres, and the greater part of this is now being operated by renters, and it lies in section 8, Clay township. The homestead of Mr. and Mrs. Ball is called "The Sunny Side Farm."

Mr. and Mrs. Ball are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, in which Mr. Ball holds the position of steward, and both have been active in religious and charitable work. He is a popular comrade of the Grand Army of the Republic. During his long residence in this section Mr. Bail has seen many changes take place, and has done his share in promoting the growth and development of his community. He is honored and esteemed by those who have made his acquaintance, and has a wide circle of sincere friends. The pleasant family home is situated on Logansport Rural Route No. 4.

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Promoted to Full Corporal. Enlisted as a Private on Dec 26, 1862. Enlisted in Company K, 99th Infantry Regiment Indiana on Dev 26, 1862 Mustered Out Company K, 99th Infantry Regiment Indiana on Jun 5, 1865 at Washington, DC

Lafayette Ball fought in the United States Civil War for the Union Side. He was listed as being from Indiana. He was a Corporal L in the 5th Indiana Cavalry (90th Indiana Volunteers). He was a Private K in the 99th Indiana Infantry.

Children:

Harry E. Ball (1871 - 1969)

Lillian L. Ball (July 26, 1876 - November 26, 1908)

Mary L. Ball (1876-