My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published by Goodspeed Publishing Company in 1888.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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James F. Ballard, of the firm of Ballard & Smith, general merchants of South West City, Mo., was born in the Cherokee Nation, Indian Territory, on March 9, 1858. His father, Jackson Ballard (deceased), was a native of Tennessee and an octoroon Cherokee, who removed to Benton County, Ark. His mother was also of mixed blood. When James F. was a small boy he went with his parents to Benton County, Ark., and there received a fair education in the common schools. At the age of sixteen he was employed in a mercantile house, after which he continued clerking until he engaged in merchandising for himself in 1881. At that time he established a store at Maysville, Ark., but in 1884 he sold out and came to South West City, where he was employed by W. J. Wade as clerk. He afterward entered the store of Smith & Seabourn, and worked for them until he again engaged in business on his own account in July, 1887, at which time he became a member of the present firm. They carry a full line of general merchandise, and do a large business, their annual sales amounting to $10,000. On July 9, 1883, Mr. Ballard was united in marriage with Hattie Ellis, daughter of Jesse H. Ellis, of Maysville, Ark. Their union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Henry T. Both Mr. and Mrs. Ballard are zealous members of the Christian Church.

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This family biography is one of 82 biographies included in The History of McDonald County, Missouri published in 1888.  For the complete description, click here: McDonald County, Missouri History, Genealogy, and Maps

To view additional McDonald County, Missouri family biographies, click here

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