Representative George Washington Ball View All Years

GEORGE W. BALL

Senator Fulton, from a special committee, submitted the following report and moved its adoption:

MR. PRESIDENT—Your committee named to prepare a memorial to commemorate the life and service of George W. Ball, submit the following report:

George Washington Ball, son of Joseph and Margaret Langfit Ball, was born March 6, 1848, in Brooks county, Virginia. On his father’s side he descended from the same family as Mary Ball, mother of George Washington, and on his mother’s side from the same family as President James K. Polk.

His father, to escape from the contaminating and evil influence of slavery, in 1854, brought his family to Jefferson county, Iowa. Here the son George grew to manhood, and here lived an active and useful life. His education, obtained in the district school and Fairfield University, was substantial and practical. On October 31, 1872, he married Miss Margaret Laughlin, who bore him five sons and one daughter. In his earlier years he was engaged principally in farming and in the raising of stock, but in his later years he became interested in banking and in manufacturing enterprises. He belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and was a communicant of the Christian church. In politics, he was Republican. He served his district as a member of the House of Representatives in the Twenty-second, Twenty-third and Thirty-sixth General Assemblies, and as senator in the Thirty-seventh and Thirty-eighth General Assemblies.

He was devoted to his family, loyal to his friends, helpful to his community. In business, he was found a wise counselor. No worthy cause but received his support. Once enlisted, he put his heart in the work and was indefatigable in his efforts. He gave freely of his time and his means. On moral issues, he held to a high standard. He was firm in his beliefs and defended them against every foe with vigor and intelligence.

Therefore, Be It Resolved, That in the death of George W. Ball, the Senate recognizes the loss of a valuable citizen who desired and labored to improve and upbuild his community and state, and takes this occassion to express its appreciation of his character and public services, and to extend its sympathy to his family in their bereavement; and

Be It Further Resolved, That these resolutions be spread upon the journal and a copy of them transmitted by the secretary to the family of the deceased.

C. J. FULTON,

CHESTER W. WHITMORE,

J. D. BUSER.

The resolution was adopted unanimously by a rising vote.