Harry M. Ball

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Harry M. Ball

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

It is always pleasing to the biographist or student of human nature to enter into an analysis of the character and career of a successful tiller of the soil. Of the many citizens gaining their own livelihood, he alone stand pre-eminent as a totally independent factor, in short, "Monarch of all he surveys." His rugged honesty and sterling worth are the outcome of a close association with nature, and in all the relations of life he manifests that generous hospitality and kindly human sympathy which beget comradeship and which cement to him the friendship of all with whom he comes in contact. Successfully engaged in diversified agriculture and the raising of high-grade stock, Harry M. BALL is decidedly a prominent and popular citizen of Hanover township, Morris county, where he has resided during practically the entire period of his life thus far. He is a stockholder in several banks, including the Farmers and Merchants Bank at Boonton; the American Trust Company, of Morristown; and the First National Bank of Boonton.

Harry M. BALL was born on the farm which now represents his home, the same being located at Ball's Crossing, Morris county, New Jersey, December 3, 1861. His paternal grandparents were John and Nancy (BADGLEY) BALL, and in the maternal line he is a grandson of Joseph Johnston and Emily (COBB) MINTON. His parents, Henry and Mary Elizabeth (MINTON) BALL, are both deceased, their remains being interred in a private cemetery on the old Ball estate, now owned by the subject of this review. The father was born on the above farm, and the mother was born in Hanover township, Morris county. Seven children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Henry BALL, namely:

John Minton;
J. Johnson;
Mollie, now deceased, was the wife of William W. COOK;
Edward E.
Emily A., widow of the late Dr. H.B. DAY, of Butler;
Harry M., of this notice; and
Julia H.

After a common school education, Harry M. BALL attended private school at Fordville, New Jersey, for a time, and then began to assist his father in the work and management of the home farm. He has been interested in farming operations all his life, and is the sole owner of the old parental estate, which comprises 150 acres of exceedingly fertile, well improved land. Mr. BALL has been unusually successful in his various business ventures. Although a Democrat in his political convictions, he votes for the man rather than the principle. For the past seven years he has been fire warden of Hanover township. His religious faith is in harmony with the teachings of the First Reformed Church of Boonton, and he is an elder in the same. He fraternizes with the Royal Arcanum and with Arcana Lodge, No. 160, F. and A.M. He is a kindly and affable in disposition, is a good business man, and a loyal and public-spirited citizen. Mr. BALL is unmarried.