[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 147 (Tuesday, November 29, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 29, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       JOHN BALL'S 200TH BIRTHDAY

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                         HON. VERNON J. EHLERS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this 
opportunity to recognize the 200th anniversary of the birth of Mr. John 
Ball. During the month of November, celebrations and educational 
programs will be held in my district honoring Mr. Ball for his many 
contributions to the city of Grand Rapids and the county of Kent.
  Mr. Ball was born in New Hampshire on November 12, 1794, as the 
youngest of 10 children of Nathaniel and Sarah Ball. After spending his 
formative years working on his father's farm, Mr. Ball developed an 
interest in education and worked his way through Dartmouth, graduating 
in 1820. After graduating, Ball studied law in New York for 2 years 
before setting sail to Georgia to pursue a teaching opportunity in 
Savannah. After 6 months, Ball returned to New York to begin a law 
practice. In 1827, he was elected Justice of the Peace.
  Two years after the formation of his law practice, Ball temporarily 
changed the direction of his professional career by assuming management 
of his sister's oil cloth factory. He did this to help her pay off 
company debts after her husband was killed in an explosion at the 
factory. After helping his sister get back on her feet, Ball began a 
cross-country adventure that was unheard of for his time. Starting in 
Baltimore with a party of 80 men and 300 horses and mules, Ball criss-
crossed the continent exploring uncharted land and eventually ended up 
teaching at the first school in what is now known as the State of 
Oregon. In the spring of 1833, Ball also became the first American 
farmer in Oregon.
  Still fascinated by travel and exploration, Ball set out again on a 
2\1/2\ year adventure that took him to destinations such as San 
Francisco, Honolulu, Tahiti, Cape Horn, and Rio de Janeiro. He returned 
to New York where he practiced law for 2 more years. In 1836, he 
settled in Grand Rapids, MI, and opened a law practice that lasted 34 
years. While in Grand Rapids, Ball was elected as a member of the State 
legislature and served in the session of 1838. Two years later, he was 
appointed by Governor Barry to select 400,000 acres of land to add to 
the State of Michigan. His choice of land played an important role in 
helping attract settlers to the area we now know as western Michigan. 
His role was not limited to law and politics, however; Ball also became 
very involved with the public schools and served 21 years as a member 
of the Board of Education. He also helped organize the first public 
museum.
  Mr. Speaker, I have summed up just a few of the many achievements and 
accomplishments of this remarkable man. Mr. Ball is remembered today by 
citizens when they visit the land he donated for what is now the site 
of the John Ball Park and Zoo in Grand Rapids. During this anniversary 
celebration I encourage residents of my district to learn more about 
the man who helped shape, what we now know as, the State's second 
largest city, Grand Rapids. It is a great honor and privilege to 
recognize Mr. Ball and his family for their dedicated contributions to 
our community.

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