He was a farmer, and he served as a Union soldier in the Civil War; died at age 97 years, 5 months, 6 days

Hinton Daily News, Hinton, West Virginia

Thursday, June 28, 1917 page 1

Baldwin Ballard, one of the best known men of Monroe county, died at his home near Greenville, on Wednesday morning, aged about 96 years. He went out on his porch soon after eating breakfast and suddenly died sitting in a chair.

The news of his death was received here with much regret, as he was known to a number of people of this city. He had always been active in public affairs and was perhaps known to more people in his native county than any other citizen.

Mr Ballard leaves six sons: Sims, of Colorado, Allen, Jerre, I N, Henry and Charles, all of Monroe county. He also leaves one daughter, Mrs B H Reed of Alderson, as well as a large number of more distant relatives in Monroe county and elsewhere.

Mr Ballard was twice married. His first wife died many years ago and his second wife preceded him to the grave some three years ago.

He was born and spent nearly all his life near Greenville. Early in life he learned the tailor trade, but after some years in that business he gave it up and had been farming on a rather extensive scale. He owned the largest single tract of blue grass land in Monroe county, about 1,000 acres, and most of it in a fine state of cultivation. He leaves an estate worth several thousand dollars.

The funeral was held today and the remains buried at the Keaton graveyard near the late home.

Mr Ballard was an excellent citizen and will be greatly missed by his relatives and acquaintances.

Hinton Daily News, Hinton, West Virginia

Saturday, June 30, 1917 page 2

The following sketch of the life of Baldwin Ballard who died in Monroe county June 27, is from the pen of Albert Sidney Johnston, the versatile editor of the Monroe Watchman and will be read with much interest:

Mr Ballard was born Jan 11, 1821, in Monroe county, on the Hugh Ballard farm near Greenville, only a short distance from the spot where he died. He was a son of Jeremiah Ballard, who came from Piedmont, Virginia, and settled in what is now Monroe county before its formation. His mother's maiden name was Miss Jaley Thompson. He was the last surviving child of his parents' large family.

We doubt if Monroe ever had a citizen whose life was interwoven with the life of the county for so long a period and so expansively as that of Mr Ballard. The moving incidents of his life - his early struggles under the adversity of a lameness caused by white swelling, his industry, his wonderful energy of mind, his keen analytical judgment, his sturdy convictions and courage to defend them, his quickness at repartee, the storms he challenged during the tempestuous period of the civil war and the reconstruction era, his hospitalities and kindnesses, will afford themes for the raconteur for generations to come. Opposed to secession and a stanch Union man, he defied the Confederate sentiment with which he was surrounded, but lived to see the bitterness of that conflict heal under the sweet influences of neighborly exchanges and mutual good will. He ever took a large interest in public affairs and was an insatiable reader. His reminiscences of public men, including John C Calhoun and Henry Clay, were delightful. We believe that he never held a public office in all his long life except that of Justice of the Peace, and he prided himself on the fact that none of his decisions were ever reversed. Mr Ballard managed his business affairs with skill and shrewd judgment, and became one of the largest farmers and wealthiest citizens of the county. He was the soul of hospitality and nothing delighted him more than to entertain his friends in his home. He retained his physical and mental vigor in an extraordinary degree until he had passed the age of 95 years. In all respects he was a remarkable man and will be counted among those strong and unusual characters who leave their impress upon contemporary history.

The Independent-Herald, Hinton, West Virginia

Thursday, July 5,1917, page 1

Mr Baldwin Ballard, the oldest citizen of Monroe county and one of the most conspicuous figures who ever dwelt within its borders, passed into eternity at his home near Greenville at 6 o'clock Wednesday morning, June 27, 1917. He had been in increasingly feeble health for the last year, rallying at time with something of his old vigor and spirit, but gradually the flickering flame of life grew weaker until it finally went out. He died seated in his chair, peacefully falling into his last long sleep. His age was 96 years, 5 months and 16 days.