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NOTES:   

 "William Ball, a farmer residing on section 33, Scott Township, Henry Co., Iowa, was born on board the steamboat "James M. White," on the Mississippi River near Natchez, Miss., March 17, 1845.  His parents, William and Mary (Bakewell) Ball, both natives of Trent, England, were en route for America when our subject was born, having been transferred from the ocean steamer to a Mississippi river packet at New Orleans.  They finally settled in Mercer County, Ill, where the father purchased eighty acres of Government land, and there he resided until the time of his death, which occurred June 25, 1872, when fifty-seven years of age.  His wife still survives him, and resides in Mercer County, Ill.
    Our subject received his education in the district schools, and when but seventeen years of age, enlisted in the War for the Union, Sept. 17, 1861. becoming a member of Company G, 30th Illinois Volunteer Infantry.  He served twenty-one months and participated in the battles of Ft. Henry, Ft. Donelson, Corinth and Briton Lane.  Mr. Ball was discharged on account of disabilities received during the service.