Smyrna times., 1874-01-21
The Great Bali of IS4O.
Sussex CoUNTY's CONNECTION WITH THE
MONSTER

SUSSEX COUNTY CONNECTION WITH THE
MONSTER
The ''Great Ball of lS40," which epioyei n
National reputation in the Presidential CAM
naiCn of the year above stated, and is closely
connected with the history of Sussex county,
has again been brought TO notice. The ball
was constructed during 1910 by an eccentric
but worthy gentleman named William johnson,
then resident of Dresden. Ohio 1t was
thirteen feet in diameter, typical Of the original
shirtsen States Of the Union and its pcrpetuity.
This immense ball was made of seasoned poplar |
boards, which, after being seasoned, were bent
in proper shape. and the whole covered with
muslin upon which was mapped the various
States of the Union, rivers, &c. This was
placed in frame upon axles and the whole
mounted upon large wagon. It was only
necessary to touch the ball lightly with the
fingers to set 1t in motion, when all the vari.
cclored States were represented 10 view in
regular order. In the early part of the cam
paign of lS40 it first made its appearance in
public and though it was only intended for
local sensation and for the purpose of drawing
q crowd to hear the now venerable Thomas
Ewing deliver Whig speech, it was destined
to achieve National reputation. Upon the
occasion to which We have referred il was made
to head procession and was drawn by four
black horses, gayly caparisoned After the
meeting it was presented to the Wing County
Committee.
This gave the ball wide reputation. and It
was soon after started on an eastern tour along
the National Road, and was greeted syery.
where by large and enthusiastic crowds.
Having made the circuit Of the Eastern States
it vas then taken to Washington, where for
some weeks it attracted universal attention.
1t vas then taken south through Virginia tha
Csrolinas, Georgia, &c, to New Orleans and
the Mississippi and Ohio rivers to the State of
Kentucky, from whence it meandered into
Tennessee.
The ball created so much excitement and
interest, it was decided that the State sending
the largest delegation to Baltimore to be pre.
ssnted at the National Convention which nomi.
mated Henry Clay as the standard bearer of the
Whig party during the Presidential cam paiQn
of the year in question, should be awarded it
and declared the banner State. This decision
served to intensity the universal interest in the
ball and the Middle and most of the Southern
States concluded to contest for it. Delaware
was party to the contest and for months men
rode hlther and thlther, especially in Sussex
county, soliciting voters to promise their atten
dance at Blltimore duriug the session OF the
convention. On the Sunday preceding MI
Delawareans bound for the convention Assem-.
blsd at Vienna or Seaford, on the Nanticoke
river, and boarded steamer for Baltimore.
chartered for the purpose. The party was a
very large and enthusiastic one indeed, and
was under the charge of John r. McKee,, Esq.
Of Georgetown, and John w. Houston, (now
Judgel who were then young and active Wings.
Alter q pleasant passage the large and
enthusiastic cargo Of Wings was landed a,
Baltimore. The party marched to their head
quarters and made big show for those DAYS
The convention assembled promptly on the day
decided and in due time nominated henry
Clay for Pre-ident and adjourned, after which
the different State delegations were drawn uE
in line on the Canton Grounds, in the suburb,
of the city, and the counting of noses
showed that Delawares was the largest dele
CATION present. The announcement was re
eeived With deafening cheers and D.nie
Webster presented the ball to the "Blue Hen
Chickens and it was received on their bshal
by either Mr.. M,Fee or Judge Houston.
Thomas b. Sipple, then of Georgetown, nov
deceased, was marshal of the Delaware delega
ton and it used to be amusing to hear him te
how his party we're attacked ard run by riva
delsgations. As soon as he could rally then
the ball was taken charge OF, rolled to the boa
and after being secured on board the boat lef
the Monumental City for Seaford, where boat
ball ani delegation soon arrived.
After arriving at Seaford the ball was noun
ted on wheels and conveyed to Georgetown
where it played prominent part in The cam
paign that followed. The largest aud mos
enthusiastic political meeting ever held in thi
State came off at Georgetown soon after tn
ball arrived, and ir was rolled through th
place on that occasion, followed by thousand
Of persons of all parties. Its very presenc
seemed to kindle the smallest spark of entl.u
siasm into an immense conasgratiou.
Ii was slowed away in large carriage hou,
after the campaign. and one night some pei
sons broke in and shattered it, but it was aitel
wards repaired aud whesled up the Stat,
which was the last seen of it, and the qusstio
is often asked now, "Whera 10 the ball {
1870 2" aud echo answers, Whers?''-Ever
Euening.