Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-12-09
LOCAL AND PENINSULAR
DEATH or IN BocEY1KIC 0LD
MAN.
Jonathan psaii. Agec 20 yeai., D5es
In Rnlrery-t hnVwo ARrn I.sirns d
Near state Road.

An eccentric old man, Jonathah Bail.
was found dead in the bnildiug No. 703
West Ninth street huisday afternoon.
Boil wRs almost 90 years old and came to
this city over 20 years ago, and has lived
iu the one story brick house with loft in
which he died, for many years. He used
the dwelling both as residence and o
workshop, and when he was still able to
move about he gave evidences of being a
skilled mechanic, although he haj never
learned trade. In all carpenter pattern
OF machine work he was we'll skillld, and
In addition, he possessed an inventive
faculty 10 large degree. He ill.,
vented but never patented telescope
sight, which was very useful, az in
shooting gun, 1t was used 10 drawing
the object fred at much nearer, TINS max
ing aim more ceIssip. He also bad iu-
vented machine Tor misunderstanding
sword handles, which were made by fac
tory here, and which first bronght the
old man 10 this city. TO collect the royalty
on his invention. The manufacturer failed
and the old man finally settled here per-
manently. He was native of New York
state, but the exact locality was not known,
although lie sayB be has two cousins liv-
ing there still. His father was q Baptist
Clergyman, who was killed by bting run
over by loaded hay wagon. BE hnted
his father as though he WAS his worst
enemy, because, he explained, he wanted
to beat religion into me-"
At the timo Ball came to this city, he
owned farm near his old home, and was
generally in good circumstances. He
fitted up bis old shop and there tinkeled
away until prevented by failing health.
For several years past he has depended
on the charity of William H. Pierson,
who became known to Ball soon after the
latter's settlement here. The old man re-
refused TO receive aims from any one else
although neighbors frequently offered it /;
and he would not touch the most tempt
ing meal, but only ate food Of his own
preparation, mostly consisting of milk,
bread, eggs and oysters. Mr.. Pierson has
lately furnished him with the money to
supply his scanty needs and wood for his
fire.
On Monday week ne gave him $4 with
which he bought something to eat, 81 of
was found in tin box after his death.
he also had a gold watch and chain. He
was curious and very eccentric character,
but extremely filthy in his habits. He
was rank infidel on account of the
manner in which his father had attempted
to instil religion into him. There is no
God" be would say, and then afterward
continue, Eyes, there are millions of
Gods. Every man is his own God" The
mention of religion always aroused his
ire to the last. He was found lying on
the floor of his shop, and death is sup-
posed to have been caused by old age and
exposure. Nothing of value was found
on the premises, although he owned the
little house in which he lived and was
generally thought to be wealthy miser.
The coroner's jury rendered verdict
of death from exhaustion. Mrs. Ball
of Philadelphia, sister in-law OF tue
deceased, was present at the Inquest. She
stated that she desired 10 have the coroner
take out tho necessary papers and ad-
minister on the estate. She stated
also number OF interesting facts
in connection with the deceased. He
had lived in Herkiner and Orange
counties, New York, and also at Kalamazoo,
Mich. As a young man he was gay, and he
never withdrew himself from society and
lived In his peculiar exclusiveness, until
his brother died. The deceased was then
rs years old. He waR born In 1887. An in
teresting statement by Mrs. Ball was to the
effect that the deceased was an uncle to
Palmer, the well-known sculptor, who has
but recently returned to this country after
long soiourn In Italy.