The times., 1897-03-24
DEATH Of 3OBgRr C. BALL
The Passing Of One of the City's
Historic Citizens.
More Than Half "a Century of Active
and Honorable Service Closed.
Sketch of His Career.

Mr.. Robert G. Ball died at his residence,
NJ 233 street northwest, at 1O:40
o'clock last night, having rounded out
withina month of three-score and ten years
of age.
His death will be regretted by q
host of friends made in this city, to which
he moved from Alexandria county sixty
three years ago.
The serious illness which eliminated in
the death OF Mr. Ball commenced about
two months ago and was, of course, in
tensified by his extreme age. For the
past few weeks his life has been depending
on the change OF moment, and the gallant
fight made against death has been the
admiration and wonder of those who have
been ut his bedside as friends or physicians.
The course OF this struggle has been noted
frequently in The Times.
Mr.. Ball was a haraCter in both the
ancient and modern history of the city.
For the past fifteen years he was crier
in the supreme court of the District, and
there and in that capacity he is perhaps
best remem bered by the later generation.
The arrangements for the funeral, which
will be with Masonic houors, will be an
nounced today
Mr.. Ball was born at Ball Crossroads,
Alexandria county, Va, April 80, 1927.
He came to this city when only seven years
of age, but returned TO the place of his
birth in 1913, where he remained until
1888, when he was appointed to posi-
ton in the city postoffIce.
ha N n delivery
system in 1862 he was appointed super
intcndent OF that branch of the service.
Again, on the introduction OF postal cards
he was detailed, as chief. to take charge
or the first gostal car which ran between
this city and New York. After three months
in this service, and finding the work was
making good progress, Mr.. Ball requested
the Postmaster General to relieve him OF
the extra duty. This request was granted,
though the department was sorry 10 lose
his service in this branch of work. on this
occasion the Postmaster General paid Mr..
Ball a high compliment, and allowed him
a handsome extra conIpenSationfor services
so well performed.
In October, 1865, Mr. Ban severed his
connection with the Postoffice Depart
ment and went into tonerchandiZing which
business he continued successfully until
1877, when he setHed. In 1882 he was
appointed a cIier OF the supreme court OF
the District, which position lie still held
at the time OF his death.
Mr Ball wasa member Of the city council
from 1867 to 1869, inclusive.
Mr. Ball was a direct descendant Of Will
liam Ball, brother Of Joseph Ball. the
of Mary WA sb in ptOu.
MI. Ball wasa member of Dawson Lodge,
r. and A NJ. and Washington Royal Arch
Chapter, Scottish Rite, in which order he
was member Of high standing
At the time Of his death he was past
master Of his lodge, past high priest of
his chapter past commander Of his COM
inandery, past grand high priest of the
grand chapter, and past president or the
convention OF anointed high priests He
was also president of the Masonic choir,
comrosed of 1O6 members: one of the
founders and for eleven years president
of the Masonic Mutual Relief Association,
and also vice president OF the Masonic
Veterans Association of the District: rep
rcsentative Of the grand lodge of South
Carolina, the grand chapters of Maryland
and Nova Scotia, and grand commander or
the State Of New Hampshire.
In 1871 Mr.. Ball was chosen treasurer
orthe Columbia aComrnandery. and reelected
for four successive terms, after which he
declined reelection. He was appointed
CAPTAIN general in 1876 and in 1877 was
chosen eminent commander and was COM
mander of Columbia Drill Corps from the
time OF its organization in 1889 until the
close of 1892, when he resigned.
In the Order of Scottish Rite Mr.. Ball
was made perfect elu in 1884, Knight of
Rose Croix in 1885, and master of the
royal secret in 1886. In 1892 he was
elected supreme council knight commander
of the court of honor, and was coronated
honorable inspector general, in the thirty
third degree by the supreme council of the
Southern jurisdiction In 1895. He was
also registrar of Albert Pike COnsistory for
eleven years.
In 1862 Mr. Ball married Miss Elizabeth
McEIree. of this city. He leaves one son,
Dr.C A Ball, and three daughters, Mrs.
Mary HYATT. widow OF Howard l.. Hyatt,
formerly Of the Postoffice Department,
and Misses Florence and Clara Ball