New-York tribune., 1900-03-11

COLONEL EBENEZER BURGESS BALL
Related 10 George Washington on both sides OF
his family
whom Colonel Ball is closely related, his grand
father having been that Colonel Burgess Ball
the lifelong friend and correspondent of his
cousin. George Washington who equipped and
maintained a regiment during the Revolution.
This historic parsonage. an own cousin of Mary
Ball. Was'1ington's mother. married Frances
Washington, q niece Of the first President. so
that the venerable proprietor Of the tobacco
stand IN the Pension Office Is on both sides of
his family related 10 the Father Of His Country
end is said 10 be his nearest living connection
distinction of which he is extremely proud
Some years ago g question regarding Colonel
Balrs claim TO near kinship with the Washing
Ton family was raised by certain sceptical peo-
pie. whereupon the Sons Of the American Reyo-
luton investigated the Ball genealogy and, be-
ing satisfied Of his relation to Washington
elected him q life member Of the society, ex-
emptinS him from the payment OF dues and
other expenses-the only time this has been
done in the history Of this organization
Colonel Bah IS now past eighty, and for many
months has been confined TO his bed by an in
durable disease, but. fortunately, the revenue
from his little business IN the Pension Office is
sufficient to supply him with all the necessities
with age and worn by suffering, the old man
still suggests his great relative. but in his
prime. tail. imposing and dignified Of carriage.
his resemblance TO Washington was startling
Coming upon him suddenly many years ago."
saio well known Judge the other day, com
nentng upon this resemblance dressed in the
gare OF q Continental soldier, which he had
oonneo for some purpose. thought / had seen
sh appartion and that the Father Of His Coun-
uy himself stood before me- II was some time
indeed, before could realize that the hand
some figure. so like Washington, was a flesh
and blood man"
Colonel Ball was born in Loudoun County. Va,
II lslI, and has had a picturesque, If rather
stormy career. Beginning life as clerk in
one OF the fashionable shops at the capital, this
descendant Of the Washingtons was taken with
ne gold fever at the time that disease visited
he country. and. with five wagons five yoke of
oxen and number Of venturesome spirits to
Keep him company, started for the Eldorado Of
'as west They stopped however, IN Oregon,
p'ching their tents where the city OF Jackson
~" stands Here Colonel Ball remained for
humber Of years, taking part in the Rogue
tI'er War, acting as Government agent on the
nesntfF Reservation and amassing a consid-
EeDie fortune a post trader, which he lost
osfing the Civil War. From the end of that
eIuggle until. through the kindness Of General
DICK some time Commissioner Of Pensions, he
vas enabled 70 ablish the little shop in the
Fshsion Office. Colonel Ball had a hard fight
WIN Fate. al OF his efforts 10 obtain a place
aAoer the Government meeting with failure
A1ce then his path has been smooth. It is an
.aSritten law that none Of the clerks shall buy
sr tobacco outside Of the office, and the gem
* olgnihed old man. who served them with
~, ~ fashioned courtesy until illness compelled
ieuFenent and the intrusting Of his stock
Profits
'ust after the Speaker had made up his com
'lses' member from the Middle West ap-
tlaehed him one day and, shaking him geniaIly
y the hand, said:
"s"l 70 thank you, Mr. Speaker; 1 am on
me Committee"
ar Henderson smiled broadly. He was re-
''ns more complaints than thanks in those
- aha words Of commendation were dear to
.7,n am glad you are satisfied" he replied;
Ae 70 please the boys when can"
k, member laughed grimly: "Of course YOU
c. hat committee ] refer to-" he said tine
fiji i,-''''ee Of the Whole. but I wouldn't mind
rr+,1 0'uid Ind me a chair on some other COM
r. ''c; think could do the work OF both q"
r,s. cry humor which prompted this incident
les, lAe Speaker immensely and his col
uio not ask in vain
reosr,,-' bureau Of Engraving and Printing has
OF d. nhlshed a fine lire engraved vignette
por,ra,. PRESIDENT, which is, perhaps. the hest
ples,'ns 'er made Of him. 1t Is. at least moro |
less o.rs % the subject than any of the count
the as 70 MS collection. and meets also with
to pleas. a. u Mrs Mckinley. who is difficult
shov, :, -''-e Three-quarters Of the face &c /
hts~n hn the eyes look iptentlv from "a 49, ace
sesrs straight at the observer. the noou., |
'pv expression and the whole beor-