Evening star., 1900-04-12

and where he died. G22<3t2 4th street north
west. The body will be taken to Leesburg
Va. at O'Clock, and there placed in the
Presbyterian Church. where, tomorrow at
noon. the final services will take place
The interment will be made in the family
lot of the church burying ground.
Major Bah was born at Balls Bluff, near
Leesburg, and in that vicinity most of his
immediate ancestors had their residence in
former years.
He was one of the picturesque personali-
ties of the capital city. His personal re-
semblance to George Washington was most
marked, as may be seen from the accom-
the uniform of the Continental Guards, of
which organization Major Ball was an
honorary member. 1t has been said that
the first President took his features from
his mother family. Major Ball was de-
scendant of that side of the Washington
house, and undoubtedly derived his fine,
characteristic face. so like Washington's,
from the same blood source.
His Ancestry.
Mai. Bali was the grandson of Col Burgess
Ball of Virginia. who sank his whole for
tune in raising troop of cavalry for the
revolutionary army. He was Washington's
cousin and his close friend and adviser
Col Burgess Ball, grandfather of the de-
ceased. was related to Washington through
three lines of cousinship. and he added
fourth bond Of kinskip by marrying the
generals niece, Miss Frances Washington.
The three sons of the marriage between
Col Ball and Miss Washington were George
Washington Ball, who commanded a com
pany of cavalry in the war of 1872, and
died of camp fever unmarried: Lafayette
Ball, whose son. Capt. George Washington
Ball, is now living in Georgetown, and
Charles Burgess Ball, father of the late
Judge Ball Of Richmond and of Mai. EbcrI-
ezer Burgess Ball, who died this morning
n,,trr
est pride in his family connections, in all
branches of the tree, and in his old age was
more than pleased when personal comments
We're made upon his facial likeness to the
father of his country. His life was one of
adventure and disappointment. He re-
mained single, but it IS said he had one
serious affair of the heart. if no more.
Mai Ball was best known in Washington
during late years through the cigar and to-
baccO stand which he conducted in the pen
sion office. the privilege Of running the
same having beel granted to him through
Special order by the Secretary of the In
terror His business had been managed by
an employe for some time past, but Mai
Ball was absent from his stand continuous
ly only during the last month. Despite his
increasing feebleness he would not consent
10 remain in bed until about ten days ago,
when he was no longer strong enough to
sit in the old armchair that had been pro-
Vtded for his comfort.
Victim of Paralysis.
About ten years ago he suffered stroke
of paralysis, which left him in a weakened
condition and compelled his use of a heavy
cane In walking. For the past three years
ne moved about almost entirely through
means of an invalid's chair. Throughout
the last stages of his illness he was mostly
unconscious. but at times would brighten
and recognize some of those about his bed
side. He had lived for a number of wears
with Mr.. and Mrs. A T Leathers who
cared for him tenderly up to the last
Mr.. George Washington Ball of George
town Is the nearest living kinsman of the
deceased, and Is now the closest living de-
scendant of the Washington family He is
about score of years the junior of Major
Ebenezer Ball. his cousin.
The deceased was a life member of the
Sons of the American Revolution, having
been made such without the payment of
dues. his being the only case in which s,lcn
action has been taken by the society
Major Balls genealogy was investigated by
the society and found 10 be correct in every
GetaiL He was always honored and shown
great respect by the members of the organi-
Zation. Two years ago the District of Co.
lumbia Society made an excursion to Balls
Bluff, where Major Ball was born.
sketch of His Career.
Ebenezer Burgess Ball was born March IL,
1871 AT an early age he came to Wash
ihgton and entered commercial life, remain
n.g here until about iS4o when ne decided
to go west. He became pioneer in Oregon
reaching there after stop of several years
IN Missouri, where he conducted a merchan-
disc store. In Oregon he took up his abode
at little village then known as Randolph
Here he again engaged in the mercantile
business In 1919 the news of gold discov-
cries in California brought about an exodus
from Randolph. The entire population
hocked to California, leaving their property
to pay their Indebtedness to Major Ball
The major was the last to leave He after
ward referred to Randolph as the town he
owned in Oregon" Arriving at the gold
fields he prospected and again set up in
business. During his stay In the west Major
Ball was in several Indian fights, always
showing much bravery.
Returned to Virginia.
After seventeen years OF hard service on
the frontier he returned to Virginia during
the civil war. His sympathies were with
the south, 1t is said. but he refrained en-
tirely from engaging In the conflict.
II was in the early eos that Major
Ball again returned to the national apitaI
He then engaged in the butter business in
Center market. When the Washington
Monument was nearing completion he ap-
piled FOR the position of custodian HIS
friends made a bold but vain fight for him
and he failed in the aspiration. The major
was very much chagrined and disappointed
Through Mr.. Binger Herman whom he had
known in Oregon, he secured from the Sec
retary of the Interior the privilege of SELL
ing cigars and tobacco in the pension office
His business in this line increased splendid
ly and he became very proud of his stand
He had picture of the place taken and
stood prominently in the foreground.
Wants n Divorce.