Moses Russell Ballard and Eliza Beecher Ballard were married in Massachusetts in 1825. They moved to Livingston County, New York where Moses farmed until a farming accident fractured and mangled one leg. Surgeons recommended amputation but Moses refused.
During his long convalescence, he studied medicine and upon recovery he practiced medicine. He received formal training at the Botanical School of Healing in Trumbull County, Ohio.
In 1845, the Ballards continued their westward journey traveling to Joliet, Illinois where Moses practiced medicine for 12 years. During that time period a cholera epidemic broke out at New Breman, Illinois (about 23 miles from Chicago.) Thirty three people took ill and twenty eight recovered. His sons made coffins and buried the dead as relatives of the sick refused to have contact with them.
In 1855, the Ballards moved on to Story County, Iowa arriving on Long Dick Creek. Later the family bought land five miles south of the Fairview site. Their first home was a cabin of round logs, shake roof, puncheon floor, door of splint with wooden hinges, and windows covered with greased cloth. This cabin was traded to John Michaelson for a nine-year old horse named "Old Jim." Together Dr. Ballard and "Old Jim" made rounds with the only buggy in Story County.
Moses Russell Ballard and Eliza Beecher Ballard were married in Massachusetts in 1825. They moved to Livingston County, New York where Moses farmed until a farming accident fractured and mangled one leg. Surgeons recommended amputation but Moses refused.
During his long convalescence, he studied medicine and upon recovery he practiced medicine. He received formal training at the Botanical School of Healing in Trumbull County, Ohio.
In 1845, the Ballards continued their westward journey traveling to Joliet, Illinois where Moses practiced medicine for 12 years. During that time period a cholera epidemic broke out at New Breman, Illinois (about 23 miles from Chicago.) Thirty three people took ill and twenty eight recovered. His sons made coffins and buried the dead as relatives of the sick refused to have contact with them.
In 1855, the Ballards moved on to Story County, Iowa arriving on Long Dick Creek. Later the family bought land five miles south of the Fairview site. Their first home was a cabin of round logs, shake roof, puncheon floor, door of splint with wooden hinges, and windows covered with greased cloth. This cabin was traded to John Michaelson for a nine-year old horse named "Old Jim." Together Dr. Ballard and "Old Jim" made rounds with the only buggy in Story County.
Family Members
-
![]()
Russell Wells Ballard
1826–1907
-
![]()
Hudson Leroy Ballard
1828–1911
-
![]()
Pvt Amos B Ballard
1829–1897
-
![]()
Devillo P. Ballard
1833–1917
-
![]()
Mary Celestia Ballard Smith
1834–1907
-
![]()
Samuel Abbott Ballard
1836–1907
-
Volney P. Ballard
1838–1896
-
![]()
Henry Deloss Ballard
1842–1931
-
![]()
Sarah Eliza Ballard Boyes
1844–1921
-
![]()
Martha Jane Ballard Ferguson
1845–1929
-
![]()
Ruth S. Ballard Robbins
1848–1935
Advertisement
Advertisement
