W.C. Ballard
William Curtis Ballard, more familiarly known as "Judge" Ballard, departed this life Monday, April 14th, after a short illness. He had attained the ripe old age of 78 years and had been instrumental in accomplishing much good in this world. he was one among the oldest settlers in this county, having come here in 1890 to assist in the organization of Dickens County. He helped establish the county site, and took an active part in all movements for the betterment of country and the human family. Probably every citizen in this portion of the state was acquainted with this good man and was his friend. His disposition was such that draws close, lasting friends. He was noted for his kindness, his staunch and unwavering character and his benevolence toward the poor and needy.
He became a member of the Christian Church at the age of 21 and was a consistent member of that organization until his death. He donated the first church building in Dickens to the Christian denomination.
Mr. Ballard was born in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri, January 13, 1835, and was married to Artemissie M. Boyd, May 1st, 1856, to which union eight children were born. He was a gallant soldier throughout the Civil war; fought for his principal---for what he considered justice and the right. He moved to Hood county, Texas, in 1883, then to Haskell County where his first wife died. He was later married to Mary F. Patterson, of St. Genieve County, Missouri, who survives him. To this union two children were born. From Haskell he came to Dickens and engaged in the mercantile business for a number of years. He was then elected County Judge, which office he faithfully filled six years. After retiring from this office he never actively engaged in any public business, but attended to his private investments and personal business affairs up to the time of his death.
He was the father of ten children and had 51 grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He is survived by his widow and eight children, T.E. Ballard, Mrs. W.F. Draper, Mrs. H.S. Post, of Haskell, Texas; Mrs. J.H. Meadors and Miss Willie Ballard, of this city, J.J. Ballard of Esborn, Oklahoma; Mrs. J.L. LaBriere, Kenton, Oklahoma, and Mrs. W.T. Patterson, Coffman, Missouri.
Funeral services were conducted at the Dickens cemetery Tuesday afternoon by Rev. Young, where interment occurred. A number of the old soldiers and a host of friends were present to pay the last tribute of respect to this good man.
©Dickens Item, Dickens, Texas; April 14, 1913
(Provided by Audrey Steffee)