John Ballou Sr. (abt. 1650 - abt. 1714)

Born about 1650 in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island

Ancestors

Descendants

Died about 1714 at about age 64 in Providence, Providence, Rhode Island

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Biography

Residences

Appears to have lived on the island of Rhode Island (Newport/Portsmouth) in early adulthood; he was admitted as freeman there in 1671. He moved to Providence by 1681, when he was admitted as a freeman there. "Later the three brothers, John, James and Peter, settled near each other on a large tract of land in the locality then called by the Indian name, Loquasquissuck, afterwards modernized into Louisquisset. This locality lies now mainly, if not wholly, in the town of Lincoln." ^[1]

Indian War

"It seems, too, that he served in the Indian war and was wounded; for the General Assembly, at their October session in 1684, passed the following order.--'John Ballou is allowed three pounds in or as money to be paid by the General Treasurer for his cure of his wound in the late Indian war.' "^[2]

Marriage

Husband: John Ballou

Wife: Hannah Garret

Child: Abigail Ballou

Note: John had a first wife, also Hannah, surname unknown. He was granted a divorce by the Rhode Island Assembly.

"At a Session of the General Assembly, held at Newport May 2, 1676, Voted: Whereas John Belou, of the town of Providence, presented his petition to this Assembly for a legal divorce from his wife Hannah Belou; the Court, upon examination of the matter, finding that from the first of their marriage they lived very discontentedly--she complaining of his insufficiency: for the reason abovesaid, and others, the Assembly doth see cause to divorce the said John Belou from all matrimonial engagements to the said Hannah Belou, and that from henceforth this Assembly doth declare him absolutely free as aforesaid."

Letters

Two letters written by John to his brother James were preserved.

Feb. 4, 1677. "Loving brother,--My love remembered unto thee, and my love to my grandmother, and to brother Peter, and to my neighbors. Let this give you to understand that we are all in pretty good health at this present time. I do hear that you do intend to come down shortly; and if thou dost, I would have thee see what is become of them apples which I put in the ground, and if they ban't spoiled bring them down with thee. I rest thy brother, John Ballou."

April 1, 1678.-- "Loving brother,--My love is remembered unto thee, and to my grand mother, and to Peter. Let this give thee to understand that we are all in health at this time--thanks be to God for his mercy. I have been three times to speak to John Thornton about thy business, and yet he hath done nothing about it. [A sentence follows which is unintelligible.] Mother's being warned by the Town Council was nothing else but to know whether she did intend to remain or stay longer upon the Island. Our purpose it to come up to Providence as soon as ever we can. It may be a week or a fortnight before we shall be able to come up. I would have thee not trouble thyself about fencing in any more ground this spring; because either thee or I must, this summer, if we live, go down to the bay and look after that business there. So I shall forbear at this time, hoping you are in health, and to see you before it be long. Your loving brother, John Ballou.One thing more about the rest of the cooper stuf. James Clark has a great mind to have it; and if you can fetch it down for him, he will pay you anything except money. But if you can't, then send word by the next boat; but if you can, then send word what pay."

Sources

1. ↑ Ballou, Adin. 1888. An elaborate history and genealogy of the Ballous in America.
2. ↑ Ballou, Adin. 1888. An elaborate history and genealogy of the Ballous in America.

• Source: S17 Title: An Elaborate History and Genealogy of the Ballous in America Abbreviation: Elaborate Hist.Geneal. of the Ballous Author: Adin Ballou Publication: Privately Published, Providence, Rhode Island, 1888 Repository: #R1
• Repository: R1 Name: DAR Library Address: 1776 D. Street NW City: Washington D.C Postal Code: 20006-5392 Phone Number: 202-879-3229