Ball - Zopher
(Dr.) ZOPHER BALL
Dr. Zopher Ball was the oldest son of Solomon and Lucetta (Crane) Ball and was born one mile west of Crawfordsville, in Montgomery County, Indiana, on the 20th of October in 1831. His tombstone puts his birth one year later same date, but several records point to 1831 vs. 1832. and died on March 23, 1895. Quite active in the Masonic Lodge his funeral was under their direction and was attended by an extremely large amount of his friends and patients. His wife, Sarah Ellen (Milligan) Ball was the daughter of John Milligan and passed away exactly one week before he did and he was buried by her side in the Waveland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
They had two children - Thomas Z (see his bio) and John (b. Nov. 1869). Sarah had been married previously and had Margaret, Fannie and Samuel McNutt. There may have been more children for either of her marriages but these are known for sure.
Zopher was named for an uncle and although an unusual name, there are many Zophers in the 1870 plus census records, assumingly after this Zopher. There was also another Zopher Ball who went by Zopher M who was a druggist. They both lived in Brown Township, both Republicans and Presbyterians. It is assumed he is a nephew or cousin.
Zopher Ball graduated from Rush Medical College (Chicago) in 1865 and during that year he entered the medical profession at Waveland, Indiana where he had an practice for almost 30 years. His father, Solomon Ball was born in Marietta, Ohio and came to Montgomery County, Indiana in 1826, entering government land in Union Township, and was a farmer.
Zopher served as a soldier in the Civil War, under General Lew Wallace. He was in Co. K and Co. G and was wounded in the battle of Romney, VA. He was discharged due to disabilities. It was then that he went to Medical College.
He made many friends in not only the Masons (he was an Arch Mason), he was extremely active and loved his soul mates in the Grand Army of the Republic. A great testament well-deserved was that Dr. Zopher Ball was a well-loved man.
Note: Zopher Ball's son, Thomas Zopher Ball was born in Montgomery County Oct 26, 1867 and was also a Montgomery County physician. It is said that Zopher Ball was, "kind and ready to help a young doctor with his knowledge gleaned from years of experience." He also served as trustee of Brown Township for two terms. --