Ballentine, John T.

Passed: 1923-08-04

Age: 82

Source: Mountaineer

Death Notice:

Obituary Date: 1923-08-10

Information: Mr. J. T. Ballentine was born March 20, 1841, in Washington County, Ohio.  He moved to this state before the Civil War, and settled near Weston, Lewis County.  In 1862 he entered the miliatry service in the Union army, Company G, 6th West Virginia Infantry, and served until the close of the war, receiving an honorable discharge at Wheeling.  He afterwards was a member of the G.A.R. Carl Shatto Post No. 26, Ripley.  Soon afterwards he married Miss Merceline Peterson, of Lewis County, and to this union were born nine children, six girls and three boys, all of whom survive him, except the second son, Arden, who died at the age of 25 years.  Mrs. Ballentine died in 1891.  From Lewis County, Mr. Ballentine moved to Buckhannon, where he lived two years, thence to Jackson county, where he lived until his death Saturday, August 4th, at the home of his youngest daughter, Mrs. T. E. Morris, of Parkersburg.  Mr. Ballentine was a remarkably preserved man until March of this year, at which time he suffered an attack of influenza, and since has steadily declined in health, and Saturday, passed quietly away.  He has been a life-long member of the Methodist Church, his children following his example in this respect.  His life has been unassuming, but with a quiet resoluteness commendable in the sight of all.  He has served the communities in which he has lived, and the Soldier's Monument on the Court House Square here in Ripley is there as a result largely of his labors thereof.  Mr. Ballentine leaves to mourn him the following children:  Mrs. I. M. Fox, Weston, W. Va, Mrs. J. White Peterson, Weston, W. Va., Mrs. R. A. Perry, Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. G. W. Swisher, Ripley, Mrs. O. C. Willis, Fairmont, W. Va., Mrs. T. E. Morris, Parkersburg, W. Va. Mr. W. D. Ballentine, Leon, Ohio, and Mrs. M. C. Ballentine, Kingston, Ohio.  After funeral services at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G. W. Swisher of Ripley, conducted by Rev. H. T. Watts of Milton, W. Va., assisted by Rev. G. M. Rainey of Ripley, the remains, followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends, were taken to Pine Hill Cemetery and there laid away to await the Resurrection morning.  (from the Betty Kessel McIntyre collection)