The Pike County Journal Zebulon, Pike County, Georgia: November 25, 1892 Jim Ballard The subject of this sketch was a son of the late Powell Ballard who was assassinated by two men in September 1877, Jimmie then being only five years old and was reared by his widowed mother, who leaned up on him for her support in her declining years. He grew up an obedient and industrious boy, ever ready to assist his mother and sisters in anything they asked him to do, and wore a smile that lit up his pallid countenance in the hour of death. After the spirit had fled, it lingered with the lifeless clay. He was kind and obliging to his two elder brothers and his companions were fond of his company – those knowing him best loving him most. A young Englishman who resided in the family at the time of the tragedy said, "I have lost my best friend." Twenty years and two days old he went with his friend Tom Jones to a party at the home of Turner Brown near Liberty Hill, seeming to enjoy the party better than usual. Suddenly there arose a slight difficulty between him and Allen Patterson, a warm friend of the Ballard family. The parties retired to settle the affair followed by some of Patterson's friends who either went out to urge the fight or see it well done. Jones who had accompanied Ballard, saw them step out and knowing that Ballard was unarmed, followed on to see if he got justice. He thought it would be a fair fight without weapons notwithstanding Patterson had an open knife in his hand at first. Ballard exclaimed, "I am not afraid of you [even] if you have got your knife open in your hand," and gave him a sounding lick with his hand. Urged on by accomplices, Patterson then pierced his antagonist to the heart causing immediate death. - S.A.K. Now vacant is the place of one Whose fate we deeply must deplore His earthly course is sadly cut Friend Ballard is no more. I'd rather be Jim Ballard now Than his murderer, Allen P. For he is held in grievous bonds While Jim's forever free. (Transcribed 10/26/02 Lynn Cunningham)