FRANCIS BALL, proprietor of restaurant and saloon, Tiffin, was born in Buehl, Canton of Seltz, Alsace, October 1, 1835, and came to this county in 1852, son of Joseph and Catharine (Schaub) Ball, who settled in Thompson Township, this county, about 1853. Francis Ball had preceded his parents to this country, and upon their arrival came with them here, where he farmed, and subsequently engaged in merchandising, in what is known as Frank's Corners (named after him), where he carried on an active business for over fifteen years, and was the first postmaster of that place, a useful public man and citizen. He afterward located at Tiffin, in his present business. He was married, in 1859, to Johanna, daughter of Paul Herman, Esq., of Thompson Township, this county, and by her has a family of seven sons and four daughters: Francis X. (a merchant), Mary Anna, Jacob J., John H. (a printer), Edward L., Cecilia J., Albert G., William A., Lucy M., Ida A. and Otto P. Mr. Ball and family are members of the Roman Catholic Church, St. Joseph's congregation. He has been an active member of the Bruderbund, and is its present honored secretary. Mr. Ball has always been fully alive to the progressive spirit of the times, and has contributed liberally toward the support of all measures tending to the public good. He is an ardent Democrat, and a worthy member of the party in this county.


Trancribed by Bonnie Walsh.
WARNER, BEERS & CO., 1886
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES, Part IV, p.755
CLINTON TOWNSHIP