Pioneering Anniversary of Ben E. Ball and J. R. Major (date unknown)
No. 233 - Uncited clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard Collection" of Beth Rengers Talken, 1998.

On the 9th day of April, 1850, Mr. J.R. MAJOR, now a resident of Bowling Green and Ben E. BALL of this city, left Missouri in an overland wagon train for California. The picture printed in connection with this sketch was taken by Mr. BALL's granddaughter, Miss Josephine BALL, while Mr. MAJOR was here a few weeks ago on a visit to his old comrade. They are the only survivors of the large company that started upon that memorable trip. A journey across the plains and mountains from Missouri to California at that day was very different from a trip in this day and generation. Then it was beset with difficulites and dangers and was filled with hardships. It required three to four months time and tried the courage of the stoutest hearts. Now the same trip can be accomplished in three or four days in perfect safety and with all the conveniences and luxuries of modern travel.

Messrs. MAJOR and BALL enjoy visiting each other and recounting the many interesting and thrilling events attending their long and tedious journey.

Mr. MAJOR is the father of Hon. Elliott W. MAJOR, the present attorney-general of this state and also a candidate for governor. He is 88 years old. Mr. BALL is the father of J.R.BALL of this city, with whom he makes his home. He is 91 years old. Both these gentlemen are hale, hearty and well preserved. We hope they may live to enjoy many more anniversaries of the memorable date of their start upon that long and evenful journey.

Note regarding clippings from the "Neva Murphy Hubbard Collection":  Neva Murphy Hubbard (1886-1971) lived all of her life in Lincoln County, MO.  She collected a large file of clippings of Lincoln County residents. The majority of the clippings were without citation. Beth Rengers Talken, beneficiary of the collection, has transcribed them for inclusion in our Lincoln County Heritage Records. 

Submitted to HERITAGE PAGES of  LINCOLN COUNTY, MISSOURI by Beth Rengers Talken, 20 August 1998. 

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