McDonough ILGenWeb

BALL, Ira D., founder of the carriage and wagon-making establishment of Ball Brothers, in Bushnell, McDonough County, Ill., is a native of the State of New Jersey, who, coming to Bushnell in 1863, there engaged in the business of wagon-making. This he followed for many years, and, as his sons grew up they became associated with him in the enterprise, which has constantly increased in its proportions. The wife of Mr. Ball was formerly Anna Dean, a native of Ohio. His sons, Ira M. Ball, F. L. Ball, and J. J. Ball, constitute the firm of Ball Brothers, who now direct the business inaugurated by their father, and manufacture and sell all varieties of carriages, wagons, harness, etc.

The subject of this sketch is a man of sound judgment, superior business capacity, and, in the development of the manufacturing enterprise with which he has so long been associated, has displayed notable energy and diligence. In this connection, his sons have followed worthily in his footsteps. The manufactory of Ball Brothers, under which style the concern has been conducted since 1891, is one of the most extensive and thoroughly equipped of its kind in the country. The present main building, 60 by 100 feet in dimensions, located on Main Street, was erected in 1895. Subsequently the firm built another factory 60 by 50 feet and still later another — a two-story structure — 60 by 100 feet in size. The firm does all kinds of repair work, blacksmithing and woodwork.

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Source: The Historical Encyclopedia of Illinois and History of McDonough County, compiled by Dr. Newton Bateman, and Paul Shelby, 1907, volume 2, page 821, extracted 19 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass.