FREDERICK D BALLARD
Bio-Pen Pictures
residing on McCoy Avenue in the San Tomas
District, bought his property, consisting of thirty acres, in 1882, an
upon a stubble-field commenced the work of creating a splendid orchard
home. The building improvements are noticeably good, tasteful,
and well ordered, while the orchard is hard to excel. During the
season following his purchase, Mr. Ballard set out 600 pear-trees, the
following season 600 apricot and 400 egg plum trees, the third season
400 French prune and 400 apricot trees, and later, 200 peach
trees. Every tree in this young orchard shows the care and skill
with which it was handled. The household orchard contains fig,
orange, plum, cherry, apple, and peach trees, besides a few specialties.
Mr. Ballard dates his birth in Pike County, Illinois, in 1844.
The family removed to Boston, and in that city of culture the subject
of our sketch was educated and attained his majority. Having
mastered the printer's art, he plied his trade in many different cities
in various States, living in chicago, St. Louis, and other cities in
Missouri and Kansas. From St. Joseph, Missouri, he came to San
Jose in 1875, and in that city married, in 1882, Miss Maria Palen, the
daughter of James and Cecila Palen. Mrs. Ballard has been a
resident of San Jose since 1876, when she came with her aunt,
Miss Maria Palen, from Michigan.
Mr. Ballard has become an enthusiastic horticultuist, and with his
enthusiasm has united painstaking care and practical knowledge, which
are most necessary for the product of the best results. Like all
of his craft, he is deeply interested and well posted in all public
affairs. He is an ardent Republican and a firm believer in the
importance of the protection of American industries. He is
connected with the ancient order of United Workman.