Surnames: Hendren, Ball

----Source: NEILLSVILLE TIMES (Neillsville, Clark County, Wis.) 11/20/1902

Ball, Emma #2 (9 OCT 1871 - 12 NOV 1902)

The following from the Greenwood Gleaner tells the particulars of the death of one who was peculiarly dear to Neillsville:

"The shocking news was received by wire late Wednesday evening by Rev. W. T. Hendren, that Mrs. F. A. Ball had just died suddenly. Mrs. Hendren, accompanied by Mrs. G. S. Barlow left for the Point the next morning and Mr. Hendren will follow, probably Friday morning. Since the birth of the little girl last Thursday the mother had been getting along nicely, with the best of care, and had kept her people here informed by one or two letters every day as to her progress. Each letter had been most encouraging. Thursday morning as we were going to press late, the elder received a letter written Wednesday saying that Emma, as everyone around Greenwood familiarly speaks of deceased, was doing as nicely as could be expected and mentioned that they would all come up here for Thanksgiving dinner. It is a sad blow to Mr. and Mrs. Hendren and their many friends, and they have the sympathy of all, as does the grief stricken husband." (Greenwood Gleaner)

The people of Neillsville were sadly shocked, indeed horrified, when they hear the news. Emma Hendren dead. It is hard to believe. To the older residents the beautiful child, the winning young lady, the bright and witty personality, was so much a part of the community that not thought of the Neillsville of the past years us complete without her in it. It has been more than a few years since the Hendrens moved away to Greenwood, but Emma kept the place in Neillsville hearts warm by coming here occasionally, and then her marriage some two years ago, and going to Stevens Point to live, took her farther away, but Neillsville was home, after all. We always felt it, whether she did or not.

It was a beautiful life, and is ended.

(Follow on in 11/27/1902 Neillsville Times)

Mrs. Emma Hendren Ball was born Oct. 9th, 1871. Her youthful days were spent in Neillsville, Wis., where her father, Rev. Wm. T. Hendren, was pastor of the Presbyterian Church from 1872 to 1890. At the age of 16 she graduated from the high school of this city. In 1891 she removed with her parents to Greenwood, where she was again the efficient helper in every department of church work, as well as in the bright circle of good society; as an organist she was faithful, and as a S. S. teacher she excelled. For a while she continued her studies as a student in Galesville University.

She was married Nov. 15th, 1900, to Mr. F. A. Ball of Stevens Point, Wis. In her new home, in a pleasant cottage, she spent two most happy years, in the very midst of multitudes who loved her for those traits of character that caused her to be loved and honored everywhere.

On Nov. 6th a little daughter came to bless and cheer her future days, the parents naming the child accordingly, Genevieve Joyce - a joy to all. Then for six days it was a home of comfort and hope, as well as of continual joy. And then in a moment almost the young mother’s heart gave way, and the sweet spirit took its departure to the heavenly abode, Nov. 12, at 8 p.m. The funeral was attended from the home, Rev. L. C. Smith of Waukesha officiating. Floral offerings and other tokens of love and tenderness were showered upon the sorrowing families, from all portions of Wisconsin, until all that human sympathy could tender was accepted, until joy overflowed even in the midst of abounding sorrow.