NEHGS REGISTER Oct p 366 Colonel Thomas Ballard was on the Court as a member of the court-martial held by Sir William Berkley on board of "Capt. John Martin's shipp in Yorke River," Jan 11, 1676-7, for the trial of insurgents concerned in Boston's Rebellion. Four of the insurgents were condemned by this court. From "Genealogies of Virginia Families" from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine. Colonel Thomas Ballard was an attorney and a member of the House of Burgesses from James City Co., VA, 1666. Re-elected for the sessions 1682-83-84-85-86. He was Speaker of the House of Burgesses in 1680-82-83-84. He was Owner of historic "Middle Plantation", on which some of the land is now located on the College of William and Mary, and a part of the city of Williamsburg. Thomas Ludwell sold this land March 1674-75 to Honorable Thomas Ballard of the Council by the deed below." (no copy). In 1693 Ballard sold the same tract of land to the Trustees of the College, and the Deed was at the College, until about 1892, when it disappeared. Colonel Ballard and his wife are mentioned as victims of Nat Bacon's Rebellion. The Colonel was a member of the King's Council, 1675-1688. This was a position of high honor under Governor Berkeley who in turn received his appointment from the King. "Colonel Thomas Ballard was born in 1630, baptized at Inkborough, England, County of Worcester, 1636. He was the son of Henry Ballard, baptized at St. Margaret's West Minster, February 28, 1585, England and he died in Virgina. Colonel Thomas Ballard died at his home in Middle Plantation, now Williamsburg and was buried at Bruton Parish, March 24, 1689. He married Miss Anne Thomas, daughter of William and Ann Thomas of York County, Virginia. She died September 26, 1678. ---------------- From Southside Virginia Families by John Bennett Boddie, 1955, Pacific Coast Publishers, Redwood City, California, pp. 17-24 "It has been stated that the first of the name in America was William Ballard, born in England 1609 and his son Thomas, born in England in 1630, same to America on the ship "James", arriving at Yorktown in May 1635. The Richmond Times Dispatch, in an article written in 1888 on "Ballard" says that William remained for some time in Virginia, but after the death of his wife he removed to Andover, Massachusetts and died there in 1689. He married at Andover, Grace _____ and had (so T.D. says) Joseph, who married Elizabeth Phelps, and perhaps other children. "Thomas Ballard, son of William Ballard and Elizabeth, remained in Virginia, and in 1654 was Clerk of York County. (End of quoted statement). "Now, the list of "Emigrants to America" by Hotten, page 107, shows the following emigrants "imbarqued on the 'James', 13 July 1635, to be transported to New England": William Ballard, Husband 32 years Elizabeth Ballard, 26 years Hester Ballard, 2 years Jo. Ballard, 1 year "No "Thomas Ballard, aged 5" is shown in this list and the ship evidently sailed directly to New England. "There was a Ballard family in Wadhurst, Sussex, England, whose arms were "Sable, a griffin sergeant ermine, armed or". They had resided there for many generations previous to the coming of Thomas Ballard to Virginia. (See Misc. Gen. & Heraldica) There were many "Thomas', Johns and Williams" in this family and it is very probable that Col. Thomas Ballard of Virginia was a descendant of one of the branches of this family. However, the "William Ballard", third son of Thomas Ballard who died at Wadhurst, Feb. 9, 1624, does not appear to be the William who came to America in the ship "James". Thomas Ballard's eldest son Thomas, was aged 15 in 1619, according to the above pedigree. He also had a daughter Elizabeth, unmarried, and another one, Martha, married to Abraham Haynes. Inasmuch as Thomas Ballard, the eldest son, was born in 1604, William, the third son, was born much later and therefore could not be the above William Ballard, born 1603 who came on the ship "James". "In a search for verification of the connection of this family with Virginia, it was found that Thomas Ballard, born in 1604, who married Anne, daughter of Sir Nathaniel Napper, (Berry's Sussex p. 116) made his will in London Sept. 10, 1641, same probated Sept. 18, 1641. He bequeathed all his lands and tenements given him in the will of his father, Thomas, to his brother William Ballard; wife Anne, daughter Anne; godchild Samuel Maplesden; brothers Mr. John White, and Abraham Haynes. Executor, brother William Ballard. (It seems that his sister Elizabeth married John White). The will of Thomas' brother, Richard of London, was probated Aug. 1, 1638. He died unmarried and bequeathed his property to his bother, Abraham Haynes, Rector of St. Olaves, Hart Street, London. The children of Abraham Haynes were: Martha, born Mar 15, 1634; Thomas, born Oct. 18, 1638; William, born April 22, 1640; Abraham Haynes, died Mar 29, 1649; Martha, his wife died Sept 23, 1647 (Register). (The wills are from the "Ballard Genealogy" by C. F. Farlow, 1911, p. 1) William Ballard was the survivor of this family and inherited all of their property. It is very doubtful, therefore, that he would leave England for America. "Thomas Ballard, the founder of the Virginia family, as "Mr. Thomas Ballard", patented "1000 acres in Glouster Co., now called "New Kent Co." on S.E. side of Mattapony, along the head of Mr. William Wyatt's land, 16 July 1655, for the transportation of 20 persons". (C.P. 309) His next patent was for 600 acres upon the head of Poropotank River, W.N.W. upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd. 15 Oct 1657. Thomas assigned this land to Major David Cant, April 2, 1662. (C.P. 334, 496) "On Oct 6 1658, Thomas Hickman re-patented Thomas Ballard's first grant of 1000 acres in New Kent for Hickman's grant shows same "granted to Mr. Thomas Ballard 16 July 1655 and by him deserted." (C.P. 379) "It seems that Thomas Ballard "deserted" the 1000 acres and added 300 more "upon the north side of Mattapony River" for on Oct 6 1658, he patented 1300 acres there and used the same 20 headrights he had used in his first grant. (C.P. 380) "On April 16, 1664, Anthony Branch patented 150 acres on N.W. branch of Nansemond River, which had been sold to him by Mr. Thomas Ballard. "Thomas Ballard was appointed Clerk of York County in 1652, and served for many years thereafter. He was a Burgess from James City in 1666; was appointed Lt. Col. of Militia in 1669, and a member of the Council in 1675, later was re-elected to the House of Burgesses and became Speaker of the House in 1680-84. Colonel Ballard's wife Ann, together with Mrs. Elizabeth Bacon, wife of Nathaniel Bacon, Sr., (A cousin of Nathanial Bacon, Jr. the Rebel); Mrs. Angelica Bray, wife of Colonel James Bray, and Mrs. Elizabeth Page, wife of Colonel John Page, all wives of members of the Council were captured by Nathanial Bacon, Jr., during his rebellion, by a raid on the Middle Plantation. "When Bacon besieged Jamestown these ladies, wearing white aprons, were compelled to stand before his breastworks, so they could be recognized by their husbands, and thereby cause Gov. Berkeley to cease his cannonade. (2 W I-276) "Colonel Ballard married Ann, step-daughter of William Thomas, whose will was probated in York County, about 1664. In his will Thomas mentioned wife Anne; . . . calls Sarah Herman and Jane Hilliard "daughters-in-law" and Thomas Ballard "son-in-law". Son-in-law in those days meant "step-son" (See Hilliard). "Thomas Ballard and his son, Thomas, were vestrymen of Historic Bruton Parish Church at Williamsburg where he was buried March 24, 1689. His name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the interior of the Church, also on the name plate of a pew. "His children were: (1.) John, dsp. (2) Thomas, (1654-1711); (3) Lydia; (4) Elizabeth; (5) Martha; (6) William; (7) Francis, all said to have been born at Middle Plantation, now Williamsburg. ------------------------ See from America's first families ancestor roll of honor at http://www.linkline.com/personal/xymox/roh/ballard.htm THOMAS BALLARD VIRGINIA (1630/31-1689) In Colonial Virginia, Thomas BALLARD was often referred to as the Honorable Thomas BALLARD, or as Colonel BALLARD. He was born in March of 1630/31 in England. Some researchers believe that he was brought to the New World as a child by his parents. Whether or not he came as a child, it is fair to say that he was the founder of the Virginia BALLARD family. Thomas BALLARD married Anne THOMAS in 1650. Anne bore his eight children before her death in 1678. Thomas lived in York County, Virginia, and imported at least twenty persons into Gloucester County, Virginia, under the head right system. He also patented land in Gloucester, County as well as lands on the Propotank and Mattapony rivers. Both the head right system and the land patenting practice were devised to populate the new colonies and proved to be lucrative propositions for many of the early colonists. Thomas BALLARD was a party to a number of recorded land trading transactions. Among these was the purchase and sale of the land on which William and Mary College was founded."The College of William and Mary was originally built on a tract of 330 acres most of which has been sold off, only about 30 acres remain. The tract was the property of the Honorable Thomas LUDWELL, Secretary of State 1660-1678, who lived at 'Richneck'on the west side of Archers Hope Creek. Thomas LUDWELL sold this land March 1674-75 to Hon. Thomas BALLARD of the Council...In 1693 BALLARD sold the same tract to the Trustees of the College." It was probably Thomas BALLARD Jr. who made the sale in 1693, since Thomas the elder died in 1689. It is of interest to note that the grandson of Colonel Thomas BALLARD, William BALLARD, married a LUDWELL. Thomas BALLARD was a member of the Governor's Council, whose members were chosen from the wealthiest, most educated and influential citizens of the colony. In this office, of Counselor, he was both a Naval officer and a collector of customs. Members of this council constituted the Upper House of the General Assembly. In many respects, they were the New World counterpart of the English House of Lords. His many offices included Clerk of York County, Member of Council, Member of the House of Burgesses, and Speaker of the House of Burgesses. He was also a Colonel in the James City County militia. At the height of his political career, the Bacon Rebellion had a devastating effect on his life. In a raid on Middle Plantation, the rebels kidnapped the wives of many of the Governor's highest officials. These included the wife of Thomas BALLARD, as well as the wife of Nathaniel BACON's cousin, who was also on the Governor's Counsel. The kidnapped women were used as human shields against and retaliation of the Governor. Once the rebellion collapsed, BALLARD sat on the court martial of BACON the rebel. Still, the trauma of these events took its toll. Within a year of the court martial, BALLARD's wife died. In the following and final decade of his life, Thomas BALLARD remarried, was promoted to the rank of Colonel of the James City County militia, was elected speaker of the House of Burgesses, and was vestryman of Bruton Parish Church. Upon his death in 1689, he was buried at Bruton Church, and his name was inscribed on a bronze tablet as well as a pew nameplate there. Submitted by George F. Emerson The Children of Thomas BALLARD and Anne THOMAS were. 1. Thomas b.1654 York, Co. VA. d.c.26 Sept 1706 2.John b.1659 York Co. VA. 3. Lydia b.1660 York Co. VA. 4. Martha Margaret b.1661 James City Co. VA. 5. William b1663. 6. Elizabeth b.1665 Spottslvania, VA 7. Frances b.1665 James City Co. VA. 8. Matthew b.1667 James City, Co. VA Married 2, Alice?...no known children NOMINATED TO AMERICA'S FIRST FAMILIES ANCESTOR ROLL OF HONOR BY; THOMAS BALLARD'S 12TH GENERATION GREAT GRANDSON GEORGE FRANKLIN EMERSON of OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA -------- From Marriages of some Virginia Residents 1607-1800 by Dorothy Ford Wulfeck Volume I Surnames A-H, Genealogical Publishing Co., Inc. Baltimore 1986 p. 64 Thomas, Col., son of Col. Thomas, m. Katherine Hubard, dau. of John and Katherine. Bell, p. 173; 4V360; 35V49; 4W(1)135. ------------- From Cavaliers and Pioneers Abstracts of Virginia Land Patents and Grants 1623-1800 abstracted and indexed by Nell Marion Nugent, Virginia Land Office, Richmond, VA. 1934, Press of the Dietz Printing Co., Vol One. p. 309 "MR. THOMAS BALLARD, 1,000 acs. Glouseter Co., now called New Kent Co., on S.E. side of Mettopony Riv & along the head of Mr. William Wyatt's land. 16 July 1655. Trans. of 20 pers: James Cook, Robert Fisher, Thomas Crump, Wm. Johnson, Wm. Cunningham, Elizabeth Masterson, Grace Farloe, Thomas Pritchard, Grace Fisher, Ann Simpson, James Glover, Thomas Pratt, Toby. Forester, Richard Proby, Cuthbert Jackson, James Cooper, William Smith, Fra. Crosyer, James Smith, Sarah Talbott. Page 350." Patent Book No. 3. p. 354 - Patent Book No. 4 "THOMAS BALLARD, 600 acs. upon the head of Pyanketanke Riv. & W. N. W. upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd. 15 Oct. 1657, p. 126, (186). Granted unto Abraham Moone 1 Nov. 1654, & by him assigned unto sd. Ballard. Renewed 2 Apr. 1662 in name of Major David Cant, assignee of sd. Ballard." p. 379 - Patent Book No. 4 "THOMAS HICKMAN, 1000 acs. New Kent Co., 6 Oct. 1658, p. 224, (322). On S.E. side of Mattappany Riv., beg. at the head of Mr. Wm. Wyatts lower devdt. Granted to Mr. Thomas BALLARD 16 July 1655, by him deserted & now due for trans. of 20 pers. Rights for 640 acs. granted to Mr. Wm. Lewis, 25 May 1654 & assigned to sd. Hickman which patent & the land therein conteyned is relinquished." p. 380 "MR. THOMAS BALLARD, 1300 acs. New Kent Co., 6 Oct. 1658, p. 232, (330). Upon N. side of Mattapany Riv. & branches of Whorecock Swamp. Trans. of 26 pers: Wm. Reynolls, Hannah Reynolds, Abygoll Reynolls, Jno. Reynolls, James Glover, Cutbert Jackson, James Smith, Hannah Reynolls, Deborah Reynolls, James Cooke, Robt. Fisher. Tho. Pratt, James Cooper, Sarah Talbott, Tho. Crumpe, Wm. Jnoson (Johnson), Wm. Cunningham, Eliz. Masterson, Toby. Forrester, Wm. Smith, Grace Farloe, Tho. Pritchard, Grace Fisher, Anna Simpson, Richard Proby, Francis Croper." p. 498 - Patent Book No. 5 MAJOR DAVID CANT, 912 acs., 1 Oct. 1663, p. 316 (300). 600 acs. on S. side of Peanketanke Riv., bounded on E.S.E. with br. of same, W.N.W. upon land of Capt. Stephen Gill, dec'd., &c. 312 acs. on S. side of sd. Riv., adj. devdt. he is now seated on, beg. at the mouth of the Stoare (or Score) branch &c. to Stephen Gills land &c. to Mr. Ludlowes corner Sickamore tree &c. 600 acs. granted to THOMAS BALLARD 14 Oct. 1657 & assigned to sd. Cant & 312 acs. for trans. of 6 pers: Fra. Hart, Wm. Callis, Mary Partin, Tho. Jones, Wm. Crump, Edw. Lewre." p. 518 ANTHONY BRANCH, 150 acs. in the N.W. br. of Nancimond Riv., butting on land of Symon Symons &c. 16 Aug. 1664, p. 382, (426). Granted to Robt. Sabin 11 June 1653, by him sold to Mr. THOS. BALLARD, who sold to sd. Branch. -------------- From Colonial Families of the Southern States of America: A History and Genealogy of Colonial Families who settled in the colonies prior to the Revolution by Stella Pickett Hardy, 2nd edition with revisions and additions by the author. Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1968, p. 148. "Capt. Thomas Ballard, who served as a Burgess from James City Co., Va.. 1666; and as High Sheriff of York Co., 1675, and his wife, Anna Thomas, dau. of Hon. William Thomas, of York Co., Va." ------- http://www.ku.edu/heritage/cousin/ballard.html Stephen Chinn (chinn@ctrvax.vanderbilt.edu) for providing this information. The primary source for this material is Vaughn Ballard, Family Histories, 2320 Country Green Lane, Arlington, Texas 76011 (817) 277-3281 Thomas Ballard, the founder of the Virginia family, was the clerk of York Co., VA from 1652 to about 1663. He removed to James City Co., where, by 1668, he was living at Middle Plantation (later Williamsburg). July 12, 1666 and October 23, 1667, he was a Burgess for James City Co. In 1666-1668/9 he was a member of the Governor's Council. In 1669, he was Lt. Col. of the Militia in James City Co. and in 1680 was Col. of the Militia. On 16 July1655, he patented 1000 acres in Glouster Co., now called New Kent Co. on the SE side of Mattaponey, for the transportation of 20 persons. (C.P. 309) His next patent, 15 Oct 1657, was for 600 acres upon the head of Poropotank River. This latter land was assigned to Major David Cant, April 2, 1662. (C.P. 334, 496) Apparently, Thomas Ballard "deserted" the 1000 acres on the Mattapony, for it was re-patented on Oct 6, 1658 by Thomas Hickman. Hickman's grant was for "1000 acres granted to Thomas Ballard 16 July 1655, and by him deserted". (C.P. 380) On Oct 6, 1658, Thomas patented 1300 acres "upon the north side of Mattapony River" and used the same 20 headrights as in his first grant. In 1676, his wife, Ann, together with Mrs Elizabeth Bacon, wife of Nathaniel Bacon Sr. (a cousin of the rebel); Mrs Angelica Bray, wife of Col. James Bray; and Mrs. Elizabeth Page, wife of Col. John Page, all wives of members of the Council, were captured by Nathaniel Bacon, Jr.,by a raid on the Middle Plantation. When Bacon besieged Jamestown these ladies were put before his breastworks at Jamestown to warn Governor Berkeley from attack. In January 1677, Thomas was a member of the Courts Martial following the collapse of Bacon's rebellion. From 1680 to 1686, he was a Burgess for James City Co., serving as Speaker of the House of Burgesses from 1680 to 1684. From 1674 to October 31, 1684, he was a vestryman of Bruton Parish Church, Wlliamsburg, where he was buried Mar 24, 1689. His name is inscribed on a bronze tablet in the interior of the church and on the name plate of a pew. This source thinks his father is Henry and mother Anne. FROM VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA Vol, I, III-Colonial Concillors of State Thomas Ballard was born in 1630 and came to Virginia in or before 1652, at which date, he was clerk of York county. In 1666, he represented James City in the house of burgesses and on July 12 of the same year was appointed one of the commissioners to treat with Maryland regarding tobacco culture. He was sworn a member of the council in 1670 and was present at sessions in 1670, 1672 and 1675. He was included among Berkeley's "wicked and pernicious councillors" in the proclamation of Nat. Bacon in 1676, which seems rather hard upon Ballard, as he was denounced by the opposite party as a "fellow of turbulent and mutinous speech and Bacon's chief trumpet, parasite &c," and ultimately lost his seat in the council on account of his sympathy with and furtherance of the rebellion. In Aug. 1676, Col. Ballard issued warrants for pressing men and provisions for Bacon's service and on Aug. 11, he signed the petition calling for the election of burgesses for an assembly to meet Sept. 4, of that year. On June 11, 1677, Gov. Jeffreys wrote Secretary Williamson that he had suspended Ballard from the council and a collectorship, and on Feb. 10, 1678-79, the board of trade and plantations directed that Col. Ballard be put out of the council. Ballard continued to be a prominent figure in the colony, however, and in 1680, was speaker of the house of burgesses. His case as a creditor of "Bacon the Rebel" was represented to the King by the council in 1686. Ballard's wife, Anna--, was one of the ladies of the council placed by Bacon upon the breastworks before Jamestown, to delay Berkeley's attack until he could complete his defences. He has many descendants. Vol IV Thomas Ballard was clerk of York county 30 years; lieut-col of York county in 1669, member of the Virginia council, 1670; speaker of the house 1682-85; vestryman of Bouton parish church 1668-74 and was buried from that church in 1689. Hon. Thomas Ballard was a son of William Ballard, who came to Virginia in the ship "James" in May 1635, with his wife Elizabeth and son Thomas. ... FROM NORTH CAROLINA AND VIRGINIA BALLARD DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES from Salem, State Library in Oregon For many years the Va. Ballards lived at Pryor's Plantation in York Co. this property being bequeathed to the children of Thomas by Robt Baldry, Gent., himself an emigrant to Va. a Burgess, a man of Wealth and who apprently was unm. Thomas Ballard remained in Va. if indeed his father removed to Mass. and became one of the most noted men of his day. He was Clerk of York Co for more than 30 years. He studied law and was Burgess from York Co 1666-1685 and was Speaker 1680-1735. He was a member of the Council 1675; was appointed Liet. Col. of York Co. 1689 and historically he is known as Col. Ballard. He was an ardent loyalist and his wife was one of the Va. women captured by the Rebel Bacon and placed on the breastworks at Jamestown to prevent its attack by Gov. Berkeley. He was also a strong churchman and one of the Wardens of Bruton Parish, Williamsburg, as was his father before him. Their memorial pews now exist bearing the names of these distinguished men. Thomas Ballard m 1 Anne Thomas and 2_______ names children: John, Thomas, Elizabeth, Lydia, Margaret, and by 2nd wife: Francis. From this point diverges the history of the VA & NC Ballards. That os the VA branch from which in trn came the KY Ballards and in part those of GA is well known. The VA and KY Ballards descend from Thomas and Francis. It is not known with a certainty from whom the NC branch descends--indeed this is the point of greatest uncertainty from which because of the destruction of records of Nasemond Co VA is all probability will never be made clear. Several theories have been advanced and they will be discussed for such value as they have. In 1665 or 55 when the NC charter was granted by King Charles, there were, according to the Historian Williamson (writer of ca 1802) 2 small settlements in the Province. One of those mentioned as being originated in Mass. and as composed of those who dissented from its religious policy was located on the south side of the Cape Fear River. The weight of the evidence is that shortly thereafter disappeared probably prior to 1663, but it is possible that one of the Mass Ballards came to NC as a member of this colony. There is another theory for which evidence is still stronger. To understand what here follows in chronological order some of the mention of those Ballards whose names appear in the Colonial Records of NC: 1666 Thomas Ballard of York Co VA acted as representative in reading an agreement with reference to the growing of tobacco 1701 John--acquired 200A of land in Chowan Co 1st mention of a Ballard in this state 1702 John--Together with wife Margaret sold 100A in Chowan Co 1712 John--Reference made to lands near Old Town Creek 1722 John--Made an appearance in Court in Edenton 1722 Ralph--Granted 528A in Chowan Co 1722 Jarvis--Witnessed a deed 1723 Joseph--Granted 506A in Bertin Co 1723 John--with wife Mary released 100A 1724 John--purchased 100A in Chowan Co 1725 John--Having been previously indicted appeared in Edenton Court and was discharged 1727 John--Having died - his labor on certain lands valued by Edenton Court 1728 John--Again made his appearance in Edenton Court and was discharged 1729 Joseph--Will probated, mentions wife, unnamed--son Joseph dau Susannah and Hester, sons Elias and Elisha 1730 John--Witnessed a conveyance 1735 John--Paid accrued quit rents on lands in Chowan Co 1735 Elisha--Paid quit rents in Chowan Co 1735 John--Will probated, wife Mary, dau Anne and d.i.l., Sarah 1737 John--Mentioned living in Edgecomb Co 1738 Elisha--Bot 100A in Chowan Co 1739 John--Granted 600A in Craven Co by New Bern Council 1739 John--Granted 300A 1741 John--granted 10A in Edgecomb Co 1743 Elisha--Granted land in Edgecomb 1751 Abraham--Made a Justice in Perquimann Co In the stdy of these Colonial Records it should be remembered that Albemarle was the 1st Co organized in NC this existing as early as 1670. It comprised the District of Corteret, Berkeley & Shafterbury. Carteret included Curretuck, Pasquotank and Camden Co Berkeley had Perqiman and a small part of Gates. The rest of Gates was originally Chowan, Shaftesbury was later Chowan and Chowan included Gates, Hertford, Northampton, Tyrrell, Wash., and Martin Co. The wife of John Ballard shown as selling land in 1701-2 was Margaret. It also appears there were at least 3 John Ballards. The first whose wife was Margaret died prior to 1727, probably in 1726. The John Ballard shown as having made Court appearances in 1725 and 1726 was the 2nd. Probably it was this John who died leaving a wife Mary. The 3rd John Ballard took up land in 1739 and again in 1741. There may have been a 4th John Ballard for in 1717 it appears that a John Ballard with the consent of his former master referred to as living in Boston, agreed to serve one Thomas Betterly for a term of yrs 1701-02 who was then married and a land owner. This John cold have been the son of John 1701-02 and bound by his father to learn a trade and even then his former servitude in Mass but whom he descended from is not known. He may have been in the colony on the south side of Cape Fear River. Genealogies of Virginia Families from Tyler's Quarterly Historical and Genealogical Magazine, Volume 1 Albidgton-Gerlache. . (1981). p 83 On the old survey is written, "And by Col. Ballard sold to Ye College of Wm and Mary on which ye College now stands 1755." (Middle Plantation was purchased by the father and sold by the son. Both are given the titles of Colonel and Honorable in historical records.) Colonel Thomas Ballard's wife Ann (Thomas) Ballard was one of four ladies, whose husbands were members of the Council, to be seized by Bacon to stand upon his breastworks where their white aprons warned their husbands, who would not fire ont he fort which Bacon was constructing. Thus they unwillingly defended the fort against their husbands. WM & M QUART, v 18, 126. They were the wives of the Berkeleyans and their husbands were astonished at the subtle invention of Bacon, the rebel. They afterward referred to them as "dear white guards of the Devil," meaning Bacon. Colonel Thoma Ballard Member of the King's Council 1675-1688. This was an appointive office of high honor under Governor Berkeley, who in turn received his appointment from the King. Colonel Thomas Ballard held this high honor of being a member of the King's Council for 13 years. Colonel Thomas Ballard is mentioned: Coloniel in Virginia Militia, 1680 James City County. Ref. "VIRGINIA MILITIA," by Crozier, p 103. He donated to the "Assistance of French Protestant Refugees." ref. HUGUENOT EMIGRATION TO AMERICA," p 64. He was a Lawyer. Ref. LIST OF LAWYERS IN VIRGINIA given in OLD VIRGINIA AND HER NEIGHBORS, by Fisk. BALLARD (THE MAJORS AND THEIR MARRIAGES) by James Branch Cabell, pp 90-101. Colonel Thomas Ballard died at his home, "Middle Plantation" now Williamsburg, and was buried at Bruton parish, March 24, 1689. He married in 1650 Miss Ann Thomas, daughter of William and Ann Thomas of York County, Virginia. She died Sept 26, 1687. AMERICA'S FIRST FAMILIES online source file #0056,, Miss Stella Pickett Hardy, Daughters of the American Colonists Membership #000010 Year 1929 BOrn in Batessville, Ark. THOMAS BALLARD (1630-1689) was Burgess for James City County 1666, councilor 1670-89, and colonel of militia. He was born in England and died in James City County, VA.