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The History Of Timothy Ball School
TIMOTHY HORTON BALL
Preacher, teacher, historian
writer, beloved citizen
With full measure to them all
was the life of T.H. Ball.
Short in stature, yet he stood
a giant in this neighborhood
In his black coat, broad-brimmed hat
limp bow tie of white or black.
The white haired, bearded man who taught
for sixty years, and he, who brought
The gospel from his church and home,
and rode horse-back these roads alone,
Who searched this country bit by bit
and wrote the first history of it,
Whose pages we today recall
Because of Timothy Horton Ball.
Could he who labored not for fame
see this great school that bears his name,
The school that started out to grow
one hundred and fifteen years ago.
The school that had it’s early root
When he founded the Crown Point Institute
in eighteen sixty-five, and where
the North Ward School replaced it there
In eighteen eighty, across Sherman Street
from his Baptist Church where he used to preach.
Where, in thirty-nine, the North Ward burned down
and the old Ball School built on it’s ground.
Who, last October closed it’s door
at East North Street to home once more,
In this new structure where we meet,
at seven twenty West Summit Street.
What can we do, what can we say
on this great Dedication Day,
To honor both this school and he,
who left us this great legacy.
To place his name, however nice,
In stone or bronze cannot suffice.
No greater tribute could we give
than have his three great teachings live:
His fear of God, his love for man,
his faith in this once prairie land.
What can we say, what can we do
For this great school, than pledge anew
To bring it honor, never shame.
We honor then this school, and name
She proudly wears upon her wall……
the name of Timothy Horton Ball.
Written and delivered by Charles W. Swisher at Timothy Ball Elementary School Dedication, March 9, 1980