The Biographical Dictionary of America/Ball, Ephraim

BALL, Ephraim, inventor, was born at Greentown. Ohio, Aug. 12, 1812. After receiving a very limited education he began in 1827 to serve an apprenticeship with a carpenter, which trade he followed until he was twenty eight years old. He then invented "Ball's blue plough," of which he manufactured and sold a large number. Among his other valuable inventions are an improved stove, the "Ohio mower and reaper," the "New American harvester," and the "Buckeye machine." Unfortunately the inventor of these implements lost control of the patents, and missing the enormous profits, died in poverty at Canton, O., Jan. 1, 1872.