CHARLES A. BALLOU.
As the name indicates, the subject of this sketch is a descendant of
one of the Huguenot families who escaped from religious persecution in
France by emigration to America, and founded a line in Virginia. His
father, also named Charles A. Ballou, was born in Cumberland county,
Virginia, and his mother, Rebecca A. Medley, was born in Halifax
county, this State. Both are now deceased, the father's death occurring
in 1865, in his 73d year. The subject of this sketch was born in Halifax
county, December 4, 1833. He has been twice married and has six
children living. His first marriage was solemnized at McMinnville,
Tennessee, where on February 2, 1859, Mary G. Tate of Roanoke
county, Virginia, became his wife. She died in 1866, leaving him two
daughters, Kate P. and Mary G. He married secondly Annie P. Talley
of Clarksville, Virginia, who died in January, 1885. Their children
were: Natilie, Charles A., jr., James E. and N. Talley, and two daughters
now dead, Sallie T. and Alice R.
James E. Ballou, brother of Charles A., serving in the Confederate
States Army, was killed at Balls Bluff. Charles A. was in service, 18645,
in the quartermaster's department. His early school years were
passed in Halifax county, and his education completed at the Washington
and Lee University. In 1856 he accepted position as civil engineer
on the M. C. & T. R. R., and except for the time he was in military
service he followed this profession on various railroads until he made
his home in Danville, in 1873. Since that time he has been city civil
engineer, and is still serving in that capacity. He has also ably filled
other city offices: Superintendent of water works, superintendent of
electric lights, superintendent of gas works, etc.
