MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 339 



University in 1855, but after a year in the literary department accepted 

 the principalship of the graded school at Otisco, Ionia county, where he 

 remained two years. 



During his term as principal, Mr. Ball purchased a farm of 150 acres 

 in the township of Hamburg, Livingston county, and when he resigned 

 the position in 1858 began his chosen life work. His property was gradu- 

 ally added to until at one time he operated a farm of 700 acres in extent. 

 He was an excellent farmer and a prominent breeder of American Merino 

 sheep and Shorthorn cattle. He held the office of president of the Merino 

 Sheep Breeders', the Shorthorn Cattle Breeders', and the Improved Live 

 Stock Breeders' associations. 



He took an active jpart in politics, was an ardent republican and served 

 in 1865, 1867 and 1881 as representative in the state legislature, and as 

 senator in 1889, and was elected president pro tem. and owing to the 

 death of the lieutenant governor became acting lieutenant governor. In 

 1890 he was the republican candidate for congress from the sixth district 

 and was defeated by a small majority. 



In 1878 he was selected member of the executive committee of this 

 society and served continuously until in 1892 he was elected president, 

 serving till 1898 when he was again elected to the executive committee 

 continuing a member till his death, thus serving the society continuously 

 from 1878 to 1902, twenty-four years. His death occurred at Ann Arbor, 

 August 28, 1902. Mr. Ball was positive in his opinions, honest and 

 straightforward in all his dealings. He leaves the record of a self made 

 man, a true and honorable citizen of his adopted state. 



Dexter Horton was born in Groveland, Oakland county June 24, 1836. 

 His early education was obtained in the common schools and in Albion 

 college. On attaining his majority he settled at Fenton and was ap- 

 pointed postmaster of that village in 1861. In 1863 he enlisted in the 

 volunteer army and in 1864 was appointed captain by President Lincoln. 

 For meritorious conduct he was later appointed major of volunteers. 

 After the war he was reappointed postmaster at Fenton. In 1867 he was 

 assistant sergeant-at-arms of the state senate and in 1869 representative 

 from his district. In 1888 he was again postmaster at Fenton. He 

 served as village president, member of the Fenton school board for fifteen 

 years, and commander of Col. Fenton G. A. R. post for seven years, was 

 delegate to the national republican convention in 1868. He served as 

 president of the Fenton Agricultural Society, the Genesee County Pioneer 

 Association, and of numerous fraternal and business associations. In 

 1861 he married Miss Lavinia Losee, who survives him. 



Major Horton was elected a member of the executive committee in 

 1899, and was superintendent of the vehicle department. 



His death occurred at Fenton, December 28. 1901. Major Horton was 

 one of the most genial and companionable of men, a true citizen and 

 patriot, and was very popular among the people who knew him best. 



John Lessiter was born in Wiltshire, England, July 19, 1827, and 

 came to Michigan in 1847, being six weeks in crossing the ocean. He was 

 reared on a farm and had a good common school education. He began 

 for himself by working by the month, soon renting a farm, and in 1853 

 purchased a tract of land in Orion township which he cleared and im- 

 proved. He held this farm with additions to his death, having made 

 of it a fine homestead. In 1852 he married Nancy Beardslee who witb 

 five children survive him. 



