John Ballenger,
First Child Delivered By Dr. Smith In Palo Pinto County

Lee R. and Ella Ballenger

Lee Ballenger's parents, Lee and Mandy Ballenger brought him to Palo Pinto County from Alabama where he was born February 8, 1864. They settled at Palo Pinto and Mr. Ballenger, who was a farmer, died May 14, 1946 and is buried at Indian Creek Cemetery.

He married Ella Chick, daughter of John and Jane Chick, a native of Palo Pinto County, who was born four miles north of Palo Pinto, July 27, 1872. They married at Palo Pinto, December 23, 1889 and she and Mr. Ballenger moved to the Lone Camp community about 50 years ago. She is a member of the Baptist Church and now makes her home on her old place with her son, Adear and his family. Her son, John Ballenger, now of Tulah, was the first child delivered by Dr. R. H. Smith after he came to this county.

Mr. and Mrs. Lee Ballenger have 10 children: Mrs. Paul Herrin, Mineral Wells; Luke Ballenger of Progress; Steve Ballenger of Salesville; Charles of Lipan; John of Tulah; Will of Cleburne; Adear of Lone Camp; Bob of San Jose, Calif. and Mimes A. F. Ince and D. L. Sitton, both of Alexandria, La. There are, also 18 grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.