Melvin J. Ballard
1873–1939 (66 years)
Hometown: Logan, Utah
Biography
Melvin J. Ballard was an apostle from 1919 until his death in 1939. He is remembered for a spiritual experience in which he claimed to have seen Jesus Christ in a dream while dedicating South America for missionary work.
Ballard dedicated South America for the preaching of the gospel in 1925, beginning the church’s expansion into that continent. His account of the spiritual experience accompanying that dedication became influential.
He was the grandfather of apostle M. Russell Ballard. His 20-year apostolic career focused significantly on missionary work.
Served Under
Church presidents during this leader's apostolic service:
Wives (2)
Melvin J. Ballard was a polygamist with 2 wives. Note these are simultaneous marriages — married to multiple living spouses at the same time.
2 wives · Lifespan: 1873–1939
9 children from 2 wives · Lifespan: 1873–1939
2 wives · Ages at marriage
| # | Name | Born | Died | Married | Her Age | His Age | Age Diff | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Apr 1, 1875 | Mar 27, 1955 | Jun 17, 1896 | 21 | 23 | 2 | 7 | |
| 2 | Nov 7, 1873 | Jan 12, 1952 | Jun 17, 1896 | 22 | 23 | 1 | 8 |
Children (15)
With Martha Ann Jones (7 children)
- Melvin Russell Ballard (b. Feb 5, 1897)
- Lucile Ballard
- Kenneth A. Ballard
- Rulon Joseph Ballard
- Louis McNiel Ballard
- Mary Ruth Ballard
- Margaret Ballard
With
Martha Annable Jones
(8 children)
- Melvin Russell Ballard Sr. (b. Jan 1, 1897)
- Lucile Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1900)
- Kenneth Annable Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1903)
- Rulon Joseph Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1905)
- Louis McNeil Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1906)
- Mary Ruth Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1908)
- Margaret Martha Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1911)
- McNeil James Ballard (b. Jan 1, 1911)