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 (1)
| # | Name | Marriage Date | Her Age | His Age | Age Diff | Children |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Martha Ann Jones | Jun 17, 1896 | 21 | 23 | 2 | 7 |
Children (7)
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