Obituary Record

John Calvin Ballintine, prominent in the field of civil engineering for many years, succumbed to an attack of paralysis Sunday afternoon at his home on the Front road, surrounded by his devoted wife, daughter and oldest son, the other son being in Georgia. He had been ill for a number of years previously, having suffered at long intervals two other attacks.

The deceased was a native of Rochester, New York, and came to this section of the country during 1867, with four or five other engineers to accept a position with the New Orleans, Chattanooga and Mobile Railroad, now the Mobile division of the Louisville and Nashville line. With R. W. Rogers he was retained in the employ of the road until 1876, when the firm of Rogers and Ballintine, contractors and consulting engineers, was formed. This firm secured the contract for the extension of the Morgan line from Cheneyville to Alexandria, and afterwards built the Mississippi Valley road from New Orleans to Baton Rouge, and extended it on from Baton Rouge to Harriston.

They afterwards raised and regraded the Vicksburg, Southern and Pacific road from Monroe to Vidalia. They also raised the line of the Texas and Pacific road, and built a great portion of the Memphis and Birmingham line. About eight years ago the old firm, known over the entire South and highly respected, was dissolved and Mr. Ballintine secured a number of contracts for raising roads in Georgia. He worked constantly for the past three years in the neighborhood of Macon, but a few months ago finished up this work and returned to Bay St. Louis.

In recent years he has been associated with his two boys, E. C. and Sidney, both of whom were being trained for the profession of their father.

Although engaged in work over many sections in the South, Mr. Ballintine had always made his home at Bay St. Louis. He took a strong fancy to the Gulf coast when making the survey for the Mobile division of the Louisville Nashville.

Among his employes Mr.Ballintine was looked upon as a man of exceptionally high principles. He was generous to a fault, kind-hearted and faithful to his friends. He was a devoted husband and father, deeply loved by all who knew him well.

He leaves a widow, two sons and a daughter. In 1876, when the firm of Ballintine & Roger was formed,he married Miss Sefronie Twichell.

In their bereavement the family has the sincere sympathy of the community.

Source: Sea Coast Echo 01-25-1902