Henry Green Ballou, son of Ziba and Molly (Mason) Ballou, was born in Cumberland, R. I. He received his education in the public schools of Cumberland, and on completing his education apprenticed himself to the tailor's trade. After a period spent in learning the trade thoroughly, he removed to Woonsocket, R. I., with which city he was identified until the time of his death. On coming to Woonsocket, he established a small tailoring enterprise, which was successful from the very outset, and grew rapidly beyond the confines of the original venture. Mr. Ballou, thenceforward, to the time of his retirement from business life, was one of the foremost merchant tailors of Woonsocket, and one of its most prominent citizens. He was well known in mercantile circles, and highly respected for the fairness of all his business transactions. He retired, after a most successful business career, in 1862. Mr. Ballou, although he remained strictly outside the field of public affairs, was careful in fulfilling his every duty as a citizen, and was active in many movements for the advancement of the civic welfare of Woonsocket. He was essentially a home lover, and found his pleasures in the simpler things of life.
On June 8, 1846, Mr. Ballou married, in Bristol, R. I., Sarah Little Fales, who was born December 9, 1822, in Bristol, R. I., daughter of Charles and Lydia M. (Bosworth) Fales. The Fales and Bosworth families are among the foremost of Rhode Island families of Colonial date. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Ballou were: 1. Charles F., born in Woonsocket, March 17, 1847, died in 1893. 2. Emma Louise, born in Woonsocket, Oct. 31, 1851, died Feb. 1, 1858. 3. Harry Maturin, born in Woonsocket, Sept. 6, 1856. 4. Jennie Mason, born in Woonsocket Jan. 12, 1859. 5. Sullivan, born Oct. 30, 1861, in Bristol. Miss Jennie M. Ballou resides at No. 120 Harris avenue, Woonsocket. Henry Green Ballou died at his home in Woonsocket, April 22, 1882.
