Collector
Established the Ballard-Snow Liniment Co. in 1883, which became James F. Ballard Inc. in 1923. Served as the Director of the First National Bank and St. Louis Union Trust. Also served as a Trustee of the Missouri Historical Society and member of the executive committee of the Archaeological Society of St. Louis. He started collecting rugs in 1905. Eventually his collection included nearly 300 rugs; many acquired during travels to 42 countries. Ballard gave large portions of his collection to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the City Art Museum of St. Louis during his lifetime.
From the description of Papers of the James F. Ballard Rug Collection, 1904-1973. (Saint Louis Art Museum). WorldCat record id: 122565824
