I checked the Gerdes site which has a connecting point on this site.
It says:BALLARD, JOHN Pvt - Enl 20 Sep 1863 at Ft Smith, AR. Age 36, born in TN so he was
born in 1827.
I might be stepping on someone's toes, but just because he was Union with the 4th and because
he did not join the group prior to Sept. of 1863, you should consider the possibility that he was a
Confederate before he joined the Union forces.
There may have been circumstance that caused him to change sides if he had been CSA.
Until you can prove otherwise, I would go with that thought and check for possible CSA service.
The reason I say that is my ggg grandmother's brother, a Guthrie, was a CSA soldier
with the 35th Arkansas who deserted in Little Rock in May of 1863 and joined that fall with the
Union Cav. Guthrie had a younger brother who was wounded at Shiloh and died and one brother
that was sent off to a Yankee Prison and died plus he had a wife and three little girls at home.
You may wish to write and get Ballard's records to see if they provide more information.
It is possible that he drew a pension after the Civil War ended. Since he was Union, be
sure to check on that.
If Ballard does not have a grave marking denoting his service, you may wish to try and get one.
Good luck.
Linda