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Local historical society honors Sheriff Claude Ballard, Calaveras County’s first Native American sheriff
Summary
At a Calaveras County Historical Society presentation, director Emma Meinhardt outlined Claude Ballard’s life, from Cherokee roots and logging work to his law-enforcement career, notable rescues, collaboration with the FBI on a 1965 espionage case and awards; attendees shared memories.
Emma Meinhardt, director of the Calaveras County Historical Society, presented a biography of Claude Ballard on behalf of the society, summarizing his family history, law-enforcement career and notable incidents that earned him local awards. Meinhardt said Ballard was born in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, in 1925, moved to California with his family in the 1940s and later served as Calaveras County sheriff after winning election in 1978.
The presentation placed Ballard in historical context: Meinhardt described his Cherokee ancestry, noting that Samuel and Susie Ballard “walked the Trail of Tears” and referenced the Indian Removal Act of 1830. She said Ballard worked in logging before joining the sheriff’s reserve and rose to undersheriff under Sheriff Leach in 1959 before running for…
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