Ex-Slave, Soldier, Turned 'Greenlawn Pickle King' Honored: Watch

GREENLAWN, NY — Samuel Ballton, a former slave who served in the Union Army during the Civil War prior to becoming Greenlawn's "Pickle King," was posthumously honored ahead of Juneteenth.

Huntington Town officials, including members of the town’s African American Historic Designation Council, African American Task Force, ancestors of Samuel Ballton, members of the Huntington NAACP, Harborfields School District, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Moses A. Baldwin Camp #544, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865, joined to dedicate the east end of Boulevard Avenue after Ballton, according to a news release.

"We are honored to recognize the unique American success story of former Greenlawn resident Samuel Ballton," Supervisor Chad Lupinacci said. "Born into slavery in Virginia in 1838, Mr. Ballton overcame great adversity and heroically rescued his wife from slavery soon after escaping it himself, then went on to serve in the Union Army for the remainder of the Civil War before settling in Greenlawn to become a successful farmer and landowner. Mr. Ballton had a hand in developing this growing community at the turn of the 20th Century and his life story reminds us all of what is possible in this great nation."

In March 2020, at the recommendation of the Town’s African American Historic Designation Council, the Town Board renamed a portion of Boulevard Avenue in Greenlawn, where Samuel Ballton owned property, to honor the contributions made by Ballton to the development of the hamlet in the late 19th century.

"The most talented screenwriters couldn’t come up with a film as incredible as the true life story of Samuel Ballton," Councilwoman Joan Cergol said. "He was a brave veteran, a brilliant entrepreneur, and a pivotal figure in our Town’s history."

Ballton was born into slavery in Virginia in 1838 before escaping at the beginning of the Civil War, according to the town. He later returned to rescue his wife. He served in the Union Army until the war ended. The family lived in Alexandria, Virginia before heading north to settle in Greenlawn in 1873.

Ballton, when he first arrived to Huntington, worked as a tenant farmer for Alexander Gardiner and other wealthy farmers. He saved money, and, with Gardiner's help, purchased land of his own and became a successful farmer. In one year, he grew more than 1,500,000 cucumbers for pickling, earning him the unofficial title of the "Pickle King" of Greenlawn.

With the proceeds from his farming and money borrowed from wealthy landowners, Ballton purchased and subdivided land in Greenlawn to build houses in the growing community. He was active in civic affairs and raised a large family in Greenlawn. Many of his descendants continue to call the Town of Huntington home.

Ballton died in 1917 and is buried at the Huntington Rural Cemetery.

"Samuel Ballton is not just an inspiration to the African American community; he is an inspiration to all small business owners," Councilman and Deputy Supervisor Ed Smyth said. "He literally started with nothing, and through his own enterprise and the indispensable help and motivation of his wife, Rebecca, he built a small empire. He was a risk-taker, a developer, a farmer, an entertainer; he ran a hotel and a livery; he was a philanthropist and a visionary for Greenlawn and the surrounding areas. This recognition is long overdue and well deserved."

Carl Ballton, on behalf of the family, said the family sincerely appreciates the Town of Huntington for recognizing Samuel Ballton's contributions to Greenlawn.

"This is especially gratifying as our nation has formally established Juneteenth as a national holiday," Carl Ballton said. "We especially want to call out the untiring efforts of Ms. Irene Moore, chairperson of the African American Historical Designation Council, to recognize and commemorate the contributions of African Americans to the larger community. Thank you!"

Samuel Ballton was the unofficial mayor of Greenlawn, as he shared his secrets with fellow farmers and helped build homes for many residents, said Town Clerk Andrew P. Raia.