The John Ball Plantation Account Book, 1812-1834, is an indexed account book kept by overseers at various plantations owned by the Ball family. Overseers named are John Cox, Arthur McFarland, Samuel Lynes, Alexander McKnight, Britton Bunch, John Dickson, Thomas Fincklea, James Coward, and John Page. Of particular interest are two different accounts, one with William Deas, referred to as a "Mulatto" and the other "Free Nancy," a free black woman at Limerick Plantation who was buying and trading rice and sugar.
The division and valuations of Jane Ball's enslaved persons among her sons John Ball Jr. and Isaac Ball upon the death of their father John Ball Sr. The enslaved persons live at Kensington Plantation and are divided into lots for each brother.
A list of enslaved persons owned by Elias Ball II at Kensington and Comingtee Plantations. Information includes the names of the enslaved persons and date of birth.
A tax return of John Ball's taxable property made out and paid to Theodore L. Gourdin. The tax returns include tide swamps, pine land, 459 enslaved persons in St. John's Parish, fifteen enslaved persons in the parish of St. Philip's, 260 enslaved persons at Comingtee/Stoke Plantation, 102 enslaved persons at Kensington Plantation and ninety-seven enslaved persons at Midway Plantation.
A list of plates delivered to M.C. Ball belonging to the estate of John Ball Sr. from the Kensington house, Marshland farm, and a house on East Bay Street in Charleston.
A receipt from Elias Ball at Limerick Plantation for items sent by the enslaved man Stepne to Kensington Plantation. Items include leather, calf shins and sheep shins.
A letter from Eleanor Ball at Kensington Plantation to Henry Smith discussing her brother Elias Ball III in England, and an account of payments between Henry Smith and Eleanor Ball for her schooling and board. Also attached is a list of eighteen enslaved persons received by Elias Ball to deliver to Benjamin and Thomas Smith overseas. Includes the statement "the dangers of the sea & death excepted."
A copy of a letter from John Coming Ball at Kensington Plantation to his cousin Ann Waring on the guardianship for John's three female cousins, and his reasonings for choosing Josiah Smith as a potential guardian.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing that week's paper, word from Mr. Lauren's on how the army is helping drive General Washington over the mountains, the belief that General John Burgoyne's army was taken, the fleet of Commodore Biddle, the price of rice, and various notations regarding the Commons House of Assembly.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on receiving John's letter from the enslaved man Jimmey, an order of shingles, business at the plantation, the weather and word that King George III's troops have been defeated.
A letter from Elias Ball IV at Kensington Plantation to Elias "Wambaw" Ball exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's squadron arriving in Charleston, word of 600 men in the town, payment for enslaved persons, the high tax of that year, and word from Mr. Gaillard regarding the remainder of the estates enslaved persons.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing his lodgings at Mrs. Dawson's, the anticipation of hearing news from New York, and a request for venison and duck.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending barrels of salt, the current prices for items and sending an enslaved boy to deliver articles to their father.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on sending horses and news about General Washington's army.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing old schooners filled with dirt to be sunk in "Hog Island Crick" to "prevent men of war cuming up that way." However, Elias Ball III recounts that Captain Tufts, after sinking three of the four boats, was discovered, and fired upon. The other side of the letter discusses the crop at Comingtee Plantation and allowing the enslaved person Pompey to have nails to finish the garden.
A letter from John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the placement of troops including at "the river place called mount pleasant." The letter goes on to discuss the governor having been found "to be an old traitor" due to Captain Adam McDonald going under disguise as "one of Kirkland's men" and a committee having been formed to question the governor.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing confinement and Mr. Jamison needing his things from the landing.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving the corks and brandy John sent up, and John being "taken with the troops."
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing brandy for Isaac Ball and a request for watermelons.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of the family, opportunities for John and Elias Ball, and needing the enslaved man Ben to pick up rice.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a shipment of grapes delivered by the enslaved man Ben and a request for papers.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing health, Isaac Ball visiting Charleston, and the crop at Comingtee Plantation.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina offering advice on how to deal with business and "bad company."
A letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston discussing a handkerchief, and the poor health of their brother Isaac Ball.
A letter from Comingtee Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball discussing the crowded houses on the plantation, placing the enslaved women and children in the sick houses, Coward's disappointment in his work, the cooper "Midway Marcus," a burnt child, the work of the enslaved persons Phyllis, Caesar, Benjamin, young Stephen, the health of "Monemah's" child at Kensington Plantation and the enslaved persons Boris, Driver Jack, and Cate.
A letter from Catherine Edwards to John Ball at Kensington Plantation requesting an explanation over the "ill will" directed towards her from the Balls upon her attempt at visiting.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice crops, the enslaved persons Elick, Paul, Pompy and Jimmy.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of John who suffered from severe head pain, the death of Beck's child and a shipment of eggs.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing a situation concerning "Cupit's" conduct on the plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on receiving supplies, the dry weather, the rice crops, and a request for supplies.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the doctor visiting the plantation, the midwifery, sick enslaved persons from various plantations suffering from fevers or pox, and the rice crops.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing a steamboat, the health of James Coward, the rice and pea crops, and Old Mary sick with fever.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice, pea and corn crops, the death of Mr. Simmons, and the death of young children due to sickness.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing work done on the Santee road, and the construction of a fence at Turkey Hill.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the health of John Ball, the weather, planting slips, the death of Celia at Midway Plantation, and details on when the enslaved persons "strip themselves" when it rained due to the warm weather.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball discussing the poor health of John Ball, the planting of slips, the pea and rice crops, the weather, sick children, and the confinement of Eliza.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball discussing the recovery of John Ball, the death of the enslaved woman Sarah, the confinement of Eliza, sick children, and the rice crops.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to Ann Ball in Charleston discussing the poor health of John Ball, the weather, the corn crop and a shipment of supplies.
A torn letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in "Charles Town" on spending a night at Comingtee Plantation, and the health of Elias Ball III and Isaac Ball.
A portion of the last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he settles all debts, gives his son Elias Ball III Comingtee and Limerick Plantations, tracts of land to Samuel Eveleigh, tracts of land and Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations to his son John Ball, and a lot of land situated "on the Bay of Charleston" to his daughter Lydia Bryan. Makes various notations regarding "negro slaves and their issue and increase" as well as statements that his sons Elias and John Ball are given the enslaved persons living at each plantation they inherited.
The Account of Enslaved Persons and Various Stories, 1831-1844, is kept by or for a member of the Ball family. The first half of the account book contains various lists of enslaved men, women and children owned by John Ball at Comingtee/Stoke, Kensington and Midway Plantations in Berkeley County, South Carolina. These lists include enslaved persons given first or second quality blankets, cloth, clothes and osnaburg fabric as well as lists of pregnant enslaved women or enslaved infants given clothes.
The second half of the book contains stories retold by various persons on topics such as an eyewitness account of the Steamship Pulaski Disaster in 1838, stories of enslaved persons including the execution of an enslaved man, stories about the family of George Chicken, eyewitness accounts of the British occupation in Charleston during the Revolutionary War, numerous ghost stories and an account of the first settlers of Charlestown.
The last will and testament of Elias Ball II in which he divides Comingtee, Limerick and Kensington Plantations among his sons Elias Ball III, Isaac Ball and John Ball. He leaves his daughter Lydia Lot No. 49 in Charlestown and refers to the enslaved persons outlined in his late wife's will. Elias Ball II also leaves his pew in the middle aisle of St. Philips Church to his son Elias Ball III and bequeaths his "negro wench named Priscilla," "negro wench called Esther," "negro wench called Bena," negro wench named Auba" and any enslaved man upon their selection to his children. The will also outlines that Elias Ball II's executors are to purchase "young slaves" from time to time.
The appraisement, division and valuations of enslaved men, women and children at Kensington Plantation belonging to the late Elias Ball II to his sons Elias Ball III and John Ball. The other side of the document makes notations regarding the exchanges of enslaved persons between the brothers.
A memorandum from John Ball on Major John Wilson on resurveying the lines of lands connected with the eastern branch of the Cooper River which includes Hyde Park, Kensington, Midway and St. James Plantations.
A letter from Catherine Simons to her half-brothers John and Elias Ball on thanking Mr. Hort for "bringing up the books & settling the concerns of the estate." Also included is a copy of John Ball's reply from Kensington Plantation to Catherine's letter on signing the letter to Mr. Hort.
A letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother-in-law Elias Ball III exiled in Bristol, England discussing Elias Ball's "scurrilous" letter, and the appraisement of Judith Ball's estate with no intention of fraud. John Ball goes on to discuss the poor character of Elias Ball as an executor using examples from family estates, including that of John Coming Ball Sr.'s second wife, Judith Boisseau, their enslaved persons, comparing Elias Ball to " a parable of the servant in the Gospel" with little talent, commenting on his liberality, Elias Ball's accusation that John Ball married Elias's sister for her mother's estate, and Elias's threat to return to the United States to "have justice done."
A letter from Henry Laurens Jr. at Mepkin Plantation to John Ball at Kensington Plantation on receiving a letter delivered by the enslaved man Adonis, sending Laurens' mare home, and the poor health of John Ball's father.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation on delivering a letter through the enslaved man Harvy, word regarding a battle in New York and numerous statements on the troops in Charleston.
A letter from Elias Ball III in Charleston, South Carolina to his brother Isaac at Kensington Plantation on receiving money from Keating Simons, notations regarding 1,500 to 2,000 men from the "back country", and the closing of stores in Charleston.
A letter from Lydia Ball Simons to her brother John Ball at Kensington Plantation. The letter discusses her receiving word from John by the enslaved man Adam, her wanting John to come for her the following week and the going price for bushels of salt.
A torn letter from Elias Ball III at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Edward "Ned" Simons and an offer about a gun.
A letter from Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation to his brother John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina on not receiving letters from John and a request for newspapers.
A letter from Elias Ball III at Comingtee Plantation to his brother Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing Isaac's fever and sending the enslaved man Plimouth to visit Isaac to receive news of his health.
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing the health of Isaac Ball and requesting white sugarcane and "negro leather."
A letter from Elias Ball II at Kensington Plantation to his son John Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing a potential visit from his half siblings.
A letter from B. Slade to Isaac Ball in Charleston, South Carolina discussing John Ball Sr.'s will, the sale of Kensington and Hyde Park Plantations along with the enslaved persons living there, other family matters, a trip to England, Slade's unemployment, and the current situation for the trade business.
A letter from Ann Ball to her husband John Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing "Lewis" and "Marcus," Isaac Ball leaving town with his family, a severe cold, and the harvesting of crops.
A letter from Ann Ball to her husband John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing John Ball's crop at Kensington Plantation, the improving health of their aunt, Ann Ball's father receiving an "unpleasant account" from his plantation and a visit from Ann Ball's mother.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a visit to the Simon's home, news about John Ball, the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, the enslaved persons Maurice and Caesar, the counting house, and planters.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the shipping of furniture, an enslaved person named Handy and a visit from General "McPherson."
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing the restoration of health for John Ball, the continuing poor health of Isaac Ball's mother, his friend Henry suffering from a fever, an infantry, and Isaac Ball's writing proficiency.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing a company ball, races in Charleston and the poor health of Isaac Ball's mother.
A letter from Keating Simons to Isaac Ball at Kensington Plantation discussing hooks given to the enslaved man Sambo, a corn shuck, and a delivery of bales to Mr. Lockey.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to Catherine Edwards discussing an incident when Edwards attempted to visit John Ball and his wife.
A copy of a letter from John Ball at Kensington Plantation to Quinby Plantation overseer Tyson Pipkin discussing an attempt to visit Pipkin but since he was not present, information was given to "Linus." The letter goes on to mention that "all the grown negroes" will receive rice and salt and that the "young negroes" are to receive potatoes.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rice and pea crops, Turkey Hill's swamp, a visit from the Doctor, a suspected typhus case, two sick children and James Coward's child taken with the fever in which he suspects worms as the cause.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston on discharging Daniel, sending Pompy off with an allowance, the potato and rice crops, the recovering health of sick children, and construction of a bank fence at Midway Plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the death of the enslaved woman Die and her child, Affy's child being sick, and a case of typhus at Limerick Plantation.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the inability to send the foals and ducks, the rice crops, sick enslaved persons at Midway Plantation, and a visit from Mr. Lynes and Mr. Turner.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing two sick children, baskets of eggs and potatoes, and the rice crops.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the cold weather, giving out shoes to the enslaved persons, and the rice crop.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the work of Scipio, a shipment of supplies, the rice crops, and a request for a bundle of baby clothes.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball discussing the status of the mill, Old Bristol and "Catoe's" work at the mill, the overseer Mr. Finklea, and sick children.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the rainy weather, the rice crops, a shipment of butter, and a request for items.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball in Charleston discussing the slips, the rainy weather, newspapers, and the Baptist press.
A letter from Kensington Plantation overseer James Coward to John Ball at Comingtee Plantation discussing a medical visit from a doctor for an enslaved woman, a possible case of typhus, a situation with Old Marcus and a shipment of supplies.
