Bill Ball was a son of James Elbert Allen and Sarah Emma (Faulkner) Ball. James was the oldest son of William Valentine Ball and his wife Sarah Elizabeth (Garrett) Ball - later the wife of George Reed.

Pauline was a daughter of John Shipley and Margaret Josephine (Felker) Varner. She married William "Bill" Arvel Ball, Jan. 4, 1920, in Barry Co., MO, and they are both buried in Washburn Prairie Cemetery.

World War I Letter

Nov 7, 1918

Dear Home Folks:

I will write to let you know how I am. I am in good health. I hope you are all in good health. I am somewhere in France. I am not allowed to tell you just where I am. I received your letter yesterday that was written Aug 4. You see it has been on the road a long time. This is a beautiful country here but they are 50 years behind in the old USA. You can see some oxen worked to two wheeled carts. We have seen many sights which are amusing to us. Do not worry about me for I am making it all right and am willing to fight those dirty huns and if you could have seen what I have already seen you would say so too. The closer I get to the enemy the worse I get stirred up over their crimes and outrages. When I get back I never will get through telling about all I have seen over here. I must close at this time for we have to take some gas mask drills. Pvt. William A. Ball, Co F. 350 Inf. A. P. O. 795. A. E. F.

Submitted by:  Georgia Ball Farwell