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Start Over Creator Ball, Emma R., 1838-1918

Emma Read Ball Genealogical Research Files, 1911/1912 1 Linear Feet

Ball, Emma R., 1838-1918

At the time of her death, Mrs. Ball was preparing to publish a book on the life and ancestry of Mary Ball Washington. She struggled during her later years, however, and never completed the project. A portion of the research files she used for this project are represented in this collection. Mount Vernon received this material from Alison Burdick, Vice Regent for Delaware, sometime around March 1965 after she sorted through the collection and weeded some of its content. A report written by Mrs. Burdick (now copied and filed with this collection) explains how the papers were organized when she received them, what type of information was contained in them, and why she disposed of "80-85% of the material." The majority of the collection consists of notes, transcriptions, and genealogical tables or charts drafted by Mrs. Ball while researching. Several letters and clippings are also interspersed throughout. Most of the notes and compilation of the collection probably occurred circa 1911-1912 when she visited England, however, the letters and clippings have varied dates.

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon

Emma Read Ball to James Hollingsworth, 1877 Box 87

A.L.S. Leesburg. Mr. Green of Alexandria will finish renovating and send to Mount Vernon "a handsome old…bookcase and writing desk." Shall go to Mount Vernon soon "perhaps with my big bookcase, a piece belonging to General Custis Lee, to be deposited" at Mount Vernon. H-151

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1876/1877

Emma Read Ball to James Hollingsworth, 1877 Box 88

A.L.S. Leesburg. Original bookcase, mirror and brackets given by George Washington Custis Lee. Candle stand also original and given by Major B.P. Noland. Two square mahogany tables presented. Instructions as to how these relics should be marked. ER-5, p. 105

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1877

Emma Read Ball to Lily Macalester Laughton, 1885 Box 96

A.L.S. Mourns loss of two Vice Regents. As requested, sought legal advice re status and duties of Virginia Board of Visitors. Sends her names of new Board appointed by Governor Cameron, hopes Board will meet during Council and plan wisely for same. Asks about four shares of Bank Stock, so long unreported. ER-14, p. 135

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1884/1885

Emma Read Ball to Lily Macalester Laughton, 1887 Box 98

A.L.S. Encloses newspaper clipping regarding bills introduced to legislature. Proposed railroad and their desire to purchase land from Mr. Burke as a protection against it. Falls Church and Potomac Railroad Co. Urges her to apply to Virginia legislature for right to purchase more land. Recommends William Wirt Henry as an able Richmond lawyer if needed in fight to restrict railroads crossing into Mount Vernon land. ER-6, p. 262

  1. The George Washington Presidential Library at Mount Vernon
  2. Early Records of the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association, 1853/1951, bulk 1853/1875
  3. Series 6. Correspondence, 1852/1951
  4. Correspondence, 1886/1888

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