Rev. John BALL (1591-1639)
[ Surname also spelt:- Bale; Balle; Baule; Baulle; Bawle; Bawll ]

Rector of Langton Matravers (Nov 1618 to Nov 1628 and June 1629 to 1639)
& Rector of All Saints Dorchester Dec 1628 - May 1629)
©Originally compiled by Michael Russell OPC for Fordington March 2009
Revised and updated with the assistance of Steven Bushnell - December 2014

His Ancestry(1)

The Rev John BALL (1591-1639) was a cousin of Rev John White (1575-1648) the ‘Patriarch of Dorchester’ and this and his own family's background shaped his future.

John White’s mother was Isabel BAWLE (1552-1601) the daughter of John BAWLE of Lichfield(2) in Staffordshire and she had two brothers Robert and Henry both of which entered the church and a brother John with an M.A. in civil law from christ Church, Oxon., who was an assistant to their uncle Dr Robert Weston, Lord Chancellor of Oreland. Rev.John Ball (1591-1639) of Langton Matravers was the son of Isabel's brother Rev. Robert Bawle (1551-1613) and therefore well known to his aunt.
His Grandparents:

John [Johannes] BALL of Lichfield (b.circa 1510 - deceased before 1574):
In D.J. French's monograph on page 225(1) there ia conjecture that John was the son of John & Sibyl BALL of Conduit Street, Lichfield. John Ball who played a prominent role in public life in Lichfield is presumed to be he who married Alice WESTON, a daughter of John WESTON of Lichfield. John Ball was Master of the Guild at Lichfield in 1540 and he and John WESTON are both named in the Charter granted to Lichfield by Edward VI in 1548(19). He was Bailiff of Lichfield in 1550 and again in 1556. A list of burgage rents in Lichfield in 1551 shows John WESTON owing rent on a property in Conduit Street, the same street of residence for John and Sybil BALL. The Victoria County History of Staffordshire in its section on Lichfield town government to1548 notes that the leading families commonly intermarried which is what happened here.

    The Lords of Weston-under-Lizard
    St Andrews Church



        
    © All three Pictures Courtesy of Michael Marrison. This beautiful chancel window in St Andrews Church at Weston Park, still contains remnants of the original medieval glass although the church (apart from the tower) was rebuilt in 1700. In the top picture the knight shown in the bottom of the left panel is Sir John de Weston (see enlargement left immediately above) , and opposite him is his wife, Isabella. The picture on the right above is the tomb of Sir Hugo de Weston who died in 1189


    Alice WESTON, who was descended from the Lords of Weston-under-Lizard, had at least three very accomplished brothers in (1) Robert WESTON (1515-1573)(16) a fervent protestant who was an ecclesiastical lawyer, former MP for Exeter in 1553 and MP for Lichfield in 1558. He was appointed Lord Chancellor of Ireland by Elizabeth I in 1567 and set the task of reforming the church in Ireland; (2) James WESTON (c1525-1589) Diocesan registrar and MP for Lichfield(17) and (3) Edmund WESTON BCL(d.1570) (12)Chancellor of Chichester.
John Ball and Alice had 4 children:-
    (1) John BALL (b. circa 1537) he was a student of Christ Church Oxford in 1551 being awarded his BA on the 26 Jan 1554/5. He continued with his studies being awarded his MA degree on the 20 Oct 1558; and his Bachelor of Canon Law (B.C.L.) on the 24 Jul 1564(3). In August 1568 he became assistant to The Rev Robert WESTON, his uncle, to help with the reformation of the Irish Church .
    (2) Rev. Robert Ball (1551-1613) See account of his life in the section below:-
    (3) Isabel Ball (1552-1601) who married John WHITE of Stanton St John in Oxfordshire and was the mother of Rev John White (1575-1648)
    (4) Dr. Henry Ball (1554-1603) of Lichfield was educated at New College Oxford which he entered in 1571. He was awarded a BA degree on 28 Feb 1575/6, an MA on the 27 Oct 1579, and a Bachelor of Divinity on 4 July 1588. Some genealogical records suggest that he married a Mary Rogers c1575 in Lichfield but I have not located where this information comes from as it does not seem to link to a known marriage record but we know from his will that she was called Mary. I have also been unable to locate his ordination or curacy but he was precentor (i.e. a minor canon who administers the musical life of a cathedral) and a prebendary of Bursalis in 1582 at Chichester Cathedral. He was licenced to preach and appointed Rector of Ulcombe in Kent on 2nd August the following year. He is again recorded as Precentor of Chichester in 1587 when he became a prebendary of Owinge. On 20 Jan 1593 he became a resident Canon at Chichester Cathedral and was awarded a Doctor of Divinity on 4 July 1594. He was made an Archdeacon 14 Apr 1596 until his death. The Church of England Clergy database then suggests that he became Rector of Tangmar in the deanery of Pagham in Sussex. He wrote his will on 20th March 1602 leaving everything to his wife 'Marie' whom he also made executrix. The Will was proved in London by his widow on 31st May 1603. Two of the witnesses to his will were John and Josias WHITE (i.e. Rev John WHITE (1575-1648) who did not move to Dorchester until 1606 and his brother Josias WHITE (1573-1622) who only became a licenced preacher from 1606).
John died prior to 1574 when his widow Alice Ball of Lichfield purchased the advowson of the parish of Bucknell in Oxfordshire from Jeremiah Weston of Essex(6).
His Father:

Rev. Robert [Robertus] BALL (1551-1613) of Lichfield(1) was educated at New College Oxford which he entered in 1569.

Stained Glass Window in the Hall of New College Oxford which bears the arms
of his father Rev. Robert BALL (1551-1613)


Picture Courtesy of the Warden and Scholars of New College Oxford


New College Oxford was founded in 1379 by William Wykeham, the Bishop of Winchester, for the education of priests, as there was a shortage of properly educated clergy following the black death. In conjunction with New College he also founded Winchester College in 1382 as a feeder to the university. Known affectionately as “Wykeman’s School”   it saw the education of many great churchmen. Among these was his father who studied at Winchester College between 1564 (when he was thirteen) and 1569(1b), when he matriculated at New College Oxford (1c. & 3). As a scholar in residence under the founders statutes he automatically became a fellow in 1571(1d). He was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree at New College on 10 June 1573 and his MA on 22nd June 1577(3). The following year his mother, Alice BALL of Lichfield, presented him with the right of patronage of the parish of Bucknell Oxfordshire which she had purchased in 1574(6).

When Thomas Barker the Rector of Eastington in Gloucestershire left, Robert Bawle resigned his fellowship at New College, and was appointed Rector on 15 Feb 1581. He remained there until his death in 1613 (4). The Victoria County History for Gloucestershire confirms that 'Robert Ball (during the period 1581-1613) was a graduate and a preacher at Eastington(5).

Robert appears to have married twice. I have not been able to locate any information on his 1st marriage but she appears to have been the mother of his 7 children. From his will it is clear that they had 4 sons and three daughters thought to have been born circa 1586-1594:- (Eldest son Nathaniel; 2nd son Samuel ; 3rd son John (1591-1639); youngest son Daniel) (Eldest daughter Ann; 2nd daughter Elizabeth; Youngest daughter Judeth).

His 2nd wife was Ursula CLOTTERBOOKE (d.1642) the widow of William CLOTTERBOOKE of Eastington by whom she already had the following children (8) .
    (1) Richard Clotterbooke (1592-1652) of Eastington who married Anna (d,1677) the daughter of Daniel FOWLER of Stonehouse in Gloucestershire
    (2) Elizabeth Clotterbooke who married Thomas HICKS of Cromhall in Gloucestershire
    (3) Anne Clotterbooke who married John ELLIOTT of Westhorpe in Wiltshire
    (4) Mary Clotterbooke who married Nathaniel CALEY of Bristol
    (5) Rev. Samuel Clotterbooke (b.1592) MA. A graduate of Magdalen Hall Oxford ordained a deacon at Chapel Bishops Palace Gloucester, Rector of Dunton Buckinghamshire
    (6) Daniel Clotterbooke Merchant of London
    (7) John Clotterbooke of Hodborough Gloucestershire
    (8) Josias Clotterbooke of Bristol a grocer who married Margaret the daughter of Richard COLSON a Bristol merchant
Ursula was the daughter and one of seven children of Richard BROWNING of Cowley (11) by his wife Elizabeth the daughter of Edward PARSONS of Stanley in Gloucestershire. Her eldest son was Richard CLOTTERBOOK (1592-1652) and he is recorded in both the Visitations of Gloucestershire and is the main beneficiary under her will

In 1610 Robert made benefaction to New College Oxford of the advowson of the parish of Bucknell Oxfordshire on condition that it always presented a scholar of the college and preferably one of his own relatives. This has been the subject of research by Mr French and I have provided a link to his extensive notes which can be viewed on line below(1) . Suffice it to say that this benefaction is remembered today in the stained glass window on the north side of the Hall at New College where it bears the name 'Rob. Ball socius (Fellow) 1571' and the arms of the benefactor which matches the shield of the Rev. Richard Ball recorded at the College of Arms in 1613 (See picture above).

When Robert died he left a Will which I have transcribed below. It is witnessed among others by his nephew the Rev John WHITE Patriarch of Dorchester. He is careful to return all the effects that Ursula brought to their marriage to her and leaves her money and lands but the main part of his estate is divided between his children by his first wife. After Robert's death the living at Eastington was held by Richard Capel, another noted Puritan divine.
Will of Robert BALL (1551-1613) of Lichfield
Dated 5th July 1613 - Proved 7th February 1613/4
Calendar of Gloucestershire Wills Consistory Court of Gloucester Ref 209

In The Name of God Amen the fifth day of July in the year of our Lord God 1613

I Robert BALL of Eastington in the County of Gloucester, Minister of Gods word, being admonished by my age and infirmities to settle before mine eyes the uncertain approach of death do therefore make & declare my Last Will and Testament in manner and form following

First: I praise God most high which hath before all worlds elected me unto salvation in Jesus Christ & hath in his appointed time instifed & sanctified me by his inconceaneable? grace & filled me with manifold benefits all my days carrying me regardfully upon the wings of his providence wherefore I cheerfully yield up my soul into his hands & peaceably put of my frail & corruptible body steadfastly hoping to receive it again with immortality & glory at the last day &

My will is that it shall be buried in the churchyard  at Eastington if I die there then so my worldly goods I dispose them in manner & form following

First: I give and bequeath unto the poor of Eastington 40 shillings to be bestowed on them according to the direction of mine executor

Item: I give & bequeath unto Daniel BALL my son two hundred pounds & a silver beaker to be paid unto him at the age of one & twenty years

Item: I give & bequeath unto Ann BALL my daughter the sum of 40 pounds to be paid unto her at the age of one & twenty years or day of her marriage which of them shall first happen And if the said Ann Ball shall not marry nor betroth herself unto any man without the consent of mine Executor & Overseers or the greatest part of them then living, Then I give unto her threescore pounds more. and a silver cup with a cover, and my household stuff I give her so much as shall surmount unto the value of ten pounds as it shall be praised [i.e. appraised] in mine Inventory or ten pounds in money which she shall think best of in her own choice. So that I give unto her in all one hundred pounds one silver cup with a cover & ten pounds value of my household stuff or ten pounds in money.

Item:  I give & bequeath unto Elizabeth BALL my daughter the sum of forty pounds to be paid her at the age of one and twenty years or day of her marriage which of them shall first happen. And if the said Elizabeth BALL shall not marry nor betroth herself unto any man without the consent of mine Executor & Overseers or the greatest part of them then living, Then I give unto her threescore pounds more for her better advancement in marriage and a silver bowl ????? and also to the value of ten pounds in my household stuff as it shall be praised in mine inventory or so such that is to say Ten Pounds in money which of them shall to her best liking. So that I give unto her in all one hundred pounds one silver bowl  unguilted and also to the value of ten pounds value of my household stuff or ten pounds in money.

Item:   I give & bequeath unto Judeth BALL my daughter the sum of forty pounds to be paid her at the age of one and twenty years or day of her marriage which of them shall first happen. And if the said  Judeth BALL shall not marry nor betroth herself unto any man without the consent of mine Executor & Overseers or the greatest part of them then living, then I give unto her threescore pounds more for her better advancement in marriage and a double silver salt and ten pounds in value of my household stuff as it shall be praised in mine inventory or Ten Pounds in money as she shall think best in her choice.

Provided  That if any of my said daughters Ann, Elizabeth or Judeth shall die before the day of her marriage or ye age of one and twenty years that then the said portion of my daughter so dying shall equally be divided between my other two daughters that shall then be living

Provided also further by this my will and testament that if any of my said daughters shall marry or betroth herself unto any man without the consent of my executor & overseers or the greatest part of them then living that then the portion which i have given unto her for her advancement in marriage shall be forfeited and divided betwixt my other daughters

Item: I give and bequeath unto John BALL my son all my books except only those that are in English

Item: I give unto the said John BALL my best featherbed and my best green rug and three pair of sheets besides that bedding which he hath already in Oxford.

Item: I give & bequeath unto Nathaniel BALL my son five pounds and unto his son Daniel BALL I give and bequeath forty shillings And my will is that it shall be delivered unto his father for the use of the said Daniel.

Item: I give unto my beloved wife all that wood which I bought of Richard CAMBRIDGE of the pishe  [i.e. parish] of Witchester [Winchester?] lying and being within the the said pishe of Witchester

Item: I give & bequeath unto her the sixteen pounds which she hath in her hands of mine And my will is that all the goods which she had before my marriage unto her and all that by grow [growth]  and accrue [accrual] out of ye said goods and chattels unto her since that time shall remain unto her as her own as if she had not married And further my will is that if any controversy shall arise concerning our goods that it shall be ended by my well beloved brother-in-law Daniel FOWLER (9) & John BROWNING gentleman (10)

Item: My will is that ye hundred and fifty pounds which my wife now hath in her hands of mine shall so remain in her hands for two full years space after my decease upon good security given unto mine Executor

All ye rest: of my goods my debts and funeral expenses being discharged I give and bequeath unto Samuel BALL my son whom I make and constitute sole and full executor of this my last will and testament
And my loving cossin [cousin] Nathaniel STEPHENS Esquire; my beloved brother-in-law  Daniel FOWLER (9) and Henry FOWLER and my Cousin Howard STEPHENS gentleman I appoint to be Overseers of this my will & testament

This: I declare and acknowledge to be my last will and testament under my hand published in ye presence of Toby SANDFORD; Walter SWEEPER; John WHYTE; Robert WELSTEEDE [WELLSTEAD] ;Edmund GRAILE & William LAURENCE

Probate granted 6th February 1613/4

Will of Ursula Ball (d.1642) of Eastington

Dated 7th January 1640/1 - Proved 3rd April 1642
Consistory Court of Gloucester Ref110

In the name of God Amen I Ursula BALL of the parish of Eastington in the County of Gloucestershire Widow weak of body by reason of age & many natural infirmities , but of good and perfect memory and understanding I thank my God; for the better establishing of love and peace amongst my children & family do hereby renounce & ??? annul all former Wills & bequests whatsoever, and do now make this my last Will and Testament this 7th day of January in the year of our Lord God one thousand six hundred forty one in manner and form following

First: of all I do commit my soul into the hands of my merciful & loving Saviour Jesus Christ the Almighty hoping by the virtue of his death to obtain remission of my sins & all other benefits of his passion, and that wheresoever my body fall unto the earth yet by the power of his resurrection it shall one day [be] restored by him to life & soul & body both shall live with him in glory

And as for my body that it be decently buried according to the discretion of my Executor, And as for that [sin??? all] remainder of my goods which God of his mercy hath blessed me with my Will is to be disposed as following

Impremis: [In the first place] I do dispose unto the poor of the parish aforesaid twenty shillings to be distributed as Mr MEWE(7) & my Executor shall think fit

Item: I give unto my son Daniel a diap table cloth; two dozen of diap table napkins and a diap towel

Item: I give unto my son Samuel's eldest son Thomas my best silver beaker

Item: I give unto my son Josias forty shillings to buy a ring & as much to my son Thomas HICKS for the same purpose as small tokens of remembrance; the two coverletts that lie upon my bed

Item: I give unto my Son John one flock bed & bolster which lies in my own chamber; a pair of dowlas sheets; a pair of pillowbeares of Holland; 4 pieces of pewter marked with my letters & the great brass pot And to his eldest son two silver spoons

Item: I give unto my daughter Ann ELLIOTT one flock bed & bolster my red shag rug; a pair of feather pillowties; my curtains that hang about my own bed; three pairs of pewter and my gold ring with the death head on it and to her eldest son John two silver spoons

Item: I give unto my daughter Mary CALE [CALEY] one loom work coverlett that lies ordinarily upon the bed in the Hall chamber; a brass pan; my chest in my chamber & my wedding ring And to her son Nathaniel a silver bowl

Item: I give unto my son Richard's daughter Katherin my gilt bowl

Item: I give unto my son Daniel's daughter Mary the featherbed & bolster that usually lieth with the feded? bed in the Hall Chamber with the green rug belonging to it

Item: I give unto my daughter Annah ELLIOTT a pair of curtains, sheets & a pair of dowlas  pillowberes [Note:- given that her daughter Ann ELLIOTT is already bequeathed items above I think this points to Annah being her granddaughter]

Item: I give to Judith the daughter of my son Richard my little hair trunk & to his daughter Martha a pair of dowlas sheets

Item: The best of my marriage apparel I give unto my daughter Anna ELLIOTT & my daughter-in-law Ffrael CLUTTERBUCK and the rest of it to the disposing of my daughter-in-law Anna CLUTTERBUCK & my daughter Mary CALE {CALEY]

Item: All the rest of my goods and Chattels whatsoever, not herein bequeathed I give unto my eldest Son Richard CLUTTERBUCK whom I make my sole Executor of this my last Will & Testament

In Witness: whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal the day & year before mentioned

URSULA BALL
Her mark

Sealed and published in the presence of us James HOXTON & William CLUTTERBUCK
Probate Granted to Executor 3rd day of April 1642

The Rev John BALL(1591-1639)

Birth and Education

John Ball's University records (3) confirm that he came from Gloucestershire and that he was born in 1591. We know from his will that he also had a brother Samuel BALL who was probably younger than him whom he made his executor. He was probably taught initially by his father, before following in his footsteps going to Winchester College and onto New College Oxford, which he entered on 13 October 1609. This of course was the same college that his father and John White had been to, and I give background to the foundation of the College and its links with the Puritan movement in the Patriarch's short biography. John Ball was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree on 4 June 1613 and his MA followed on 2 May 1617. Attending New College meant that he was not far from Stanton St John where his aunt Isabel lived and when John White 1550-1618 (The Patriarch’s father) made his will on 30 September 1616, he acted as one of the three witnesses.

Rector of St George’s Church Langton Matravers (1618-1628)

John was appointed Rector of Langton Matravers on 14 November 1618. The present church at Langton, which is dedicated to St. George, is possibly the 4th church to be built on the site. The west wall shows remains of a chapel built around 1290, and the tower is an addition of 1390. Unfortunately the former medieval church to which John Ball would have arrived in 1618 was taken down and reconstructed in 1829.

Soon after his arrival John met and married a lady by the name of Sarah PITT. The wedding took place in her own parish church of St Mary’s in  Melcombe Regis on 13 January 1619/20 (13) . St Mary's (See picture left taken from a drawing made in 1790 by S.H.Grimm) had been built in 1605 on the site of the original chapel dating from 1299 and lasted until 1815 when it was demolished to make way for a new church on the same site. Given Their relationship and close proximity the ceremony was probably attended by Rev John WHITE. Unfortunately Parish registers for Langton Matravers have not survived prior to 1670 and the Bishops Transcripts were also destroyed by the great fire at Blandford so the baptism records for their children have been permanently lost.
    I know from his will and university records however that he had at least the following children;-

    (1). Alice BALL
    (2). Sara Ball
    (3). John BALL
    (4).Samuel BALL (b.1626) is described as being the son of John Ball of Langton in Purbeck Dorset. He was a graduate of Christ's College Cambridge where he was Admitted pens. (age 19) on 5th January 1645-6. It also states that he attended school prior to admission at Wotton-under-Edge, in Gloucestershire. (15)
    (5). Phineas BALL (6). Dorcus BALL
    (7). Hannah BALL
Rose-Troup in her book ‘John White - Founder of Massachusetts’ has the following to say about him:-

He was noted for his acquaintance with the works of Bellarmine and was strongly influenced by Puritans of the severe school so that he was ordained by an Irish Bishop in order to avoid signing the Articles. He was keenly interested in the opinions of the exiles in Holland and New England but disapproved of the views of the Separatists. He disputed with Cotton and others and his ‘Trial of the New Church Way in New England and Old’ when sent to Winthrop roused a storm of anger, and a reply, very vigorous though unsatisfactory, was composed in Boston. His “Treatise on Faith,” it will be seen, was used as a catechism by White in Dorchester. Ball “never utterly condemned any use of the Common Prayer Book, nor allowed Separatism because of some abuses”, and therein White agreed with him.

In William Whiteway’s diary there is a brief mention of him preaching to the Archdeacon on a visit to Dorchester on 29 March 1627. His “Treatise on Faith,” was to be used from 1641 in the new hospital in Dorchester which was ‘for setting to work the poor children of the Borough’. Apart from being taught spinning and how to remove “blacks” from knots of wool, they were to be instructed in religion according to John Balls catechism and they had to learn four verses every week.

Rector of All Saints Dorchester (Dec. 1628 - May 1629)

John Ball was Rector of Langton Matravers for 10 years but on 8 October 1627 another friend of his and John White’s, the Rector of all Saints Robert CHEEKE died. Apart from sharing their Puritan ideals Robert Cheeke had previously been Master of the 'Free School' and finding his replacement proved difficult. Samuel WHITFIELD who had acted as White’s assistant for a short period was inducted into the church of All Saints on 11 Jan 1627/8 though he was only twenty seven years old, but he died in the following July.  I suspect with some persuasion from John White, John Ball was ‘instituted and inducted to the parsonage of All Saints on 22 Nov 1628’ but he resigned it a few months later when on 7th May 1629 he was presented again to the Rectory of Langton Matravers by Sir Walter Erle(14). He remained there until his death on 4 June 1639 when his place was taken by John White's nephew Josias White.

Death

Will of Rev. John BALL (1591-1639) Langton Matravers
Will dated : 4th June 1639 Proved 29 April 1640.
PRO 11/Piece 182: Coventry Quire Numbers 1-53 (1640)
    In the name of God Amen I John BALL of the parish of Langton within the Isle of Purbeck and County of Dorset Clerk considering the frailty and uncertainty of my life do make distribute & ordain this may Last Will & Testament in manner and form following

    First: I commend my soul into the hands of God that gave it me and redeemed me by the precious blood of his dear son And my body to the earth whence it was taken in assurance of the resurrection thereof to the Glory by Jesus Christ

    Item: I give and bequeath to the poor of the parish of Langton Twenty Shillings of lawful English Money to be distributed amongst them by mine executor or any one of my Overseers after named at my burial

    Item: Whereas I have by deed of use indented provided for means of maintenance for my three sons John, Samuel & Phineas out of my land in Holton I do now declare and ordain by this my last Will and Testament And my will and meaning is that mine executor and Overseers after named and any and either of them shall have full power and authority by virtue of this my last will to take and receive the proven rents or rent charge due unto & belonging to them & either of them my said sons by virtue of the said Deed of use indented from the day of my decease till they and each of them shall attain full age of one and twenty years And to employ the same for the maintenance of my said sons and each of them or for the binding of them and each of them Apprentices And that my Executor and Overseers and all and either of them shall stand discharged by virtue of this my last will from all suits and accounts which otherwise my sons or any or either of them might have had against them when they should come to full age for such rent charges or ???? of my Land received and laid out by them for the benefit of my said sons and any and either of them

    Item: I give and bequeath to my son John my best silver salt

    Item: I give and bequeath to my son Samuel my silver beer bowl

    Item: I give and bequeath to my son Phineas my other silver salt consisting of three pieces

    Item: I give and bequeath to my daughters Alice, Sara, Dorcus and Hannah to each of them one hundred pounds of lawful English Money which said legacy of one hundred pounds shall be paid unto each of my said daughters at the age of one and twenty years or the day of her marriage which shall first happen for as she marry with the consent & good liking of mine Executors and Overseers or the minor part of them And my will and meaning is that in the meanwhile these legacies to them and each of them so bequeathed be by mine Executors and Overseers employed or put forth to be employed in some lawful trade for their maintenance and better advancement.

    Item: I give and bequeath all the rest of my goods and chattels moveable & unmovable by this my last will not disposed of to my four daughters before named allowing and appointing my Executor and Overseers to sell the said goods in whole or in part according to their discretion And to employ the monies by such sale raised in some lawful course of trade for the behoof of my said daughters And my will and meaning is that both the residue of the goods (if any any shall be unsold ) And the monies by such sale and employment raised be equally divided amongst my four daughters by mine Executor and Overseers And the portion of such goods and monies to each of my said daughters belonging shall be delivered and paid unto her at the age of one and twenty years or the day of her marriage which shall first happen Always Provided that before such division of the said goods and monies amongst my daughters there be first allowance made to my two eldest daughters Alice & Sara and my son John to each of the five pounds of lawful English money being a legacy bequeathed to each of them by their grandmother Alice PITT and by me received for them. And if any or either of my daughters shall die before she or they attain the age of one and twenty years or be married Then I do will and ordain that both the monies and portion of goods to her or them so dying bequeathed shall be equally distributed amongst my daughters surviving which shall attain the age of one and twenty years or be married

    Item: I ordain and constitute and do make my dear brother Samuel BALL sole executor of this my last will nevertheless in Trust only to keep employ and dispose & order all things before mentioned for the best behoof & benefit of my children And I give and bequeath to my said brother Samuel the sum of forty shillings of lawful English money And I do appoint my dear and loving kinsman Mr John WHITE of Dorchester Clerk and Dennis BOND Gent and John HARDY Yeoman my Overseers earnestly entreating them to do their best endeavour that the content of this my last will & testament may be duly executed and performed according to my plain intent & meaning And I do give and bequeath each of my said Overseers the sum of twenty shillings of lawful English money And in testimony that this is my last will I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day of June and in the fifteenth year of the reign of our Sovereign Lord Charles by the grace of God of England Scotland France and Ireland King Defender of the Faith Anno Domini 1639

    John BALL

    Signed sealed & published by the said John BALL to be his last will & testament the day and year above said in the presence of us Francis LEWIS Clerk; Robert SERRELL; John HARDY; Phillip GILLINGHAM

    Probate: Proved at London by Samuel BALL executor 29 April 1640

Genealogical Notes & Sources:

(1). Since I originally wrote this short biography in 2009 a great deal of in depth research has been carried out on the Ancestry of the Ball families of Berkshire, Northamptonshire and Virginia by D.J. French and a copy of his 309 page monograph is freely available for study on the internet and can be found at The Mary Ball, George Washington's mother website. My interest is confined to the ancestry of John Ball (1591-1639) because of his association with the Rev John WHITE and the Dorchester Company but I am grateful for the additional background provided by Mr French and to Steven Bushnell for alerting me to it. John Ball's father Robert Ball is covered on pages 29 to 32. For ease of reference below I have extracted a few of Mr French's footnotes [See pages 97pointing to original source material which are relevant to John Ball's ancestry - Mike Russell OPC Dorchester Dec 2014.
    (1b). Footnote F76 p. 97:- Source Winchester College Archives Registers of Scholars 13393-1686, ref 21490A and Register of Oaths 1414-1576, ref 21850 provided by the Winchester College archivist Suzane Foster
    (1c). Footnote F77 p. 97:- New College registers and lists of scholars and fellows, New College Archives (NCA), refs 975, 3500, 3514, 3574, 9749 List compiled by James E Sewell Warden 1860-1903, of scholars and fellows in order of their admission from Winchester College to New College 1336-1858, NCA ref 853,f.141 . " Winchester College was a 'feeder' college for New College, Oxford. Both institutions were founded by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester 1366-1404 and Chancellor of England, in 1379 and 1382
    (1d). Footnote F78 p.97:- Ibid. Under the Founders statutes, all scholars who remained in residence for two years after matriculation automatically became fellows. It did not imply any teaching commitment but gave them a small annual income. A fellow had to resign if he married or acquired steady income by inheriting landed estates or being appointed to a benefice. Information from Mrs J Thorp, Archivist. New College Oxford to who I [Mr Fisher] am greatly indebted for allowing me access to the New college Archives and the armorial glass [depicted above]
(2). 'John White The Patriarch of Dorchester [Dorset] and Founder of Massachusetts' by Frances Rose-Troup published by GP Putnam's Sons in 1930. For Isabel Bawle see pages 17;18 & 406. On page 406 Rose Troup confirms that Isabel was the daughter of John Bawle of Lichfield and had 2 brothers naming one as "Robert Bawle of Eastington Gloucestershire Clerk [Will at Glos 1623]. was probably the father of John Ball of Langton Matravers Dorset Clerk". 1623 is a clerical error for 1613 as I have checked and there is no Will for that year. See also the Visitation of Hampshire 1622-34 page 229. For John Ball above see pages 21, 257, 391,406, 411 and 454. The John Ball referred to on pages 32 and 222 appears to be a different person.

(3). Oxford University Alumni images available on line at ancestry.com:- register of students, graduates, and officers who attended Oxford University between 1500 and 1886. Original data: Foster, Joseph. Alumni Oxonienses: The Members of the University of Oxford, 1715-1886 and Alumni Oxonienses: The Members of the University of Oxford, 1500-1714. Oxford: Parker and Co., 1888-1892. - Surnames recorded as 'Ball' and 'Baule'

(4). The Clergy of the Church of England database (CCEd) is an online database of clergy of the Church of England between 1540 and 1835. Some entries recorded under the surname spelt 'Ball' ; 'Bawll' and 'Balle'

(5). A History of the County of Gloucester: Volume 10, Westbury and Whitstone Hundreds. Originally published by Victoria County History, London, 1972 - Sub Heding Churches - Footnote Source 66:- Ibid. xlix, state of clergy 1584, f. 31; lii, state of clergy 1593, f. 3.

(6). See British History Online:- The Victoria County History of the County of Oxford, vol.VI ed Mary D Lobel Oxford University Press London 1959, p76

(7). This is Rev.William MEWE BD the son of William MEWE of Gloucester a graduate of Emmanual College Cambridge where he matriculated in 1618. He was awarded a BA degree in 1622; MA in 1623 and BD in 1633. He was ordained a deacon at Peterborough 22nd July 1627 and a priest 23rd july 1627. A member of the Westminster Assembly he was appointed Rector of Eastington on 7th May 1635 a position he held until about 1669

(8). Visitation of Gloucestershire 1623 (Ursula Browning page 32) and 1682-4 (William CLOTTERBOOK of Eastington page 15)

(9). Daniel FOWLER of Stone house was the father Anna FOWLER the wife of Richard CLOTTERBOOKE the eldest son of Robert BALL's 2nd wife Ursula CLOTTERBOOKE by her first marriage to William CLOTTERBOOKE of Eastington

(10). John BROWNING Gent. Robert's 2nd wife Ursula's maiden name was BROWNING and her pedigree is recorded in the 1623 Visitation of Gloucestershire - see link ay (8) above. John Browning was her brother

(11). Note:- the 1682-4 Visitation refers to her father as being Thomas Browning of Cowley but is in my view less likely to be accurate than her own family tree compiled in 1623

(12). Rev. Edmund WESTON (d.1570) (Source 3 above) Bachelor of Canon Law 19th Nov 1532; perhaps vicar of St Martin's-in-the-Fields; resigned 1539, and canon of Westminster 1542. (Source 4 above) Installed Archdeacon of Lewes 11th Jan 1560; made residnet Prebendary Chichester Cathedral 17 Aug 1561; Warden Chichester 23rd April 1567; Canon 10th Oct 1569 ; Death recorded 15th April 1570. See also Cambridge Alumni Pens: Queens c 1545 etc

(13). Parish Marriage Register for Melcombe Regis St Mary's held at Dorset History center Ref: PE/MCR:RE1/2. Shown under the year 1619 - Entry:-"John BALLE of Langton and Sarah PITT of this P [ar] ish were married".

(14). Municipal Records of Dorchester Page 615 & Somerset & Dorset Notes and Queries Vol vi p190

(15). There are documents held at the Dorset History Centre worth further investigation concerning Samuel Ball and property at Holton [East Holton] situated on the coast abt 5k south of Lytchett Matravers e.g. " Samuel Ball to John Reekes, assignment of land in Holton - Ref D/RGB/11658 1650" ; Samuel Ball and Thomas Fletcher sale agreement, Holton D/RGB/11630 1664; -Samuel Ball to Andrew Combe, lease of East Holton Farm D/RGB/11657 1662; Short title: Trenchard v Ball. Plaintiffs: Hannah Trenchard. Defendants: Samuel Ball. Subject: property in Holton, Dorset .Document type: bill, answer.C 6/152/223 1661; Obligation Henry and John Reekes of West Morden to Samuel Ball of Holton D/RGB/11632; Samuel Ball and others to Thomas Fletcher, release of land in Holton D/RGB/11664 - 1678: John Reekes and Samuel Ball articles of agreement for letting tenement in Holto D/RGB/11659; Samuel Ball and others to Thomas Fletcher, lease of lands in Holton D/RGB/11668 - 1678

(16). Dictionary of National Biography for Robert WESTON (1515-1573) Pages 1281/2 extract 'born probably about 1515 who was the third son of John WESTON of Rugeley' also ' His duties as lord justice prevented him attending as closely as he desired to his court, and in August 1568 he requested that John BALL MA student of civil law of Christ Church Oxford might be sent over to assist him (Cal. State Papers, Irel. Eliz.i.384). His request seems to have been complied with (Index, Cal. Fiants, Eliz)' - Also MP Lichfield 1559.
ALSO:- The Correspondence of Reginald Pole: A biographical companion: the British Isles Page 574 also refers to his brother James see (17) below.
ALSO: Enforcing the English Reformation in Ireland : by James Murray (2011) Page 280 Extracts:- 'Apart from Archbishop Loftus and Dean WESTON themselves, it also included WESTON's brother James, an experienced diocesan administrator based in England, who at this point, seemed destined to join him in Ireland to help with the reform of the church. All three were on the commission quarum----' and in footnote 56 'patent Rolls 1566-69 pp.173-4. James WESTON had partnered his brother as diocesan registrar in the Coventry and Lichfield Administration before the latter came over to Ireland. It is likely that Robert had envisioned that James would play a similar partnering role in the Dublin diocesan administration and the High commission. For some reason, possibly because Robert felt that he would be better served by leaving him behind to look after his property interests in their native Lichfield, James never came to Ireland. When this decision was made, probably in the late summer of 1568, WESTON turned to his nephew , John BALL the son of 'my sister BALL' to help him with the reformation of the Irish Church. James remained behind and administered the leases of several parsonages and prebends belonging to Robert, which the latter eventually bequeathed to his wife Alice, his son John and his daughter Audrey (O'Day, Role of the registrar' pp84, 90-1)
ALSO: His will is available to view on ancestry.com PROB 11/1567/8 Piece 55 Peter 1573
ALSO: Elizabeth I and Ireland edited by Brendan Kane and Valerie McGowan-Doyle p. 295
ALSO: 'Dead Anglican Theologians Society' short extract :- 'In the late 1560s and the early 1570s, Loftus oversaw his campaign to re-establish the Reformation in Dublin, along with the Lord Chancellor, Robert Weston, and the Vicar General of the Diocese, John Ball. Weston (1515-1573) was a lawyer and a former MP for Exeter (1553) and Lichfield (1558). From 1546 to 1549, he was the principal of Broadgate Hall, later Pembroke College, Oxford, where John Jewel found a home after being evicted from Corpus Christ College. In 1551, he became Chancellor to Miles Coverdale as the new Bishop of Exeter. Although Weston was a layman, he succeeded Loftus as Dean of Saint Patrick’s in 1567, and was Dean of Wells Cathedral in commendam from 1570 until his death in 1573, when he was buried in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.'
ALSO: The History and Antiquities of the Church and City of Lichfield by thomas Harwood: Footnote:- Page 362 "Robert WESTON lived at Weeford and died Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 1573. He was descended from the Westons of Weston-under-lizard and son of John WESTON of Lichfield". John Ball as Bailiff in 1550 and 1556 see pages 419 and 420; Rents owing on Conduit St in 1551 see page 387

(17). James WESTON See British History On Line 'Lichfield: Town Government', in A History of the County of Stafford: Volume 14, Lichfield, ed. M W Greenslade (London, 1990), pp. 73-87 http://www.british-history.ac.uk/vch/staffs/vol14/pp73-87. (See Comments at 16 above)

(18). Rev. John BALL (b. circa 1537) [Research Notes:- Church records at this date leave a lot to be desired as many are fragmentary but it is possible that he may have served his curacy at St Oswald's in Chester. By piecing together a number of entries it appears that the Vicar was the Rev Roger Bennett who appears to have served the parish from 1554 to 1572. With him in 1554 is his curate Johannes Ball which infers that he arrived that year with the vicar. Whilst not conclusive it does suggest that St Oswald's may have been his first posting after ordination. By 1565 there is a new Curate at St Oswald's, the Rev Robert Barker. This record states that his stipend is being paid for by the vicar so presumably this was the case with Johannes Ball as well. John's alumni record goes on to suggest that he may have been vicar of Payhembury in Devon but I think this is unlikely as church records for this particular John Ball show that he was appointed as vicar on 5th June 1568 but his post became vacant by natural death in 1582. In my view he is more likely to have been Vicar at Chipping Sodbury in Gloucestershire, as a John Balle features as being resident there as Vicar during the 1561 clerical survey. Most records for Chipping Sodbury however only survive post 1600 so these are clues to support later research rather than conclusive proof.]

(19). Charter of Edward VI dated 8th July 1548. The Lichfield Book of Days by Neil Coley ; The History and Antiquities of the Church and City of Lichfield: By Thomas Harwood List of 26 signatories

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