Ball Knob Cemetery

Duane's take

The way the marker at Ball Knob Cemetery tells it, here's what you need to know. The land goes back to James Ball, Senior, born in 1789, died in 1867, a man the marker calls a member of a pioneer family. His ground, his story.

For years, that land served as a burial place for family and friends, the kind of quiet, steady purpose that outlasts almost everything else a piece of earth can be used for. Then, in 1890, J.S. and Nancy Ball deeded it over to the Audubon community; passing it from family hands into the keeping of the wider neighborhood. And the story didn't stop there.

In 1962, it was incorporated as a cemetery association, giving it the kind of formal standing that tends to carry things forward. From one man's land in 1789 to a community trust standing in Wise County today, Ball Knob Cemetery has been holding its ground, and its people, for a long, long time.

What the marker says

Land originally owned by James Ball, Sr. (1789-1867), member of pioneer family. Used as burial ground for family and friends. Deeded 1890, by J.S. and Nancy Ball to Audubon community. Incorporated as cemetery association 1962.