Samuel Ball

http://oakislandsociety.ca/samuel-ball-man-substance-oak-island-176...

Born a slave, Samuel Ball came to Nova Scotia as a United Empire Loyalist in approximately 1791.

"Samuel Ball, a Black Man" as described in his marriage certificate, lived in Shelburne for two years and then in Chester for twenty-three years. In 1809, Ball received permission to occupy a vacant lot on Oak Island.

"1846. Will of Samuel Ball, Oak Island, Book 1, pg.37, Dated 1 Oct. 1841, Probated 5 Jan. 1846, wit. John Barkhouse Sr., James Brewer, George Keddy and John Zwicker, Gold River. Executors Rev. Joseph Dimock, Anthony Vaughan and wife Catherine. After funeral expenses etc.

I Give my wife, Catherine, the furniture, wearing apparel and all Real and Personal Estate during her life. First, situated and lying between lands owned by John Berghaus and Daniel Mc Innis, containing about 100 acres; also an Island called Hook Island containing 3 acres, all my farm at Oak Island containing ?? acres more or less. All Cultivated Land during her life and then to Mrs. Best until her decease.

Grandson, Simeon, to have the half of the 100 acre lot between John Barkhouse and Daniel Mc Innis, the Ploughed Land, house and barn from John Mc Innis's line.

I give all my real estate and personal estate, the half of the 100 acre lot to my servant Isaac Butler, if he takes the name Ball, if he dies without male issue it is to go to friend Henry Joudrey's son, Alexander William, and if he dies without male issue to Isaac Parsons' son. None shall possess same unless they take the name Ball.

Mrs. Elizabeth Best to be comfortably maintained during her life, and if she should survive his wife she is to have control of house and farm during her life.

If the grandson dies without male issue the land results in Isaac Butler. After the decease of wife and Mrs Best, the Executors to give cattle to the amount of £ 15 to the Bible Society.