1872 to 1923 |
Dr. William B. Ball
|
Born a Slave
William Baton Ball was born into slavery on February 15, 1844, in Danville, Kentucky. As a boy, he lived for several years near Columbia, Tennessee, with Lee Ball, a bachelor and slave trader. As a youngster of 12 or 13 years, he traveled throughout the South with his master.
In the Fight for Freedom
Dr. Ball affiliated with the Union forces early in the Civil War, when it was customary for blacks to work as servants to white officers, and Ball was assigned to Major Darius Warner of the 113th Ohio Infantry. In the battle of Chickamauga, Warner was wounded, and Ball escorted him home to London, Ohio.
Then in February of 1865, after the federal government at last began to recruit black to serve as soldiers, Ball officially enlisted in the 16th Colored Infantry. The war came to an end, then while stationed in Columbus, Ohio, Ball was assigned guard duty as President Lincoln’s funeral train came through. Ball often told the story of how he passed out from exhaustion during the tragic procession.
Then in February of 1865, after the federal government at last began to recruit black to serve as soldiers, Ball officially enlisted in the 16th Colored Infantry. The war came to an end, then while stationed in Columbus, Ohio, Ball was assigned guard duty as President Lincoln’s funeral train came through. Ball often told the story of how he passed out from exhaustion during the tragic procession.
Buffalo Soldier
Late in 1866 Ball re-enlisted. Congress had authorized several regiments of African Americans for Western duty, to
defend settlers who were moving onto the Great Plains. The Indians called the black soldiers Buffalo Soldiers—a term of respect because of the soldiers’strength and courage in battle. He served for three years in the 38th and 24th
U.S. Infantry Regiments. He rose to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant.
defend settlers who were moving onto the Great Plains. The Indians called the black soldiers Buffalo Soldiers—a term of respect because of the soldiers’strength and courage in battle. He served for three years in the 38th and 24th
U.S. Infantry Regiments. He rose to the rank of Company Quartermaster Sergeant.
Educator
He decided to remain in the San Antonio area. Soon he was boarding with the family of Rev. Moses Johns in New Berlin and teaching recently freed slaves in several one-room country schools. Then, in 1871, he moved to Seguin, where he organized the first school for African-American students within the town’s limits. He named it the Abraham Lincoln School. Ball served as principal and teacher from 1871 to 1906. The Lincoln School became part of the Seguin school district in 1892 when it included grades 1 through 9. The facility was renamed Ball High in honor of its founder in 1925.
Clergyman
While Ball was teaching, he also trained for the ministry. He was licensed to preach in September 1875 and served Baptist churches in Luling, Zion Hill, Capote and San Antonio.
His notable achievement was as pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Seguin, which he led from 1886 to 1923, a total of 37 years. Rev. Ball influenced many people with his teaching, preaching and dynamic personality. He has been described as a “true and tried leader whose advice and counsel was sought by many.”
His notable achievement was as pastor of the Second Baptist Church in Seguin, which he led from 1886 to 1923, a total of 37 years. Rev. Ball influenced many people with his teaching, preaching and dynamic personality. He has been described as a “true and tried leader whose advice and counsel was sought by many.”
Leader
As a leading minister, Rev. Ball became closely involved in the founding of Guadalupe College, a Baptist institution of higher learning for African Americans that opened its doors in Seguin in 1887. He served as teacher, financial agent and a member of the Board of Trustees before taking over as President from 1906 to 1914. He was also a longtime friend of Col. George W. Brackenridge of San Antonio, a supporter of the college. Upon his retirement, Dr
Ball was named President Emeritus. He continued to live in the college president’s home until his death.
Ball was named President Emeritus. He continued to live in the college president’s home until his death.
Family Man
On March 21, 1872, Ball married Rachel Ellen Cartwright. Ten children were born to this union. Dr. Ball died at his home on Court Street on January 26, 1923.
Farewell to a Visionary
Funeral services were held both at the home and at the Second Baptist Church. A large processional of mourners escorted his body to Riverside Cemetery. His obituary described him as “a good, law-abiding citizen, respected and
revered by his own race, and with many friends among the white people.” The marker in Riverside Cemetery reads
simply: Dr. W. B. Ball, Soldier, Educator
(Historical Reference: Anne Brawner)
revered by his own race, and with many friends among the white people.” The marker in Riverside Cemetery reads
simply: Dr. W. B. Ball, Soldier, Educator
(Historical Reference: Anne Brawner)
Class of 1949: The Vision
The impetus for the first Lincoln-Ball High Reunion was the Class of 1949, which held its first Reunion July 8-10, 1987. The Reunion had a format of an attitude adjustment activity on Friday night, a dance on Saturday night and a barbecue on Sunday evening. On Sunday morning, the group attended church together. Mr. Clarence Little spearheaded this historical event.
THE LINCOLN SCHOOL |
BALL HIGH SCHOOL |
A group of black Baptists founded the Lincoln School on N. Saunders Street in the 1880’s. For many years it was headed by William Ball. The school was re-named in his honor in 1925.
Later a new campus was built for Ball High. First on June 19, 1939, a swimming pool and combination gymnasium-auditorium were opened. After that gym was destroyed by fire, a new gym was built and new classrooms were added in the 1950’s.
The old building on Saunders Street was demolished. A new building on the site became an elementary school. It was named for Lizzlie M. Burgess, herself a longtime black teacher. The new high school for black students was located a few blocks to the north, between Krezdorn and San Antonio Streets.
During the 1940’s and 50’s, Ball High School compiled a winning record in many sports. This was despite the hardships of discrimination during the years when schools were racially segregated by law. One former student recalls that the white teams from Seguin High rode to their out-of-town games in school buses, while the Ball High team rode in the back of a truck.
Seguin’s black schools were also very successfully academically. Many graduates went on to attend college. Others went on to careers in the military or the civil service. These students overcame considerable obstacles to success. During the years when schools through the South were segregated between blacks and whites, Seguin had, in effect three separate school systems. When new textbooks were bought, they went to the white schools. After a
few years of wear and tear, new books would come and the old ones were sent to the Juan Seguin School for Spanish-speaking students at Lizzlie Burgess and the black students at Ball High.
The ugly lie of “separate but equal” treatment ended when local schools were fully integrated in 1966. At that time, the Ball High building was converted into an elementary school. The 1950’s gym remains, with its striking modernist arches visible from San Antonio Street.’
Later a new campus was built for Ball High. First on June 19, 1939, a swimming pool and combination gymnasium-auditorium were opened. After that gym was destroyed by fire, a new gym was built and new classrooms were added in the 1950’s.
The old building on Saunders Street was demolished. A new building on the site became an elementary school. It was named for Lizzlie M. Burgess, herself a longtime black teacher. The new high school for black students was located a few blocks to the north, between Krezdorn and San Antonio Streets.
During the 1940’s and 50’s, Ball High School compiled a winning record in many sports. This was despite the hardships of discrimination during the years when schools were racially segregated by law. One former student recalls that the white teams from Seguin High rode to their out-of-town games in school buses, while the Ball High team rode in the back of a truck.
Seguin’s black schools were also very successfully academically. Many graduates went on to attend college. Others went on to careers in the military or the civil service. These students overcame considerable obstacles to success. During the years when schools through the South were segregated between blacks and whites, Seguin had, in effect three separate school systems. When new textbooks were bought, they went to the white schools. After a
few years of wear and tear, new books would come and the old ones were sent to the Juan Seguin School for Spanish-speaking students at Lizzlie Burgess and the black students at Ball High.
The ugly lie of “separate but equal” treatment ended when local schools were fully integrated in 1966. At that time, the Ball High building was converted into an elementary school. The 1950’s gym remains, with its striking modernist arches visible from San Antonio Street.’
Lizzie M. Burgess
|
20th Century EducationPublic Schools
Lizzie M. Burgess On the grounds of Lizzie M. Burgess began the history of Black public education, for it was on this site that the Abraham Lincoln and Ball High School buildings stood. A state Historical Marker honoring Black education in Seguin is affixed to the site of Lizzie M. Burgess School. Her name continues the heritage of Black education in Seguin. She was born March 4, 1883 on a 101 acrefarm to Harry and Mary Burgess. Her entire education was at Abraham Lincoln School and Guadalupe College, where she earned a B.A. in 1904. She taught at the Lincoln School forforty-four years under seven principals: Dr. William Baton Ball, Spencer Adams, F. W. White,J. W. Wesley, G. D. Giddings, S. W. Thompson and W. M. Ellison. One of her students went on to become the last principal of Black public education in Seguin, Mr. Henry F. Wilson, who served from 1945 until integration was effected in 1966. She was a devoted member of Second Baptist Church and walked to church every Sunday from her home on Jefferson St. Seguin,Tx. For forty years she sang in the choir and taught Sunday School. She never married, On February 23, 1948 Miss Lizzie M. Burgess died. Today, she rests alongside others members of her family in Riverside Cemetery. (Reference: Under the Live Oak Tree, Chapter 10) |
THE FIRST LINCOLN-BALL HIGH REUNION
In the late summer of 1985 seven members of the class of 1939 gathered at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Frank Richards on Jefferson Avenue in Seguin, Texas. This lawn party was organized by classmate Odessa Wilson Harris. Seven classmates from the class of 1969 were present.
|
Harry Burns initiated the idea of a Lincoln-Ball High School Reunion. All agreed to this idea. Harry moved forward with the plan and by the end of summer 1985, a meeting was held at the Community Council, Senior Citizen Center on Zorn Street, Seguin, Texas. Officers were elected; committees chosen, everyone worked hard to make the first Lincoln-Ball High Reunion a success. Approximately 400 people attended the initial reunion.
|
FIRST REUNION OFFICERS
Harry V. Burns -- President, Class 1939
Clarence Jackson -- Vice President, Class of 1952
Henry F. Wison -- Local Coordinator, Class of 1932
Rose Richards Morris -- Secretary, Class of 1936
Odell Fennell, Sr. -- Treasurer, Class of 1936
Jacqueline Thomas Crayton -- Assistant Secretary, Class of 1963
James Crunk -- Parade Marshall, Class of 1957
Arthur E. Little -- Financial Assistant, Class of 1957
Mary Blanche Houston -- Historical Exhibit Chairman, Class of 1932
Mary Merriweather -- Social Chairman, Class of 1962
Carol Gonzales Sheppard -- Souvenir Book, Class of 1963
|
|
CURRENT REUNION OFFICERS
Ella A. Saine -- President
Patricia Redix -- Vice President
Marie Durst -- Secretary
Janet Antwine -- Treasurer
James Crunk -- Chaplain
Marie Sutton Durst -- Sunshine
Jamesetta McKnight -- Scholarship Chair
Jewel Lewis -- Decorations
|
|
Honoring one of our best
|
Member the Ball High Alumni attended and represented Coach Leslie "Goldie" Harris at the dedication of the Seguin High School Gymnasium named after Coach Harris.
|
Ball High Athletics
PRESS RELEASE: 1947
BALL HIGH GIRLS TOPS IN STATE
TRACK MEET AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M COLLEGE
BALL HIGH GIRLS TOPS IN STATE
TRACK MEET AT PRAIRIE VIEW A&M COLLEGE
Prairie View, Texas. The Ball High School Girls' Track Team, Under the direction of Coach "Goldie" Harris, engtered the 200 yard relay and 50-yard dash. They won first place and set a world record for the relay. This record was held for eight months. In the 50-yard dash, Ora Lee Corley placed third in the State meet. The relay team inorder of line-up were:
Mary Ryan (Bellesen)
Minnie Corley
Marie Ketchum (Taylor)
Ora Lee Corley
Frances marie Ryan (Alternate)
Minnie Corley
Marie Ketchum (Taylor)
Ora Lee Corley
Frances marie Ryan (Alternate)
|
|
Ball High School Seguin 6-AA District Champs
|
Ball High School played its first football game in 1931.
|
These clippings were saved by Mrs Emma Pearl Thomas-Tyrone.
|
1950 District Championship
ABOUT THE SCHOLARSHIP FUND"Continuing the Legacy and Affirming the Vision"
Purpose: To continue the legacy of the founder Dr. Ball and those educators, administrators and support staff who plowed the ground for seeds to be sown. The establishment of a scholarship fund would provide for our legacies to "affirm the vision", and we could continue the legacy.
July 2008: Mrs. Lena Coleman contributed initial $5,000 to establish fund. Other Funding: Contributions of $8,000 from teh LBHS Alumni & ex-students, $1,700 from the VFW Post 6798, $400 from the Seguin Citizens Scholarship Fund, $500 from Marilyn Ball in memory of Frankie Ball, and $250 from UHS Neurological Systems in memory of Mrs. Gladys Perryman. Dr. Diana Burns-Banks contributionsin memory of Harry V. Burns. July 2010: CHALLENGE FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF 501c3 DESIGNATION by Mrs Lena Wilson. $50,000 would be donated if the designation was obtained. Feb 2012: LBHS Alumni & Ex-Student Association was designated 501c3 and Mrs. Lena D. Wilson made a major contribution of $50,000 to the fund. Awards since inceptions: $16,500 |
From Humble Beginnings, Seguinite Has Legacy of Helping
Click Image to View
|