The Ball Family of the Potomac Ball Family through the Years 1654 -- 2004 ABOUT THE BALL FAMILY OF THE POTOMAC: 1654 - 2004 Several family histories have been written and extensive information has been disseminated about the John Ball family of the Potomac region of Virginia and Maryland. It was the present authors’ primary purpose to document more completely than previously the beginnings of the Ball family of Stafford County in colonial Virginia, and to attempt to utilize this information to identify an immigrant ancestor. A secondary purpose was to add significantly to present knowledge about the first six generations of the family, including their areas of migration, to assist present-day descendants in determining their connections to the family. A third purpose was to include most of the present knowledge of the various branches of the John Ball family, both published and unpublished, into one work for easy access. A fourth purpose was to correct erroneous information and interpretations in the existing Ball family genealogical record. The authors believe they have essentially achieved their goals.