Abstract The John Ball papers include the working files of this early pioneer of Western Michigan, who was a land speculator, political leader, lawyer and teacher. Included are correspondence, telegrams, certificates, circulars, diaries, legal papers, deeds, contracts, leases, account books, account sheets, memorandums, meteorology records, speeches and various other materials. Ball was a traveler, and his diaries and correspondences provide detailed information about his trip through the...