GOD & TEXAS: Ideal Citizens

The history of Texas is filled with salacious accounts of gunslingers, human traffickers, gamblers, and corrupt politicians. The following observation by historian V.V. Masterson could have portrayed many towns in Texas when he described Skiddy Street in Denison in 1873: “Here were the tented gambling halls, the hurdy-gurdy joints, lowest class saloons, cockfighting pits, variety houses, and the deadly ‘dovecotes’ that served as houses of prostitution for all races, colors, and creeds.”

Immigrants came to Texas for many reasons. Some were on the run from the law or their in-laws. Others were seeking adventure and exploration. But most simply wanted a better quality of life for their family in a land of new beginnings.

Thomas Henry Ball was the son of an ordained Methodist minister. Born in Northumberland County, Virginia, in 1819, Thomas earned his ministerial ordination and served as pastor in Prince Georges County, Maryland. He married Susan Perrie, who died while giving birth to their fourth child.

Ball was invited to serve on the faculty of Andrew Female College in Huntsville, Texas. The college was founded in 1852 by the growing Methodist Church organization and provided women with a classical education plus instruction in music, art, and textile product development. In 1855, Ball moved to Huntsville with his mother and children. Initially he served as professor of Moral and Intellectual Philosophy and the Natural Sciences. Over time, he became known as one of Texas’ earliest and most influential Christian educators.

After being promoted to president in 1855, Ball married Mariah Obedience Spivey Cleveland who was also on the faculty at the college. In 1858, he was serving as the president, trustee, and professor when he contracted typhoid fever. He died at the young age of 39, within weeks of the birth of his son, Thomas (Tom) Henry Ball, Jr.

Orphaned at the age of six, Tom became known as an outspoken Christian who advocated for prohibition, and boosted the development of the Houston ship channel. He served as mayor of Huntsville for three terms, before moving to Houston and entering politics. He was admitted to the bar in 1888, while his wife Minnie directed an orphanage in Huntsville.

Tom loved the area around Peck, Texas, which was northwest of Houston. He was instrumental in bringing the railroad to this small town which served to increase business development. To honor Tom for his efforts, the officials of Peck changed the name of their town to Tomball in 1907.

The Ball family represents ideal citizens of faith, integrity, and patriotism. No scandal. No rumors of shame or disgrace. Just upright townsfolk who added value and wholesomeness to their community.

The Apostle Paul summed up the life of a good citizen in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 NIV, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.”

May this be our goal, too.

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