Horgan, firstly do you subscribe to either Ancestry or Findmypast as there are a lot of records available for James Thomas Ball. These include census records for him from 1871/81/91/1901/11 and 1939 war register. There are also available images of his military career.
He is on occasions referred to as Thomas or just James. He was one of 12 children born to Francis Ball and Emma (Louisa) Mascall/Maskell who married 25.12.1850 Hartlebury Worcs.
Let me know if yousubscibe before I post any more details.
John
Hi John yes I am on Ancestry and find my past allso I use myheritage and familytree, but I have not subscribed to them ,the only info I have on my grandfather James thomas Ball is he may of worked down the mines in Glamorgan but iv not herd if he was in the military but I'll have a look in that area ,iv found the name Francis Ball and Emma mascall/maskell !and my sister has said the Ball,s were English and the Horgans were from clonakilty cork ireland,I have found some of Elizabeth,s sister and brother went to Australia ie Catherine and James!,and iv found some of the decent,s of the children of Elisabeth and James Ball ie Frank Ball,s tree and I know we're winifred Ball is buried and Eileen Ball Francis Ball I remember as a child and Ruby wiiliams born Ball was my grandmother ,were I'm stuck is I have know info on Ruby,s husband william thomas williams it's like he never existed, as for my grate grandfather James thomas Ball I can't find much and the military part is a revelation ,thank you for your help from mel.