Thanks Kathleen for the information on the Downman family.   I understand that William Downman & Ann Ball (whom you mentioned in your post below) are the parents of Traverse Downman who married Grace Ball, daughter of George Ball & Grace Haynie.  Grace Ball had a sister named Sarah Ball who married Christopher Dameron (they are my ancestors -- Christopher Dameron was son of Bartholomew Dameron & Elizabeth Garlington).   Additionally, there was a sister named Harris Ball who also married a Downman.   Do you or anyone on this List know who Harris Ball married (see record transcription below mentioning "Harris Downman")? I believe Traverse Downman who married Grace Ball had a niece named Mildred Downman (daughter, I think of Robert Downman & Elizabeth Porteus) who married Thomas Ball, son of George Ball, Jr., (son of George Ball, Sr. & Grace Haynie).   Can you or anyone else confirm this is true?  A record below identifies Thomas Ball as "junior" thereby meaning there must have been an older Thomas Ball.   However, I'm not sure who that would be as I don't show any sons named Thomas for George Ball, Sr. & Grace Haynie.   Any ideas? I'm pasting a couple of records of interest below. Thanks! David Know all men by ye presents that we Traverse Downman and Grace his wife in the Parish of St. Stephens the county of Northumberland are held and firmly bound unto George Ball of the Parish of Wicomoco of the county aforesaid  in the full and just sum of 800 pounds Current Money of Virginia to be paid unto the said George Ball his heirs Executors & Administrators____ to the which payment ___ ____ ___ truly to be made and done we bind ourselves our heirs our Executors  and Administrators ___ firmly by these presents sealed with our own hand and dated this fifth day of October 1754. The condition of this above obligation is such that whereas the above bounded Traverse Downman and Grace his wife doth covenant and agree with the above said George Ball that for the natural love and affection that they have unto their children and other good causes they do agree that immediately after Death of the above said Traverse Downman and Grace his wife that one third part of the twelve Negros that came by the said Grace his wife viz. Frank, James, Abraham, Jane, Judy, ____, Dinah, Tabitha, Milly, _____, Emanuel, and Cloe and their future increase should be equally divided between Ann and Mary Downman daughters of the said Traverse and Grace his wife and the child or children that shall be hereafter be begot by the said Traverse in the body of the said Grace his wife and their children be in case the said Ann and Mary and the child or children that shall be hereafter be begot  by the said Traverse of the body of Grace his wife should all of them depart this life without leaving any child or children that then immediately after the death of the said Mary and Ann and the child or children if there should be any born as aforesaid that then ye said one third part of the aforesaid twelve Negros and their future increase should be immediately equally divided between George David & Joseph Ball and Harris Downman Brothers and Sisters to the said Grace and their Heirs.   Now know ye that if the said Traverse Downman and Grace his Wife their Heirs Executors and Administrators Ye shall well and truly in all things fulfill and keep the above said Condition and Agreement then that ye above obligation to be void and of non effect otherwise to be and remain in full force power and virtue. Signed Sealed and Delivered in presence of Bartho Dameron                                                                                       Traverse Downman (seal) Ann Dameron (her mark)                                                                     Grace Downman (her mark) Grace Dameron (her mark) Source:  Northumberland County Record Book, Volume 3, , 1753-1756, Page 153-154. FHL Film #32673. Notes:  Bartholomew Dameron & Grace Dameron both mentioned in June 28, 1763 will of Christopher Dameron who married Sarah Ball.  Ann Dameron not mentioned; therefore, presume she may have died prior to the writing of the will.    Deed Book 10:   354-(533) Thomas Ball Jr & his wife Mildred of Amelia Co to Richard Lanier of Brunswick Co.   1 Aug 1771.   40 Pounds VA.   100 acres in St. Andrew Parish, joining Hugh Williams, sd Richard Lanier, James Quarles, Xpher Haskins, as by deeds from Joshua Draper & Sampson Caudle to sd John Caudle.  Wit:  Hugh Williams, Christ Dameron, Moses Quarles, James Quarles, Persons Anderson.    Source:  Dr. Stephen E. Bradley, Jr., “Brunswick County, Virginia Deed Books, Volume 5, 1770-1775, p. 51”  Notes:  I believe this Thomas Ball, Jr. (why Jr.?) was son of George Ball, Jr. & grandson of George Ball, Sr.   I think his wife may have been Mildred Downman, daughter of Robert Downman & Elizabeth Porteus.   Christopher Dameron mentioned as witness was son of Bartholomew Dameron & Anne Morehead and a grandson to Christopher Dameron who married Sarah Ball.