Thomas Henry Ball

Thomas Henry Ball (born 14 January 1859 in Huntsville, Texas, † May 7, 1944 in Houston, Texas ) was an American politician.

Ball, whose parents had died when he was six years old, grew up with his uncle, a Confederate war veterans on. He studied law at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville. After his admission to the legal profession, he began to practice in Huntsville. In 1887 he was elected mayor of Huntsville. He held this post for three terms from 1887 to 1892.

Ball was elected as a Democrat to Congress and represented there from March 4, 1897 until his resignation on November 16, 1903 his home state in the U.S. House of Representatives. Then returned to his former profession and practiced in Huntsville. 1902 moved over to Houston. In 1914 he tried in vain to obtain the nomination for Democratic candidate for governor. He was defeated in this case James E. Ferguson, who later also became governor.

Ball was married to Minnie F. Thomason since 1882. The couple had six children, three of which were adopted.

The City of Tomball was named after him in 1907.