In 1894 registration of deaths in Boston, M. Ball's father, J. Ball Sr., is listed as being from Jamaica, West Indies.
Division of Vital Statistics , Registration of Deaths Year 1894 (Boston: Division of Vital Statistics, 1894), 447:510
NAME AND SURNAME OF DECEASED Martha V. Ball
SEX (and COLOR if other than white). F.
CONDITION (whether single, married, or widowed) S.
AGE.
Years. 83
Months. 7
Days.
DISEASE, OR CAUSE OF DEATH. (Primary and secondary cause.) Heart Dis.
RESIDENCE, AND PLACE OF DEATH, and Burial (if elsewhere). 82 Montgomery St.
OCCUPATION.
PLACE OF BIRTH.
NAMES AND BIRTHPLACE OF PARENTS (Maiden name of mother.)
Names. Joseph
Birthplace. Jamaica W I