Wilford Woodruff refers to Ball as "elder."

Date: Dec 12, 1839
Type: Personal Journal / Diary
Source: Wilford Woodruff
LDS
Hearsay: Holograph
Direct
Reference: Wilford Woodruff, Journal, December 12, 1839, MS 1352, Church History Library
Scribe/Publisher: Wilford Woodruff
People: Wilford Woodruff, Joseph Ball, Parley P. Pratt
Audience: Reading Public
Transcription: I attended a conference in Mott st 58 at P. P. Pratts In the Case of Elder Joseph Ball & as a number of accusations were brought against him
Source Link: https://catalog.churchofjesuschrist.org/assets?id=adc523d5-d74b-42ec-930a-557fdc7d05a2&crate=0&index=128
Citations in Mormonr Qnas: Black Saints and the Priesthood (Brigham Young/Early Utah era)
Black Saints and the Priesthood (1895–1978)
Black Saints and the Priesthood (Joseph Smith era)