Thomas was born in 1837 in Banks to Barnaby Ball and Ann Banks. Barnaby was a farmer at Bonny Barn, Banks Marsh in 1851. Thomas was 13 at that time and worked on the farm.

Thomas married Mary Johnson on 14th August 1860 and they lived at Charnleys Lane in Banks. Thomas was a gardener. However, by 1864, they had moved to New Cut Lane in Halsall and Thomas was a farmer of 64 acres. This is a painting of the area on Halsall Moss where Thomas’ Farm was situated. We have not found a photograph of Thomas yet. 

The couple had 4 children – John, Ann, Ellen and Thomas. Thomas senior was one of the older men elected to the first Halsall Parish Council.  He died two years later, on 20th August 1896 at the age of 57 years. His funeral was held at St. Cuthbert’s Church, Halsall on 22nd August 1896 and was performed by Canon Thomas Blundell.