The African Who Should Have Been an American

Fans of History Channel series The Curse of Oak Island probably know the name Samuel Ball.

Samuel Ball was an ex-slave who escaped from a North Carolina plantation in the 18th century. He escaped when he was a mere eleven years old. He fought on the side of the British during the Revolutionary War. When the Americans won he relocated to Nova Scotia.

Some time during his life in America, he had spent time on a privateer or pirate ship. By the time of his death, he was the largest landholder in Nova Scotia. This is why he looms so large over the series. I strongly believe Samuel Ball knew of the treasure through his years as a pirate on the Atlantic seaboard. Given the growth of his fortune over his life a strong case can be made for the theory Samuel Ball used the “Oak Island Treasury” to build a future for himself and his family.

I have done a bit of research on the life of Samuel Ball. Unfortunately, there is little available information. The fact he escaped from slavery as an eleven year old boy and died a rich man is a narrative to be admired. I wanted to know more, but there was little information. I felt his story could be so inspirational if it had more detail.

In fact, the details of this man’s life must be amazing. What he endured as a child, as a slave, and then a fugitive could only be harrowing. He could only have borne enormous hatred for those who had enslaved him. There is no wonder he fought against the American Colonies in the Revolutionary War. The defeat of the British was likely a bitter pill but he moved on.

Samuel Ball lands on his feet in Nova Scotia. He buys land and makes a life on Oak Island. He is the largest land owner in Nova Scotia upon his death…

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