The most remote mountain grave to date! Finding Francis Marion Ball-trying Kalkal hunting boots

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In this video Leo takes on his biggest challenge yet, Who knew Francis Marion Ball, who was killed in a shootout would be buried way way way up on top of a Kentucky mountain . But is he there? and who else is lost there? Or was all of this for nothing. Leo also tries out his new Kalkal hunting boots which he really needed for these extreme adventures.
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[@alanjones3874]

My Grandmother told me a story about 6 white mules carrying 3 shooting victims across a ridge to the road for pick up . They were each placed in a long basket and carried between two mules . Their coffins were later carried by the same mules to their place of rest . Since they were all kinfolk , she remembers walking behind the mules and how beautiful it all looked . Long , long ago . This was in Kentucky .

[@julieadamson2860]

I can’t imagine carrying those huge headstones up that mountain!

[@williamguillIII]

Most likely they used a Mule/Horse and wagon to get them up there.

[@julieadamson2860]

@@williamguillIII I hope so. That wore me out imagining how steep that mountain was to climb. My Grandparents are buried in KY up a mountain only half of that one. I couldn’t imagine!

[@shirleydenton4747]

I try to comment anytime I watch to help out. You are doing a great service for the Appalachian people to do these videos.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you

[@beverlydixon5921]

I enjoy these videos of these lost or forgotten cemetarys/graves..Good job very intresting.

[@beverlydixon5921]

Wow that's a narrow road

[@naomisgram1]

Your voice is very pleasant and easy to listen to!

[@danhutson3460]

I am 68 years old & having problems with my knees already & know there is no way I would ever be able to make that hike, regrettfully or just about any hike or walk for that matter. Where are those boots made? Always enjoy your videos & your story telling !

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank You. A company called Kalkal makes them.

[@edwardstroko4665]

Are those like Muck boots Leo?? Love the video!!😎💪🇺🇸🙏

[@thehillbillyfiles]

@@edwardstroko4665 similar yes and ty Edward!

[@eddiemoore8468]

There are countless Cemeteries across Eastern Kentucky In many different counties that are basically just about forgotten. I’m originally from Lawrence County, Kentucky Near, Louisa. My home area , where I grew up is near Charley. I grew up on a place Called Pack Fork. In that area, there are a number of Cemeteries that most people don’t know about. I know where a lot of them are and who are buried in a number of areas there. My Dad told me about a number of them and they are mostly forgotten.

[@conniebrown4244]

Good to know Mr ball isn't forgotten good to see the flowers

[@charlesroller5844]

It's a good thing you're part mountain goat Leo.

[@sadielevens1144]

❤❤❤❤❤Thank you for taking us old guys up the mountains.

[@williamguillIII]

Francis is my 4th cousin, 3x removed. He was married to Elizabeth "Lizzie" Hatfield, who also happens to be my 4th cousin, 3x removed. Lizzie died in 1949. Francis and Lizzie were married in 1911. They had one son, Theodore Roosevelt Ball (1913-1991) and also a stillborn baby girl on 30 January 1920. I wonder where Lizzie is buried?

[@CptScottandmajor7ths]

Elizabeth’s Father Jacob was the brother to my Great Grandfather John Phillip Hatfield. 😃

[@chuckmoseley1028]

Wow, Leo!! You need a hillbilly helicopter!! What an awesome video. Thank you for climbing that mountain!! ✌️😎

[@Softballmomma20]

Oh my goodness just watching made me tired. So I can imagine how you felt. I’m from Texas and I absolutely love y’all’s channel. Keep up the great content my friends!!

[@edwardstroko4665]

This channel has me going through old cemeteries across from my house. Found ww1 and Civil War graves already!! 😎💪🇺🇸🙏

[@dontaylor3039]

Ty Leo and Heather you both go above and beyond

[@JansFAMBAM]

Great job Leo&Heather because of the two of you people can find there lost love ones! God bless you

[@lockedinstreetracing6005]

The unknowns is because someone Vandalized most of the graves up there a few years back.They used Mules back in the day to help pack them in a wagon up there but that graveyard even once you get to the top there all around the mountain you gonna find mostly balls Blackburn’s up there But Marion was my great grandfather’s brother I’m pretty sure.

[@caligirlmisplaced9831]

God bless your heart. I use to climb hills every Sunday when I was a kid. But at 76 years old I'm could never do it now. But I get to watch you do it and I love it going up those hills with you.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for coming along. :-) We couldn't do this without you.

[@caligirlmisplaced9831]

@@thehillbillyfiles my pleasure

[@magacapwearer5910]

I love the sound of crunching leaves. Awesome job finding that cemetery. Thanks for the crunching.😊

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed

[@timothydurochia695]

It looks like it gets visitors up there with all the flowers on the Graves. Someone took the time to put a fence up. Great video Leo!!

[@tomhirons7475]

well looked after

[@user-rt8eh7et2v]

Like a little kid in the stream trying out the boots 😂😂😂😂 i was cracking up.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

It was fun. lol

[@ricktowery2321]

Leo you got to be a very tuff man to climb there mountains Like you do im65 years. Old now I probably couldn't find what you Do when I was 20

[@melindaschluter1669]

Please be careful going back down the mountain! ❤❤❤

[@traciwalls7099]

You are having waaaay too much fun tough testing those boots! Glad you like them!

[@sandyhawks5240]

Well that was nice of them to send you some boots. wish I had your energy. Thanks for going the extra mile to entertain us.

[@stephenwalker4809]

Your informative, fun videos have got me reading about the Hatfields and McCoys and I’ve just bought the series to watch over Christmas all in order to understand the history so I can really enjoy your videos on the subject. After that I’ll read up on the mine wars. You’ve both certainly sparked my interest in Hillbilly history! Thanks!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you. We really appreciate that

[@jbandle9252]

Thank you for going to the top of the mountain for the story!

[@DJoeClark]

Leo, buddy I owe ya one for climbing that mountain just to tell this story! Thank you. Great job w/ this one!

[@burningsandsexploration3711]

Wow! There must be some significance to going to so much trouble to bury people up there, and as recently as 2008. That would be quite a feat to get bodies up there unless the remains were cremated. It's always a wonderment to me to find these remote cemeteries. Thank you. It looks like someone has been trekking up there to leave flowers.

[@MarkGrago]

Leo, I FEEL YOU in those climbs up hills! I do the same thing here in Pennsylvania. My age is SLOWLY pulling ahead of me. 🤫😆

[@Lauren36984]

Forgot to say i love the boots!!!! They appear well made and I am checking Kalkal out for women.

[@betsyholway7500]

I love to see Leo's inner child turned loose. ❤

[@JohnCompton1]

Incredible to see some very kind folks mark those unknown graves with their homemade crosses. There is still plenty of kindness in this world it seems, if one looks hard enough. Thanks so much for sharing...

[@lockedinstreetracing6005]

That’s my family’s cemetery I’m kin to just about everyone up there that’s the one I told y’all when you first started your KZbin to check out. There is 3 flats up there that are graves actually there everywhere up there. My grandmother children are up there that died when they was babies her brothers is all up there. It goes to the top of the mountain and are graves from 1700 up there. If you wanna know the history of that graveyard let me know and I’ll take you back up there and show you around when you first go up in ballfork on the left the other graves are my grandpa and families too.

[@Itiswhatitis55]

I would love to know the history of the Dotson’s in those cemeteries.

[@sidneywaddell7765]

Agree you and Heather definitely go the extra mile!!!❤️

[@sherriekirby1585]

I was either fortunate or cursed, but I was able to go to some lost forgotten very old family cemeteries like this. A couple we had to literally crawl out of. All of them were very remote. I'm related to the Ball's & Bolling's in Buchanan Co, VA that borders Pikeville, Ky. Thanks for sharing this. There were a lot of shenanigans in the 1920's in those areas. I like the stories when you can find them

[@barbaramai7610]

Leo, you really earned your keep on this one! Thank you for your perseverance in order to tell this story. Noticing the flowers, I can't imagine making a trip up that mountain to place flowers on someone's grave! I agree that you are doing a great service for the Appalachian people. I enjoyed you testing your new boots in the icy water, reminded me of a kid splashing around in a rain puddle 😄😄 Great job, Leo and Heather!

[@christineberry3076]

Gave yourselves another day, walking!

[@emeraldstitcheswf]

You and Heather are documenting our history, and that is very important! As the family historian, I want to pass on as much information as possible. A dear friend goes with me to help Find A Grave. Everyone deserves to know where their family is.

[@pakedermsfavs9080]

Holy hill billy goat! ❤😂❤

[@thehillbillyfiles]

LMAO!!!

[@Lauren36984]

Leo,😢 what a fantastic story and to me well worth the hike. My knees are so bad , I couldn't have done what you did. I also am alot older these days. What a trip!!! The story was well worth it. My praises to Heather's research! What a great channel you both have here!! Thank you for hard work !it paid off with this story. Happy holidays everyone and may you and yours be blessed thid holiday season! Hugs.....❤

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you

[@decfamily314]

I got tired just watching you get up that mountain!! Definitely got your steps in that day!! Looks like some family gets up there by the floral arrangements but not a lot.

[@tracidavis8991]

You are amazing! You and your wife. you give respect and honor to people from the past and now. Much love..

[@marlenejohnson5461]

Great job Leo, stay safe!

[@SpringLusk005]

Thank y’all for doing this.

[@veronicathode1466]

Poor Francis Marion Ball; he died because of road rage.

[@scampbell3363]

Hey from Memphis. What a climb. It is amazing Leo thank you man.

[@stevenwhaley2411]

Got a lot of respect for you trudging up them mountains . I did that in Cataloochee Valley looking at grave yards up the mountain. Strenuous work and worried about black bears the whole time

[@milantoombs6696]

Great story Leo, did people live up there at one point? Can’t imagine just bringing people up that mountain to create different cemeteries!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I don't think anyone lived up there.

[@user-lf9rh8tb9c]

lEO, YOU AND HEATHER IS AMAZING!

[@user-yp7fe3kh8o]

Thanks!🪖🪖

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you!

[@indycharlie]

Hmm .. well I have to guess that some of these people , and that stone for Nora Allen . They used a cart and horse / mule to take them up . Somebody knows where he is , cause that fencing and flowers aren't too old . Well done , Leo !!

[@Glenda-LiveandLove]

I am related to some Ball’s. I have not yet confirmed I am related to this Ball. However the Father and Mothers names on the death certificate I have came across. I have about 5 Francis Marion’s in my family tree. I do have connections to Kentucky in my lineage. Thank you for you hard work with these mountains and videos. Once I have some what completed my research I plan to visit all known sites of my ancestral heritage. Thanks again, Glenda.

[@Glenda-LiveandLove]

@IDoItForTheHorse we might be related. I’m not positive. But as I said in my original comment above those name and this Coburn I have came across. I’m still trying to find confirmation. I did my DNA with MyHeritage. I’m curious if you have done DNA testing there as well. The possibilities!? Glenda

[@michaelbedinger4121]

I would imagine, it was almost dark when you got back to your truck. I would also imagine that you were dead ( no pun intended ) tired when you got back home. You raised a good point, how did people get a coffin ⚰️ or casket all the way up that mountain? I see that there are fairly new flowers on Mr. Ball's grave, and other graves. So the family takes somewhat good care of the cemetery, there is even a fence up there. Either the family is in superb physical condition, or they know a short cut up there, that you could have benefited from. Great video. Thank you very much Leo, for making that long, long climb up to that cemetery. Thank you very much Heather, for doing all that research. You both have a great day.

[@ramonaharris]

Leo, you need to start pulling your 4 wheeler for mountains like that. Thanks for going the extra mile!

[@racheallewis2437]

You were out there new boot scootin!!!

[@sherrilee230]

Thank you Leo for all you do just take it slow going up those mountains. God bless you and Heather

[@normajeanhedlund7429]

Leo and Heather, thank you so much for todays video. We (my husband Jim and I), look forward everyday to see what you have come up with next. From historic mines to feuds to gifting Christmas gifts to children. You two are our favorite couple on here. We are patreon members. Glad to help what we can. Merry Christmas

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank you. We couldn't do it without you.

[@veronicathode1466]

Wow, that's a long way to go. It is beautiful there.

[@michaelhaiden6718]

Leo your doing more than you know people are all over the world are looking to fill there family history your helping to make it easier

[@smooth50590]

Thank you so much for this story you share Leo. You sure are a hill climber!

[@gayeyount7948]

Beautiful places there on the mountain but I'm like you I couldn't see carrying a coffin all the way up there. Thank you for taking us along to these beautiful places. MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and Heather.

[@15thga87]

Leo the Mountain Goat!!!

[@cladqueen8054]

Fly under the radar , what a hike !!

[@margaretgarner853]

I just found you! I love these videos!

[@Tee-cl6dc]

I don't know if your title is true but being a Hunter from New England I have found many graves in Deep Mountain Woods . Northern Maine VT & NH ..Indain graves things you come across . I now live in Bluefield WV.

[@robcates2383]

Man, Leo, this is pretty incredible, I was going to say maybe they hauled the coffins up in a horse pulled wagon, but so many of these are relatively new!!!!

[@judypierce7028]

The boots are really neat Leo. I am so glad that your feet and lower legs will be covered while you are climbing the slide of a mountain. The story was so interesting. You do research just the way the I would Leo. I have been on many a mountain road looking for a Civil War battlefield or cemetery so I know what you go through to find these graves.

[@yarnenthusiast7480]

Leo, u looked like a little kid wading in the creek in ur gum boots - u deserve good boots - thank you to the person that sent them for you to try - Happy Holidays to you and Heather and all ur loved ones - Looking forward to a New Year with the Hillbillies 😃

[@abigailwolff8334]

Thanks for your efforts. Always good to remember the forgotten.🙏💚🙏💚🙏

[@larryhatfield7372]

My grandfather would go to Phelps horse trading and he said their was a deputy that if he liked the looks of your horse he would be waiting on you at the top of Callaway mountain, he would take your horse and everything else you owned and tell you not to come back to Phelps .

[@thehillbillyfiles]

I totally believe that. lol

[@cindyclark8983]

Wow, you really got your exercise on this trip. I cannot imagine hauling a coffin up that hill.

[@katerockhill7726]

It seems like there are an awful lot of "Unknown" markers there. I really don't know what would be normal, though. I really enjoy watching your 🎉 videos.

[@stevecurtiss46]

Great video Leo. TYhanks for climbing that hill.

[@kellyjones3587]

Love the boots! Definitely need these

[@belindaturnersmith5610]

Another interesting video. The boots looked awesome, great demonstration, Leo…I’m going to look into purchasing a pair or two.

[@jamy8575]

These you show at 16 minutes have very small sapling trees growing amongst the graves- It was cared for up until maybe 20 years ago with no trees above 20 rings. I found a grave yard with 60-70 year old trees pushing stones about as they grew ; surely hasn't been cared for in OVER 50 years. This was near & between Flinton, Fallentimber, and Glasgow Pennsylvania. There is no town for 5 miles in any direction. Maybe 25 miles from that one, There is a Ball cemetery- smaller yet still cared for and mowed, zero trees in this Ball cemetery. There might be 25 graves total. A few stones were from 1600's. This plot was in a town called UtahVille (orig. Mt. Pleasant at time of folks burial) Pennsylvania.

[@jamy8575]

These Balls in my cemetery had EQUAL cop/police issues with many like stories.

[@judypierce7028]

My family cemetery is located in Kanawha County. It was established in 1806. When family members passed away, the pall bearers had to carry the coffin up the mountain just like the one that you climbed. There was no road until the early 1960s.

[@dontaylor3039]

I've heard my great grandma Annie Johnson is buried near ballfork KY.

[@helpingkarma]

I wish that I could go exploring in your neck of the woods! So beautiful and I love that you can go to places away from people! I'm jealous.

[@angiesteinbach4113]

Thank you. Thank you guys so much for bringing these stories, this history to us. I just found your channel last night. watching them and hearing the history brought tears to my eyes. The lost and forgotten cemeteries. I cried when i watched the video of the poor farm/work house. I never knew there were such places here in the United States. Europe, yes. But here, no. Please keep bringing more of this content . again Thank you...........p.s. I love the new boots!😉

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks for watching!

[@debdewitt4779]

Thank you leo and Heather leo that was along up the mountain walk but you finally found Mr Ball what a sad story and a life ended our afew drinks leo im with you why would anyone want to bury their loved ones so high up a mountain and how hard it must have been to get their caskets up that mountain please be safe going back down you and Heather do a great job researching and finding these lost graves so if any of their loves ones want to find them be safe and Have a very Merry Christmas 😊

[@tonybruno7848]

Looks like somebody knows how to find that grave , judging from the fresh flowers on it.

[@IDoItForTheHorse]

Thank you for doing GPS coordinates. I would like to visit my great grandfather Ball.

[@taylorfamily8176]

Thanks buddy I've got family in Kentucky somewhere

[@marshablack4647]

Thank. You for sharing this story very interesting. And God bless your heart for climbing that mountain to do so. Love your alls work

[@brianlykins6663]

Thank you, Heather, for the resesrch of this story. A big thank you, Leo, or do we call you Mr. Mountaingoat ? LOL Everytime you go to one of these cemeteries, i think the same thing thatbyou said, how in the world did they ever carry a casket up that hill. I cant imagine having to dig a grave up there and then carry a casket. I guess any flat land in the valley and hollers would be too valuable for farming. One thing for certain, I bet they fidnt have a problem with grave robbers. Thanks, guys, for another great story. Leo, brother, you earned your pay on this one. God bless ya'll for all that you do. Hope ya'll have a blessed and Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year. ❤ 👍👍🎄

[@johnhalstead554]

Imagine getting the grave stones up there wow

[@karenvaughn2248]

Love watching you both. Keep up the good job. God bless you both.

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thanks so much

[@redrooster1908]

Wow! Wonder how the heavy grave stones got brought waaaay up there!!??? Awesome effort/ hike, Leo!!! 💪

[@truracer20]

Just like the caskets with donkeys, horses or mules.I suspect that trail was originally a cart path.

[@ohmeowzer1]

Merry Christmas 🎄 and thank you for the wonderful video.

[@1000left]

Great video!!!! Thank you for what you do!!!!

[@roos24k65]

Wow so high. You have more energy then me. I hope you documented the others up there too for find a grave. Bcz it was a big climb for only one grave dear. Ooh Heather you made me laugh at the start. 😂😂. Story begins at 6 something. 😂😂. Love & Blessed days for you both❤❤

[@HBHArtLife]

Dancing around that creek like a girl in love 😄 Those do look like some pretty nice boots though. I'm sure the Kalkal people will say "You earned 'em on this one for sure!" lol I wish there was a way to know the story of the unknowns. Helluva hike to give proper burials to people you don't even know.

[@marvinjohnson424]

Cool tour 👍🇺🇸

[@jamielieberg7053]

Leo thank you and your wife for doing this and giving the on these peopel obituaries it is sad that a cop can kill a teacher even thought it should have never happen Y'all have a Great Chrismas and a Happy and Prosperous new year

[@Gotcha64]

❤❤ I absolutely love your channel Thank you for all you do

[@sandy-wvcolley6298]

Thanks!

[@thehillbillyfiles]

Thank You! We very much appreciate the support.

[@claudiadesoto2378]

Love the story and really enjoy your wonderful video’s from NW Indiana

[@waynegarrison2481]

Hello from Holland Michigan. Good Job Leo. How the heck did they carry coins up there. WOW..... I lived in Canaan Valley West Virginia near Elkins / Davis... most of West Virginia is in the middle of nowhere..

[@denisedarnell1641]

Love your NEW BOOTS BOY those will really help youband keep you from having wet and muddy feet which makes it easier and more comfortable for you to keep these videos going Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

[@amycountiss1356]

I'm a new subscriber to this channel. So far, I love this channel!! You and Heather do an amazing job!!! Thank you!! I actually live on the Va/Ky border, so I've heard a lot of the history that you all cover.