Mason, Raymond K.

Born in Virginia in 1888, Edward Ball became a leading and powerful figure in Florida finance and politics when he took over the management of the estate of his brother-in-law, Alfred I. duPont. As trustee for this estate, he was able to spearhead profitable endeavors such as the St. Joe Paper Co., the Florida East Coast Railway, the Florida National Bank, and substantial real estate investments. Although he never held public office, his political clout was extraordinary. He was recognized as the power behind the rural Florida politicians known as the "Porkchop Gang" who held power for several decades, beginning in the 1930s. He died in 1981 in New Orleans.