This episode of The Apex and the Abyss contains graphic descriptions and audio that may be disturbing to some listeners.

Listener discretion is advised.

The Apex and the Abyss presents the chasm.

Episode 10, The Butcher of Elmendorf.

Elmendorf, Texas was founded in 1885 by Henry Elmendorf.

I don't believe Henry, who would later go on to become the mayor of San Antonio, ever dreamed that his town would be as much of a success as it was.

It greatly helped Texan railroads and was a town that produced a lot of goods for neighboring

populations.

All in all, Elmendorf was a great place. Some people who thought that as well was the Ball family.

Frank Ball, along with his wife Elizabeth, moved to Elmendorf right around the time that the town was founded.

It wouldn't be long before Frank opened up a cotton factory, and with the new railroad coming through town, Frank's

business took off. Money, now not being an issue, Frank opened up a general store that he ran

with his wife. Throughout their time in Elmendorf, the Ball family welcomed eight children,

most of which became successful in their own right. However, on January 7, 1896, Joseph D. Ball was born.

Joseph was the second child born to Frank and Elizabeth Ball, and for all intents and purposes,

Joseph had a happy and normal childhood, though he has been described as keeping to himself more often than participating

in group activities. He found his solace in fishing and exploring the great outdoors. Fast forward

to 1917. The United States would declare war with Germany and officially entered the battles

of World War I. Joseph Ball would enlist in the army and be deployed to the

front lines of battle. There was no record or anything written about what Joseph did when he was in Europe,

but we can only predict he did what any soldier would do to survive in war.

In 1919, Joseph would be honorably discharged from the army, and after two years of service,

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