Merchant Ball
1896 / Creator Unknown / Marion
The grave marker of C. B. Merchant (possibly Charles or Christian Benner depending on your source). The marker is a giant granite ball on top of a stone plinth. The Merchant Ball is famous for mysteriously rotating off its base despite attempts to prevent it from doing so. A circular rough patch on the ball shows where it was originally situated on top of the base.
Located in northwest corner of Marion Cemetery.
Location: Marion Cemetery, 620 Delaware Ave
Title
Merchant Ball
Description
The grave marker of C. B. Merchant (possibly Charles or Christian Benner depending on your source). The marker is a giant granite ball on top of a stone plinth. The Merchant Ball is famous for mysteriously rotating off its base despite attempts to prevent it from doing so. A circular rough patch on the ball shows where it was originally situated on top of the base.
Located in northwest corner of Marion Cemetery.
Located in northwest corner of Marion Cemetery.
Date
1896
Subject
Source
https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/merchant-ball
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/97217214/christian-benner-merchant
http://www.genealogybug.net/ohio_alhn/postcards/marion/marion_ball.htm
Type
Identifier
1832
Location City
Location County
Location Site
Location Street
620 Delaware Ave
Location Type
Installation Date
1896
![Merchant Ball Close Up View [image/jpeg]](http://oos.sculpturecenter.org/files/original/e83b5b7fac2d58fd7c97ec258dc8c5e7.JPG){kind=link}
![Merchant Ball Distant View [image/jpeg]](http://oos.sculpturecenter.org/files/original/1d841e0929676101482e5a250f905493.JPG){kind=link}
![Close Up Angle View of Merchant Ball [image/jpeg]](http://oos.sculpturecenter.org/files/original/a18a78b16d7ae93042a2e9d1db1c8050.JPG){kind=link}