On May 25, 1907, Hosea Starr Ballou, in Boston first formally proposed, in a circular letter mailed to many of his widely scattered kinsmen, that they co-operate to erect and dedicate, at the North Burial Ground, Providence, R.I., a simple memorial stone to Mathurin and Hannah (Pike) Ballou. At the same time he asked: "Do you favor the organization of a Ballou Family Association?" In June 1908, the Ballou Family Association of America was officially organized in the old Elder Ballou Meeting House at Cumberland Hill, Rhode Island. They were later incorporated in the State of Rhode Island.

After dedication of the ancient stone monument, a committee of five was appointed, namely:

Hosea Stark Ballou, of Boston, Mass.
William H. Ballou, of Providence, R.I.
Henry C. Ballou, of Providence, R.I.
Mrs. Flora E. Follett, of Ashton, R.I.
Mrs. Clara I. Binning, of Providence, R.I.

with full powers (1), to draft a plan of organization, and (2), with the aid of Mrs. Daniel M. Edwards, to arrange for a Ballou Family gathering in June, 1908, at the Elder Ballou Meeting House in Cumberland, R.I., when the plan of organization should be acted upon. The meeting then dissolved.