William Rankin Ballard

W. R. Ballard circa 1890

Captain William Rankin Ballard (August 12, 1847 – February 4, 1929) Capt. Ballard was a Seattle pioneer, banker,[1] and land developer.[2] He was one of the founders of the city of Ballard, Washington (incorporated in 1890) which was later annexed to the growing city of Seattle, Washington in 1907.[3]

William Rankin Ballard was born to Levi Ward Ballard (founder of Auburn, Washington[4]) and Phoebe Anne McConnell[5] August 12, 1847 in Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio[6] He married Estella Thorndike on November 12, 1882 in Seattle,[5] and died in Seattle February 4, 1929.[6]

The title Captain derives from his command of the boat Zephyr[7] that operated between Seattle and Olympia to the south.

Ballard High School was named for Capt. Ballard.

References

  1. ↑ An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, Hines, Rev. H.K., pp.453–454, accessed November 1, 2008
  2. ↑ Ballard Avenue, Department of Neighborhoods, Seattle, Washington. Accessed May 23, 2008.
  3. ↑ History of Ballard, Ballard Chamber of Commerce.Accessed online May 23, 2008.
  4. ↑ Auburn beginnings: Slaughter Post Office opens on January 21, 1867, HistoryLink.org, Accessed November 1, 2008
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 BALLARD-L Archives, Rootsweb. Accessed online May 23, 2008.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Capt William Rankin Ballard, Find-a-Grave. Accessed online May 23, 2008.
  7. ↑ Walt Crowley, Seattle Neighborhoods: Ballard – Thumbnail History, HistoryLink, March 31, 1999. Accessed online May 23, 2008.