William Rankin Ballard

Captain William Rankin Ballard (August 12, 1847 – February 4, 1929) 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] As acting manager of the Seattle National Bank in the early 1890s, he facilitated the construction of what is now known as the Interurban Building in the Pioneer Square neighborhood.[4]

W. R. Ballard circa 1890

William Rankin Ballard was born to Levi Ward Ballard (founder of Auburn, Washington[5]) and Phoebe Anne McConnell[6] August 12, 1847 in Perrysburg, Wood County, Ohio[7] He married Estella Thorndike on November 12, 1882 in Seattle,[6] and died in Seattle February 4, 1929.[7]

The title Captain derives from his command of the boat Zephyr[8] 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. "Seattle National Bank: A Strong Financial Institution Open for Business". The Seattle Post-Intelligencer. February 19, 1890. Retrieved March 10, 2021 – via Chronicling America.
  5. Auburn beginnings: Slaughter Post Office opens on January 21, 1867, HistoryLink.org, Accessed November 1, 2008
  6. BALLARD-L Archives, Rootsweb. Accessed online May 23, 2008.
  7. Capt William Rankin Ballard, Find-a-Grave. Accessed online May 23, 2008.
  8. Walt Crowley, Seattle Neighborhoods: Ballard – Thumbnail History, HistoryLink, March 31, 1999. Accessed online May 23, 2008.


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