William Pitt Ballinger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Pitt Ballinger
Personal details
Born(1825-09-25)September 25, 1825
Barbourville, Kentucky, U.S.
DiedJanuary 20, 1888(1888-01-20) (aged 62)
Galveston, Texas, U.S.
Political partyWhig
SpouseHarriet "Hally" Patrick Ballinger
ProfessionPolitician , Lawyer

William Pitt Ballinger (September 25, 1825 – January 20, 1888) was an American lawyer and statesman in Texas. He had a significant impact on the development of Texas realty and railroad law. He originally supported the Confederacy during the Civil War. Following the war, he was instrumental in the reconstruction in Texas, the emancipation of black slaves, and the industrial development of the South.

The town of Ballinger, Texas was officially named in his honor.[1]

Early life[edit]

In the summer of 1843, at the age of 18, he moved from his hometown of Barbourville, Kentucky, to Galveston, Texas, to read law and finish his legal training under his uncle, James Love.[2] His uncle's strenuous reading plan and insistence on attending courtroom proceedings helped Ballinger develop a lifelong love of books and renewed confidence in his self-education.

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Pinkney, Kathryn. "Ballinger, TX". TSHA online.
  2. ^ Stevens, Kenneth R. William Pitt Ballinger: Galveston's Reluctant Rebel. East Texas Historical Journal, volume 40, issue 1, page 37
  • Moretta, John Anthony. William Pitt Ballinger. Texas State Historical Association, 2000.

External links[edit]