Ballington Booth

1857-1940. Founder of the Volunteers of America.* Born in Brighouse, England, second son of William Booth,* he early began his Salvation Army* work. An outstanding orator, musician, and leader, at twenty-three he was in charge of the first training home for officers. In 1883 he was sent to Australia as joint commander. Four years later he and his bride took over the recently established work in the United States. Strongly evangelistic, he proved a popular and effective leader. As a naturalized American he disagreed with his father about the British and authoritarian character of the Army. When ordered to relinquish his position, he complied, but then withdrew from the Army. In March 1896 he began the Volunteers, with similar objectives but more democratic organization.