Boswell, H. James, "American Blue Book Western Washington," Seattle, Lowman and Hanford Co., 1922. p. 19. JUDGE RICHARD A. BALLINGER is one of the best qualified lawyers in the northwest, and enjoys a splendid reputation. Judge Ballinger is a native of Iowa, and was born in 1858. From Williams College of Massachusetts he graduated in 1884 with the degree of B. A. The degree of LL. B. was conferred upon Judge Ballinger by the same institution in 1909. He was admitted to the bar in 1886 and began active practice of his profession in Chicago. After a residence in Decatur, Ala., Judge Ballinger located in Port Townsend, Wash. In 1897 he located in Seattle, prior to which he served on the superior bench. In Seattle he formed the firm of Ballinger, Ronald and Battle. Later the firm was changed to Ballinger, Ronald, Battle & Tennant, and today it is known as Ballinger, Battle, Hulbert, & Shorts. In 1904 Judge Ballinger was elected Mayor of Seattle, his administration proving one of the most brilliant the city has ever known. In those days there were many of the most intricate and complex municipal problems to come up from time to time, and it was the magnificent legal training of Judge Ballinger that resulted in saving Seattle many thousands of dollars. He was one mayor who absolutely refused to permit politics to guide any action he took. The ideal conduct of the city's interests and his high reputation as a lawyer attracted the attention of President Throdore Roosevelt, and in 1907 Judge Ballinger was named as Commissioner of the General Land Office in Washington. After a year in government service he withdrew and re-entered private practice again. In 1909 he was named by President William Howard Taft as Secretary of the Interior, a position he served in with the greatest distinction. He is, I might say, a man who has made good from the beginning, though he has had to meet with and overcome many obstacles. He has worked his way steadily forward, and is today recognized as one of the ablest, most resourceful members of the bar. Submitted by: Judy Bivens * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.