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BALLINGTON [b: 28 July 1857 d: 05 October 1940]
Ballington Booth
Dark, fiery Ballington, who had in childhood fancied himself a preacher, was put in charge of the first men's training home in 1881. He married (17 Sept 1886) Maud Charlesworth [b: 13 Sept 1865 d: 26 Aug 1948], another officer who had worked with Kate in Paris. The Booths were popular, competent, progressive, and democratic. He was a dynamic speaker who seemed to hold the audience in his hands. With his wife, as charismatic as he, he quickly charmed the country when sent to command forces us the United States, In 1891, during a great depression, Ballington instituted men's shelters similar to one begun in San Francisco.
Maud Charlesworth
Maud concentrated on prison, slum and auxiliary work, and they were thoroughly established in this country. Then, when late in 1895 Bramwell informed them of a coming transfer, Ballington and Maud implored the General to reconsider. In January 1896 after an emotional exchange of letters with the Founder, they left the Army to found the Volunteers of America, which they hoped would become the Americas Salvation Army.
Maud & Ballington before their resignation
Ballington died in 1940 at the age of 83, and Maud took over leadership until her death at the same age in 1948. They had three children, one of whom, Charles, succeeded his mother as head of the Volunteers. This organization is still in existence, but social work has become its entire emphasis. Uniforms are worn only on special occasions.
Children:
Ballington B.,
Theodora Myrtle,
Charles Brandon (changed name from William at time of resignation)
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