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Isaac J. Ballinger

Isaac J. Ballinger was one of the first men to live on the future site of the town of Cheney. He was to become its tenth Mayor.

His early childhood was spent in Louisville, Kentucky where he was born on July 18, 1848. Ten years later the family moved to Marion County, Illinois where he resided until 27 years of age when he traveled to Montana to try his luck in the mine fields.

In 1867 he joined the engineering party making the first survey route for the Northern Pacific Railroad through western country. That job completed, he went to Salt Lake City to engage in mining and smelting, progressing on to the Eureka district. While in Nevada he met and courted Elizabeth Wezzig, a native of Germany. They were married on May 6, 1877. In the years following they had four sons: George, born in Nevada; Edwin, Ray and Victor, all born after the move to Cheney.

Agreeing the atmosphere in a mining town was no place to raise a family, the Ballingers loaded their possessions in a wagon and proceeded to Washington Territory arriving in Cheney in 1879. They were impressed by the virgin timber and quiet surroundings here. Although there were no signs of dwellings in the immediate area they pitched a tent on the hillside where Showalter Hall now stands. This was their home for a few months. There was only one other tent in sight, seemingly the only habitation, even though Indians were often visible.

The N.P.R.R. had completed a survey of the proposed route through this section of the northwest and filed plans with the land commissioner a few years prior to the Ballinger's arrival. The tracks were to be laid close to some generous springs which later would provide the name of Depot Springs for the settlement to be built nearby.

Foreseeing the demand for supplies needed for the railroad crews and the coming pioneers, Isaac entered the freighting business making trips between Walla Walla and here on a regular basis. This left his wife and infant son alone much of the time. There were many potential dangers to be faced; her best protection was a loaded shotgun which she kept within reach day and night. Isaac always saw she had a good supply of shells on hand.

Between trips the Ballingers looked for a good homestead, finally locating one near Lance Hills. He promptly filed a claim then excavated a shelter in the side of a hill which provided a home for the little family until a cabin or house could be constructed.

While Elizabeth saw that homestead requirements were met her husband continued hauling freight, built a house and invested in some livestock and prepared to become a farmer.

As soon as financially feasible, Isaac devoted his full time to farming. In 1887 he, in addition, assumed the duties of a Spokane County deputy sheriff.

Several years of productive farming and the growing market for fertile, cleared land prompted the sale of the Lance Hills farm. He constructed a two-story house on Second and I Streets in the city of Cheney and the Ballingers became welcomed citizens of this community. That original house has remained in the Ballinger family since that time.

Deep interest in politics led to I.J. Ballinger being appointed Postmaster of Cheney by President Grover Cleveland in 1893, a position he filled for some time. City government also profited from his knowledge. He became a member of the city council in 1898. People were so aware of his sensible, honest approach to problems that he was elected Mayor, serving in that office from 1899 to 1901.

His enthusiasm for debating was satisfied by frequently being one of the orators in programs sponsored by the Excelsior Club for public entertainment. These debates were popular in 1900 on a monthly schedule. When he wasn't debating he presided over heated arguments presented by other Club members, thereby earning the honorary title of "Judge".

While Mayor, the Honorable Ballinger presided over a special meeting of the Farmer's Institute which held five sessions in February of 1900, all at the Normal School. The gathering included representatives of the Hazelwood Dairy and over fifty farmers from a wide area. The State Veterinarian from Pullman participated. Mayor Ballinger was in his element at such a gathering.

Soon after the turn of the century, I.J. made plans to move back to the country, this time on a farm near the Williams Lake Road, 7 1/2 miles southwest of town. The existing house was replaced by an exact duplicate of the Ballinger home in Cheney. If challenge was what he was seeking, I.J. had picked the right spot as much of the land was covered by water. He became active in the cooperative effort of the farmers in the neighborhood to dig ditches for drainage of the marshes so the rich soil could be cultivated. He was chosen as one of three representatives of the drainage group to take charge of the legal aspects of draining over 2000 acres of marshland. This same land was purchased in the 1930's by the U.S. Dept of Interior for use as a waterfowl refuge to be known as Turnbull National Wildlife Refuge. The early settler's efforts to drain the land had only met with disillusionment and controversy.

Isaac Ballinger's retirement years were spent back in the Cheney home. He retained his keen interest in all civic issues; neither did he lose his touch in a good debate.

Death claimed past-Mayor Ballinger on February 14, 1929. Burial was in the family plot at Fairview Cemetery.

Contributed by Ellen Proctor, 1988.