Clinton Ballard, a Progressive Republican and follower of Robert M. La Follette, Sr., was
born in Outagamie County, Wisconsin on November 16, 1860. He ran the family farm after his
father's death, and later became an organizer for the American Society of Equity. For 24
years, he served as a member of the Outagamie County Board.
In 1909, Clinton Ballard was elected to the position of State Assemblyman. He was
re-elected in 1911, 1915, and 1919. In his last term, he suffered public derision when he
stood with La Follette against America's entry into World War I. He became an ardent La
Follette supporter and was involved in La Follette's 1924 campaign for the Presidency.
From 1921 to 1925, he served as State Treasury Agent. In 1926 when Fred R. Zimmerman was
elected governor of Wisconsin, he appointed Ballard, a life-long friend, to the post of
Superintendent of Public Property. Ballard held that post until Zimmerman's defeat in the
fall of 1928; it was Ballard's last public office. He retired from political activity except
to give an occasional speech.
When Clinton Ballard died in January 1946, Fred R. Zimmerman spoke at his funeral
service.
