Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Booth, William, 1829-

Clergyman born in Nottingham, England, April 10, 1829; was educated in Nottingham, and in 1850-61 served as a minister of the Methodist New Connection. In 1865 he organized the Christian Mission to reach the lower classes in the East End of London. In 1878 when this mission had grown to be a large organization, he changed it into a religious military body, and it became known as the Salvation Army, with himself [378] as leader or “general.” His entire family were mustered into the service of the “army,” his son, Ballington, being especially set apart for the work in the United States. In 1896, when a division occurred in the American branch of the army, and Ballington was engaged in organizing the volunteers of America (q. v.) on lines more in harmony with American institutions than the original “army,” General Booth visited New York and made unavailing efforts to prevent a disruption. His chief publication is In darkest England.