He was the second son of Thomas Ballingall (c.1670-1752), a tenant farmer and was the first child to be born at Clatto farm in Kettle Parish. After growing up, David Ballingall became a tenant farmer of Wester Ballingall, known as Balmalcolm, and of Drummaird in Kennoway Parish. David would marry Rachel Durie and settle at Drummaird where they had six children who were all born there. By 1756 the family relocated to Warout in Markinch Parish where their next three children were born. In June of 1757, David Ballingall formally received through a Disposition which had been granted to him by his father to seize the lands of Gourlays Rigg, commonly known as Drummaird. "A curious relic of David Ballingall existed, for it was seen by the Rev. James Ballingall 1846-1926], 'but I fear it has perished.' It was a portrait of him as a very old man, modelled in wax high relief. The portrait showed a pale, lean and worn face, with a touch of red on the cheekbones, nose rather prominent and fleshing, and a high broad forehead. The costume, blue coat, brass buttons, a high stock and ample neckcloth, gave a suggestion of a man of substance; well to do in his status." This then is the narrative of the life and times of David Ballingall.