In the books' own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. The later printing (1909) is folded below the first. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1838, Clay township
From History of Coshocton County, Ohio: its past and present, 1740-1881. Containing a comprehensive history of Ohio; a complete history of Coshocton County ... a history of its soldiers in the late war ... (1881), Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio; (1909)
BALCH GEORGE, miller; postoffice. Canal Lewisville, Ohio; was born May 4. 1838, in Clay township, Knox county; son of John W. and Malinda (Hull) Balch. His father was a native of New York State, and his mother of Pennsylvania. Mr. Balch's first occupation was a sawyer, but has successfully followed carpentering, millwrighting and farming. He came to this county in 1862 and remained in the county to the present time, with the exceptions of the years 1865-6- 7 he lived in Missouri. Mr. Balch was married September 19, 1865, to Miss Nancy, daughter of John and Elizabeth Boyd, of White Eyes township. They are the parents of eight children, viz: Charles H., deceased, Emma, (twins), Nannic Eda, Laura Malissa, Lola Jane and Lucius J. The last three are triplets, growing well, of good health and ordinary size. At about eight years old they were all of exactly the same weight. At present Mr. Balch is principal owner of the fine flouring mill in Lafayette township, where the Conotten Valley railroad crosses the canal.
As printed in History of Coshocton County, Ohio: its past and present, 1740-1881. Containing a comprehensive history of Ohio; a complete history of Coshocton County ... a history of its soldiers in the late war ... (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
GEORGE BALCH.
George Balch who is engaged in general farming and sheep-raising in White Eyes township, where he owns and operates a good farm of one hundred and sixty acres, was born in Clay township, Knox county, Ohio, May 4, 1838. His parents were John W. and Malinda (Hull) Balch, the former a native of the state of New York and the latter of Ohio. His death occurred in the year 1873, while his wife, who survived him for twenty years, died in 1893.
George Balch wa?j reared under the parental roof and was early trained to habits of industry and economy. His mental discipline was received in the public schools and when he started out in life on his own account he was employed as a sawyer, but has since been successful as a carpenter, millwright and farmer. He arrived in Coshocton county in 1852 and has remained here continuously since, with the exception of the years 1885, 1866 and 1867, spending that period in Missouri. Upon his return to this county he engaged in the lumber business for a short time and then bought a Tarm of one hundred and sixty acres in White Eyes township, making his home thereon for two years. On the expiration of that period he sold the property and removed to Coshocton, where he lived for six months, after which he bought the farm upon which he now resides. It is an excellent tract of land of one hundred and twelve acres located not far from Fresno in White Eyes township. It is well adapted to the raising of the various cereals and the fields annually bring forth good crops for the plowing, planting and cultivating are carried on in a progres.*ive manner in harmony with the maJt modern methods of farm work. In addition to tilling the soil Mr. Balch also raises sheep and derives considerable income from this branch of the business.
In September, 1865, occurred the marriage of Mr. Balch and Miss Xancy J. Boyd, who was born in Keene township, this county, in 1887, a daughter of John and Ba-ie (Tony) Boyd, who were natives of Irehmd. Their family numbered five children, while unto Mr. and Mr. Baleh have teen born eight children, the.-second of whom ditxi in infancy. The eldest child, Charle. Is ako decem:sed. Emma L. and Eva M. were twiiLs. The former Ls now the wife of E. E. Reama-, while the latter has passed away. Nannie E. is at home. The next three children were trii)lets — John. Laura M. and Leola Jane. The first two named are upon the old home farm, which John is engaged in operating, and Leola Jane ii? now the wife of J. R. McClary, of West Lafayette, Ohio. The death of Mrs. Balch occurred in December, 1907, her husband and five children being left to mourn her loss. Her remains were laid to rest in the Lewiville cemetery and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who knew her as a most estimable lady and a loving and devoted wife end mother. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Balch also belongs. He ii a member of the Grange, and in politics is an earnest republican, with firm faith in the principles of the party. He has served as township trustee and for several terms has been a member of the school board, in which connection he has rendered valuable service to the cause of public ekiucation. For more than half a century he has lived in this county and has witnessed many changes here, as the old habits of life and work have been replaced by the evidences of a modem civilization. He has always kept in touch with the trend of the times in agricultural progress and has ever been interested in what the county has accomplished in other lines. He is recognized as a man of genuine worth, in whom any one may safely trust, for his life has been guided by high principles and characterized by many conduct.
As printed in Centennial history of Coshocton County, Ohio; (1909). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.