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Jackson County, Iowa Biographies
Nathan M. Balch - The subject of this notice
a resident of this county since the fall of 1865, and in former years a prosperous agriculturist, is now a resident
of the town of Baldwin. This is a station on the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad, nine miles west of Maquoketa,
and located near the center of Monmouth Township. It was formerly known as Fremont. Mr. B. in connection with a
hotel and livery business, follows the profession of an auctioneer, to which he seems especially adapted, being
very successful. He is a man, quiet and unostentatious in his manner, careful, temperate, and industrious in his
habits, and one universally respected where ever known.
Our subject was born in the town of Stockholm, in St. Lawrence County, New York, on Christmas Day, 1835 and is
the son of Dan and Sylvia (Manley) Balch, who were natives of Vermont, where their early life was passed. After
marriage they settled in St. Lawrence County, New York, during its pioneer days. The father cleared a farm from
the wilderness, cutting away the heavy timber, bringing the soil to a good state of cultivation, and building up
a pleasant and comfortable home. There the eight children were born, all of whom, with one exeeption, lived to
mature years.
The fourth child of his parents, our subject, like his brothers and sisters, was trained to habits of industry,
and as soon as old enough began to make himself useful around the homestead. The few schools of that region afforded
but little opportunity for an education and young Balch only passed a few days in attendance thereat. He remained
a member of his father's household until a man of twenty-five years, and was then married, March 13 1860, to Miss
Mercy Daley. Of this union there were born two children, who died at the ages of eleven years, and ten months.
The mother only survived her marriage until 1863. Mr. Balch remained a resident of his native State until the fall
of 1865, then started for Iowa, in company with Elisha Bradley, one of his old friends. He did not expect to remain
in the west , but after coming to this county changed his mind some-what, and as there was an opportunity given
him for employment he accepted, and was occupied as a farm laborer for one man that year. In 1860 he contracted
a second marriage with Miss Phoebe (Little) Hunsinger. About this time he concluded to settle here, and purchasing
a farm of eighty acres, applied himself the next ten years closely to agricultural pursuits. One of his peculiarities
is to do well whatever he undertakes to do at all, and this, applied to his farming operations, brought forth satisfactory
results.
In due time Mr. Balch purchased fifty acres additional land, but in 1876 sold his first eighty acres, and purchased
his present residence property in Baldwin, and removed there. His health being greatly impaired he did but little
work for several years thereafter. About 1880 he began entertaining traveling men, and gradually drifted into the
hotel business. Later, in connection with this, he established a livery stable, which he conducted successfully
until the summer of 1886. He then sold out his livery business, but continued the hotel. In addition to the property
already mentioned he owns a good farm of 120 acres, in Pocahontas County, this State.
To our subject and his estimable wife there have been born no children. Mr. B. although not a member of any religious
denomination, believes in the establishment of churches, and contributes as he is able to the furtherance of both
religion and education. He has had very little to do with political affairs. In former years he voted with the
Democratic party, but since 1884 has given his support to Republican principles. With the exception of serving
as Township Trustee, for a period of eleven years, he has avoided the responsibilities of office. Mr. and Mrs.
Balch occupy a neat and comfortable home, and number their friends by the score in Monmouth Township and vicinity.
[Source: PORTRAIT & BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF JACKSON COUNTY, IOWA - Submitted by Debbie
Goosinow]
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