Legislator Details
Vital Records Information:
Marital Information:
married Sally Bennett; children 5 sons, 5 daughters,some of which were: Anna, Omar, Walter, G.E. [daughter] and Mrs. John Den Bleyker of Kalamazoo;
married Sarah Elizabeth Chapin or Chopin, of Wood, MI;
Number of Children: 10
Background
Education:
district schools of Vermont;
graduated from Middlebury College, 1835
Biographical Sketch:
1 of 12 children of Nathaniel & Sarah or Sally Balach. Principal of an academy in Bennington, VT. Organized what is now known as Kalamazoo College, 1837. He taught at Middlebury College and in Jericho. He came to Michigan with his brother Samuel in August 1837. 1838, professor of mathematics in Michigan College, Marshall, MI; when this closed, he resumed studying law in Kalamazoo. Admitted to the bar, 1840. Prosecuting attorney for Barry & Kalamazoo Cos., 1840 & 1841 respectively. Postmaster of Kalamazoo 4 yrs, appointed in 1857. Involved in the Holland colonization of the Black River Valley. Unsuccessful candidate for Congress, 1860.
Notable Facts:
Strong temperance advocate.