George Balch, who is engaged in general farming and sheep-raising in White Eyes township, where he owns and operate 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 was reared under the parental roof and was early trained in 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 1835, 1866 and 1807, 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 farm 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 progressive manner in harmony with the most 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 Nancy J. Boyd, who was born in Keene township, this county, in 1837,a daughter of John and Besie (Tony) Boyd, who were natives of Ireland. Their family numbered five children, while unto Mr. and Mrs. Balch have been born eight children, the second of whom died in infancy. The oldest child, Charles, is also deceased. Emma L. and Eva M. were twins. The former is now the wife of E. E. Reames while the latter has passed away. Nannie E. is at home. The next three children were triplets -- 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 is 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 Lewisville cemetery and her death was deeply regretted by many friends who knew her as a most estimable lady and a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was a faithful member of the Presbyterian church, to which Mr. Balch also belongs. He is 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 education. 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 modern 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 manly conduct.

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