Surnames: BALCH CALDWELL SONTAG

----Source: CLARK COUNTY REPUBLICAN & PRESS (Neillsville, Wis.) 07/06/1905

Balch, Frederick A. (21 Augl 1824 - 3 Jul 1905)

On Monday, July 3, 1905, Frederick A. Balch, one of the oldest citizens of Neillsville, Clark County, passed away at his home on the North Side.

Deceased was born in Genesee Co., N.Y., Aug. 21, 1824. He came west in 1846, settling in Washington Co., this state. In 1852 he was married to Henrietta Caldwell, who died about ten years ago. For a number of years they lived in Sheboygan County, where Mr. Balch engaged in the mercantile business. In 1880 he moved with his family to Neillsville and for several years continued in business here, but for some time has been practically retired, devoting his time to his fruit and garden, reading and discussing affairs with his neighbors and friends. Mr. Balch was a lover of justice, and his sympathies were always with the weak or oppressed. He read quiet closely on the topics of the day, had clear and firm convictions on civic and political question and courageously defended what he believed to be right.

He leaves two sons, R.W. Balch and F.O. Balch, both of this city, and an adopted daughter, Mrs. Julius Sontag of St. Paul.

The funeral was held Wednesday at the residence, Rev. Guy Campbell officiating.