George B. Balch, farmer, Postmaster and agent G. & M. R. R.., Larna; born in Bedford Co., Tenn., Nov. 1, 1828; his father, Alfred M. Balch, was born in Logan Co., Ky., Jan. 23, 1798. He was married to Elizabeth Gammil July 1, 1819; she was born Jan. 1, 1800; they left Tennessee late in October, 1830, and settled in Pleasant Grove Tp.; their journey and settlement are fully noted in the history of that township; they remained here during their lives; Mrs. Balch died Dec. 29, 1855; Mr. Balch Dec. 2, 1856; the subject of this sketch, Geo. B., grew to maturity here, receiving only a moderate education. He was married March 19, 1851, to Margaret S. Walker, who was born in Tennessee, Oct. 1, 1832; they became the parents of eleven children, all of whom’ are now living; Mrs. Balch died Nov. 4, 1875, leaving her daughters to fill her place; the names and births of the children are as follows: Samuel W. (born Jan. 28, 1852; married Nov. 25, 1875), Elizabeth J. (born Sept. 18, 1853; married April 21, 1875 ), Ann Minerva (born Aug. 10, 1855), Thomas W. and Nancy M. (born Oct. 8, 1858), Esther R. (born June 20, 1861), Ellen D. (born Jan. 31,1863), Minnie B. (born March 30, 1865), Eliza J. (born June 25, 1868), Robert E. (March 26, 1871), Margaret L. (July 3, 1873). Mr. Balch has just established the post office and station of Larna, both of which offices he fills; it is the intention to erect necessary buildings, open a store and shop or two here, and start a town; it is a good point. GOTTLIEB F. BIDLE, farmer and blacksmith, Sec. 16; P. O. Campbell; owns 230 acres; was born in Essling Co., Germany, Jan. 21, 1835; his parents died when he was quite young; he came to this country when 17 years of age, and located in Coles Co., Ill., June 18, 1855, and was married to Sophrona Walker Oct. 30, 1856, who was born in Coles Co., Ill., Sept. 13, 1839; they have had ten children, nine of whom are living, viz., Albert F., James H., Mary E., David, George, Louisa C., Joseph, Julia and Richard; deceased-John C. Mr. Bidle has been School Director nine years, Pathmaster one term, and is Justice of the Peace at the present time. He was in the late war as blacksmith for the 123d I. V. I. (afterward mounted).
