Fairfield County, OH Biographies

Fairfield County
Ohio Genealogy Trails
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Fairfield County, Ohio Biographies

Henry Balthaser

Like many of the valued citizens of Fairfield county, Henry Balthaser came to Ohio From Pennsylvania, taking up his abode in Fairfield county at an early age. He now resides in Clear Creek township, where he owns and occupies ninety-one acres of rich farm land just south of the village of Amanda . He was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, October 13, 1832, and is a respresentive of one of the old families of that locality. His paternal grandfather, Henry Balthaser, lived and died in Berks county, being a well known farmer and a prominent man there. The father of our subject, Henry Balthaser, was born in Berks county, learning the carpenter’s trade and following that vocation throughout his residence in Pennsylvania, and after coming to Fairfield county he engaged in the operation of a sawmill and also devoted a portion of his time to agricultural pursuits. For a number of years he continued the manufacture of lumber. He put all of the improvements upon his farm and there made a good home for himself and family, living at that place until his death, which occurred when he was eighty-two years of age. He passed away on the anniversary of his birth, which occurred on the 22^nd of January, 1803. He held membership in the Lutheran church and his life was permeated by honorable principles and Christian teachings. In politics he was a Democrat but he never aspired to office, preferring that his attention should be given to his business interests, in which he prospered. He was an advocate of all that tended to improve the community along social, intellectual and moral lines. His worth as a citizen was widely recognized. He married Sarah Warner, who was also born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, and there lived until coming to Ohio with her husband. Both were members of the Lutheran church. Mrs. Balthaser survived her husband but a short time, passing away on the old homestead, June 25, 1886. She was the mother of eight children, five of whom are now living, the subject of this review being the second in order of birth. In taking up the personal history of Henry Balthaser, whose name introduces this record of one who is widely and favorably known. He has always lived upon the home farm in Clear Creek township and many of the improvements there are the visible evidence of his life of industry and earnest toil. He has erected a new and modern residence which is an attractive feature in the landscape and other equipments upon the farm have been secured through his efforts. He has always engaged in the cultivation of the soil and to some extent has carried on stock raising and as the years have passed his labors have annually added something to his income until now he is one of the substantial and well-to-do citizens of this community.

In 1857 Mr. Balthaser was untied in marriage to Miss Susanna Kessler, who was born in Pickaway county, Ohio, a daughter of Michael and Eliza Ann (Shabbel) Kessler. Her father was a carpenter by trade, and removing to Clear Creek township, Fairfieldcounty, carried on work along that line for a number of years. He afterward became a resident of Illinoiswhere he died at an advanced age. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Balthaser have been born twelve children, of whom eleven are now living. Theodore, who resides in Amanda, was employed as engineer in the grain elevator. He married Nettie Crites, and their children are- Ollie, Eva, and Adolph. Elizabeth is the wife of David Barr, a farmer of Amanda township and they have two children- Bertie and Mary. Peter resides in Columbus ,Ohio, where he is employed as a street car conductor. He married Effie Griffith and they have five children – Rome, Merril, Ruth, May and Fred. Joseph resides in Amanda township where he follows farming. He wedded Etta Weimer. Ella is the wife of John Sultz, a resident farmer of Fairfield county. Annie is the wife of john Campbell, of Madisontownship and they have one son Raymond. Frank is employed on the farm of Mr. Campbell. He married Mattie Hamby, who died two years ago.. Charles resides in Amanda, Ohio , and is operating the home farm of his father. He married Ella Shaeffer. Chancy resides in Amanda township and is employed on the railroad. He married Anna Thomas. Harry is living at home. Welby is a minister of the United Brethren church, now located in Athens county, Ohio. He wedded Miss Dixon. Fanny died at the age of nineteen years. All of the children were born in Clear Creek township and educated in the schools here. The family is one of the prominence in the community, the various members occupying creditable positions and in social circles, enjoying high regard by reason of sterling worth. From the age of six years down to the present time Henry Balthaser has made his home in Fairfield county and the history of pioneer life is therefore familiar to him through actual experience, and as the years have passed, as a valued citizen he has borne his part in the work of public progress and improvement. His labors too in the business world have been effective and have brought to him creditable success, making him one of the prosperous and well-to-do farmers of Clear Creek township.

Source: A Biographical Record of Fairfield County, Ohio , Illustrated By S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Published by S. J. Clarke Pub. Co. , 1902 – Pgs 347-349
Submitted & Transcribed by Linda Dietz