Biography of Charles Ballance, 1902, Grant Co., Oregon
Surnames: Ballance, Wright, Carter, Ricker, Walker, Murphy, Dustin, Reinhart

*********************************************************************************
USGENWEB ARCHIVES(tm) NOTICE:
************************************************ 
Copyright. All rights reserved. 
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm 
http://www.usgwarchives.net/or/orfiles.htm
*********************************************************************************
Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - May 2002
************************************************************************
An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 455

CHARLES BALLANCE

In the person of the subject of this sketch we have one of the most
substantial men among Grant county's population of men of both ability and
integrity. Mr. Ballance has been one that has labored steadily and with
telling wisdom and energy for the welfare of the interests of his chosen
section, as well as manifesting commendable sagacity and enterprise in the
prosecution of the business interests that are occupying him, and wherein he
has been favored with the success that is sure to follow wisely bestowed
industry. It is a pleasure to accord to such an one a representation in this
volume, and, too, since when the thrilling call came to assemble at the
capitol for its defense against the minions of treason and the hordes that
would have torn from its proud cupola the starbedecked banner that had been
the light of liberty and the safeguard of the independent citizens of this
republic, he was one of the first ot offer his services, enlisting in Company
E, Second Kansas Infantry. He participated in the battle of Wilson's creek and
several skirmishes, serving two months beyond the three for which he had
offered himself. After being mustered out he was one of three that were
instrumental in 1862 in forming a company, being Company C, of the Sixteenth
Kansas Cavalry, that did excellent service throughout the entire war. He went
in as second lieutenant, but was soon promoted to the position of first
lieutenant. He was on the plains considerable of the time under Generals
Fremont and Curtis, and participated in the battle of Westport, besides many
skirmishes. At the close of the war he was mustered out and returned to his
home in Kansas and occupied himself with farming until 1874, then came by rail
to San Francisco, thence by steamer to Portland, settling in Linn county and
taking up farming. Two years later he came to his present place, one mile east
of Longcreek, and homesteaded the same where he has devoted himself to farming
and stock raising. He owns two hundred and forty acres, well improved and
skillfully tilled. He has a good house, barn and orchard, and a band of cattle
and horses.

The birth of Mr. Ballance was on November 5, 1840, near Macomb, McDonough
county, Illinois, being the son of John and Hannah Ballance. He was reared on
a farm and attended the public school. While yet a child his parents removed
to Lee county, Iowa, and in 1857 they came to Franklin county, Kansas, where
he remained until 1860, going that year to Pike's Peak and returning the
following year.

In 1862 he was married to Miss Eliza J. Ricker, of Franklin county, Kansas,
and to them were born four children; Charles A. married to Julia Dustin, and
living near Susanville; Melvina, wife of Henry A. Murphy, a merchant of
Monument; Anna Belle, wife of Orta Walker, of Monument; Effie M., wife of
George A. Reinhart, of Longcreek, now deceased. Mrs. Ballance died at her home
near Longcreek in 1877.

Mr. Ballance contracted a second marriage on January 16, 1881, the lady of his
choice being Sarah J., daughter of S. B. and Berthana (Wright) Carter. They
have become the parents of the follwing children; Robert W., deceased; Bertha;
John Carl; Frank O., deceased. Mrs. Carter came to this country from Missouri,
bringing her children, her husband having died previously. She is now in her
eightieth year, and is living with her children. Mr. Ballance is considered
one of the most enterprising and stable citizens of the county, having ever
manifested a spirit of uprightness and integrity which has won for him the
esteem of his fellows, while they repose generously in him their confidence.