Balzer, Fred 1838 - 1903

BALZER, GLESSEN

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 10/13/2016 at 12:35:37

Elkader Register, Thur., 1 Oct 1903. Guttenberg column.

Another of the old settlers has gone to his reward. This time it is Fred Balzer whose death occurred Friday, Sept. 18th. He had been sick for a long time, being rendered helpless by paralysis. The third severe stroke Friday resulted in his death. Fred Balzer was born in Cologne or Koln, Germany, May 4, 1838. When a young man he learned the trade of general mechanic. In the year (looks like 1863 or 1865) he was married to Miss Elnora Spierat Glessen, Hessen, Germany and shortly thereafter was chosen foreman of the Railroad shops at that place. He served in that capacity till 1871 when he with his family sailed for America, and came direct to Guttenberg. He worked for the Falkenhainers in the hardware business till 1880 when he went into business for himself. He leaves, besides a wife, six children, two boys and four girls to mourn his loss.