John Balch
Melrose, Nacogdoches County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Participated in the storming of Bexar, 1835 Battle of San Jacinto, 1836 Born in Tennessee in 1812 Died in 1900. His wife ELIZABTH ROGERS BALCH Born 1826 Died 1893 Erected by the State of Texas 1936
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
John Balch was a young Tennessean, barely in his twenties, when he joined the fight for Texas independence—storming Bexar in 1835 and standing on the field at San Jacinto in 1836, the decisive victory that won the Republic of Texas. He lived on until 1900, and the State of Texas raised this monument over his grave in 1936, the centennial of the revolution he helped win.
Why it matters
Balch was one of the ordinary volunteers whose service at San Jacinto secured Texas independence and set the stage for the American push toward the Pacific.
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Related people
- · John Balch
- · Elizabeth Rogers Balch
Related events
- · Siege of Bexar
- · Battle of San Jacinto
Themes & tags
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