Part of an old map of the San Jacinto area from the Texas Revolution

Veteran Bio

Texian Location:  Participant

The Kemp Sketch

(What is this?) | Download the original typescript

BALCH, HEZEKIAH BENJAMIN -- Born in Tennessee and emigrated to Texas in April, 1835, with his brother John Balch. His name is not shown on the San Jacinto rolls printed in 1836, but Adjutant General John A. Wharton in a statement made May 16, 1836, said that Mr. Balch had served as first Lieutenant in Captain Wyly's Company in the battle. ( Army rolls in the General Land Office.) On April 21, 1851, he was issued Bounty Certificate No. 807 for 320 acres of land for having served in the army for three months to April 21, 1836. He was discharged on the battlefield after the engagement. Likewise, on April 21, 1851, he was issued Donation Certificate No. 281 for 640 acres of land for having participated in the battle of San Jacinto. On a roll in the General Land Office he is shown as a member April 5, 1836, of a company recruited by Major Leander Smith. By an act of the Legislature approved September 1, 1856, the heirs of Mr. Balch were granted a Headright Certificate due him for one-third of a league of land.

After the revolution Mr. Balch removed to Vicksburg, Mississippi, where he engaged in the contracting business. He was married to Mrs. Anne (Slaughter) Christian, a widow with two daughters, Mr. Balch died in Vicksburg in 1855.

Children of Mr. and Mrs. Balch were Thomas Harper, Willis, Alfred Wylie and Arthur S. Balch.

Written by Louis W. Kemp, between 1930 and 1952. Please note that typographical and factual errors have not been corrected from the original sketches. The biographies have been scanned from the original typescripts, a process that sometimes allows for mistakes in the new text. Researchers should verify the accuracy of the texts' contents through other sources before quoting in publications. Additional information on the veteran may be available in the Herzstein Library.


Battle Statistics

  • Died in Battle: No
  • Rank: First Lieutenant
  • Company: Capt. Alfred Henderson Wyly

Personal Statistics

  • Birthplace: Tennessee
  • Came to Texas: 1835 Apr
  • Date of Death: 1855
  • Bounty Certificate: 807
  • Donation Certificate: 281
  • Wife: Anne Slaughter Christian
  • Children: Thomas Harper Balch; Willis Balch; Alfred Wylie Balch; Arthur S. Balch