Balser - George Glen
George Glenn BALSER
Source: Crawfordsville Review, Monday March 6, 1916
George Glenn BALSER only son of George and Malissa Balser was born in Darlington Oct 1, 1885. When Glenn was but 4 his father died after a long illness. For 7 years the mother, this boy and his sister Stella lived in the old home. Then after the death of Grandma Barton 19 years ago Glenn came with his mother to live with his uncle Madison Barton. From then on and even long before Uncle Matt was truly a father to him. Glenn was a bright, jolly boy, always making friends. All his boyhood days were spent in this immediate neighborhood and much of the time since he grew to manhood his home was here. When but a boy he learned the baker's trade and held various responsible positions in this state and others. On July 1, 1908 he was married to Miss Daisy SANDS at Rantoul, Ill. To this union was born two sons, Barton Sands Balser in Sept 1909 and George in July 1911. After his marriage he came to Darlington and opened the Sanitary Bakery one of the most up to date little bakeries in this part of the state. After two years he closed out his business here and went to Lanark, Ill. While there the little son Barton died and was brought home for burial. All these years, even since his childhood the life of a railroad man had held a wonderful fascination for him. Often he told his boyhood friends of his desire to be a railroader. More than a year ago he began work for the Clover Leaf RR and later became a brakeman for the PA making his home at Logansport. While working in that capacity, he met his death at Ft. Wayne Feb 29, 1916 at 5 o'clock in the morning. His affection for his family was strong and enduring. His reverence for his mother and uncle Matt was exceptionally noticeable. Scarcely ever was his train waiting at Garfield but that he called in to ask about them or leave some message for them. On his last visit home he said, "Oh, mother, how glad I'd be if I could always have you with me." In his own home he was a devoted husband and to little George a kind indulgent father. There are left to mourn the wife, little son, mother, Uncle Mat, his only sister Mrs. Stella Burk, four nephews and 3 nieces. 'Tis hard indeed to understand why one so strong and such a perfect specimen of manhood should be cut down in the prime of life. But God knoweth and we too sometime will understand. What a joy to be found like Glenn was when the last great call came to face the new life with a smile of gladness.
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Card of thanks
We want to thank our friends and neighbors for the many acts of kindness shown us in the death of our husband, son and brother. Also the singers and those who brought beautiful floral offerings. Mrs. Glen Balser; Mrs. Malissa Balser; Mr. and Mrs. Lou Burk; Mat Barton. - kbz