Joseph Pope Balch [SEP] conflict
Joseph Pope Balch
Joseph Pope Balch (August 9, 1822 – December 2, 1872) was an American businessman from Rhode Island who served as an officer in the Union Army during the early months of the American Civil War.
Early life and background.
Balch was an educated man, but decided upon a career in business instead of attending college, first working in his father's drug store at the age of 14 as a clerk, and eventually becoming a partner.
In 1841 he joined a militia unit
Providence Marine Corps of Artillery was mobilized as the 1st Rhode Island Battery. Both of these units fought at the First Battle of Bull Run, under the command of Major Joseph Pope Balch, who succeeded to command after Burnside was promoted to brigadier general. The 1st Rhode Island was discharged, along with the 1st Battery, when its 90-day Federal service obligation expired on August 2, 1861.
History Post-Civil War.
After the Civil War, the RI Militia underwent a major re-organization which organized the units into