Balcom, Harry S.

Description

Harry S. Balcom

Harry Sheldon Balcom was born on March 25, 1893, in Rye, New York, the son of George Balcom and Millie Cotes. He grew up in a large family in Rye during a time when the community was evolving from a maritime village into a more developed suburban town, while still maintaining strong ties to Long Island Sound.

At the time of his World War I draft registration, Balcom was living at 552 Milton Road in Rye and working as a yachtsman for B.E. Pollat at Milton Point. He was single and described as of medium, slender build with dark blue eyes and light brown hair.

WORLD WAR I SERVICE

Balcom enlisted in the United States Navy on July 3, 1917, in New York City. After training at the Naval Training Station in Newport, Rhode Island, he served aboard the USS Oklahoma, a Nevada-class battleship that operated with the Atlantic Fleet during World War I, conducting convoy escort and patrol duties to protect Allied shipping from German submarine threats. Over the course of his service, he rose to the rating of Coxswain. He was honorably discharged on July 18, 1919.

POSTWAR LIFE

Following the war, Balcom returned to Rye, where he remained a lifelong resident. He married Elizabeth Hickey in 1921. He became well known in the community for his work on the water, eventually serving as harbor master for many years. Later in life, he worked as a self-employed carpenter and painting contractor.

He was active in the community, including long service with the Milton Point Engine and Hose Company, and was a member of the Church of the Resurrection.

Harry S. Balcom died on December 5, 1964, at the age of 71. His wife, the former Elizabeth Hickey, died in 1959. At the time of his death, he was survived by a brother, William who resides in Florida; five sisters, Mrs. Jennie Weeks, Miss Nettie Balcom, and Mrs. Edna Dempsey, all of Rye, Mrs. Grace LaRussell of Greenwich, and Mrs. Phoebe Langeloh, who also lives in Florida; and several nieces and nephews.