Balcom, William C.

Description

William C. Balcom

William Cotes Balcom was born on August 31, 1897, in Rye, New York, the son of George H. Balcom and Millie Cotes. He grew up in Rye in a large family on 552 Milton Road during a time of gradual suburban growth in Westchester County.

WORLD WAR I SERVICE

Balcom enlisted in the United States Navy on December 10, 1917, in New York City. He trained at the Naval Training Station in Newport, Rhode Island, before serving aboard the USS George Washington, a former German ocean liner converted into a troop transport that carried thousands of American soldiers to and from Europe during World War I, including voyages connected to the Paris Peace Conference. During his service, he advanced to the rating of Seaman and was honorably discharged on October 24, 1919.

POSTWAR LIFE

Following his military service, Balcom returned to civilian life and married Beatrice E. Mott in 1920. He worked for many years as a maintenance employee with the Delaware County Highway Department. Later in life, he moved to West Davenport, New York.

He remained connected to Rye through family, community organizations, and his church. He was a member of Christ’s Church, the Milton Point Hose Company, and American Legion Post 128. A son Cpl. William R. Balcom,
died Oct. 2 1944, while serving in
the European theatre during World
War II

William C. Balcom died on December 14, 1965, in Albany, New York, at the age of 68. At the time of his death, survivors included a daughter, Mrs. Benjamin (Sally) Beams of West Davenport; and five sisters, Mrs. Edna Dempsey of Rye, Miss Nettie Balcom of Rye, Mrs. Grace La Russell of Greenwich, Mrs. Jennie Weeks of Rye and Mrs. Phoebe Langeloh of North Miami, Florida.