Johann Heinrich and Elizabeth are a pivotable generation which experiences at least two major milestones within the family history.

First, they are responsible for the 1802 house on the Bals-Lusebrink. The former location of their farm was in the village, but it was destroyed in a flood, so in their own words, they returned to the place of their ancestors. In time, there will be a page dedicated to the Bals-Lusebrink which will contain more specific details. For now, you can see a picture of the house and the ornately carved beam which has been persevered and is proudly displayed in the 1920s house.

Second, they are key figures if not fully responsible for the Baltz family becoming free farmers. A petition to be released from serfdom was submitted on April 4, 1809 and ultimately accepted on July 14, 1809. The account is chronicled in the 1150 Jahre Schmerlecke 883-1983 book and it’s fascinating. I have translated it to English and made it available as a PDF. I would love to locate copies of the original documents, but I’m not sure if they still exist.

St. Cyriakus church records for this generation are also plentiful. Birth/Baptism, Marriage, and Death/Burial for both Johannes and Elizabeth. Then Birth/Baptism for all five children, as well as two marriage records and an unfortunate death record for Eva Gertrudis soon after her first birthday.

The spelling of his last name fluctuates a lot. It starts as Baltz, but later documents like his son Franz Joseph’s wedding and his own death show it as Balz. Then the account of this Testament [Will] in 1150 Jahre Schmerlecke 883-1983 has it as Bals, but that could be a misprint in 1983. The Testament was translated to English by Gene Bals and I have made it available as a PDF.

Johannes dies in 1816 aged 48. Elizabeth dies in 1838 aged 71.

Johannes and Elizabeth spend their lives farming the Bals-Lusebrink in Schmerlecke, Germany.