John Frederick Ballier

By profession a baker in his native Germany, he emigrated to Philadelphia in 1838, where he established his own bakery. He was active in the local militia from 1839, and served as Lieutenant of his company in the Mexican War (1846 - 48). He rose to the rank of Major in the militia in the years before the Civil War, and volunteered for Federal service with his unit in 1861.

His Regiment, the Washington Light, formed the core of the Twenty-first Pennsylvania, a three month unit. At the expiration of their term of service, Colonel Ballier recruited and organized the Ninety-eighth Regiment for three years' service.

He was twice wounded in command of his regiment: at Fredericksburg in December 1862, and at Ft. Stevens (near Washington) in July 1864.

He returned to Philadelphia where he owned and operated the Ballier House (hotel), and was a local politician and militia officer.

Source: Evening Bulletin1 His gravesite is on Findagrave.

08/28/1815; Auirch, Lower Saxony, GERMANY

02/03/1893; Philadelphia, PA; burial in Mount Peace Cemetery, Philadelphia, PA