John Balbach

John Balbach (February 13, 1820 - August 4, 1896) was a pioneering settler and prominent citizen of San Jose, California.

[1] Balbach has two commemorative plaques in the city, one installed by the Germania Verein (Club) on its 150th anniversary in 2006; and one by the larger German-American community, on Market South Street where his blacksmith shop was once located.

[4] He arrived in New York in 1848, part of the wave of immigrants caught up in the California Gold Rush.

[6] After recouping several months in Los Angeles, Balbach and two companions started northward following the coast.

[5] During the first night of their stay, Balbach's horse was stolen and he was compelled to abandon his trip and seek employment.