CLASS OF 1877

Gilbert Brownell Balch, president of the book publishing house of Balch Brothers Company of Boston, died at his summer home at Topsfield, Mass., July 24, after an illness of several months. Mr. Balch was born in Topsfield, February 9, 1856, being son of Humphrey and Hannah (Bradstreet) Balch. After preparation at Phillips Andover Academy, he entered Harvard College, leaving after one year, and entering Dartmouth at the beginning of sophomore year. After graduation he studied law for a year at Boston University, and then, deciding to enter the ministry, he took the three years' course in Andover Theological Seminary. His first and only pastorate was with the Congregational church of Kingston, N. H., 1881-4, this being terminated by a serious impairment of health. After a few months he engaged in the subscription book business, and in 1885 went into business for himself in partnership with his brother in Toronto. In January, 1887, he came to Boston as partner in the firm of Martin Garrison and Company, and two years later organized the Balch Brothers Company. Among the notable business successes of' the firm were the selling of the Century Dictionary and the publication of the Stoddard Lectures. Just before Mr. Balch's death the firm had brought to completion a set of books called the Stoddard Library, and was about to undertake the publication of an encyclopedic dictionary. In his business career Mr. Balch had won not only a fortune but also a reputation for sterling integrity. He was married July 14, 1881, to Sarah Elizabeth, daughter of Rodney Denis and Susan Irene (Adams) Perkins of Boxford, Mass., who survives him, but without children.

George H. Child, who is in the mercantile business at Harper's Ferry, W. Va., is at the head of the Republican county organization, and is supervisor of the census for his Congressional district.

John J. Hopper (T. S. C. E. '85) is the candidate of the Independence League for governor of New York. He is a well-known civil engineer and contractor of New York city, and is known in politics as chairman of the state committee of the League.

Secretary, John M. Comstock, Chelsea, Vt.