Murder of William Balar

2nd great granndmother Mary Balar-Goins' brother



The Newark Advocate 17 Jun, 1882
Probable Murder.
 Supposed to Have Been Committed June 5 in Newark--The Mystery Surrounding the Death of Former Lansing House Waiter.


Those who have been frequent guest at the Lansing House, will remember Willam Balar, a young mulatto, who was one of the quickest and brightest waiters at the Lansing House dining room. The 6th of June, the day after Cole's circus was here, some of the guests noticed, from his swollen eye, that something was wrong with Balar, and asked him what was the matter. He explained that he had the neuralgia in his face. He continued around the hotel until the following Sunday, when he went to Mount Vernon where his parents live, there to remain until he got well. When he arrived at Mount Vernon he was unconscious, and remained in that condition until he died, last Thursday morning.


A post mortem examination made under the direction of Dr. F. Pickard, of Mount Vernon, showed he had died of inflammation of the brain. A bruise was found over his right eye and his right cheekbone was depressed. A tablespoon of pus was taken from the wound on the forehead. The physicians in attendance were all of the opinion that he came to his death from inflammation of the brain, superinduced by a blow.


All in indications, so far developed, art that Balar received his death-blow at some place in this city, on the June 5th. Jackson Jennings a porter at the Lansing House says they went to the show together, and that Balar laid down in the grass and caught a cold, which settled in his eye, producing neuralgia. Balar was a very quiet young man, and perhaps would have not told any one, if he had gotten into a fight. But just before he died he seemed to be trying to tell something about it and made indistinct mutterings, but nothing definite could be learned from him. Doctor Pickard said that there was not neuralgia in this case; that Balar undoubtedly died from the effects of a blow on the head, and the wound was too great to have been caused by a fall.


The supposition at first, was that he had been hit while at the circus. Several of his friends were here are who are interesting themselves in the case now think differently. Balar was accustomed to carry his money with him, and drew it only at the end of the week. A day or two after he was hurt he asked Mr. Lansing for a dollar. It was unusual for him to ask for money before the week was up. Balar played pool a great deal. He might have gone out that night, and gotten into the fatal fight, and robbed. Coroner Carey of Knox County, is interesting himself in pushing the case to investigation. Some of the borders at the Lansing House, with whom Balar was a great favorite are also determined that it shall be brought to light if possible.
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 from Newspapers.com 13 Feb, 2019