Balson, Lewis E.

The following data is extracted from Centennial History of Missouri.

Lewis E. Balson, president of the Balson Realty and Building Company of St. Louis, was born March 31, 1882, in the city in which he still resides and is the son of William L. Balson, of whom extended mention is made elsewhere in this work. The son obtained his education in the public and high schools of St. Louis, together with a four years' evening course in architecture at Washington University. When but seventeen years of age he became actively associated with his father's business and in the succeeding years became a factor in the development of building interests in St. Louis. On the 25th of February, 1908, he was made secretary and treasurer of the company which was reorganized at that time. It was in 1895 that the Balson Realty and Building Company was incorporated as successor to the firm of William L. Balson and Son and upon the death of his father Lewis E. Balson succeeded to the presidency of the company and has since directed the business, his labors contributing to its continued growth and development. There is no phase of building with which Mr. Balson is not thoroughly familiar and his enterprise and diligence have been the forceful elements in his success.
On the 15th of June, 1911, Mr. Balson was married to Miss Ethel G. Ringwald of Sumner, Illinois, and to them have been born three children: Helen, William L., and John Edward.
The parents are members of the University Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Balson is serving on its board of stewards. His political support is given to the democratic party and for the past three years he has been a member of the board of education of University City and is treasurer of the board.
Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, being a charter member of University Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He also belongs to the West End Business Men's Association. There are also other activities which claim his attention, for he is a notary public, an insurance broker and a member of the St. Louis Insurance Agents Association. His activities have been of a broad and varied character and he has met every demand made upon him in the way of business enterprise, initiative and power of organization. His efforts constitute an element in the improvement of St. Louis and the results which he has achieved have been very satisfactory.

Source: Centennial History of Missouri

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