Source: "History of Manitowoc County Wisconsin" by Dr. L. Falge, 1911-1912, v.2, p.320-321.

David Balkansky, who with A. Schwartz is owner of the Manitowoc Iron & Metal Company, in which he has been interested since 1897, was born in Drogezen, in Russia. Mr. Balkansky was reared and educated in his native land, whence he emigrated to the United States in 1896. Manitowoc was his destination and very soon after his arrival he became associated with Mr. Schwartz in the above enterprise. They had but limited means to finance the undertaking so were compelled to begin in a very small way, but as they are both unusually clever business men of most progressive and energetic methods they have made rapid progress. During the fifteen years of the concerns existence they have greatly extended their plant and now are owners of the largest enterprise of the kind in this county, giving employment to a large corps of skilled workmen. In the development of their establishment they have manifested a high standard of commercial ability as well as business acumen, and are now enjoying an excellent patronage that is constantly increasing. Their annual receipts now exceed fifty thousand dollars, which is a large amount for a business of this nature. In addition to his interest in this concern Mr. Balkansky is a stockholder in the Manitowoc Brass Foundry.

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, was the scene of Mr. Balkansky's marriage on the 4th of June, 1904, to Miss Rebecca Liess, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. M. Liess, the father a retired merchant who is now living in Europe. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Balkansky: Beneard, who is attending school; and Livian. The family reside at No. 820 Marshall street.

Mr. Balkansky is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and he has also taken the degrees of the blue lodge in the Masonic fraternity. He is one of the highly enterprising and progressive young business men of the city, whose capabilities are rapidly bringing him to the front and winning him more than local recognition. During the sixteen years of his residence here he has won the esteem and respect of a large circle of acquaintances and is very highly regarded by all who have had transactions with him.

Return to the Sheboygan Page

Return to Bios page