In the matter of James A. Balch on Habeas Corpus Proceedings

June 1, 1883 - June 5, 1888

Petitioned on May 12, 1888

Filed before the Third Judicial District Court for the Territory of Washington (Seattle, Washington)

Case ID: hc.case.wa.0433

Case Summary

Balch was admitted to Fort Steilacoom (Hospital for the Insane) in June 1883. Admitted for "religion and incorporation and homicidal tendencies." Later in 1888 he petitioned for freedom, saying he was not insane. Original commitment and physician's note included. The petition was allowed but it is unknown if Balch was freed. Balch is noted for being in the Oregon First Cavalry Regiment.

Case Information

Petition type(s)

Institutional

Petition subtype(s)

Insanity

Sites of significance

Outcome

Unknown

Fate of bound party

Remained in custody

Case Citation

King County Government, Judicial Administration, Territorial District Court Case Files, 1867-1889, No. 6023

Source material(s)

Case File

Length of case file

Between 11 and 20 pages

Repository(s)

Washington State Archives, Puget Sound Regional Branch (Bellevue, Washington)

State

Washington

People

Balch, James A. (petitioner)
Balch, James A. (bound party)
Waughop, John Wesley (respondent)
Waughop, John Wesley (holding party)
Waughop, John Wesley (responding party)
Wilcoxen, I. N. (petitioner attorney)
Navarre, J. A. (authority ordering detention)
Jones, Richard A. (judge)
Stevenson, James M. (judge)
Additional parties

Ledgerwood, W. E. (Clerk)

Hannon, H. T. (Deputy Clerk)

Wilt, J. H. (Sheriff of Pierce County)

Metcalfe, James B. (Notary Public)

Clark, J. O. (Physician)

Morrison, W. F. (Physician)

Balch, Hattie M. (Wife)

David Guilland (Complainant/Witness from Asylum)