Paul was born on the 11th of May, 1811, in Whitehall township, at the hamlet known as Ballietsville, where the years of his youth were spent. His education was chiefly obtained at home, with later advantages at Easton, Pa. On returning from the latter place he assumed charge of a store in Heidelberg Township, which he managed in connection with a furnace belonging to his father, and remained several years thus employed. Preferring the life of a farmer to the sedentary employment of a merchant, he cultivated his father's farm, of which he later became owner by purchase. He has continued the labors of an agriculturist from that time to the present. In connection with his brothers, Aaron and John, he subsequently embarked in mining enterprises in North Whitehall township, which interest be still retains. At a later day he became and is still a stockholder in a furnace at Coplay in the vicinity of his home.

Mr. Balliet was married to Sarah, daughter of Peter Mover, of North Whitehall township, whose surviving children are Paul E., Sabina (Mrs. James D. Schall), Josephine (Mrs. Harry H. Trumbower), Catherine (Mrs. David Kline) Ella M., and Amanda M. (Mrs. James Roney). Mrs. Balliet died Feb. 11, 1869, and Mr. Balliet wa married a second time (on the 20th of May, 1878), to Mrs. Kate Emery, daughter of John Haines.

In polities Mr. Balliet is a Republican, and has served as county commissioner, though the excitement attending active political life is not congenial to his tastes. He is a supporter and member of the German Reformed Church of Unionville.