Baltzell was born in Frankfort, Kentucky and studied law with Kentucky Attorney General Solomon P. Sharp, attaining his license at age 20. Following his friend Florida Governor William Pope Duval, Baltzell moved to Florida in 1825.
Baltzell was born in Frankfort, Kentucky, where he studied law under Solomon P. Sharp, becoming licensed at age 20. Like his friend William Pope Duval, who later became governor of Florida, Baltzell moved to Florida in 1825.