Arnold H. Bolke and son Bernhard, 1899 Biography

BOLKE, THEIN

Posted By: David Reineke (email)
Date: 9/25/2004 at 12:01:15

I translated the following biography from Der Carroll Demokrat, a German-language newspaper published in Carroll, Iowa, between about 1874 and 1920. It was originally published in a special 25th Anniversary Edition of the paper on Friday, 20 September 1899. I have not changed the place or name spellings. Information in brackets and notes at the end are my own explanations. It reads as follows:

Arnold H. Bolke, and son Bernhard

The father was born in the Grand Duchy of Oldenburg. He came to America with his family in 1868 and settled in Delaware County, Iowa, where he purchased a 160-acre parcel of land. After the family had lived there five years, they moved to Wheatland Township, Carroll County, where they moved to a previously purchased farm of 160 acres. The old gentleman’s dear life companion died in 1878. As of 2 May of this year, he is 74 years old. Consequently, the old gentleman is retired and spends his twilight years with his son Bernhard.

He [Bernhard] was also born in Oldenburg, and that was on 29 November 1859. He immigrated to America with his parents and received his schooling in Delaware County. After successfully completing school, he worked with his father, assisting him in working the land. On 26 February 1889, he married Miss Maria J. Thein [the middle initial could also be I], a respected young lady. Mr. Bolke worked the farm, which was increased about 160 acres, with good success. It is an excellent parcel of land, equipped with good buildings. This happy marriage has produced six children, one of which died at a young age. The names of the children still living are: Peter, Heinrich, Bernard, Karoline, and Katharina.

NOTES: Oldenburg is a city and a region in northern Germany.