Bolser, Willis G.

BOLSER, CHRISTOPHER, MEAD

Posted By: Linda Ziemann, Plym. CC (email)
Date: 2/21/2005 at 17:12:01

Willis G. Bolser

Willis G. Bolser, president of the German-American Savings Bank of Le Mars and possessor of other extensive banking interests in Plymouth county, is a native of Wisconsin, born on a farm in Walworth county, that state, November 13, 1863, son of John and Ellen (Christopher) Bolser, the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of Norway. John Bolser and his wife were among the earliest settlers in Walworth county, where he spent his last days. His widow is now living at Palmyra, Wisconsin.

Reared on the home farm in Wisconsin, Willis G. Bolser received his schooling in the country schools of that neighborhood and when fifteen years of age, in 1878, came to Iowa and took employment with the Illinois Central Railroad Company, being engaged with that company until 1893, in which year, while acting as agent for the company at Le Mars he was elected president of the German-American Savings Bank at Le Mars and has ever since occupied that position, for years having been recognized as one of the leading bankers in northwestern Iowa. Mr. Bolser also has other extensive bank holdings, being interested in the Plymouth County Bank at Oyens, the Farmers' Savings Bank at Struble, the German Savings Bank at Craig and in the Bank of Brunsville, all in this county. In 1915 the German-American Savings Bank at Le Mars erected its present magnificent bank building, one of the finest structures of it kind in Iowa. This building is constructed of Bedford stone, along modern lines of architecture, and is a handsome addition to the business district of the county seat. In addition to his large holdings in a banking way, Mr. Bolser also has extensive land holdings and is regarded as one of the most substantial citizens in this part of the state.

In May, 1883, Willis G. Bolser was united in marriage to Carrie E. Mead, of Aplington, this state, and to this union four children have been born, namely: Miles O., who is an electrical engineer at Los Angeles, California; Ellen C., wife of Dr. W. W. Larsen, of Le Mars; Clark M. and Norman J.

BOOK SOURCE:
History of Plymouth County, Iowa
Indianapolis, Ind.: B. F. Bowen, 1917