Harrison County Iowa Genealogy

HISTORY OF HARRISON COUNTY, IOWA, 1891
BIOGRAPHIES
Page 903
PETER BOLCH

Peter BOLCH, a successful farmer of section 33, Allen Township, has been a resident of the county since September 22, 1873. When he first came to the county he worked for William CUTLER, of Magnolia Township, by the month on a farm. He continued to work by the month for about one year, and then commenced work on his account. Being unable to buy land on his own the first year, he and his brother farmed on rented land, after which they purchased the farm upon which our subject now resides, their sister keeping house for them. They continued to operate the farm in company for seven years, at the end of which time he purchased his brother's interest. At the time they purchased the place there was about one hundred acres under cultivation, but now he has about one hundred and fifty under the plow, while the remainder is in pasture and meadowland, his whole farm now containing five hundred and sixty acres, all in one body and fenced.

He was born in Washington County, Ohio, his parents being John and Elizabeth (KUHN) BOLCH, natives of Germany. They were the parents of seven children, our subject, (the third child) was born February 24, 1854. The names of his brothers and sisters were John, Mary, Frank, Joseph, Adam and Elizabeth (twins), all living except Adam.

Our subject remained in the Buckeye State, with his parents, until he was nineteen years of age, when he came to Harrison County, Iowa. When he was nine years of age, his father was a soldier in the Civil War, and he was thrown on his own resources, having to work out for his board, attending school when he could.

He was married April 14, 1880, to Jessie E. HEFFORD, daughter of William and Sarah (RATLIFF) HEFFORD, natives of New York and Illinois respectively. They had three children, our subject's wife being the eldest, and was born in Magnolia, Iowa. The names of the children are as follows: Jessie, Hattie and Rubie. Mr. and Mrs. BOLCH are the parents of four children, born as follows: Nellie, February 12, 1881; William, February 11, 1883, deceased; Eva, October 25, 1885; Ruth, January 6, 1888.

Politically our subject is identified with the Republican party, and in religious matters he is a Roman Catholic in belief.

Return to 1891 Biographical B Surnames Index

Back to 1891 Biographies Index