JOHN W. BOLLEN.

John W. Bollen, whose home is on section 13, Osco township, where he owns three hundred and forty acres of land, was born in Loraine township. January 13, 1868, and is a son of John and Caroline (Heller) Bollen. Reared upon the farm on which his birth occurred, he acquired a good education in the country schools of the district, supplemented by two terms at the Northwestern Normal.

Upon attaining his majority he embarked in farming, purchasing first a tract of one hundred and forty acres in Phenix township. He paid about sixty-five dollars an acre, but after he had lived there some years, having made a number of important improvements, he was able to dispose of it for ninety dollars an acre. He engaged in the ice business, for a few years, and in 1904 bought the land on which he now lives. This, too, is under a high state of cultivation and is very valuable.

In Phenix township, February 10, 1891, was celebrated the marriage of John W. Bollen and Miss Alice Rapp. She was born in that township and is a daugh­ter of Aaron and Christina (Hines) Rapp, who were able to give her a good education. Of this union have been born two children: Melba, born in Phenix, township; and Dorothy, who was born in Geneseo.

Mr. Bollen is a republican in his political views and when exercising his right to vote invariably casts his ballot for the candidates of that party. He has never sought office, feeling that the cares of his own vocation demanded all of his time. To this unswerving devotion to the work which he has chosen can be traced the bountiful harvest which are his at the end of each season. He has spared no exertion to increase the production of his fields and has found himself well repaid. He is still in the prime of life and will doubtless see many more years of profit and usefulness.

 

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