Bio: Bolin, Peter J. (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Bolin, Carey, Harrington, McCann, Johnson

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 652-653

Peter J. Bolin, an enterprising and up to date farmer of the town of Union, was born at Westport, county of Bedford, Province of Ontario, Canada, July 16, 1851, and is a son of the late Frank and Ann (Carey) Bolin, both natives of county Mayo, Ireland. They came to Canada in an early day and were among the pioneers of the Province of Ontario where they lived and died.

Peter J. was reared to manhood in Ontario, receiving his education in the common schools. In 1869 he came to the state of Michigan and located in the county of Saginaw where for eight years he was employed in the lumber camps. He came to Eau Claire in 1877 and entered the employ of the Eau Claire Lumber Company on their Meridian branch, remaining thus employed for four years: he then embarked in the hotel business at Eau Claire and for two years conducted the Saginaw House. He then purchased 200 acres of land in the town of Lincoln which he owned until 1908, and where he made his home for fourteen years during which time he was engaged as contractor for logging and driving for various lumber companies. In 1899 he purchased a residence in Eau Claire where he resided until 1904 when he moved to his farm of 120 acres in Union township, and there he has since lived, still owning, however, his city residence. His farm is one of the banner farms in Union township, is under a high state of cultivation and improved with good, substantial buildings. He uses modern methods in his farming operations and his place is well equipped with many up-to-date labor saving devices.

Mr. Bolin has been married three times. His first wife was Catherine B. Harrington, while the second Mrs. Bolin was Mary Johnson, and he married for his third wife Miss Ellen, daughter of J. W. McCann, one of the prosperous farmers of Union township. A man of strong personality, he is an energetic, wide-awake and highly respected citizen, classed as a good neighbor and is a man among men. He is prominently identified with St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church of Eau Claire, while in his political affiliations he is a Republican.