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BOSCH, PETER AND PEARL (HULSTEIN)

Peter Bosch, born in Gelderland, Holland on Dec, 1883 to Jan and Fennigje Bosch came to Amrica at the age of 8 years. His mother had died and he and two sisters were left with his father. Uncle Dirk, hearing of this plight, immediately took steps to have his brother and three children come to the United States. In August of 1892 they arrived at Alton, Iowa, and were heartily welcomed by the Uncle and his whole family. When Uncle Dirk bought a farm west of Sioux Center, he even built a home for his brother and children where they could start them farming themselves. Needless to say their early years were spent trying desperately to eke out a meager existence.

Peter's education was minimal since he was needed at home to help with the farming. As a young lad he also worked as a hired hand for other farmers and sometimes would become so homesick that it was difficult for him to work.

The Peter Bosch Family

At the age of 26, he married his bride, Pearl Hulstein, daughter of Gerrit and Cornelia Hulstein. She had 6 brothers and 2 sisters, most of whom lived in the Sioux Center area. She was a kind, considerate, patient person, always willing to lend a hand. She worked hard on the farm but also found time to do much volunteer work such as cleaning and wallpapering the parsonage or helping someone who was sick.

They farmed in the Carmel area, Sanborn area and then in 1938, they moved to an acreage 1/2 mile west of Old Town, Sioux Center. This was their first home with electricity and the 25 and 40 watt bulbs seemed to give adequate lighting then.

Their oldest son, John remained on the farm near Sanborn with his wife, Jeanette (Brouwer). Carolyn, Mrs. Donald Dummett was living at Melvin, Iowa. Several years after Donald's passing, she married Floyd Clemons. Fanny, a teacher of several years, began teaching a country school near Sioux Center. After her marriage to Jake Haagsma in 1941, she moved back to Sanborn. Gerald, after graduating from Sioux Center High School, worked at several places of business in Sioux Center. He was called to active duty in WW II and later started a men's clothing store known as Bosch's Clothing which is presently part of down town Sioux Center. He was forced to sell his business in 1975 duo to the disease of Multiple Myloma (bone cancer) from which he died in 1976. His wife, Artella (Mouw) Bosch still resides in Sioux Center. Arthur also graduated from Sioux Center High School but returned to Sanborn to farm. He married Naomi De Roos. Esther attended the Sioux Center Community School and graduated from Sioux Center High School. She worked at De Bruin Shoe Store and taught country school. She married Orville Kempers and farmed near Sioux Center.

Peter and Pearl Bosch

Highlights for this family's summer entertainment included all-day Sunday School picnic and family reunions. At the reunion each family would provide a number for the program. Gerald and Art Bosch were always featured by playing their guitars and singing. However when they moved to Sioux Center, country music wasn't 'cool' so that put a damper on their guitar playing but the family continued to sing. Peter Bosch sang in a male quartet in Carmel and Sanborn and later sang with the Lofstem, a group of Dutch Psalm singers in Sioux Center.

The Bosch's were active members of the First Reformed Church. At the age of 80, Peter was able to fulfill a lifelong dream of returning to Holland, his birthplace. He also located his Mothers grave at that time, which gave him great satisfaction.

Pearl enjoyed visiting with people and many relatives and friends stopped in for coffee. In 1940, they purchased the home of her parents on 1st Ave. N.W., a house with glass doorknobs and French doors, which always held a fascination for me. The later years of their life were spent in their home at 636 lst Ave. N.E. in Sioux Center.

Pearl died suddenly of a heart attack at the age of 68 and Peter died of kidney failure 13 years later in 1971.

The lines are fallen unto me in pleasant places; yes, I have a goodly heritage. Psalms 16:6

by Esther Kempers

Source: Sioux Center Iowa 1991 Centennial Book-- Contributor, Mary Haverhals