Bollman, Vives and Sadie (Richards)

(Gwenn R. Koenig)

Vives G. Bollman, son of Moses and Carrie (Brown) Bollman, was born 1 Feb 1889 on his father's farm located in Sec 23 of Bloomfield Twp.

Moses Bollman, born 26 Jan 1838 in Janesville, OH, was the son of William and Elizabeth (Hardin) Bollman who came to Iowa in 1855. His immigrant ancestor was Hans Bollman who came to the Pennsylvania Colony from Holland on the ship Charming Nancy arriving 9 Nov 1738. Moses Bollman enlisted in the Civil War from Allamakee Co. and served in the 1st Iowa Cavalry until the end of the war. He first married Nancy Harris 5 Nov 1867 and they had 3 children: Margaret (Mrs. Ed Green), Willard and Mrs. Amos McMartin. After Nancy’s death, Moses married Carrie Brown. They were the parents of Fenton, Parker, Vera, Ferrel, Talcott, Vives and Oberton. Moses kept a diary of his Civil War days and his life on the farm which has left much history for the descendants of the Bollman family.

Vives grew up on this farm in Bloomfield Twp. where his father had planted a large apple orchard, had a sorghum mill and a building moving operation. He and his brothers were guilty of the usual boyhood mischief which Vives would relate many years later.

As a young man Vives became interesting in photography and left many glass plates of long disappeared landscapes. He attended Iowa State College (now Iowa State University).

Vives married Sadie Richards (also of Bloomfield Twp.) 14 Nov 1913. Their children were: Donald (died in infancy); Mildred (m. Phillip Hauk), North Bend, WA; Gertrude (m. Edward Floody), California; and Richard.

Vives was one of the historian's of Bloomfield Twp. He was skilled in historical research and memory of events; he had an interest and devotion in compiling historical material; and he was skilled as a photographer in copying old photographs including tin type, glass plates and old prints. His dynamic personality, which enabled him to gather information from pioneer residents of the community, has left us a great heritage. For many years he was the caretaker of the Bloomfield Twp. cemeteries and was responsible for securing military markers for some of the long forgotten veterans of Bloomfield Twp.

He was a charter member in the Bloomfield Twp. Historical Society and a member of the Winneshiek Co. Historical Society. His story is placed in this book so that he will not be forgotten.

Bolson, Constance (Hexom)

(Ransome Bolson)

When the name Connie Bolson is mentioned, the word ''organist” comes to mind. How popular is she as an organist? That is part of this profile. Constance Harriet Hexom was born  in Virginia, MN, the daughter of Pastor and Mrs. William T Hexom. Her father was serving his first parish as a Lutheran minister.

From an early age, it seemed Connie was destined to follow her mother as an organist. Her mother, the former

Charlotte Larson, was raised in Decorah. Charlotte was a leader at Decorah Lutheran as a young woman. And as a pastor’s wife, she was organist for hundreds of church services.

The Hexom family left Virginia in 1930 and moved to Hawkins, Wl. They lived there during the dark days of the Depression. The people were poor and a lot of the pastor’s pay came in the form of fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs and meat. In addition to the church in Hawkins, Pastor Hexom also served the communities of Glen Flora and Catawba. They had services in various places, including country school houses. Pastor Hexom would take Connie along to play the piano or organ - if there was one.

Playing at wedding reception for Jane Pfister in Oneota Room at Luther.

The Hexoms came to Big Canoe Lutheran Church in 1939. Connie graduated from Decorah High School in 1941 where she played the French Horn in the band. She then played French Horn in the Luther College Concert Band under the direction of Dr. Carlo A. Sperati. After she was married, Connie continued to be pianist and organist for Sunday School and church services. She also was busy being tine mother of five children.

As the children grew, so has her popularity as an organist. Connie has been the organist at Decorah Lutheran, Good Shepherd, Grace Episcopal, Methodist and since the 1980's the organist at the Congregational Church. Many Sundays she will do “double duty” - a 9:00 A.M. service at one church and a 10:45 service at another church. At one time or other, she has played at every church in Decorah. Connie also plays at weddings and funerals, the Senior Citizen Center, nursing homes and Vesterheim Museum at Christmas time. In addition, Connie gives piano lessons in her home. She is a member of the Northeast Iowa Organists Guild.

Connie (Hexom) Bolson has earned her place as one of the best known church organists in Northeast Iowa.