Thomas J. G. Bolt, a progressive, public-spirited citizen of Moorland and one of Muskegon County's large land-owners, was born in Devonshire, England, April 16, 1848, being the son of George W. and Jemima (Guscott) Bolt, natives of England. His father, who was a farmer by occupation, emigrated to America in 1857, and after sojourning in New York City about six months, he removed to Canada and settled near the city of London. In 1858, having sold his interests in Canada, he traveled extensively over the Western country with the view of looking up a suitable location for a home. He finally settled in Ottawa County, Mich., and there remained until death terminated his career in 1886. His wife, now eighty-three years of age (1893), resides on the old homestead in Ottawa County.

 

 Of eleven children, nine of whom are now living, the subject of this biographical notice is the eighth in order of birth. He completed his education at Belmont, Canada, and Grand Rapids, Mich., and at the age of twenty-one commenced to teach school, continuing thus engaged for a number of years. He has taught twenty-one successive winters in Kent, Ottawa, and Muskegon Counties, and , being a good disciplinarian, as well as a man of broad culture and extensive information, he has achieved the highest success in his profession. His interest in educational matters has been deep and unflagging, and his influence has done much toward elevating the standard of education in this community. He has served as Township Inspector for a number of years and School Commissioner for two years in Muskegon County.

 

In 1875 Mr. Bolt was united in marriage with Miss Ola, daughter of Joseph and Harriet (Wyliss) Minnich, natives of Ohio. Three children were born of this union, Louis J., Ada F. and Lucius P., who are bright and intelligent, inheriting the studious qualities of their father. The daughter, at the age of eleven, received a first-grade teacher's certificate at Muskegon, and the sons are also well-informed and studious. In politics a stanch Republican, Mr. Bolt has for a number of years been prominently connected with all the political affairs of the county, and has been chosen by his fellow-citizens to represent them in various local offices of trust and responsibility. His popularity is proved by the fact that he has represented Moorland Township on the Board of Supervisors of Muskegon County for a period of ten years, during nine of which he received every vote in the township.

 

In regard to social connections, Mr. Bolt is identified with the Masonic fraternity, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and for the past seventeen years has been a member of the Independent Order of Good Templars. He is the possessor of five hundred and thirty-seven acres of farming land, the larger portion of which is well improved. In addition to his landed possessions, he is the owner of the comfortable and substantial residence he now occupies, and which he erected in 1892. His business career has been such as to win for him the confidence of his associates, and, socially, his genial, generous disposition has won for him a host of warm friends.

 

 

 

 

Portrait and Biographical Record of Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, Michigan 1893, Michigan, Biographical Publishing Company, Chicago 1893, Pgs 197-198