From History of Walworth County Wisconsin by Albert Clayton Beckwith, Vol. II, 
Publ. 1912 - Page 885-886
 
JACOB BOLLINGER.  The name of Jacob BOLLINGER must needs go down in the 
history of this section of the Badger state, for he came here in pioneer 
times, and, having the sagacity of his race (the Swiss), saw a great future 
here, so cast his lot in the wilderness about our beautiful lakes and labored 
for his advancement and that of the community in general, setting a worthy 
example for right living, which could be followed without amiss by the youth 
whose destinies are yet matters for future years to determine.
 
Mr. BOLLINGER was born in Switzerland on June 23, 1832.  He is the son of 
Sebastian and Barbara (SHANINGER) BOLLINGER, natives of Switzerland, who spent 
their lives there, never coming to America, the father having devoted his life 
to mining and farming.  His family consisted of four children: Jacob, of this 
sketch; Daniel, who lives in Sharon, this county; John is deceased; Mary still 
lives in Switzerland.
 
Jacob BOLLINGER grew to manhood in Switzerland and received his education in 
the common schools there. He came to the United States when twenty years of 
age, landing on our shores on May 6, 1852, in New Orleans, Louisiana.  He then 
went to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he had friends, but remained there only a 
short time, then came to Sharon, Walworth county, and hired out as a farm hand 
for eight dollars per month, and worked thus for three years, then went north 
and purchased eighty acres of land, but becoming dissatisfied with the same 
returned to Sharon, where he soon traded the eighty for ten acres, receiving 
one hundred dollars difference, this land lying in Sharon township.  The 
eighty acres was good coal land.  He went to work on the small farm and added 
to it from time to time until he owned three hundred and seventy-seven acres 
at the time of his retirement in 1906.  He carried on general farming and 
stock raising on an extensive scale and had a good income from his crops from 
year to year, his farm being among the best in Sharon township.  He sold the 
same to his sons and moved to the town of Sharon, where he purchased a 
pleasant home, one of the most beautiful in the township.
 
Mr. BOLLINGER has always voted the Republican ticket, up to two years ago, 
when he became a Prohibitionist.  He was a member of the city council for two 
years, and religiously he is a member of the English Lutheran church.
 
Mr. BOLLINGER was married on November 25, 1857, to Catherine KITELEY, daughter 
of John and Elizabeth (BODLEY) KITELEY, natives of England, and to his union 
seven children were born, named as follows: Rev. George, of Appleton, Iowa; 
Alexander, of Sharon; Mary A. lives at home; John R. lives in Boone county, 
Illinois; Joseph, David M. and Andrew, all live in Sharon.
 
Submitted by Carol