A Short Boltz History

In 1737, Johann Michael Boltz, his wife and 3 children applied to leave Germany. The family was among the Palatines who sailed from Amsterdam on the ship "William", by way of Dover, England, with 180 passengers. The ship arrived in Philadelphia the 31st of October 1737. Descendants of his great grandson, John Boltz, migrated to Indiana and on to Northeast Missouri in the mid 1850s. Many are listed in the 1860 Missouri census.

Many times, father and son or two brothers would use the different spellings of the last name. Perhaps not a problem at that time, but causing difficulties to those of us doing research today.

• Family history short story by Bea.
• Photo collection provided by Gary Boltz.

In May of 1994, a reunion was held at the Millport Church and cemetery where many of these ancestors are buried. A picnic lunch was held and a program was given of family histories, stories and memorabilia. A reunion has been held every two years since.