Johan Adam Bolch and his wife Anna Christina (last name unknown) landed in Philadephia on 24 September 1753 on the ship Neptune (John Mason, Master) from Rotterdam, last from Cowes. They had two children with them, Jacob who was born in Germany prior to the voyage and Sebastian who was born "on the high seas." They settled in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Sometime prior to 1770 the family migrated to Lincoln County, North Carolina. The last name has been spelled in various ways through the generations including Balch, Balich, Boalich, Bohlich, Bohlig, Bolch, Boleck, Boley, Bolich, Bolick, Boliek, Bolig, Boligh, Bolih, Bolish, Bollich, Bollick, Bollig, Bolligh, Bolock, Bolsch. Johan Adam was a shoemaker by trade. According to family stories, he had considerable property in Germany. Germany had strict limits on the amount of property immigrants were allowed to take with them when they left the country. Johan Adam converted the greater part of his property into gold which he then melted into thin plates. He made new shoes for the family, with an extra pair for each. He placed the sheets of gold between the soles of the shoes and the family carried the gold to America. Tradition has it that Johan Adam's son Sebastain received his name because the ship was almost in sight of Boston when he was born. Originally the name was "See Boston." Andreas Balch arrived in Philadelphia on the same ship as Johan Adam Bolch. The next year a Johan Georg Bohlich arrived in Philadelphia on December 13, 1754 also on the Neptune (Walliam Malane, Master) from Hamburg, Hanover and Saxony. It has been theorized that these three men, Johan Adam Bolch, Andreas Balch and Johan Georg Bohlich were brothers. As far as I know, this has yet to be proven. Johan Georg Bohlich and his son Johan Peter were shoemakers by trade. At this time I do not know what profession Andreas pursued. Any information on these three men would be greatly appreciated.

This is my Great-Great-Grandfather, Ephriam Lawrence Bolch, Sr. (sitting on the left) and five of his children. My Great-Grandfather, Ephriam Lawrence Bolch, Jr. is sitting on the far right.

• Index of family surnames with links to pedigree charts!
  This information has been compiled from a variety of sources. In some instances the data is unverified. If you have additional information or corrections please contact Melanie. I would be happy to add your information.

• Bolch Family Reunions Send me information on your Bolch or related family reunion.

• Bolch Relatives and Researchers A list of others researching the Bolch family.

• The Bolich Family in America by Mary Margaret Bolich
  
  • The Coming of the Bolichs
    • The meaining of the name
      
    • Signatures of Andreas Balch, Johan Georg Bohlich and Johan Adam Bolch
  • Historical Background and John Balch
    
  • Andreas Balch
    
  • Johan Adam Bolch
    
  • Johan George Bohlich
    
  • John Bollick
    
  • The Bolich Family Today
  
  
• Abner Bolick's Bible This is a transcript of the bible belonging to Abner Bolick. Cynthia Gilbert sent this to me.

• Wills -- Thanks to Tom Bolick for transcribing all of these!
  • Johan Adam Bolch
    
  • Jacob Bolick, oldest son of Johan Adam Bolch
    
  • Marcus H. Bolch, a great-great grandson of Johan Adam Bolch through Johan Adam Bolch, II.

• My favorite links

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