from "The History of St. Joseph County, Michigan" The Lewis Puiblish ing Co.
"But five years of age when his father died, Thomas H. Boles acquired his early education in the pioneer schools of his day, and as soon as physically able began to assist in the farm labors. At the age of fourteen years he assumed the entire management of the homestead, which at that date ha d only 20 acres cleared, although plenty of grain had been raised for the family use. Deer, Wild turkey, and other kinds of game were then abundant, supply ing the family larder with what these days would be called luxuries. Since that time, Mr. Boles has witnessed many wonderful transformations in the face of the country, the pathless forests having given way before the axe of the pioneer; the log cabins of the fathers being replaced by commodious frame houses; while the hamlets of early times have developed into thriving villages an d populous cities and towns. Succeeding in course of time to the ownership of the home farm, he has cleared the land, putting it in a high state of cultivat ion, and further enhanced its value by the erection of a good set of farm buil dings. Of recent years, with his son, he has become interested in tree planting , having set out several thousand forest trees of different varieties, including black walnut, catalpa, yellow locust, white oak, red oak, hickory, pine, willow, elm, ash, and white maple.
Mr. & Mrs. Boles have in their possession one of the old deeds executed under the hand and seal of President Van Buren, and dated September 10, 1838. They also have a fine collection of Indian arrow heads, about 55, all collected from their own farm. These are arranged in an attractive cabinet. The homestead of Mr. & Mrs. Boles is known as Forest Home.1870 Census Fabius Twp, St. Joseph Co., MI age 36
Real Estate valued at $5500.00, personal Property at $1300.00