Historical & Genealogy Research

The most extensive research I've done thus far has been on the Boslers of Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The research began in Longsdorf Cemetery in New Kingstown outside of Carlisle. In the cemetery stands a large granite tombstone that tells the story of a young man who (according to the events of the day) was killed by Indians on the trail between Sidney, Nebraska and the Black Hills of South Dakota - May 1876 - one month before the Battle of Little Big Horn.

My research took me not only to local historical societies and libraries, but also to the midwest where the Boslers made their fortune. James Williamson Bosler, the most ambitious of the brothers, first left Pennsylvania in 1851 where he traveled to Ohio and lived with an uncle who settled there. While in Ohio he taught school during the fall and winter of 1851-52. Afterwards he traveled to West Virginia (then it was still Virginia), worked in a mercantile store while earning his law degree. He eventually joined the Virginia Bar and traveled back to Ohio where he opened his own mercantile store. Hit with bad luck Bosler packed his bags and moved to Sioux City, Iowa where he joined up with a gentleman by the name of Charley Hedges and got into the banking and real estate business.

Bosler moved into Nebraska with his brothers, however, they still commuted back and forth from the west to Pennsylvania, and started a cattle ranching business.

Bosler, Wyoming is named for James Williamson Bosler.

In 1996, when my obsession with the Boslers began I knew I had to travel west and walk in the footsteps of the Boslers and many others who shunned their fear and traveled west. In 1997, I made my first trip to South Dakota and Nebraska. In June of 2001, I traveled to Wyoming and Nebraska. In Wyoming I spent time with James W. Bosler's great grandson and great, great grandchildren.

My research on the Boslers is not finished - although I've been working on the project for over ten years now - I need to make another trip or two west - possibly even staying a month in order to get the research completed. Time and money have held me back, but I haven't given up hope and look forward to the day when I have completed the Bosler research.

And no - they are not related to me - I've done this research out of pure curiosity - and for the love of history. The Boslers are only one family in history I point out who has a story - we ALL have a story - wouldn't you like yours told?

Although the Boslers are no relations to me, I strongly believe their story needs to be told. It's a piece of American History - and it's Bosler family history.

I find it all the more important to have family histories told because of my children and grandchildren. I want them to know where they came from and to be proud of their heritage. That is what I want for everyone who feels the need for their family's story to be told.

Bosler Article - NE Cattleman Magazine


David B. Herman's tombstone in Longsdorf Cemetery, New Kingstown, Pennsylvania

                                             
James Williamson Bosler

 

North Platte River, Nebraska

  
Possible location of Bosler Ranch in Nebraska   
                     
 

 Another view of possible location of Bosler Ranch



Bosler, Wyoming - named for James Williamson Bosler - now a