Who was Rev Frank Bollen

[KiwiChris]

Frank Bollen was b c1881 and died 4 August 1909 Melanesia of fever, ague, dysentry, malaria, and overwork!

He studied at the College of St Boniface Warminster from 1902 and was recruited from there for the Melanesian Mission. Ordained Deacon before leaving and ordained Priest in Melanesia.

He sailed London to Wellington on the Turakina in July 1905 as a missionary.

As far as I can see the 2 possible candidates on with births on Free BMD are still in the UK in 1911.

There is one newspaper report of his death that suggests he was a Kiwi, but there is no birth for him here that I can find.

That information I do have. What I don't know is where he came from and who his parents were. Anyone feeling bored and want to have a look??

[kiterunner]

I can't find anything, sorry.

[KiwiChris]

Thanks!
I am trying to find how sure we are about his year of birth. There is an older one b 1877 Wilts who was a shoemakers apprentice in 1901 and does not appear on the 1911.
The name is a problem, was he Frank or Francis and was that his name or middle name, and the number of ways you can spell or mis-spell Bollen does not bear thinking about!

He died young, but none of the obits we can find name his parents, which is a bit odd.

[garstonite]

Hiya Christine...found this one ..see if you can find him in 1911

Frank David Bollen born 15th dec 1873 - christened 8th march 1874 St Martin in the fields ,Westminister ,London ...parents Frank Bollen and Sarah ....or is he too early ??
allan

[garstonite]

Jacobus Franciscus Gulielmus Boland christened 1st dec 1881 Esh,Durham...parents Joannes and Harrietta...
Jacob Francis Boland ?....it was the year of the christening 1881...

doubtful , but maybe worth checking out
allan

[KiwiChris]

Thanks Allan.
1873 is too early but I will check out the other one.

[Uncle John]

Allan's one seems to have been baptised RC, which would (probably) fit with the name of the college.

[kiterunner]

Not at all, UJ; it looks to be C of E:
http://history.wiltshire.gov.uk/community/getschool.php?id=418

[Uncle John]

Ah well. I wonder if the college has/had any useful records such as next of kin or age at entry.

[KiwiChris]

The college is C of E but may have had anglo-catholic leanings, Bollen appears to have been that way.
I think you are correct and college records if the exist may be the best way forward with this man.