John M. Boals
John M. Boals, one of the prominent farmers
of Brandywine Township, was born in Lycoming County, Pa., May 15, 1834. He was the second of three children --
one son and two daughters -- born to Seely and Jane (Murphy) Boals, the former a native of the State
of New York, of English descent, and the latter, who was the daughter of John and Jane (Porter)
Murphy, was a native of Pennsylvania, of Irish descent. His two sisters are: Martha
J., the wife of Solomon Toner, of Edinburg, and Mary, the wife of Dr. Samuel McGaughy,
of Acton, Marion County. The subject of this sketch was but six months old when his mother died. His father then
placed him in charge of an uncle and aunt and went to the east never more to see the son again. The latter, therefore,
has no recollection whatever either his father or mother. While yet a very young child he accompanied his uncle,
aunt and grandparents of Shelby County, where he was reared upon a farm. He continued with his uncle until his
marriage, which occurred March 11, 1857, when Margaret E. Williams became his wife. She was born in Brandywine
Township, this county, March 4, 1837, and was the daughter of Isaac and Hannah (Taylor) Williams,
the former a native of Virginia, of English descent, and the latter a native of Burlington County, N.J., also of
English descent. Her paternal grandparents were Hugh and Artemiss (Craig) Williams, native
of Virginia. Her maternal grandparents were John and Elizabeth (Lippencott) Taylor, both of
whom were also native of Burlington County, N.J. Mrs. Boals had four brothers and two sisters, as follows:
John W., Mary E., Richard E., Thomas, Caleb, and Sarah C., all of whom
are deceased except Sarah C., who is the wife of George Dipple, of Hendricks Township. Immediately
after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Boals settled upon a farm in Hendricks Township. There they resided until
1868, when they emigrated to the State of Missouri, but shortly afterward they returned to this county, and again
settled in Hendricks Township. Two years later, or in 1871, they removed to Tipton County, in this State.
In 1873, they returned to this county and located, temporarily, in Addison Township. They removed to Brandywine
Township, and settled upon the farm they now occupy, in the spring of 1874. The life occupation of Mr. Boals
has been that of a farmer, and as such he has had good success. He and wife are the parents of eight children as
follows: Mary B., born December 18, 1858; Samuel E., born January 19, 1861, died December
3, 1863; Thomas M., born October 11, 1863; Hattie L., born December 3, 1866; Albert
W., born December 22, 1868; Sadie E., born June 16, 1871; Martha J., born February
15, 1875, died January 20, 1883, and a son that died in infancy, unnamed.* Mr. and Mrs. Boals are members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, the former is a staunch Democrat. He is an industrious farmer,
and he and wife are among the worthy and esteemed citizens of the township. They have a fine farm of about eighty
acres, sixty of which are in an excellent state of cultivation. Their farm is fitted up with a very handsome
frame residence, which, with other substantial improvements, makes it one of the most desirable locations in the
county.
* Center/Old Union/Ray Cemetery readings show additional children [pmf].
History of Shelby County, Indiana, Chicago: Brant & Fuller, 1887, page 605-606.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming
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