BIO: George M. BOAL, Centre County, PA Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by JRB Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/ http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/centre/1picts/commbios/comm-bios.htm _______________________________________________________________________ Commemorative Biographical Record of Central Pennsylvania: Including the Counties of Centre, Clearfield, Jefferson and Clarion: Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Etc. Chicago: J. H. Beers, 1898. _______________________________________________________________________ COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. 159 GEORGE M. BOAL is a representative of one of the oldest families of Penn's Valley, and his own honorable record has added new lustre to a name that has ever been synonymous with good citizenship. James Boal, grandfather of our subject, was born in Ireland, March 17, 1764, and in that country married Elizabeth Welch, who was born February 17, 1766. They were married in 1787, and two children were born to them on the Emerald Isle, the elder being Margaret, who was born May 16, 1788, and died near Bellefonte, Penn., in April, 1841, unmarried. The second child, George Welch Boal, the father of our subject, was born in County Londonderry, February 9, 1790. In the spring of that year, James Boal brought his family to America, and as he was in limited circumstances the trip was made by the cheapest passage. The voyage of three months was a stormy one, during which the ship sprang a leak, and much of the cargo, including some of the goods belonging to the Boal family, was thrown overboard. The grandfather first made a location in eastern Pennsylvania, and in the latter part of the eighteenth century established a home in Penn's Valley. He was one of its pioneers and developed a farm from the wild land. He was a linen and carpet weaver by trade, and having brought his loom with him to the United States did considerable work in that line of industry as well as at farming. He and his wife were devout members of the Presbyterian Church. His death occurred June 22, 1836, and he was laid to rest in Centre Hill cemetery near his wife, who had died December 16, 1832. The children born to this worthy couple in America were as follows: (1) Martha, born July 21, 1792, married Abraham Pastorius, and died in Venango county, Penn., April 4, 1853. (2) Jane, born April 16, 1795, died unmarried, near Bellefonte, August 15, 1861. (3) William, born June 22, 1801, removed to Iowa, and died August 10, 1880. (4) Elizabeth, born July 21, 1803, died in Penn's Valley, February 3, 1832. (5) James, born September 8, 1805, died near Bellefonte, March 7, 84o. (6) Mary, born November 12, 1807, married John Swords, and died near Bellefonte, July 26, 1841. (7) John C., born June 22, 1811, went south in 1836, and after about a year all trace of him was lost. George Welch Boal was but a child when his parents came to Penn's Valley. He was reared as a pioneer farmer boy, and was married October 29, 1822, near Milton, Penn., to Miss Sarah Cummins Shannon, who was born in Lancaster county, Penn., June 20, 1796, a daughter of John and Martha (Caldwell) Shannon, who were of Scotch-Irish extraction, and were natives of Ireland. The father was a farmer and an excellent citizen, living near Milton, where he located at an early day. His children were: John C., Ellen, Sarah C., Samuel, Martha J., Daniel, Anna Maria, James and Elizabeth M. At the time of his marriage George W. Boal located in George's Valley, Centre county, where he owned a small farm. In 1835 he removed to what is now Harris township, where he became the owner of a most excellent farm. He was a highly industrious man, and after following the plow all day would burn log heaps at night. By his unflagging energy he at length accumulated a handsome competence. He was a powerful man, compactly built, and well fitted for his pioneer experiences. During the later years of his life 160 COMMEMORATIVE BIOGRAPHICAL RECORD. he lived retired. In early life he was a Whig, and supported that party when only two. Whig ballots were cast in the township; later he was a stanch Abolitionist, and in 1856 voted the Republican ticket. He died September 15, 1858, his wife on October 24, 1864, and they were buried in Centre Hill cemetery. They, too, were consistent members of the Presbyterian Church, and the Boal family has for a century been one of the most highly respected in Potter township. The children of George W. and Sarah Boal are as follows: Martha C., born April 6, 1824, is the widow of Dr. Henry Orlady, and the mother of Judge Orlady; James C., born December 27, 1826, was a well-known citizen of Potter township, and died March 27, 1895; his widow resides in Centre Hall. John S., born January 18, 1829, married Elizabeth R. Cunningham, and lives in Centre Hall. George A., born January 16, 1831, died in George's Valley December 28, 1834. Samuel R., born November. 7, 1832, died October 29, 1841. William A., born September 13, 1835, resides in Potter township. George M. is the next of the family. Elizabeth E., born June 21, 1842, died August 13, 1844. George M. Boal, whose name begins this record, was born in Harris township, Centre county, March 17, 1839, and when he had attained a sufficient age began his education in the Rock Hill school, under the direction of Christina Wieland. He mastered the rudimentary branches in the district schools, was a student in Boalsburg Academy when Rev. Austin was its principal, and attended Kishacoquillas Seminary for one term. When not in the school room he assisted his father in the cultivation of the home farm, with the exception of two years when he served as salesman in the general store of Ard & Dunlap, at Pine Grove Mills, Centre county. On August 16, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company D, 148th Infantry, and his first active service was at Chancellorsville. After that battle he served on detached duty as clerk at the headquarters of the First Division, Second Army Corps, under Gen. Hancock. Later he was in the general recruiting service at Harrisburg. On March 10, 1865, he was commissioned first lieutenant and quartermaster of the 83d P.V.I., joined that command at City Point, and was with the regiment in the field until the close of the war, when in June, 1865, he was honorably discharged. While home on a furlough in February, 1863, Mr. Boal had married Miss Ellen Love, and on the close of the war hastened to his wife. She is a native of Potter township, born February 29, 1840, a daughter of Judge W. W. and Agnes(Williams) Love. On his return to civil life, Mr. Boal located on the old homestead of his father in Harris township, the property being owned by himself and brother Shannon. In the spring of 1867, he sold to his brother Shannon, and purchased the John Durst farm in Potter township, where he has since carried on agricultural pursuits. He owns more than 200 acres of valuable land, and has one of the best improved farms in the township, its well-tilled fields and neat appearance indicating his careful supervision. He and his wife have five children: Martha J., wife of D. A. Boozer, of Centre Hall; Mary A., wife of Charles Meyer, of Centre Hall; Margaret L., wife of Charles Slack, of Potter township, and Blanche and Mabel, at home. This family occupy a leading position in social circles, and have the warm regard of many friends.. Mr. Boal is a stanch Republican, and as he cares naught for office it is easily seen that his earnest support comes from a firm belief in the principles of the party as productive of the greatest good to the greatest number. He has a broad understanding of the questions which divide parties, and is also well informed on all general topics. He is a member of the Grange, and a charter member of Samuel Shannon Post, No. 282, G.A.R., at Centre Hall. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian Church. A substantial farmer, he has won success by his own efforts, and he is a man of kind and generous impulses, widely and favorably known; and is best liked where best known.