My Genealogy Hound

ALEXANDER BOYD BOAL, farmer, post-office Parnassus, was born in County Down, Ireland, about 1830, a son of John and Resan (McWhirk) Boal, who died in the old country. He received his education in Ireland, and, as he was the seventh son, was educated for the ministry, but coming to Pittsburgh, in 1847, he engaged with James Reece, to learn steam-engine building, at which he remained three years. He was at the Fort Pitt Iron-works ten years, and then he and his brother began business together. This enterprise not being a success, he in 1864 took charge of the mechanical department of the Standard Oil company’s works for three years. He was about the Eclipse works two years, and was foreman for Robert C. Totten three years. In 1873 he was elected one of the directors and superintendent of the Portsmouth Foundry & Machine company, Portsmouth, Ohio. The year was a very successful one, and he was unanimously re-elected; however, five months later he was discharged without cause, and brought suit for the remainder of the year’s salary, which passed through the courts to the supreme court and was decided in his favor. Returning to Pittsburgh in 1875, he soon after engaged at the Westinghouse Air-Brake works, remaining until 1885, when he exchanged some city property for his farm in Plum township.

Mr. Boal married, in 1852, Rachel Kennedy, who died one year later; he next married, in 1856, Caroline Davis, of Pittsburgh, daughter of David Davis and Mary (Daniels) Davis, both deceased. Twelve children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boal, five of whom are living: William H., Euphemia K., Nellie W., James H. and David John Alexander. The family are members of Parnassus Presbyterian Church. Mr. Boal is a republican, and while in Pittsburgh was commander of the Grant and Lincoln clubs.