William Michael Boylan, 1914-1918

From the Mesabi Daily News, March 15, 1960 

submitted by Jean Wheeler - added 1/17/2004

Ex-Virginia Mayor Dies of Long Illness

William Michael Boylan, 79, former Virginia mayor died Sunday at the Pioneers Infirmary, following a prolonged illness.

Mr. Boylan was born August 18, 1880, in Boscobel, Wis. He attended school in Kalamazoo, Mich., and had lived in Duluth a short time before coming to Virginia, where he established a plumbing business. Many of the early day plumbing contracts for various public buildings in Virginia and the surrounding areas, were under Mr. Boylan's supervision.

He was a former member of the Virginia city council from the First Ward. In 1914, he was elected mayor and served two terms, until 1918. In 1920, he was elected state senator from the 61st District and served two terms in this capacity. For a short term he resided in St. Paul. He also was president of the League of Minnesota Municipalities in the early 1920's.

During his political career, he displayed a dynamic personality, was colorful in his public actions, and a stout debater and speaker.

Survivors are two sons, John of Los Angeles and Robert of Chicago; one daughter, Mrs. John (Mollie) Tuberty of Kalamazoo, Mich.; two sisters, Miss Helen Boylan and Mrs. Austin (Anna) Travis, both of Kalamazoo; two grandchildren; one nephew, Harlan White of Minneapolis.

Funeral services are pending the arrival of relatives at the Graham and Son Funeral Home.