Source: Past and Present of Bureau County, IL
Originally published 1906
Pioneer Pub. Co.
Chicago, IL

Transcribed by: Denise McLoughlin
Tampico Area Historical Society
www.tampicohistoricalsociety.citymax.com

Page 810

ALBERT D. BOAL, druggist, dates his residence in Buda from 1866, and in Illinois from 1857. He was born in Columbus, Ohio, November 12, 1847, a son of Dr. James F. And Lucinda (Starr) Boal, who came to this state from Columbus in 1857. The father was a physician and druggist, and on his removal to Illinois located at Uniontown, Knox county, where he resided until 1864, when he removed to Iowa. After two years he returned to Illinois and took up his abode in Buda, where he opened a drug store and engaged in the practice of medicine until his death, which occurred on the 3d of April, 1899, when he was eighty-two years of age. He was a leading and prominent citizen of this place, his professional skill and business ability gaining him a foremost place in public regard as well as in business circles. He was a strong and active Union man during the Civil War, and a republican in politics. His wive survived until May 7,1903, dying at the age of ninety years.

Albert D. Boal was educated in a private school in Uniontown, Illinois, and afterward assisted his father in the drug store. With the exception of two years spent in attending lectures at Rush Medical College, in Chicago, in 1868 and 1869, he has been constantly engaged in the drug business. The name of Boal has long figured in connection with the commercial interests of Buda, and stands as a synonym of commercial activity, enterprise and business integrity. A well appointed store, a carefully selected line of goods, tasteful arrangement and straightforward dealings have gained for the present owner a liberal and well-deserved patronage.

In 1871, Mr. Boal was married to Miss Elizabeth Murphy, of Buda, who died in February, 1873, leaving a son, Tracy E., who is now associated with his father in the drug business. He married Estella Reid, of Buda. After losing his first wife, Albert D. Boal wedded Mary E. Stetson, of Rochester, Wisconsin, October 10, 1886, and they have two children: Albert Dwight, born February 16, 1888, and William Stetson, born November 15, 1896.

Mr. Boal is recognized as one of the leaders of the republican party in Buda and Bureau county, active in the work of the party and a stalwart champion of its principles. Keeping well informed on the questions and issues of the day, he is able to support his position by intelligent argument, and for many years he has been a delegate to the various convention of the party, and for six years he has served as chairman of the county central committee. He is well fitted for political leadership, having the ability to co-ordinate forces and utilize the means at hand in producing desired results, and his opinions are often a decisive factor in the discussion of political problems. He has been chosen by the vote of his fellow townsmen to various political offices, serving as tax collector, supervisor for four years, when he resigned, and a member of the board of trustees of Buda. He has been president and secretary of the school board and has filled many other offices of trust in the community. Affairs relating to general improvement receive his earnest indorsement and co-operation, not only in political but in other lines as well and hi efforts haave been effective and far-reaching. He is a Mason and a past master of Buda lodge, No. 399, A.F. & A.M. He was formerly treasurer and is a member of the board of trustees of the Congregational church, of which he is a member, and he gives hearty aid to all matters relating to the material, social, political, intellectual and moral progress of the community, and therefor deserves classification with the representative citizens.