Boland, Capt. F. M. [Matthew]

Submitted by Mike Miller

Capt. F. M. Boland, proprietor of the Southern Chain works at 196 and 198 Magazine street, New Orleans, La., has been established in this business since 1880, and through his own good management and energy he has made the business a success. His is the only establishment of the kind in the city, and consequently receives a large patronage. The extent of his business necessitates the assistance of ten employee, who are experienced and competent. The rapidity with which his business has grown is due to his honesty of purpose arid enthusiasm, as well as to a thorough knowledge of his calling.

He was born in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1841, and obtained his education in the public schools of the Quaker city. His father, Dominick Boland, was born on the beautiful isle of Erin, and came to the United States when a young man, locating in Philadelphia as a general blacksmith, afterward becoming a manufacturer of chains. He retired from active business life in 1881.

In 1857 the subject of this sketch entered his father's shops, where he remained until July, 1863, when he joined the Fifty-first militia, but later enlisted in the regular service, and was elected captain of Company K. During the remainder of the war he served along the Ohio river, and upon being mustered out of the service returned home and again entered his father's establishment.

In 1880 he came to New Orleans and established his present business, the trade at this point having been supplied by his father at Philadelphia for many years, and here he has built up a lucrative business. He is well known in commercial circles, and his business transactions have elicited none but the heartiest praise. During the last election Mr. Boland was a candidate for the legislature from his ward, and although he polled a large vote he was defeated by the opposing candidate. He is a member of the G. A. R., and socially belongs to the I. O. O. F. and the K. of H.

He was married in this city recently to Miss Josephine Whittaker, a resident of the Crescent city.

[One marriage record source lists her as Mrs. Josephine Whittaker]

From Biographical and Historical Memoires of Louisiana, volume 2, p. 302.