James Boylon –America is pre-eminently a land of self made men, for here abound opportunities for achieving success such as no other country or clime affords. The young man of energy and correct habits may here readily obtain a place of respect and influence, provided he is well grounded in the principles of uprightness and integrity. Among the well known and highly respected young business men of Grand Rapids who have forged to the front and won for themselves worthy names may be classed James Boylon, proprietor of the livery barn situated at No. 156 Ionia street, who is one of Kent county’s native sons and was born in the township of Ada on the 18^th of July, 1866. His father is Thomas Boylon, a well known citizen of the county, an appropriate notice appears elsewhere in this volume. Until his sixteenth year James Boylon remained with his parents on the home farm, dividing his time between labor in the fields and attendance at the district schools, and from that age until attaining his majority bore his full share in the support of the family. The free out door life made him develop into a strong, healthy young man, and the lessons of industry early inculcated by tilling the soil have been of great practical value to him in the various business ventures which have since engaged his time and attention. On reaching manhood’s estate Mr. Boylon began buying live stock, principally horses, which he shipped to the eastern markets, and three years given to this enabled him to accumulate sufficient capital to engage in the livery business in Grand Rapids. He began business at his present stand in 1888, and since that time has added largely to his stock and otherwise increased his facilities until now he proprietor of a well appointed barn, and commands a patronage which return him a liberal income. He has twenty-three good horses, and keeps fist class vehicles of all kinds, including two fine hacks, and the public has ever found him most courteous in ministering to their wants in his line of business. The success with which he has met is due entirely to his industry and desire to please the public by rendering value received, and it is safe to predict a largely increased patronage for him as the years go by. Mr. Boylon was happily married November 21, 1888, to Mary Carl, who was born in Barry county, Michigan, on the 6^th day of June, 1867, a daughter of Byron and Bridget (Parker) Carl. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boylon were reared in the Catholic church and have ever remained true to the pure teaching of the faith. They belong to St. Alphonsos congregation in Grand Rapids, and are active in the discharge of each and every duty devolving upon them as loyal Catholic and Christians. Politically Mr. Boylon votes with the democracy, but is not a partisan or seeker after official position, being known in the city as a business man only. He owns a comfortable home at No. 63 Page street, besides other city property, all of which has been acquired by his own well directed business efforts. The fraternal orders with which he affiliates are the Knights of Pythias, Maccabees and Ancient Order of Hibernians.