Joseph David Boland Pages 251-252 Joseph David Boland has become one of the successful and influential business men of his native city of Grand Rapids, where he is president of the Boland Lumber Company. On the maternal side he is a representative of one of the sterling pioneer families of this city, where his maternal grandfather, Henry P. Grady, a native of Ireland, settled in the early thirties, several years prior to the admission of Michigan as one of the sovereign states of the Union. Joseph David Boland was born in Grand Rapids, September 18, 1880, and is a son of the late Joseph David Boland and Mary (Grady) Boland, the former having been born in Ottawa, Canada, and the latter in Grand Rapids, Michigan, which city continued to be her home until her death in 1912. His father, Joseph David Boland, was a young man when he came to Grand Rapids and he was long numbered among the prominent contractors and builders of this city, besides having been a citizen of liberal and public-spirited attitude and one who commanded uniform esteem. He died in the year 1901. The subject of this sketch is indebted to the Catholic parochial schools of his native city for his early educational discipline. He acquired his youthful experience in connection with business affairs mainly through association with his father’s operations as a contractor and builder. In 1910 he and his younger brother, William H., formed a partnership for the purpose of dealing in logs and lumber, and offices were opened in the Murray building. The partnership continued until 1919, when William H. retired and moved to San Diego, California, where he and his wife, whose maiden name was Margaret O’Neill, still maintain their home. After this removal on the part of his brother, Joseph David Boland assumed control of the well-established and prosperous business, and proceeded to effect its incorporation under the title of Bland Lumber Company. He has since been president of the company, Alice A. Ward is vice-president and Frank J. Engle secretary and treasurer. Mr. Boland has never wavered in his loyalty to his native city, and has found satisfaction and profit in here staging his business activities. He is a Democrat in his political alignment, is a communicant of the Catholic church, is affiliated with the Knights of Columbus and the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and has membership in the Peninsular Club and the Old Colony Club. Mr. Boland still permits his name to remain on the roster of eligible bachelors in his native city.

Transcriber: Nancy Myer
Created: 21 April  2003