William H. Boyland (1866 – 1935)
& Belle W. Westfall Boyland (1872 – 1963)

By Doris Davis-Fritsch

William H. Boyland or Boylan, was born in Parma N.Y to parents Hugh and Louise Boyland. He lived on his parents’ farm with six siblings. He received his education in the county schools in Parma and West Greece. After his boyhood days were over at the age of 16, Mr. Boyland went to work at the Hill Brothers in Penfield village and worked 3 years in what was considered a “model mill”.

In 1884, he came to Fairport and worked in the feed and flourmill of George W. Clark that stood where the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railway Trolley Station stood (23 N. Main St.). Wood and Traver bought the mill from Clark, and Mr. Boyland remained with the new firm for several years, and then he went into the feed mill business for himself in Spencerport, NY.

His stay in that town was short, only two years. He came back to Fairport to live in approximately 1892. Shortly after returning, Boyland bought the Fairport Mill[2], as it was called then, and continued business on North Main with a partner. He bought out the partner in 1901.[3] He bought feed of all kinds, bought wheat and manufactured pastry flour, which he sold at retail and wholesale. The wholesale business became large, shipping to New York City and Boston by the carloads.[4]

The mill building along with a barn was moved to John Street (11 State, now Lift Bridge), when the Rochester, Syracuse and Eastern Railway Company bought the property on Main Street. He continued business there until his death in 1935. The Boyland estate owned the building and equipment, and the business was sold to C. H. Maier.[5] Much of the building was destroyed in a 1940 fire.[6] Mr. Maier’s business remained open, but it appears that he moved to a Main Street location near the railroad station.

In 1890, Mr. Boyland married Miss Belle (possibly Blanche) Dudley Westfall[7], the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. V. Westfall, of the village.[8] They started housekeeping in the Woodin house on Church Street [9] and then moved to Perrin Street. After two years spent in Spencerport, they, upon their return, lived in part of the Congregational Church parsonage with Rev. Charles Reeves. They then moved to 30 West Street[10], which they later purchased in 1910.[11]

While in Fairport, Mr. Boyland was superintendent of the First Methodist Sunday school for five years. He later joined the First Baptist Church and for one term was one of the trustees. He also was a village trustee for one term in 1905/1906[12] and a member of the Masonic Lodge. Mrs. Boyland was involved in the Eastern Star. She also was involved in the Musical Club, sang at church events and offered her talent for weddings, evenings at home and funerals.[13]

After Mr. Boyland's death in 1938[1], Belle Boyland owned the home until 1960, when it was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Lester.[14] She died 3 years later at age 81.[15] To date, the Boylands' ownership of the home was the longest, 50 years.

For more on important historic personages that have lived or contributed to our community visit the People of Perinton page.

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