I am searching for Boyles in Donegal , Ireland,New York City, Philadelphia and Boston who may be related to John J. Boyle, pioneer American sculptor. The following is his obituary from the New York Times, Feb. 11, 1917. "John J. Boyle, a pioneer among American Sculptors died at his home at 231 West Sixty-Ninth Street, yesterday morning at the age of 66 years, as the result of an attack of pneumonia. He first attracted attention by an Indian group in 1884 which was placed in Lincoln Park, Chicago. The Stone Age, another group, was executed two years after - It was placed in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia. His production was continuous from that time, among the better-known examples being the Bacon and Plato in the rotunda of the Congressional Library and the Benjamin Franklin in front of the Philadelphia Post Office. His last important work was a bronze of Commodore John Barry, done for the United States Government and unveiled in Washington on May 17, l914. Mr. Boyle was born in New York City and was educated in public and privaate schools.(Note: the schools were in Philadelphia). He received his professional training in the Franklin Institute and Aacadmy of Fine Arts in Philadelphia and the Ecole de Beau Arts in Paris. He married in Philadelphia in 1882, Elizbeth Carroll who survives him. He was appointed a member of the Arts Commission of Greater New York in 1916. He was a member of the National Sculpture Society, the Archectural League of New York. the T-Square Club of Philadelphi, The National Arts Club and an associate of the National Academy. The funeral will take place at 8.45 o'clock this morning at the church of the Blessed Sacrament, Seventy-first Street and Broadway. Interment will be at Bay Shore, Long Island. John, who was born January 12, 1851 in New York City to Samuel Boyle and Catherine McAuley.Boyle The latter apparently arrived in New York City aboard the Ship Vanguard on 24 August 1850 from Liverpool, England along with a Neil and Ann Boyle. I assume Samuel and Catherine joined family members in NYC in an Irish commumity as would be customary with immigrants. John's biography indicates the Boyles were from North Ireland (possibly Donegal) and were from a long line of stone masons. He also states that Samuel and family left New York for Philadelphia in 185l to "join two of his brothers". I have yet to identify the two brothers but the quote appears to indicate the existance of ther family members, some of whom could have been in New York City in 1850. A recent family source also indicates possible relatives in Boston. If you think you may be related to John J. Boyle, I will be happy to hear from you. Jack Mellon [email protected]