Maitland F Boon (1835 - 1906)

Born 1835 in New York

Died 11 Dec 1906 at about age 71 in Watertown, Jefferson County, New York

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Biography

Maitland was born in 1835. He passed away in 1906.

Though one of the youngest of those whose names appear in this work on account of their efforts in behalf of Quincy and Quincy enterprises, the subject of this sketch stands second to none as a citizen of enterprise, energy, and pubic spirit. Maitland Boon was born in Watertown, New York, in 1834, and there, after leaving college began his experience in business. He first entered a drug house, and devoted himself to that business for two years, when an opportunity offering he accepted the position of discount clerk in the Union Bank of Watertown. His time in this position was however brief, and at the expiration of two years he was called by the management of the bank to the important and responsible position of cashier.

This position Mr. Boon filled with credit to himself and profit to the institution, until 1856, when he decided to cast his fortunes with the growing west. It was in this year that he came to Quincy and located. Tendered the position of cashier of the Bank of Quincy, he accepted, and during his connection with the same managed its affairs with a judgment and ability that stamped him as an able financier. Retiring from the bank, Mr. Boon established himself in the saddlery and harness business, conducting one of the most extensive manufactories of this kind in the west.

During the war he did a mammoth business in the manufacture of army equipments, filling large contracts for the government. In 1865 the office of mayor of Quincy becoming vacant, Mr. Boon, then an alderman from the second ward, was appointed to that position, So ably did he fulfill the important trust confided to him, and so satisfactorily discharge its duties that in the following spring he was elected by an overwhelming majority to the mayorality. The last year he officiated as executive of the city with even greater success than the first, and won enthusiastic encomiums from citizens of both parties for his admirable management of city affairs. Although a large share of his attention while mayor was unavoidably absorbed by city matters,

Mr. Boon did not during that period neglect his own affairs, but did an extensive business in the manufacture and sale of harness, saddles, & Soon after the expiration of his term of office, Mr. Boon, feeling in common with many of the citizens of Quincy the necessity of having in our city a first-class hotel, obtained a lease of the famous Quincy House, then unoccupied, and after furnishing it in elegant style, and improving it in every department, opened it to the public.

For two years he has managed this house in admirable style, and won golden laurels as a successful and popular landlord. Although but 35 years of age Mr. Boon has had a varied career as a business man and financier. A man of warm and generous impulses, of a genial and social nature, Maitland Boon is also a man of untiring energy and enterprise, making at once the valuable citizen and popular gentleman.^[3]

Maitland F. Boon died in this city Dec. 11, 1906. He was a large realty owner, having a big tract of land in the western section of the city. Boon street was named after his grandfather. Maitland Boon was connected with the National Union bank for some time, and later went west, settling in Quincy, Ill. Here he was married to Miss Tillson. Mr. Boon was engaged in the leather business in Quincy, and held several valuable contracts during the Civil war.^[4]

Sources

1. ↑ http://www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/qpl/id/2283/
2. ↑ The Revised Ordinance of the City of Quincy
3. ↑ History of Quincy and Its Men of Mark, 1869
4. ↑ Watertown Newspaper

• https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40623062/maitland-f.-boon