Theodore Davis Boal

Theodore Davis Boal, also known as Terry Boal (June 14, 1867 – August 22, 1938), was an American army officer and architect. He entered into several partnerships over his career, the Boal and Harnois architectural firm in Denver, Colorado and a partnership with Ward Brown in Washington D.C. He designed a number of important mansions that are listed with the National Register of Historic Places. One of his important works, also an NRHP property, is the ancestral family estate, Boal Mansion.

During World War I, Boal and his son volunteered in France before the United States engaged in the war. In 1916, Boal returned to the United States and established the "Boal Troop", a horse-mounted machine gun unit. He was made a Lieutenant Colonel and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for valor and the Croix de Guerre in recognition of his service in France.

Early life and education Boal was born in Iowa City, Iowa on June 14, 1867, to Malvina Amanda (Buttles) Boal and George Jack Boal, who were from wealthy pioneer families. The family lived in Iowa City, but often traveled to his father's birthplace in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. in Newport, Rhode Island and New York City during his childhood. He lived with his aunt Annie (Buttles) Davis and his uncle, Egyptologist Theodore M. Davis, for whom he was named. He attended private schools.

Business career and life Boal entered into a brief partnership, Hughes and Boal, with Mark T. Hughes in 1890.

In 1898, Boal returned to the United States and established an office in the Equitable Building in Denver. He designed the Ferguson House, which was completed in 1899. Boal returned to the family's Boal Mansion in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. He made major style changes and additions from 1898 through 1905.

Boal partnered with Frederick Louis Harnois, Boal and Harnois, which was active from about 1900 to 1907. In addition to the Chapel itself, he acquired numerous other heirlooms including documentation of the Columbus and Torquemada family's records, Baroque and Renaissance oil paintings, an Admiral's Desk believed to have belonged to Columbus himself, and two supposed pieces of the True Cross.

Military career

In 1914, both he and his son volunteered for service in France. His son joined the cavalry and Boal organized military canteens and donated to French hospitals. Two years later, Boal returned to the United States and formed the "Boal Troop", a horse-mounted machine gun unit which was accepted as a provisional unit of the Pennsylvania Army National Guard. In April 1917, the Boal Troop was reconfigured as an infantry unit, Company A of the 107th Machine Gun Battalion, and deployed to France for service in World War I.

Later years and death Boal died in Boalsburg on August 22, 1938. He was buried in a crypt at the Christopher Columbus Chapel in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania.