++ William Boyington was born in Southwick, Mass. on July 22, 1818. He was first trained as a carpenter, then later as an Architect in New York City. Prior to arriving in Chicago in 1853, he served in the Massachusetts State Legislature.

Boyington's work in Chicago - especially Pre-Fire Chicago - was presitigious and extensive. His largest commissions included the Columbus Memorial Building, the Old Chicago Board of Trade and the Joliet Penitentiary. In 1870 he was elected president of the Chicago Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

In 1874 Boyington moved to North Sheridan Road in Highland Park, where he served as mayor. He died in Highland Park in 1898 and is buried in Rosehill Cemetery.