William H. Boaz

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William Henry Boaz (July 21, 1852 – March 9, 1907) was an Albemarle County farmer. At the time of his death, the Boaz orchards were producing $25,000 in sales of the American Pippin (equivalent in purchasing power to about $864,000 in 2023). A lifelong supporter of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates (1889 - 1904). For a number of years, he was Chairman of the Finance Committee of the House. When in Richmond during the legislative sessions, he made his home at Ford's Hotel. He died at his home in Covesville and was buried in the Boaz Family Cemetery in Covesville, Albemarle County. Never married, he was outlived by his mother and five siblings.

In 1901, Boaz and J. H. Lindsay were elected to represent Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville in the Virginia Constitutional Convention.[1]

In 1866, his father, Dr. William D. Boaz established the first commercial apple orchard in Covesville. These orchards specialized in the Albemarle Pippin, which became one of the most prized and profitable apple varieties grown in Virginia. By 1890 the success of this variety, shipped as far away as England and France, helped the Boaz orchards become one of the most productive commercial orchards in Virginia. As the business grew, it spurred the development of many of Covesville's buildings, including apple-packing plants, cider mills, workers' housing, stores, depots, and cooperages. Several of these sites remain within the Covesville Historic District, which is on the National Register of Historic Places.[2] In the 1930's the Boaz company operated three large packing plants, located at Covesville, North Garden and Charlottesville.

  1. Web. [1], Daily Progress, Lee Enterprises, retrieved July 3, 2023.
  2. Web. Covesville Apple Industry, retrieved July 3, 2023.