Age 25. 22 Poplar Street, Newport, RI. Born on 6/08/1917, in Newport, RI. Died of burns (death certificate). Second Lieutenant, U.S. Army, Quartermaster Corps, stationed at Boston. Companion (or companions) at the club if any unknown. His remains were taken from the ruins to Fort Banks military hospital, Winthrop, MA, where they were identified. "His mother...was notified yesterday [Monday] of his death in the night club fire by Army authorities" (Providence Journal, Providence, RI, 12/01/1942). Received his Army commission the past November 13 at Camp Lee, VA. Optimistic pre-fire plans: "...He is spending 10 days' leave with his parents before reporting for duty in Boston" (Newport Mercury, Newport, RI, 11/20/1942). Made disaster-related news seven months after his death: "State Detective William Killen uncovered a wallet containing $51 in partly burned bills and a tag with the names of Edward F. Boylan and Mrs. Edward M. Boylan [sic]...yesterday while searching through the ruins of the Cocoanut Grove. Nearby was a nurse's ring with the inscription, 'Newport Hospital Training School'..." (The Boston Globe, 6/10/1943). Latter item belonged to an older sister Margaret (confirmed not present), a nurse at Newport Hospital, Newport, RI. Was raised in Newport, RI. Graduated Rhode Island State College in 1939. Occupation ('40 federal census): desk clerk, hotel. Army enlistment on 3/20/1941. Was single. Modest build (WWII draft registration, October '40: 5' 6," 152 lbs.). One of 228 fire victims showing "burns" as the primary cause of death on their death certificates, the same count (exact) as those recorded dead by "carbon monoxide poisoning" (eight others were listed with both causes). One of five Ocean State disaster victims (also Harold Feingold, age 29, Miss Mary Grady, age 25, Lieut. Harry Martin, U.S. Army, age 31, and Mrs. Harrilyn "Dolly" Taft, age 21). Parents Mr. and Mrs. Michael F. and Margaret J. Boylan, same address. Military burial at St. Columba's Cemetery, Middletown, RI. Middle name Francis.

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