Merchant and philanthropist.

Merchant of Boston. Clerk of the market (1746). Town auditor (1766-68). Moved to London for his health (1768); traded with Boston and Jamaica (1768-75). Retired to Bath (1775). Sympathetic to American Revolution; denied accusation that he was a Loyalist “Refugee.” Inquired through Benjamin Vaughn about taking an oath of allegiance but did not return to America (1778). Donated money to American sailors in Forton Prison and worked to facilitate their exchange (1781-82). Entertained his relatives John, Abigail, and John Quincy Adams, among others, in Bath (1783, 1787). In his will, established an educational fund for Boston orphans and a relief fund for the elderly poor.

Son of Zabdiel Boylston of Boston. Never married.