The Utah County Democrat. [volume] (Provo City, Utah) 1898-1909, 1898-12-24
WIN. M ROYLANCE.

From the Salt Lake Bee: Hon. Will
liam NJ. Roylance, whose portrait APP
pears upon our cover today, Is prom
inent member OF the legislature, aud
will probably be the next speaker OF
the house. 1t will be remembered, In
this connection, that Mr.. Roylance was
asked to accept the speakership in the
last legislature, hut. declined entering
the contest, preferring to remain upon
the floor. This year, however. he has
allowed his name to be used, aud his
hosts Of friends speak with the utmost
confidence of his selection for that post
Of honor.
Mr.. ROylance, although OF English
descent, is straight Utah product be-
ing born in Springville, Utah county,
in '65. His grandfather, John Roy
lance, was one Of the historic Mormon
battalion, and among the ealiest set
Tiers at Springvile. or course, educa-
tonal advantages of that day were
mainly disadvantages, and, even at u
later day, when the subject of this
sketch arrived at school age, they were
not all that could be desired. But not
withstanding the fact that the common
district school was the main founda-
ton of William Roylance's education,
II seems impossible, In view of his ac-
tive and able leadership in public
affairs, as well as In the mercantile
world, that he has been very much
hampered by his 'small Latin and less
Greek" School-books are but little
help to the boy without brains, aud the
boy with brains knows about what's
In them, anyway. Mr.. Roylance is
what would be called practical man.
having. since the age OF Ia, found for
himself his own niche In the world.
The early part Of his life was spent on
farm and stock ranch, and latter
upon the railroad, In timbering, and in
clerking
These experiences brought with them
knowledge Of shipping, forwarding,
telegraph, and great fund of useful
matters that has no doubt contributed
generously TO his latter successes.
AT the age OF 20 he began business
for himself, business which, by his
unbounded energy, his pluck, ability
and application, he has made an enter
prise of ,unrlvalled Importance in the
State. This is a wholesale fruit and
produce business. His traiilc In seed
aud grain extends to European mar
kets; and 10 Utah fruits, vegetables
aud honey he makes extensive carload
shipments to all the principal cities of
the United States. This is the right
sort OF success. II is the sort that helps
your own State and community. 1t
is an example OF that spirit that the
West so terribly, sadly lacks, viz; the
right good will and sturdy persever-
ance applies TO home resources. and TO
making better the very place man Is
held responsible for making better the
locality his destiny called him to.
However, Mr.. Roylance has not been
wholly absorbed In his mercantile ca.
reer. He has held many of tho public
offices In his city, and is come ted In
an active way with all the progressive
movements IN Utah county, often being
one OF the promoters Of such matters.
He has always been pronounced
Democrat. aud Republicans claim that
Springyille would not be so stubborniy
Democratic except for Mr.. RoYlance's
organization aud push. AS IL Is, the
fact remains that Springville is one OF
the strongest Democratic towns In the
county. In 1895 he was nominated for
the house; defeated by two votes. In
1896 renomipated and elected, running
ahead of his ticket. In '0s again cleo.
ted. This record Is characteristic OF
the undetermined success, defiance
Of defeat.
Mr.. Roylance was marked member
of the 1897 session, being an aggressive,
unequevooal advocate for those meas
ures he espoused; and for his conserv-
alive stand upon questions implying
public expenditure, he is yet gratefully
remembered by the taxpayers of this
State.
In the event OF his being made
speaker Of the house. the floor would
lose valuable voice, but as chair
man, he would have the necessary
strength and broad, impartial views
needed in presiding officer. Through
out be is man OF admirable quality,
aud will do well whatever be may be
called upon to do, and whether that be