John Reed Boyd

BOYD

Posted By: County Coordinator (email)
Date: 5/8/2010 at 17:28:34

John Reed Boyd is a prosperous farmer residing on section 17, Colfax township where he successfully cultivates 160 acres of land, which he owns. His birth occurred in Elk River township, Clinton county, Iowa, on December 2, 1853. His father, James Boyd, was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and there grew to manhood. His marriage occurred in Clinton county, Iowa, his wife being in her maidenhood Miss Mary Sloane. They later came to Boone county. The father passed away in Colfax township after he had reached the Psalmist’s allotted age of man, his death occurring when he was seventy-two years old. His political support was given to the democratic party, and he was a man of splendid qualities of character and enjoyed the esteem of his community. His wife passed away on the homestead, and both are buried in Clarke cemetery. To them were borne the following children: George J , Thomas S, Martha W now deceased who married Norman Hurd, Marion and David, who have passed away, John Reed of this review, Mary E now Mrs Smith Barret of Boone, Ethel A deceased who married Harry Myers ,and James B of Colfax.
John Reed Boyd remained in Clinton county, Iowa until he was sixteen years of age, and his energies were devoted to the acquiring of an education in the public schools and the assisting in the work of cultivating the home farm. In 1869 he accompanied his father to Boone county locating on a tract of land in Colfax township. The father was at one time the owner of 900 aces, which he later divided among his children. Our subject continued his education in Colfax township, putting aside his text books at the age of nineteen. For a few years thereafter he remained at home, aiding his father in the tilling of the soil. In 1875 his marriage occurred, and for thirteen years subsequently he made his home upon his father’s land. In the fall of 1892 he built his present residence. He has proven himself an efficient agriculturist and reaps bountiful harvests as the reward of his labor.
In 1875 Mr Boyd married Miss Ella Hull, a daughter of Samuel A and Rachel (Prother) Hull. The following children were born to our subject and his wife: Minnie May, the wife of Charles Cromwell of Madrid, Samuel R at home, Ernest W also at home, Byron J of Colfax township, Alpha C who married Tillie Legvold of Colfax, Harry E who passed away at sixteen, and Lee J and Leah Irene, twins.
Mrs Boyd is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr Boyd gives his political allegiance to the democratic party and has served for some time as a school director, always manifesting a praiseworthy interests in the welfare of the public schools of his district. He has carried the same spirit into all the relations of life and in consequence holds the respect of his fellowmen.

1914 Boone County History Book