Boyack, James D.

BOYACK, DOIG, WILLIAMS, MINARD

Posted By: Gary Norris (email)
Date: 12/1/2012 at 08:18:19

Eight years ago James D. Boyack came to Poweshiek county and established himself on a farm which he purchased in Grinnell township. He is now the possessor of one of the finest farms in the county and through his industry, perseverance and clear judgment has attained a large measure of prosperity. He is a native of Scotland, and was born April 4, 1859, a son of William and Jane (Doig) Boyack, both of whom were born in Scotland. The parents came to the United States in 1852 and lived for four years at Rockford, Illinois, the father being employed as a salesman in a lumber yard. He then removed to Independence, Iowa, and entered about three hundred acres of government land, upon which he lived until his death, which occurred in July, 1902, when he had arrived at the advanced age of eighty-two years. The beloved wife and mother was called away January 1, 1889, at the age of sixty-four years. Mr. Boyack, Sr., politically gave his support to the republican party. He was an active factor in local politics and for many years as an office holder. He was a man of many sterling characteristics and exerted a strong influence for good wherever he was known.

James D. Boyack was brought to America with his parents in his infancy and grew up under the favorable conditions of country life. He received his education in the common schools and after arriving at maturity continued with his father, assisting upon the home farm. When he was about twenty-five years of age he began upon his own account by buying one hundred and sixty acres of land adjoining his father's place. He cultivated this land to such good advantage that he later became the owner of two hundred and eighty acres, which produced handsome annual revenue. However, he was attracted to Poweshiek county as a more favorable location, and in 1903 he sold his farm and bought one hundred and sixty acres in this county, which he has improved and developed on modern lines, making it a highly desirable property.
On May 14, 1883, Mr. Boyack was united in marriage to Miss Anna M. Williams, a daughter of William and Ann (Minard) Williams, of Herefordshire, England. She came to America with relatives when she was ten years of age and was reared and educated in this country. Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyack; Breeze E., a graduate of Grinnell College; George W.; and Grace L., who is now living at home.
Mr. Boyack is an ardent supporter of the republican party, believing that its principles are essential to the permanency and prosperity of the country. He has served in various offices, both in Buchanan and Poweshiek counties, and for four years served as township trustee in this county. He and his family are members of the Congregational church. Mrs. Boyack is a lady of unusual intellectual attainments and before her marriage engaged, with marked success, for five years as a school-teacher. The home over which she presides is one of the popular gathering places of the township and is the abode of genuine hospitality and true kindliness.

History of Poweshiek County Iowa
- A Record of Settlement, Organizations, Progress and Achievement, Vol. II
written by Prof. L. F. Parker.
Published by The S. J. Clarke Publishing Co., in 1911z
Pages 268-271