Boice, Dr. J. C

BOICE, MC CALLISTER, CRAWFORD

Posted By: mjv (email)
Date: 8/4/2020 at 10:48:52

Dr. J. C. Boice, physician and surgeon, at Ainsworth, is a native of Carroll County, Ohio, born Sept. 12, 1846, and is the son of William and Martha (McAllister) Boice, both of whom are natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch-Irish descent. The former is still living in Columbiana County, Ohio, while the latter is deceased. The subject of this sketch grew to manhood in his native county, and when but fifteen years of age, in 1863, enlisted in Co. I, 98th Ohio Vol. Inf., and served six months. He was discharged on account of disability caused by being overheated. In the fall of 1863 he again enlisted, in Co. M, 6th Ohio Vet. Cav., and served till the close of the war. He was in many of the battles from 1863 till the war was closed, including Teavillian Station, St. Mary’s Church, Gravels’ Run, Hatches’ Run, Petersburg, and many other engagements of less note. He was discharged at Columbus, Ohio, July 10, 1865.

The educational advantages of our subject were those of the common school. In 1867, he commenced reading medicine with Dr. Nelson, of Mechanicstown, and then attended medical lectures at Keokuk Medical College, in 1872 and 1878. In the following winter he commenced practicing medicine in Boone County, Iowa, in connection with Dr. Lewis, and remained there one year, then came to Ainsworth, where he has since continued to reside, engaged in the practice of his profession. He was married in Boone County, Iowa, in 1870, to Mary E. Crawford, born in Crawfordsville, Iowa, in October, 1848, and daughter of W.P. and Martha Crawford, who were pioneers of this county. They have five children, three of whom are now living – Clyde A., Harry J and M. Myrtle. The deceased were Willie and B. Floyd.

Dr. and Mrs. Boice are members of the United Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a Republican. In educational matters he has always taken a decided interest, and has served as a member of the School Board. He is at present Coroner of Washington County. Mrs. Boice is a faithful worker at the W.C.T. U. and organization which is doing more for temperance than any other that has ever existed.

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Washington County, Iowa (1887). Excerpt from Biographical Sketch of Dr. J. C. Boice, pages 259-260.