In every community there are men who, by the consensus of public opinion, are placed in the rank of the most useful and enterprising citizens. To this distinction Charles R. Boyd has attained, for his activities have largely been directed along those lines which have for their object public improvement and the advancement of the general welfare. He is a financier of more than ordinary ability, and as president of the First National Bank of Yuba City he has built up one of the substantial moneyed institutions of this part of the State.

Mr. Boyd has spent his entire life in Yuba City. He was born here on November 23, 1861, a son of T. D. and Elizabeth Jane Boyd, California pioneers. The father made the long journey across the plains in the early fifties, and after reaching the Golden State engaged in the grocery business, obtaining his stock of goods in San Francisco. He also operated a ranch, finding a market for his hay and grain in that metropolis, and five generations of the Boyd family have lived on the old homestead in Yuba City, where he settled in the early fifties, the present home having been built in 1869. He was also a successful sheep-raiser, and likewise found time for participation in public affairs, serving for a number of years as county treasurer of Sutter County. He died in 1871, at the comparatively early age of forty-one years, while an incumbent of that office. His widow survived him many years.

After completing his public-school education, C. R. Boyd engaged in farming until he became a weigher at the warehouse of the Farmers’ Cooperative Union of Sutter County, in Yuba City. Here, through close application and a desire to promote the success of the business, he rose to the position of manager. When the Farmers’ Union established their bank, he became its cashier, and later on was made president, a position he filled acceptably, the growth of the institution proving his ability and the confidence the public reposed in him. When the debris filled the Feather River so that the steamers could no longer ply on the river to carry the grain in storage at their warehouses, the Farmers’ Union were obliged to dismantle their 20,000-ton warehouse and build a new warehouse on the Southern Pacific Railroad; and they are since shipping by rail. In 1912, members of the Farmers’ Union established the First National Bank of Yuba City, the stockholders being practically the same as the old Farmers’ Union that built the new bank building on Bridge Street, the finest building in the city; and Mr. Boyd was made president of the bank. The bank has a capital stock of $50,000 and a surplus of $75,000. At the same time they also organized the Savings Bank of Sutter County, and Mr. Boyd was also elected its president. The savings bank has a capital stock of $25,000 and a surplus of $55,000. The policy of the banks is largely the outcome of his opinions, labors and experience, and in their control he has shown marked business ability, foresight and sagacity. He has watched every indication pointing to success, and has so directed his efforts as to win the confidence and support of the public. Mr. Boyd is also interested in farming, owning several valuable ranches, approximating 600 acres in Sutter County, devoted to raising grain and stock.

In Sutter County, C. R. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Clarinda Bliss Carpenter, a native daughter, born in Sutter County. Her father, G. W. Carpenter, was one of the pioneers of the State and among the first settlers of this region. Three sons and one daughter have been born to them. George T. Boyd is cashier of the First National Bank of Yuba City. D. D. Boyd was for some years connected with M. Thompson & Company, a marine insurance firm of San Francisco, but is now in charge of the insurance department of the First National Bank. Charles R. Boyd Jr., is an agriculturist, in charge of the Boyd ranches. He served in the Ambulance Corps during the World War. The daughter, Roberta Boyd, married Robert J. Tyson. She was accidentally killed in an automobile wreck near Yuba City in 1922. There are also six grandchildren to delight the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd.

Believing that the public school is the bulwark of the nation, Mr. Boyd has ever been a strong advocate of educational advancement, and for a number of years has acted as school trustee. He also has served as levee director for Levee District No. 1 during a considerable period. He is a member of Marysville Lodge, No. 783, B.P.O.E., and of the Woodmen of the World, and enjoys the high regard of his brethren of these fraternities. He is numbered among those loyal and public-spirited citizens who by their well-directed efforts have made Yuba City and Sutter County what it is today; and the strength that he manifests in business affairs has its root in an upright, honorable manhood that commands for him the respect and admiration of all with whom he has been brought in contact.

Source: History of Yuba and Sutter counties, California : with biographical sketches by Peter J. Delay; Los Angeles : Historic Record Co., 1924. FHL Film 1000133

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