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George McCall Boyd ~ Meta Long Holt

Duval Co., FL

A notable instance of the rise to influence and success of a young man who entered upon life's duties in the humble capacity of a clerk is furnished in the case of George McCall Boyd, who is firmly established in the busy life of Jacksonville, and who has accumulated no small share of this world's goods.

Mr. Boyd is a man of southern birth, and his family for many generations were prominent in the social and political affairs of the State of South Carolina. They were among the earliest settlers in the Palmetto State, and there flows in their veins blood of the best races of the Old World. Mr. Boyd is of Scotch-Irish descent, and the first known of the family in America is that five brothers came over together from Scotland locating in various of the Colonies including South Carolina. On his mother's side Mr. Boyd is of German and English descent. There is combined in him the best elements and characteristics for which the sturdy people from whom he is descended are noted. His father who was noted as being one of the most prominent lawyers in South Carolina and possibly the best equipped man in the State in civil practice served throughout the war in the Confederate army, making an enviable reputation as a soldier. For a while he served with much credit to himself as adjutant on the staff of Brigadier General Early. His mother's people were wealthy planters.

Mr. Boyd was born at Darlington, S. C, March 25, 1868, his parents being Robert Watson and Mary Elizabeth (McCall) Boyd. He received his primary education in the public schools and as a youth took a course in the Darlington Military Academy. He also had the advantage of a course in the University of South Carolina, at Columbia, S. C. Having decided upon a business career, he then took a commercial course in Eastman's National Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and returned to South Carolina, where he perfected himself in commercial law by a course of six month's reading in his father's office. He was then appointed to a clerkship in one of the local courts, and was engaged in keeping books until 1889, when having thoroughly equipped himself he began business on his own account at Darlington by opening up a furniture establishment and also conducting a coal and wood business. He was more or less successful, and engaged in commerce in his native town for several years, but finally went to Chattanooga, where he held an important position in one of the railroad offices of that city.

His final, and most successful move, however, was made in 1893 when he came to Florida, and located in Jacksonville. He became connected with the wholesale grocery house of C. B. Rogers and Company as bookkeeper, and was employed by this progressive and prosperous firm for a period of twelve years. He was promoted from time to time, and when he severed his connection with the company, was one of its most valued employees. He had, however, ever since his residence in Jacksonville realized the splendid opportunities which were afforded by reason of the city's rapid growth, and development in the handling of real estate. It was to engage in this business that he withdrew from the grocery establishment. He at once took up the business to which he had been attracted, and introduced into it some plans that he had long considered and was gratified with the success that attended his efforts.

He is not only a real estate agent, but a dealer as well and the firm of George M. Boyd and Company of which he is the head, is not only one of the leading firms of the city engaged in this business, but is known throughout the State for its enterprise and progressive spirit. They have handled some of the largest deals of recent years, and through their efforts many sections of the city have been improved and beautified. The firm buys, builds and sells and does not confine its efforts to the people of this immediate section, but has succeeded in interesting people outside the State, and in bringing both capital and population to Jacksonville and to the State. He is also President of the Suburban Investment Company, and is interested in numerous commercial and industrial enterprises in the city. He takes a lively interest in all public
affairs, and is always willing to contribute his means and his energy towards the public welfare. He is not a member of any church, but is partial to the Methodist doctrine, and is an active worker in the ranks of Democracy.  Mr. Boyd was married February 10, 1897 to Meta Long Holt, daughter of Dr. P.A. and Mrs. Meta Long Holt.

 Source: Florida edition of Makers of America : an historical and biographical work; Atlanta : A. B. Caldwell, 1909. FHL Film 1000158
 

NOTE: Use this data as a finding tool, just as you would any other
secondary source. When you find the name of an ancestor
listed confirm the facts in original sources.
 

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