James Stewart Boyd ~ Mary Ellen Young

James Stewart Boyd has the distinction of being the oldest resident of Joliet, and is among the most honored pioneer citizens of Will County, where he has spent practically his entire life. He was born in County Antrim, Ireland, July 22, 1836, the son of Thomas Boyd and Elizabeth (Boyd) Boyd.

Thomas Boyd brought his family to the United States from Ireland during the early days and settled at Easton, Pa., where he was employed in the cotton mills for many years. He died June 22, 1875 and his wife died in 1873. They are buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Joliet. To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd were born the following children: John Boyd, died at Easton, Pa.; Jane Boyd, died at Easton, Pa.; Mary Boyd, died at Independence, Iowa; Henry Boyd, died while serving during the Civil War as a member of the 100th Illinois Volunteer Infantry; Isabelle Boyd, died in Joliet Township, and is buried at Plainfield, Ill.; Sarah Boyd, deceased; James Stewart Boyd, the subject of this sketch; and Thomas, Boyd a Civil War veteran, died in Chicago, May 26, 1926.

The boyhood of James Stewart Boyd was spent at Easton, Pa., where he was educated. His uncle was the founder of Lafayette College at Easton, and a well known educator of his time. Mr. Boyd learned the tinner's trade and in 1857 settled at Joliet where he has resided throughout the years. For several years he was employed by W. F. Barrett Hardware Company as foreman and later spent 22 years as a salesman for W. S. Brooks, Joliet. He was employed as a salesman in the carriage department for eleven years with Wilcox Brothers, and then retired to his farm in Joliet Township. He has lived there for the past 60 years and the homestead is among the interesting spots of the township. It is located on the Zarley Road near Joliet.

On May 6, 1861, Mr. Boyd was united in marriage with Miss Mary Ellen Young, of Herkimer County, N. Y., born in 1839. She died Nov. 1, 1926 and is buried in Elmhurst Cemetery, Joliet. To this union were born ten children as follows: 1. Alexander C. Boyd, retired, lives at Joliet. 2. Margaret W. Boyd, born Nov 4, 1865, the widow of Dick Skinner, and she is school treasurer of Will County. 3. Estella Boyd, born Oct. 27, 1867, the widow of Charles Scharf, lives in Joliet. 4. Nellie Jane Boyd Zarley, born Dec 26, 1869, lives in Los Angeles, Calif. 5. Elizabeth Avery Boyd, born July 21, 1874, lives at Three Forks, Mont. 6. James H. Boyd, born Jan. 28, 1872, lives in Chicago. 7. Mary M. Boyd, born Dec. 4, 1878, married A. M. Zarley, lives in Joliet. 8. Frederick C. Boyd, born in October, 1876, lives at Clear Lake, Iowa. 10. Belle C. Boyd, born Mary 13, 1883, unmarried, lives in Chicago. Mr. Boyd has 15 grandchildren.

Mr. Boyd has been a Republican since the time he cast his first vote for Abraham Lincoln. He has been identified with the Masonic Lodge since 1862, and is affiliated with A. F. & A. M. No.42, Joliet, Joliet Commandery No.4, Medinah Shrine, Chicago, and the Masonic Veterans of Illinois. He is an honorary member of the Buccaneer Club of New York City. Both he and his daughter Margaret W. Boyd are charter members of the Will County Historical Society.

Source: History of Will County, Illinois; by August Maue; published Topeka-Indianapolis:Historical Pub., 1928 - FHL Film 1000524 Items 1-2

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