George B. Boyd ~ Harriet B. Williams

George B. Boyd. The mature years of this gentleman have been devoted almost entirely to the duties and labors pertaining to the calling of a farmer, and he has acquired a knowledge of times and seasons, means and methods, that make him a source of information to others less favored by nature or less observing. He owns and occupies a pleasant and remunerative tract of land in Cotton Hill Township and there pursues the even tenor of his way, gaining world goods and enjoying the comforts of a happy home.

Jacob Boyd, the venerable father of our subject, is one of the oldest settlers now living in Cotton Hill Township, which has been his home for nearly half a century. He was born in Franklin County, Ohio, October 30, 1807, and was but thirteen years old when he accompanied his parents, John and Susan (Hiner) Boyd, to this county. The grandfather of our subject died in Woodside and the grandmother in Cotton Hill Township, and in these townships Jacob Boyd grew to manhood. In the last named his marriage took place September 1, 1833, and with the exception of a short time spent in Rochester Township, it has been his place of abode. His aged wife still enjoys with him the devotion of their family, the esteem of many friends and the pleasant associations amid which they have grown old together. They celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding several years since, on which occasion two hundred guests assembled to do honor to an exceptionally long and happy married life.

The mother of our subject bore the maiden name of Rebecca Royal and was born in the same county of the buckeye State in which her husband opened his eyes to the light. Her natal day was July 30, 1812, and her parents, Thomas and Rebecca (Matthew) Royal, the former of whom died at the old home and the latter in Ball Township, this county whither she had removed. To Jacob and Rebecca Boyd nine children were born, of whom we note the following: John T. Boyd died in 1874, and William H. Boydin 1885; George B. Boydis the next in order of birth; Mary E. Boyd is the wife of Alonzo Sparks, now of Girard, Kan.; Susan Boyd is the wife of Harvey Alexander; Oliver Boyd is in California; Sarah J. Boyd married Elijah D. Lawley and is now a widow; Davis O. Boyd resides in Rochester Township; Vincent C. Boyd died when but seventeen years old.

The gentleman whose name introduces these paragraphs was born in Rochester Township December 25, 1839, and grew to manhood in that and Cotton Hill Townships. Under the care of his Christian parents he early learned by what principles his life should be governed and in school and at home gathered knowledge of importance, especially such as pertained to the calling which he chose. He resided in Christian County seven years, but with that exception and the months given to his country's service, he has made his home in Cotton Hill Township since early boyhood. The farm he now occupies consists of one hundred and fourteen acres of fertile land and its cultivation proves both pleasant and profitable.

In the summer of 1862 Mr. Boyd entered the Union Army, being enrolled August 11 in Company F, One Hundred and Fourteenth Illinois Infantry, in which he fought for three years. The prominent engagements in which he took part were the siege of Vicksburg and of Jackson, the battles of Guntown, Tupelo, Nashville, Ft. Blakeley and Spanish Fort. In addition to these strifes on bloody fields, he bore the part of an obedient, valiant soldier in the camp duties and toils of campaign life wherever his regiment was sent, and returned to his home when mustered out with an honorable record.

The sterling traits of character possessed by Miss Harriet B. Williams of Cotton Hill Township, won the deep regard of Mr. Boyd, and his wooing having proved successful the young couple were united in marriage January 31, 1867. Mrs. Boyd was born in the township in which she still lives, July 17, 1847. She has borne her husband five children whose record is as follows: Clarence E. was born October 24, 1868; Susan R., July 9, 1873; Phebe C., July 25, 1875; George R., October 6, 1877; Mary A., August 1, 1882.

Mr. Boyd has served as School Director and brought to bear upon the duties of the office an earnest desire to promote the good of the rising generation and add to the efficiency of the schools. His political affiliation is with the Republican element. He belongs to A. J. Webber Post, G. A. R., at Pawnee, and with his comrades lives over the scenes of army life and fights again the old battles. He and his honored wife belong to the Christian Church in which his parents have held membership for many years. The hosts of friend whom they have made will be pleased to see this sketch, brief though it be, of George Boyd, his family and revered parents.

Source: Portrait and biographical album of Sangamon County, Illinois : containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of prominent and representative citizens; together with portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States, and governors of the state; published Chicago: Chapman Bros., 1891 - FHL Film 896962 Item 1

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