James Boyd
James Boyd, one of the well-known farmers of Berlin Township, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1818. His parents were Thomas and Sarah (Sherlock) Boyd, who immigrated to America about 1828, and first located in Pittsburgh, where the father died about one week after their arrival. The mother and her six children remained in Pittsburgh about three years, when they came to Holmes County, Ohio, and located in Berlin Township. The mother afterward married Thomas Wilson, and moved with him to Illinois; he died there, and she returned to the home of James, where she died in 1872. Four of her children are yet living: Matilda, wife of Abner Maxwell, of Millersburgh; Barbara, wife of Robert Lawhead, of Illinois; Sarah, wife of Humphrey Huckings, of Chicago, and James, our subject,, who was about ten years of age when brought to America. He received an ordinary education, and began life single-handed. He has always followed farming, and has made himself well-to-do by his own efforts, his energy and good management being rewarded.
In 1852 he was united in marriage with Miss Mary, daughter of William Lewis, of Berlin Township. Seven children were born to this union, five of whom are still living, viz.: William Thomas, a farmer in Berlin Township, married to Miss Mary Kerr, and has two children; and Umphrey, Desilva, Alice and Alvin, all at home. For several years past Mr. Boyd has been engaged in raising fine horses for the market. He operates a farm of 400 acres, upon which are excellent improvements. He is a supporter of the Democratic party, and has filled various township offices, and he and his famnily are adherents of the Presbyterian Church.
From Commemorative Biographical Record of the Counties of Wayne and Holmes, Ohio, J. H. Beers & Co., Chicago, 1889