John W. Boyd, tinner and stove dealer, Vevay, was born in York Township March 28, 1845, where he received a fair education. His father, James W., was born in city of Cork, Ireland, in 1818; his mother Catharine (Keith) Boyd in York Township in 1820. They married in 1844 and raised six children: John W., James, born January 15, 1847; Edward, born July 10, 1849; Frank, born July 16, 1851; Alfred, born July 3, 1856; George, born January 19, 1859. His father was a tinner and wire worker, and came to America in 1821 and to Indiana in 1840. He was justice of the peace for years and township trustee; he was a Knight Templar and Odd Fellow, also a member of the Baptist Church; he died March 30, 1860. John W. was married December 12, 1868, to Miss Lydia A. Baldwin, and they have seven children: Florence, Lucinda C., Rhoda, John W., Ruth A., Thomas and Archie. In 1867, Mr. Boyd went to his present trade and branched out in business in February, 1881. He was a member of the city council from Second Ward in 1884; he is a member of Indiana Lodge No. 126 I.O.O.F. and he and his wife belong to the Rebecca Degree Lodge I.O.O.F.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell