Oliver Boyd, farmer, York Township, born in this county in 1833, is a son of Elijah and Polly (Haycock) Boyd and grandson of James Boyd, who settled in this county from Kentucky prior to 1820. His father came to this county when fourteen years of age with his parents, and grew to manhood in this locality, married, and here reared children. This wife died, and for his second wife he married a Mrs. Green nee Cole, by whom he reared six children. By a third wife, Mary ROSS, he had two children, both of whom died infants. He began life in humble circumstances and became one of the thrifty farmers of the county, owning 520 acres of land; he died in 1872; his last wife died about 1875. He was captain of a militia company in this county in early years, and was generally in the front as a defender of the laws of his country. Oliver, our subject, grew up on his father's farm, remaining there till twenty-one. He then worked one year for himself at wages, and after as a partner about five years; he then purchased of his father, and has continued on the farm ever since; now owns 240 acres of which he has gradually gained chiefly by his own exertions; deals some in stock and aims to improve the grades as much as possible. Mr. Boyd was married, in 1861, to Frances Pendry, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Wiles) Pendry, both natives of North Carolina, where they were reared and died. By this union there were born three children who are living: John, Kate and Harry --two infants deceased. Mr. Boyd is a member of the F. & A.M., and one of the thrifty farmers of the Township. He is a liberal Democrat, generally casting his vote for the man instead of the party.
Source: History of Switzerland County, Indiana 1885. Chicago, Illinois: Weakley, Harraman & Co., 1885
Transcribed by: Sheila Kell