My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES EUGENE BOYDEN. In every community, there is always a man to whom the people turn for advice concerning political affairs and other matters. Such a man is Mr. Boyden, who was born at Marathon and has always made that village his home. He was born March 23, 1860, and is a son of Darius and Lucy (Warner) Boyden, and grandson of Jonathan Boyden.

Jonathan Boyden was a native of Connecticut and emigrated to Oxford, Chenango County, N. Y. Later, he moved to Willet, Cortland County, N. Y., where he remained until his death.

Darius Boyden was born in 1821, at Oxford, Chenango County, but came with his father when the latter took up his residence in Willet. Subsequently, he moved to Homer, where he learned the trade of a wheelwright. While there he met and married Miss Lucy Warner, after which they moved to Upper Lisle, Broome County, where he plied his trade. In 1858, returning to this county, he settled at Marathon, which continued to be his home during the rest of his life. He had attained the advanced age of seventy-four years, when overtaken by death, August 1, 1895. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyden, whose names are as follows: Delia; Adelbert; Charles Eugene, our subject; Florence, the wife of Morris Allen, a blacksmith of Marathon; and Ella, who was married to Frank Corwin of Marathon.

Charles Eugene Boyden was married June 29, 1882, to Miss Agnes M. Moon, who was born April 5, 1861. Three bright children have blessed this union: U. H., born April 5, 1883; Lulu, April 10, 1888; and Gladys, July 10, 1891. Mr. Boyden received his education in the common schools of Marathon, but by close observation and intercourse with the world, he has acquired a general knowledge of people and things not possessed by many who have enjoyed superior educational advantages. His first step, after leaving home to begin life for himself, was to engage as a farm laborer, at which work he continued for three years. Finding this did not give him sufficient scope, he decided upon locating in the village, and became identified with the butchering business in Marathon. Not finding this work congenial, at the expiration of two years he turned his attention to the trade of a barber, which he learned. On March 1, 1880, he opened his shop, where he still continues at the same stand. Industrious and energetic, he found he could still attend to some other business, so in connection with his barber shop he placed a fine line of pipes, cigars and tobacco, and has a very attractive place.

Mr. Boyden has always been a Republican, and has taken an active part in all matters pertaining to the welfare of his country. Being public spirited, he has done his full share in advancing the interests in the community in which he lived. His executive ability being recognized, he was induced to serve as trustee of the village, which office he filled for three years. He was elected president of the village of Marathon in March, 1896. He has frequently been called upon to represent his party as a delegate to county, congressional and senatorial, as well as to the state conventions. He was a delegate to the convention that nominated Warner Miller for Governor of New York. In addition to his other duties he served as assistant postmaster of the Assembly in 1891, and as assistant financial clerk in 1895; all of which offices he filled to the complete satisfaction of his constituents, and to those whom he was elected to serve.

Mr. Boyden has also been deeply interested in the local fire organization for several years, and is at present chief of the Fire Department. Mr. Boyden is a member of Thermopylae Lodge, No. 438, of Marathon; he was elected treasurer, of that lodge in 1892, and has served in that capacity ever since. His home life is agreeable and pleasant, being filled with kindness and affection. No man in Marathon has a larger or more enthusiastic circle of friends than Mr. Boyden, and his influence is felt throughout the entire county.