My Genealogy Hound

BOYD, THOMAS H. retired merchant; was born at Alexandria, Virginia, in 1817; his father, John Boyd, was a saddler and harness maker by trade, who married Miss Mary Kirk, a native of Philadelphia, Penn. In an early day they moved to Washington City, where they passed the remainder of life. Thomas was but 10 when he accompanied an emigrant to Illinois; this was in 1834. At 25 he entered into the mercantile business at Columbiana, Greene County, where he started a small store, and became a dealer in cord-wood and also a successful grain shipper. He transacted a good business here until 1856. About this time he married Mary Ann Ellis, a native of North Carolina, by whom he had six children; three are living: Olly A., Carrie and Thomas. In 1859 Mr. Boyd was elected Probate Judge; faithfully discharging the manifold duties of this office he received a re-election. In 1872 he was elected by a large majority to the State Legislature, serving four sessions. When his term of office expired he settled down to quiet life, so consistent with his abundant means.