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Below is a family biography included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published by Biographical Publishing Co. in 1894.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

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DAVID B. BOYD, a progressive farmer residing in township 5, range 6, Randolph County, has risen to a position in agricultural affairs which many might envy. He is the owner of five hundred acres of valuable land, and has been largely instrumental in bringing about many of the new and successful methods of advancing business, educational and social standards. His father, Thomas Boyd, was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1784, and emigrated to America, locating in South Carolina about 1801.

Thomas Boyd made his home in the above named state until 1830, when he decided to try his fortunes in the Prairie State, and coming to Randolph County, located in township 5, range 6, where he was residing at the time of his decease, January 11, 1849. His occupation was that of farming. He was pressed into the British service, and while on a vessel, lost his hearing by the concussion of guns. In politics he was a Whig, and religiously was a member of the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Thomas Boyd was the son of John and Susan (Neally) Boyd, natives also of County Antrim, Ireland. Like many of their fellow-countrymen, they made their way to the United States. They died in South Carolina, where they were farmers. Previous to coming to America, the grandfather of our subject was a weaver and gauger. His family consisted of three sons and two daughters, John, Thomas, Samuel, Susan and Mary.

Mrs. Mary (Humes) Boyd was likewise born in the Emerald Isle, and when her parents, David and Elizabeth (Montgomery) Humes, emigrated to the New World, she accompanied them on the journey and located in South Carolina. There her father, who was a prosperous farmer, was an active member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Boyd were married in 1807, and the children born to them were: Elizabeth and Susan, now deceased; John, who died in 1849; William, who departed this life in his twenty-second year; David B., of this sketch; Thomas, and one who died in infancy.

Our subject was born May 22, 1819, in the Newbury District, S. C., and there continued to reside until the decease of his parents. He was given but few educational advantages, and upon reaching mature years engaged in farming pursuits. After coming to this county, in 1830, he first purchased eighty acres of land from his father, and on the death of the latter, came into possession of the old homestead, which he has occupied for over sixty years.

December 30, 1847, Miss Tabitha Jane Brown and our subject were united in marriage. Mrs. Boyd was born within two miles of where she is now living. She is the daughter of David and Margaret (Morrow) Brown, natives respectively of South Carolina and Kentucky. Her parents were married in the Blue Grass State, and coming to Illinois, in 1826, located on Lively Prairie. David Brown was the son of Isaac and Jane (Means) Brown, natives of South Carolina. The grandfather died in Kentucky; his good wife came to Illinois, and departed this life in Randolph County.

To Mr. and Mrs. Boyd have been born nine children: Maggie, Mrs. Samuel Wasson, of this county; Mary, who lives at home; Anna, Mrs. Samuel Fulton, of this county; William, who is a coal dealer in St. Louis; David, who is engaged in the coal business at Sparta; Thomas A., who makes his home with his parents, and three who died in infancy. A man of untiring energy, Mr. Boyd’s success in life is proved by the fact that, although he started without money or land, he has accumulated over five hundred acres, upon which he is engaged in general farming. In politics he is a stanch Republican. He is an Elder in the Presbyterian Church, with which denomination his wife also holds membership.

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This family biography is one of 679 biographies included in The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois published in 1894.  View the complete description here: The Portrait and Biographical Record of Randolph, Jackson, Perry and Monroe Counties, Illinois

View additional Randolph County, Illinois family biographies here: Randolph County, Illinois Biographies

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