JOHN A. BOYD, a business man of Palmer is a member of the firm of Simpson & Boyd, dealers in hardware and agricultural implements. He is a native of this county, having been born in Johnson Township on the 7th of October, 1859. He comes from one of the pioneer families of the county, being a son of Joseph and Minerva A. Boyd, whose sketch may be found on another page of this volume.

John A. Boyd passed his early years on his father's farm in the usual manner of farmer lads, and received a good common-school education in the district schools. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, which occurred on the 3d of March, 1885. He chose for his life companion Miss Ida A. Cassel, who is a daughter of Alexander and Mary L. (Alexander) Cassel, of Lowell, Ohio. Three children have come to brighten the home of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd. They are as follows: Alfred C., Bunita and Mary.

For a period of fifteen years Mr. Boyd was employed in the grain business owned by his father, and for six years of that time was placed in charge of the business. In 1892 he severed his connection with the firm, and in February, 1893, formed a partnership with James M. Simpson, and bought out J. W. Lee's hardware and implement business. This firm, though almost new, is succeeding admirably in conducting their new enterprise, and in time will undoubtedly have a large share of the local patronage. In addition to the money he has invested in his business, Mr. Boyd owns a good residence property in Palmer.

Our subject and his estimable wife are members of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which the former is one of the Elders. Politically, he supports the Republican party, and socially is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Modern Woodmen of America. He is a progressive and enterprising young man, who is bound to make a success in the world of business. Mr. and Mrs. Boyd move in the best social circles, and have won innumerable friends in Palmer and the neighboring country. Mr. Boyd is known to be a man of upright character and strict integrity, and here in the county of his birth, where he is so well known, he is most highly esteemed.