For about one-third of a century this well-known banker and lumber dealer has been a resident of Mt. Vernon, and by his industry, keen discrimination and good executive ability he has placed himself among the foremont business men of Linn county.  He is a native of Ireland, born in County Antrim, December 5, 1841, and is the son of JAMES and JENNIE BOYD, who spent their entire lives in that county, and who were the parents of eight children,  of whom our subject is the youngest.

During his boyhood our subject attended a model school in his native land, and was later a student in the training school at Dublin.  On leaving that institution he successfully engaged in teaching in Ireland for seven years.  But the new world had attractions for him, and he determined to come to that country where every man was equal in the eyes of the law, and where all had an equal chance for advancement.  In 1868 he bade good-bye to home and friends and went from Belfast to Liverpool, England from which port he sailed for the United States.  Landing in New York, he proceeded at once to Marengo, Iowa, where he remained three weeks and then came to Mt. Vernon, which has since been his home.  He began life here as a farm hand in the employ of James Smyth, with whom he remained three months, and for three weeks he was similarly employed by Colonel Smyth.  At the end of that time he accepted a position in the lumber yard of Colonel R. Smyth & Co., at Mr. Vernon, and a year later purchased an interest in the business.  This partnership continued for some time, and he then purchased his partner's interests, and has since continued to be identified with the lumber business of his adopted city.  In May, 1900, he took into partnership with him his son, JAY C., and under the firm name of D.L. BOYD & SON the business is continued with remarkable success.  On the advent of his son into the firm, he became connected with the banking business as cashier of the Mt. Vernon Bank, and is now holding that position.  His intimate knowledge and extensive acquaintance with the people who do business in Mt. Vernon make him a valuable acquisition to the bank.

On the 8th of December 1870, Mr Boyd was united in marriage with Miss MARGARET CRAIG, who was born three miles west of Mt. Vernon,  and who was the daughter of Thomas Craig, a native of County Antrim, Ireland, and who came to this country about 1830, first locating in Ohio.   In 1839,  soon after Linn County was first settled,  he removed here and took up government land, about three miles west of Mt. Vernon, where he engaged in farming until his death, in 1860.  He was twice married, his first wife being Margaret Shaver.  After her death he married Martha Smyth,  and to them were born three children, of whom Mrs Boyd is the only survivor.  Three children were also born to Mr and Mrs Boyd.  JAY CRAIG, born December 23,1872,  is now the junior member of the firm of D.L. Boyd & Son.  He married Miss Mabel Shire, and they have one child.   DONALD L. WILLIAM WALTER, born May 26,1876, resides at home; and FLORENCE B., born April 22,1882, is attending Cornell College.

Mr Boyd is a faithful and consistent member of the Presbyterian church, and in politics is an ardent Republican. For two years he efficiently served as mayor of Mt. Vernon, and has been a member of the school board for many years, while he is now serving as one of the trustees of Cornell College.  He is a very pleasant and courteous gentleman, who takes a deep interest in every enterprise which he believes will be of public benefit, and he stands deservedly high in both business and social circles.
 

Source: Biographical Record of Linn County, Iowa; Chicago: The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1901.