R. W. Boyd

R. W. Boyd was a contemporary with Homer D. Ives. He was born in Washington County, Pennsylvania in 1823, and when an infant, came with his parents, on their removal to Virginia. When he was sixteen years of age they went to Des Moines County, Iowa. In 1848, when he was twenty-five years of age, he came to Eddyville; in 1850 commenced the study of law and was later admitted to the bar. In 1858 he was elected Justice of the Peace in Eddyville, and continued to be elected for eight years. At the end of that period he devoted his entire attention to the practice and became one of the most highly respected members of the Wapello County Bar, and continued so for a great many years, and until he became a very aged man. He had a florid complexion, sandy hair and an agreeable address. He was faithful and highly useful to his clients, and held firmly the respect of everybody who knew him. He was frequently honored by the citizens of Eddyville, and was at one time Mayor of that City, and at another time, City Solicitor.

He was one of the best men I have ever known and one of the most appreciative of any kindness extended to him. In 1884 the well-known firm of John V. Farwell & Company, of Chicago, having some business with Eddyville, wrote me a letter of inquiry concerning Mr. Boyd, to which I made a reply that through some means came to the knowledge of Mr. Boyd; there upon he wrote me under date of July 2, 1884, as follows:

"I am under many renewed obligations to you for your kindness in the matter respecting which John V. Farwell & Company wrote you. Pecuniary, there is but little if anything in this matter, but in the expression of the sentiments of your letter to them, there is to me what is of vastly more value than can be estimated in dollars and cents."

Nothing could better exemplify what I have said, than this grateful letter. I suppose he must have died some years ago.

Source: Recollections and sketches of notable lawyers and public men of early Iowa : belonging to the first and second generations, with anecdotes and incidents illustrative of the times by Edward H. Stiles. Includes index. Micro- reproduction of original published: Des Moines: Homestead , 1916. - FHL Film 934927 Item 1

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