CHIEF:  Dr Robin Boyd, MA (Oxon); MB BS; LRCP, MRCS; DCH; AFOM, 8th Baron Kilmarnock

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PETER KELLER BOYD was born at Harrisburg, Pa., on June 25, 1826. He was the son of JAMES RUTHERFORD BOYD, b. Oct 13, 1790; d. Dec 29, 1865; who was son of JOHN BOYD, b. 1761; d. April 06, 1799; who was son of WILLIAM BOYD, b. 1733;  d. May 17, 1808;  who was the son of WILLIAM BOYD, b. 1712;  d. prior to 1760; who was the son of WILLIAM BOYD.  His mother was ELIZA KELLER, b. June 12, 1803; d. Feb 27, 1828; daughter of John Peter Keller, b. Sept 28, 1776;  d. Oct 01, 1859;  son of Carl Andrew Keller, b. July 14, 1750;    d. Feb 21, 1805;  son of Johann Peter Keller, who emigrated to this country from  Switzerland prior to 1760.  His father served as 3rd Sergeant in the Harrisburg Artillerists (Capt Richard M. Crain) in the War of 1812,  and, for a long time, was a member of the Borough Council.  His paternal grandfather was one of the first settlers of Harrisburg,  locating there in 1785,  and became quite prominent and influential. His paternal great-grand- father served in the French and Indian War, as well as in the Revolution.  He was one of the celebrated "Paxtang Boys."

Mr. Boyd spent his entire life as a resident of his native place, and was one of it's most prominent and progressive citizens.  After he had obtained his education in the public schools of Harrisburg he entered his father's undertaking and furniture establishment and  made himself thoroughly familiar with the same,  succeeding to the business upon the decease of his parent.  He was the Harrisburg under- taker of the Pennsylvania Railroad from the date of the opening of the system, and had charge of the body of President Lincoln when it laid in state in that city.  He was a life-long member and trustee of Zion Lutheran Church;  a member of the Board of Directors of the Harrisburg Burial Case Company;  a Director of the Chestnut Street Market Company;  a Director of the East Pennsboro Insurance Company of Mechanicsburg,  and a charter member of the Washington Hose Company.  He was well known among the poor for his charitable acts,  and in his home life, was exceedingly devoted to all within the family circle.  He was a member of the Sons of the Revolution,  an active member of the Dauphin County Historical Society,  and took a great interest in the Pennsylvania-German Society,  of which he became a member January 18, 1898.

His death, from Bright's disease, occurred at 4:50 P.M. on Wednesday, November 27, 1901.  He is survived by his wife (born CAROLINE ELIZABETH BARNITZ),  and an adopted daughter, Mrs. William Rutherford. 

Source: Biographies: "Proceedings of Pennsylvania-German Society Volume XII, 1901

NOTE: Use this data as a finding tool, just as you would any other secondary source. When you find the name of an ancestor listed, confirm the facts in original sources.

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