John Boyd
(1820 - 1890)
Here is a brief biographical sketch of Brother John Boyd taken from contemporary newspaper reports of his death and funeral:
“Death of Ex-Councillor John Boyd – At exactly 4:20 o’clock yesterday afternoon John Boyd, one of Victoria’s best known and most highly respected citizens, passed away at the residence of his son-in-law, Mr. R.J. Horton, No. 149 Chatham street. Mr. Boyd had been in failing health for some time and his death was not wholly unexpected, although it proved a severe blow to his relatives and many friends. The deceased was born in Glasgow, Scotland (where he learned his trade as a weaver) in 1820, making him at the time of his demise 70 years old. He came to Victoria in January, 1863, but left a few months later for Pavillion, B.C., where he kept the Wayside house for two years and a half, when he returned to this city to enter the employ of the Hudson’s Bay Company as steward, a position which he held for 5 years and which he left to go into the grocery and liquor business on Johnson street. He kept that stand for a number of years, removing about 6 years ago to his premises on Yates street, the business of which he disposed of few days ago on account of illness. He was ex-president of the St. Andrews and Caledonia society, and a member of the Pioneer and Masonic societies, in the affairs of which he always took a keen interest. He represented Yates street ward in the city council for two terms, and was once a candidate for Mayor, but was defeated. John Boyd’s name was always among the first in the name of charities, he giving with a liberal hand to the needy. He leaves two daughters, Mrs. R.J. Horton and Mrs. Jas. Russell, both residing in this city.”
Source: Daily Colonist, 11 April 1890, page 4, column 3
“Bourne to the Grave – The funeral of the late John Boyd took place Sunday afternoon from the residence of R.J. Horton, No. 149 Chatham street. A large number of friends and acquaintances followed the remains to their last resting place in Ross Bay cemetery. Rev. Dr. Reid officiated at the residence, the Masonic services being conducted at the grave by W.M. McKeon. The members of the St. Andrews and Caledonia and Masonic societies attended in a body. Messrs. Thos. Shotbolt, M. McCahill, J. Trickey, J. Stamford, T. Collins and Dr. Milne acted as pallbearers.”
Source: Daily Colonist, 15 April 1890, page 4, column 3
