John C. Boyd, lime manufacturer and farmer, was born in Wayne County, Ind., Sept. 29, 1822.  He was reared on the 
home farm, and obtained a good common-school education.  At the age of twenty years he began working at the trade of 
tanner and currier, and, in partnership with Isaac Cook, carried on a tannery northwest of Middleboro, Wayne County, 
seven years, the firm name being Cook & Boyd.  They sold out in 1856 and purchased at Middleboro one of the best 
stone quarries in Eastern Indiana. They constructed the first patent kiln for burning lime in Indiana, and in 1860 Mr. 
Boyd and Amos Cook engaged in the manufacture of lime at New Paris, Ohio.  At the end of five years Mr. Boyd bought 
the entire business, and two years later sold a half interest to Henry R. Downing, of Richmond, with whom he was 
associated four years, when they sold to Smith Bros.  During this time the firm of Cook & Boyd carried on the 
manufacture of lime, making annually 30,000 bushels, and the same quantity at New Paris, a total of 60,000 bushels 
of the best quality known, supplying Richmond, and shipping to various other points. He is also engaged in farming, 
owning a fine farm of over 160 acres, known as the “Spring Hill Farm.”  April 1, 1863, Mr. Boyd was married to Celia,
 daughter of Robert and Elvira Cox.  They have four children – Linaes C., born Jan. 18, 1864, educated at Earlham 
College and Terre Haute, Ind., now teaching at Bethel, Ind.; Robert E., born June 8, 1866, and Elva E., born July 10, 
1867, are attending Earlham College, and A. Orville, born March 2, 1872, at school near his home.  Mrs. Boyd is a 
member of the Society of Orthodox Friends.  Adam Boyd, father of our subject, was born in North Carolina, of Scotch 
descent.  He was married in Wayne County, to Elizabeth, daughter of Amos Hawkins, who came to this county in 1806.  
Seven children were born to them – Alexander, Charity (deceased), John C., Henry, Jonathan D., Oliver and Martha A.  
Adam was a carpenter by trade.  He died at the age of forty-eight years; his wife, at the age of fifty years.

History of Wayne County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884. Volume 2. Page 766 and 767.