From "HISTORY OF THE UPPER OHIO VALLEY,"  Vol. I, pages 227-228 & 
335.
Brant & Fuller, 1890.


GEORGE E. BOYD

George E. Boyd, who has served both the county and circuit on title 
bench, came to Wheeling, from Ohio, his native state, when but ten 
years of age.  His elementary education was secured in the public 
schools of Wheeling, and Linsly institute.  This was supplemented by 
the completion of a classical course at Washington college, Penn.  
After a thorough course of reading, he entered the Cincinnati law 
school, where he received his degree in 1860.  He rose rapidly in his 
profession.  In 1876 he had attained a position which justified the 
people in elevating him to the judgeship of the Ohio county court.  
He held this position until the abolition of said court. In 1880, 
although his party was largely in the minority, he was elected judge 
of the first judicial circuit of West Virginia.  His term in this 
position expired January 1, 1889.  Judge Boyd's service upon the 
bench has been in every way creditable to him, and has added to the 
laurels won by him as an Attorney.  Of the highest integrity, with a 
clear grasp of the principles he is called upon to apply, and with an 
abiding sense of the righteousness of even-handed justice, he has 
earned a reputation as a judge who has rendered more than ordinary 
service to the commonwealth.  His opinions are always given without 
hesitation, his decision short and pointed, and the records of the 
supreme court show that his decisions were not often reversed. 

Judge George E. Boyd, a well-known member of the bar of Wheeling, and 
prominent among the jurists of the state, is a native of Cumberland, 
Ohio, and is a son of John E. Boyd, who was one of the early 
merchants of Wheeling.  The latter was born at Alexandria, Va., in 
1812, and in about the year 1830, removed to Washington, Guernsey 
Co., Ohio, where he engaged in mercantile pursuits.  Thence he 
subsequently removed to Cumberland in the same county, and from that 
place in about 1849 he came to Wheeling and formed a partnership with 
Samuel Ott.  Under the firm name of Boyd & Ott these gentlemen did an 
extensive business in wholesaling dry goods. About the year 1861 John 
E. Boyd removed to Philadelphia, and embarked in the banking 
business, and established and served as president of the Gold 
Exchange.  Retiring from business in 1868 he made his home at Chase 
City, Va., and is there engaged at farming at present.  His wife, 
whose maiden name was Elizabeth Endly, was married to him at 
Washington, Ohio, some fifty-five years ago.  She is a native of 
Maryland, and is a daughter of Jacob Endly, of German descent. Three 
sons and two daughters were born to these parents, of whom one son is 
deceased.  Judge Boyd was born in Cumberland, Ohio, December 29, 
1839, and after the first ten years of his life spent in his native 
place he became a resident of Wheeling, where he has ever since 
remained. He received his literary education at the Linsly institute, 
and at Washington college, Pennsylvania, at which latter institution 
he was graduated in 1858.  He then applied himself to the study of 
law, and after completing a course of study and receiving his degree 
from the Cincinnati law school in 1860, he was admitted to the bar in 
1861.  A few years later, in 1868, he was honored by election as 
prosecuting attorney of Wetzel county, and held that position until 
187.  His practice continued with much success and honor to himself 
until 1876, when he was elevated to the bench as judge of the Ohio 
county court, and this position he filled until the court was 
abolished.  In 1880 he was elected by the democratic party as judge 
of the first judicial circuit of West Virginia, his election being 
notable from the fact that his party was in the minority in the 
district.  In the practice in which Judge Boyd is at present engaged, 
his son, George E., is associated.  The latter was born January 24, 
1866, and received his education at the University of Virginia.  He 
studied law at the University of West Virginia, and was graduated at 
that institution in 1887, and in the same year admitted to the bar.  
The wife of Judge Boyd, to whom he was married June 18, 1864, is 
Anna, daughter of Alfred Colwell, a distinguished lawyer.  The other 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are Alfred Colwell Boyd, now aged 
twenty years, and a daughter, Beulah Boyd.


(Linda Fluharty)