James P. Boyd (March 3, 1826 – April 12, 1890)[1] was an Ontario businessman and political figure. He represented Prescott in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as a Liberal member from 1867 to 1871.

James Boyd
Ontario MPP
In office
1867–1871
Preceded byRiding established
Succeeded byGeorge Wellesley Hamilton
ConstituencyPrescott
Personal details
Born(1826-03-03)March 3, 1826
Limerick, Ireland
DiedApril 12, 1890(1890-04-12) (aged 64)
Political partyLiberal
SpouseAdelia Caroline Wells
OccupationBusinessman

He was born in Limerick, Ireland in 1826 and came to Canada West in 1847, settling at Vankleek Hill. He married Adelia Caroline Wells there. Boyd was a timber merchant and sawmill owner. He also owned a gristmill, carding mill and general store. He served as a reeve of West Hawkesbury Township. He was also a minister of the Congregational Church of London, Ontario. Boyd defeated Thomas McGee for the seat in the provincial assembly in 1867. In 1874, he ran unsuccessfully for the same seat in the House of Commons. In 1878, he was forced to sell his mills after encountering financial difficulties.

Electoral history

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1867 Ontario general election: Prescott
Party Candidate Votes %
Liberal James P. Boyd 838 50.67
Conservative Thomas D'Arcy McGee 816 49.33
Total valid votes 1,654 82.78
Eligible voters 1,998
Liberal pickup new district.
Source: Elections Ontario[2]
1871 Ontario general election: Prescott
Party Candidate Votes %
Conservative George Wellesley Hamilton 853 54.26
Liberal James P. Boyd 719 45.74
Turnout 1,572 75.61
Eligible voters 2,079
Election voided
Source: Elections Ontario[3]

References

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  1. ^ https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/132208155/james-boyd
  2. ^ "Data Explorer". Elections Ontario. 1867. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
  3. ^ "Data Explorer". Elections Ontario. 1871. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  • The story of Vankleek Hill : and the surrounding area, AD MacKinnon (1979) ISBN 0-919303-33-1
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