John Boyd

John Boyd (March 17, 1799 – December 1, 1881) was an American politician who served as a Connecticut state legislator and the Secretary of State of Connecticut.

Early life John Boyd was born on March 17, 1799, in Winsted, Winchester, Connecticut, to Mary (née Munro) and James Boyd. His parents had Scotch descendants. His father was co-partner of a scythe manufacturing company in Winsted that was later named the Winsted Manufacturing Company. His father would later marry Jane Munro, a half-sister of his first wife. In 1817 or 1818, Boyd attended Hartford Grammar School. He graduated from Yale College in 1821. He studied law with Seth Perkins Staples and Samuel J. Hitchcock in New Haven and was admitted to the bar in 1825. He was a member of the Connecticut Senate, representing the 15th district, in 1854. He served as judge of probate for 15 years up until age disqualified him in 1869. He was town clerk of Winchester for 26 years. He was first elected to the role in 1829 and served at different times up until 1875.

Boyd died on December 1, 1881, at his home in West Winsted, Winchester.