My Genealogy Hound

HON. J. M. BOYCE, post office Herriottsville, born in South Fayette township in 1841, is a grandson of Richard Boyce, the original pioneer of this family, and the youngest son born to John and Mary (McCabe) Boyce. Mr. Boyce was educated at the public schools and at Bethel Academy, and for some time was a student at Jefferson College. Like his ancestors he has made farming his principal occupation. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. K, 1st P. C. and served for three years and six months. He received a severe wound in the thigh, near New Hope Church; was taken prisoner near Richmond, and was retained for five months at Libby, Belle Isle, Lynchburg, Andersonville and Miller prisons. He was exchanged Nov. 21, 1864, and honorably discharged in 1865. In 1868 he married Emma S. Wallace, daughter of David Wallace, of this county, and six children, all living, were born to them: Edna L., Harry B., Jessie May, Margaret E., John F. and Bayard D. With the exception of twelve years’ residence in Washington county and three years and a half in the service of his country, Mr. Boyce has always resided in Allegheny county. In 1880 he was elected to the legislature from Washington county by the republican party, of which he is a member and served two years, or one term. Since 1884 he has resided on his present farm of one hundred acres. He is school director for Upper St. Clair township. He is a member of the Masonic and G. A. R. fraternities, and of the Presbyterian Church.