MRS. ELIZABETH V. BOYLE is a daughter of Joseph Henderson. The latter was a native of Bucks county, Penn., and received a subscription-school education. In early life he was employed as a stage driver, finally locating on a farm. He was married to Miss Rachel Stroud, and they had six children, namely: Resen, living in Minneapolis, Minn; John B., residing at Washington, this county; Anna (Mrs. Ross), living in Kansas; Sarah, residing at Washington; J. H., and Elizabeth V. The father was a Methodist, and contributed liberally to the support of the cause. Elizabeth V. Henderson grew to womanhood on the home place, and in February, 1873, was united in marriage with Felix Boyle, son of Felix. Felix Boyle, the father, was born in County Donegal, Ireland. When a young man he crossed the ocean and settled in Pennsylvania, first locating at Williamsport (now Monongahela). He was there married to Ann, daughter of James Rice, who came to Washington county in 1780, and in 1791 erected a house, the corner-stone of which perpetuates his memory. Mr. And Mrs. Boyle began wedded life on the farm in Carroll township, Washington Co., Penn., where he followed his trade of a stonemason. For several years his farm produce was shipped down the Monongahela river by flatboat, and in company with other pioneers he made many trips to New Orleans. On arriving at their destination these boats were sold, and the men returned home by land or came via Philadelphia by water. During one of these journeys Mr. Boyle was taken seriously ill on the vessel, and so low was the spark of vitality that many of the crew thought him dead, and in accordance with their custom, prepared to throw him overboard. At this critical juncture a comrade named Black stepped above the apparently lifeless body of his friend, and waving aloft a hatchet, dared the men to touch him. His fearless courage and heroic devotion conquered, and life soon becoming apparent, he was permitted to care for the unfortunate man until his health was restored. Mr. Boyle voted with the Democratic party, and in religion was a Catholic, often attending services at Pittsburgh and Brownsville. He owned 123 acres of land in Carroll township, Washington county, and in connection with general farming conducted a distillery, making a specialty of peach brandy. He died January 2, 1841, and April 15, 1864, his wife was laid beside him. The children of this family were born as follows: Alice, Connel, John, Esther (Mrs. Richard Crosby), Maria, Felix and James. Felix Boyle, son of Felix and Ann (Rice) Boyle, was born June 13, 1813, on the homestead in Carroll township. He received a good education, and learned carpentry and ship-building at Elizabethtown, Penn., working at the latter business for many years. For a time he was employed on the United States vessels, and in that capacity traveled extensively, having been on the Red river under Capt. Shreve, who founded the town of Shreveport, La. Mr. Boyle was instrumental in breaking up the immense raft in the Red river some years ago, also being employed on the Rio Grande river in Texas. After leaving the river he assisted in the two large shipyards near Monongahela on the Monongahela river, operated by his brothers—Connel and John Boyle, also in the blacksmith shops, mills and in opening coal mines, etc. After following this business several years with great success, he retired to his farm in Carroll township, where he died October 4, 1884, of cancer, for which he had been unsuccessfully treated by skillful New York physicians. Politically he was an ardent Democrat, serving in many township offices, but declined to serve in county positions. An enterprising citizen and successful businessman, he was also a cheerful, kind-hearted neighbor, ever ready to aid the needy. He left a widow and one son, the only daughter, Maria, having preceded him to the grave on Christmas day, 1878. The son, Joseph James, was born October 19, 1876, and is now living on the old farm with his widowed mother. He is a leader in his classes at school, and bids fair to do honor to the name he bears. Miss Crosby, granddaughter of Felix Boyle, the elder, is living with Mrs. Boyle. The latter superintends the management of the home place, which contains 123 acres of fertile land.

Text taken from page 655 of: Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893). Transcribed May 1997 by Laura M. Thomas of Enfield, CT as part of the Beers Project. Published May 1997 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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