Jonathan Boyce (b. Tivetshall, St. Mary's, County Norfolk, England, Sept. 28, 1827), was the son of Edward and Ester Boyce. At age 18 emigrated to the U.S. In 1845 worked in a lumber mill in Muskegon, MIch., eventually built his own mill. After selling this first mill, Boyce built a large mill in Michigan City, Ind., and his own frieghters to ship his lumber to Chicago. He owned large holdings of timber lands in Roscommon County, MI. Also, he owned another large mill in Bay City, MIch. From 1880 on he owned a home in Grand Rapids, Mich., and also rental units. He was a Democrat, Episcopal, and a Mason. Boyce was married twice, first in 1847 to Ann Smith (1826-1868) of England, with whom he had three children: Ester Ann (later Mrs. Robert Hitchcock), Cecelia (b. 1859), and Edward J. (d. in 1903) After Ann died, Jonathan married his second wife, Isabella J. McCulloch (d. 1935), with whom he had four children: Archibald A. (b. 1871?-1950), George J. (b. 1874-1950), Jessie L (1879-1968), and Isabella J. (1882-1959). Boyce took control of a large plantation and additional properties in Tivetshall before his death on March 13, 1902. During his lifetime Boyce was involved in a number of legal cases regarding land, lumber, payments, and taxes. His body was returned to the U.S. His family then fought over his fortune. Most of the Boyces are buried in Grand Rapids or Muskegon.
From the description of Jonathan Boyce Collection, 1872, 1956. (Clarke Historical Library). WorldCat record id: 768490628
