Boyce, Edward, 1862-1941

Edward Boyce was born and educated in County Donegal, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States in 1882 and worked his way west as a laborer. In 1887 he arrived at Wardner, ID, where he found employment in the Coeur d’Alene mining district. Boyce became active in labor organization and was jailed for his participation in the 1892 labor disputes. In 1893 he joined the Western Federation of Miners, served as president, 1896-1902; and edited its magazine, The Miner’s Magazine, 1900-1902.

Boyce’s leadership of the Western Federation of Miners was aggressive, and during his presidency the union waged three bitter strikes; Leadville, CO, 1896-1897; the Coeur d’Alenes, ID, 1899; and Telluride, CO, 1901.

After his marriage to Eleanor Day in 1901, Boyce gradually disengaged himself from the labor movement. He resigned from the Western Federation of Miners in 1902. The Day family purchased the Portland Hotel Company in Portland, OR, and Boyce moved to Portland to serve as its president, 1911-1941. In Portland he became active in the business community, serving as president of the Oregon Hotel Association, 1936, and as chairman of the Tunnel Commission of the State of Oregon, 1931-1935.

From the guide to the Edward Boyce Papers, 1881-1941, (Eastern Washington State Historical Society/Northwest Museum of Arts & Culture Joel E. Ferris Research Library and Archives)