Henry Loyd
Surnames: Owens, Smith
From Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin, publ. 1889 - page 417-418
HENRY LOYD, a progressive farmer, residing on section 2, La Prairie Township, was born in Utica, Oneida County, N.Y., June 16, 1813, and is the son of Peter and Nancy (OWENS) LOYD, both of whom were natives of Wales, and who emigrated to this country about the beginning of the present century. They were the parents of seven children, all of whom grew to manhood and womanhood. William, the eldest, is now a resident of La Prairie Township, Rock County. His biographical sketch may be found elsewhere in this volume. Henry, the subject of this sketch, is second in order of birth. Edward and Daniel are deceased; Samuel resides in Oswego County, N.Y.; John; Mary, who married Israel B. SMITH. Both parents lived to be upwards of eighty-four years of age before they were gathered to their fathers. Like the full corn in the ear they went down fully ripe for the harvest. The father was by occupation a farmer. He was a man of strong convictions, of kind heart, one who enjoyed the confidence and respect of all who knew him. The mother was gentle and loving, and with a true mother's heart was ever ready to help her children over life's rugged road.
The subject of this sketch remained under the parental roof until he attained his majority, assisting in the farm work, with now and then a few months spent in the common schools of his native State. While not receiving such an education as be desired, yet by reading and reflection in after life, he became a well informed man, and has usually managed to keep posted in the current events of the day. On reaching his twenty-first year, he hired to his father for one year, at the expiration of which time he found employment elsewhere, and worked for different persons until 1846, when he determined to make his home in the West, and came directly to Rock County and purchased eighty acres of fine land in La Prairie Township, which has since been his home. The land when it came into his possession was in its virgin state, not a furrow having been turned. With characteristic energy he at once commenced its improvement, and soon had developed one of the best farms in the town of La Prairie. A neat cottage 24x16 with a wing of the same dimensions, has been erected, and everything about the place denotes thrift and enterprise.
Mr. LOYD has never married, and has been content to pursue life's journey alone. From childhood he has been a member of the Congregational Church, of which body his parents were also members, and in which he was reared. In the work of the Master he has ever felt a lively interest, and in his humble way has done what he could for the upbuilding of the cause. Since the organization of the party he has been a consistent Republican, while at the same time he has never sought public office or any reward for devotion to its principles. Naturally of a retiring disposition, he has not sought that notoriety obtained through public place, yet he has many warm friends in the town of La Prairie and wherever known. By everyone he is held in high esteem.
A pioneer of Rock County for almost a half century, he has witnessed its growth and development and did his share to place it in that high rank it holds among the many fine counties of this commonwealth. It is with pleasure that we present this sketch of one of Rock County's most honored sons, in this handsome volume containing the life histories of its leading and representative citizens.