The four Boyd Brother’s , John (Jack), Charles, Alex and Dave, were born into a family of six children in a ‘hard scrabble farm” near the town of Vankleek Hill, Ontario, Canada in the 1860’s. The brothers worked their way into Montana in 1880 as loggers and lumberman and between 1883 and 1886, according to the family history documented by a descendant Terry Kayes, were involved in building in Granite, Philipsburg, Ovando, Missoula and Anaconda.
In Granite and Philipsburg, Charles opened up a slaughter house and retail meat market while operating a stage business. Alex was involved in the Livery business and as an avid ballroom dancer built a dance floor on the 2nd story of his livery stable. He was also involved in building the Haverty Garage. Prior to moving to Seattle in the 1908-09 time period, Alex also built a dance floor in Missoula.
Charles built a home and ranch on the Dirty Dick Creek, which is located just south of where the Forest Service buildings are now located. (If anyone knows how this creek was named I would love to hear the story).
In 1894 Charles (age 34) married Anna Wyman (age 20) from the lower Rock Creek ranch and by the 1900 Federal Census they had 3 children: Clarence A. age 5, Edna age 4 and Carrol age 1.
In 1897, Charles Shodair resigned his position as Philipsburg City Council-man and Charles was appointed to fill the position. In 1900, Charles was elected to fill the City Mayor position and served one four year term. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Bend, Oregon where they homesteaded and when he died daughter Carrol took over the operation. The ranch is now a National Historic site.
The first news articles research found was July 20, 1893 stating “The Charles Boyd and Gus Lindstadt case occupied the attention of the district court last Friday and Saturday and up to late hours that evening. A large number of witnesses examined on both sides. Judge Brantly presided and the prosecution was represented by County Attorney W.L. Brown and Bob Smith, while W.B. Rogers and Judge McConnell appeared for the defendants. The trial was a long and tedious one and a number of pretty spicy remarks were passed between the attorneys during its progress. .. The case was finally submitted to the jury about 10:30 o’clock and in an hour brought a verdict of acquittal for Charles and Gus on stealing cattle from Angus A. McDonald.”
Because of other cases I have ran across I am assuming that Charles and Gus ended up with the alleged stolen cattle because as both being butcher’s. The cattle rustler (s) saw the slaughter house as an easy way to get rid of evidence while also making money on the beef. Unfortunately unless they skinned the animal before bringing it to the slaughter house the brand would be there on the hide as evidence of ownership.
Research also revealed where Charles, Alex and Gus sold their interest in the Red Lion District on March 31, 1905 which was around the time all the brothers moved from the area. Alex and Dave moved their business to the Seattle area. I believe descendants of Dave continue operating a ranch in the Ovando area.
It appears that Jack was considered a “black sheep” of the family and little history other than his escapades are available and those are absent in the family history.
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