Orange

BOYDEN, Nelson Luther

1st Biography of Nelson Luther BOYDEN

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 38 
(portrait p 38)

Nelson Luther BOYDEN, of Randolph Center [Orange County, Vermont], was born 
19 July 1836 in Barnard [Windsor County, Vermont], son of Luther and Hannah 
(GOFF) BOYDEN. His educational advantages were derived from the district 
schools, the Royalton Academy and Orange County grammar school. Left an 
orphan at his earliest boyhood, he was brought up on a farm, afterwards read 
law with Hon. Philander PERRIN, being admitted to Orange County Bar 1865. He 
commenced the practice of his profession at Randolph Center, where he has 
always remained and enjoyed a large and fairly successful business. In 
addition he is the owner of a large farm and one of the finest herds of 
Jerseys in the state, and pays much attention to the breeding of fine horses.

Mr. BOYDEN is a Republican and has filled many offices of trust. He has been 
superintendent of schools in Barnard and Randolph, and town clerk in Randolph 
for twenty-five years. He was chosen senator from Orange County in 1882, and 
was chairman of the committee on education and reform school, besides serving 
on the judiciary committee. In 1888-1889 he represented the town of Randolph 
in the Legislature, being chairman of the committee on railroads and Grand 
Isle bridge and also a member of the judiciary committee. He was state's 
attorney for Orange County in 1870, 1872, 1874, 1876, and has been both 
member and president of the board of trustees of Randolph State Normal 
School. Mr. BOYDEN has labored assiduously for the interest of this 
institution, and when their building was burned in the summer of 1893 he was 
unanimously chosen chairman of the committee to erect a new edifice, and to 
this end he has given his closest attention with flattering prospects of 
success.

Mr. [Nelson Luther] BOYDEN was united in marriage to E. Angene, daughter of 
George and Arminda (MINER) CARPENTER. [Note the second biography gives her 
name as Angine E.] They have had five children, two of whom survive: 
Charles I. [Charles Irving], and Florence L. [Florence Louise]. Mr. BOYDEN 
is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, has filled the chairs in the four local bodies of the former society 
at West Randolph, and is a member of Mt. Zion Commandery Knights Templar at 
Montpelier.



2nd Biography of Nelson Luther BOYDEN

Encyclopedia Vermont Biography: A Series of Authentic Biographical Sketches 
of the Representative Men of Vermont and Sons of Vermont in Other States. 
Dodge. Burlington: Ullery Publishing Company, 1912, p 126

Nelson Luther BOYDEN, lawyer, Randolph Center [Orange County, Vermont] was 
born 19 July 1836 in Barnard [Windsor County, Vermont], son of Luther and 
Hannah (GOFF) BOYDEN. Educated in the public schools, Royalton Academy, and 
Orange County Grammar School. Read law with Hon. Philander PERRIN of 
Randolph; admitted to Orange County Bar 1865, since practiced law in Randolph 
and the various courts of the state; states attorney for Orange County 1871, 
1872, 1875, and 1876; in connection with his law business has engaged in 
farming, has been a breeder of registered Jersey stock for over forty years, 
has now a herd of over forty head. A 

In 1865 he [Nelson Luther BOYDEN] married [Miss?] Angine E. CARPENTER of 
Randolph; they have two children, Charles Irving, and Florence Louise. Mr. 
BOYDEN is a Republican; town clerk of Randolph twenty-five years; for many 
years superintendent of schools, and held various other town offices; senator 
from Orange County 1882; represented Randolph in the Legislature 1888; 
delegate to many conventions, etc.; resident commissioner of Randolph Normal 
School, and president of trustees of Orange County Grammar School. 
Congregationalist. Prominent in Masonry; past master Phoenix Lodge, Free & 
Accepted Masons; past high priest Royal Arch Masons; thrice illustrious 
master of Council; worthy patron of Eastern Star of Randolph; member of 
Commandery, Shrine, and Scottish Rite, of Montpelier.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly