WILLIAM P. BOYD. – The subject of this sketch is the senior member of the well-known dry-goods house of W.P. Boyd & Co., of Seattle. Mr. Boyd was born in Belfast, Ireland, April 2, 1849, and is of the hardy Scotch-Irish race that believe in themselves, and through their own exertions have done much towards the building up of the Pacific Northwest. Our subject, when but fifteen years of age, was apprenticed with a large dry-goods, mercantile firm in his native city, and served four years, afterwards being a salesman with the same firm. In the fall of 1869, Mr. Boyd concluded to seek his fortune in the new world, and in September of that year arrived in San Francisco, and a short time after entered as salesman the well-known establishment, “The White House,” with whom he remained for fifteen months, and then entered the employ of J.J. O’Brien & Co. After eighteen months with this firm, he came under engagement with Schwabacher Bros. & Co. to Seattle, with whom he remained for seven years.
He then embarked in business for himself as the senior member of Boyd, Poncin & Young, in a small dry-goods store then located where the Star block now stands. In 1879, on account of the death of Mr. Young, the firm was changed to Boyd & Poncin; and, in 1882 they built the present business house of W.P.Boyd & Co., “The Arcade,” a view of which appears in this work. In 1883, the firm name was again changed to its present title; and it is safe to say there is not a better known or more popular firm on Puget Sound than W.P. Boyd & Co. Mr. Boyd’s success has been mainly achieved in the city where he now resides. Beginning with small means, he has gradually, through energy, perseverance and business qualifications, and not by chance or the favorable turn of fortune’s wheel, amassed a competency. The “Queen City” may well be proud of the house of W.P.Boyd & Co. Mr. Boyd is married and has one daughter.