Sherman H. Boyce – The credit for a large share of the enterprise which helps to make Grand Haven one of the most thriving and bustling cities of western Michigan belongs in a considerable degree to such stirring, energetic business men as Sherman H. Boyce. He is a public-spirited ma in the broadest sense of the word, and his name for many years has been synonymous with honesty and good judgment. For many years he was engaged in the lumber business in Grand Haven, but is now retired from the active duties of life, and with his estimable companion has a very pleasant home on Franklin Street, this city. Mr. Boyce was born in the State of New York, Dutchess County, February 19, 1852, and his father, John M. Boyce, was also a native of that county, born in the year 1780. The elder Mr. Boyce was of English origin, and followed the occupation of a farmer in his native State all his life. His wife, whose maiden name was Hannah Schofield, was a native of Connecticut and the daughter of Jacob Schofield. Seven children were born to this worthy couple, four sons and three daughters, and our subject was the third in order of birth. Only one child besides our subject is now living. Harvey, who makes his home in Chenango, N. Y.

The subject of this brief memoir remained in his native county and received his education in the schools of the same up to the time when he was eleven years of age. He then came with his sister, Mrs. Divine, to Michigan, and settled with her in Montcalm County, where he made his home until he reached his twentieth year. From there he went to Grand Rapids, Kent County, Mich., and resided there until the fall of 1867, when he made his first appearance in Grand Haven. This city has been his home since. He became connected with the lumber industry, engaging in the business with C. L. Storrs, under the firm name of C. L. Storrs & Co., and manufacturing pine lumber. That business continued until 1871. In 1873 Mr. Boyce became associated with Dr. Steven Monroe in the manufacture of lumber, under the firm name of Monroe, Boyce & Co., and they carried on their business at Spring Lake, where the firm is still carrying on operations.

Mr. Boyce is a stockholder and Director in the National Bank of Grand Haven, and he is also Director and stockholder in the Grand Haven Furniture Company, located at Grand Haven. Aside from this, he is a Director and stockholder in the Globe Match Company, in that city. He is a most useful and progressive citizen, whose business has ever been conducted upon the broadest basis of equity, and those who engaged in business relations with him could not assured that their interests would be most carefully guarded. The principles of the Democratic party have always commended themselves to his judgment, and he supports them whenever called upon to do so like the consistent and straightforward man that he is. Socially, he is a member of Grand Rapids Lodge No. 34, A. F. & A. M., and has reached the degree of Knight Templar. He is very active in lodge affairs. He build his fine residence, and this is presided over by his capable wife, who was formerly Miss Mary Holbrook, of Grand Haven, to whom he was united in marriage April 10, 1881. She is the daughter of J. Holbrook, a worthy citizen of Grand Haven.