BOYD, James Hill (1864-1930)James Hill Boyd was a grazier at Green Hills, Mlnhamite, near Caramut. His brother, William, had a property at Koroit, Though a bachelor with no children, he was nevertheless a very strong supporter of the school. He was a major donor to the College, a vice-President of the Old Collegians' Association, and on several occasions, a member of the committee.
Born on 2 June 1864, one of four sons of Alexander Boyd and Susan, nee Turner to attend Geelong College he was enrolled on 13 July 1874. At College, he was Captain of both the 1st Football XX and Captain of the 1st Cricket XI in 1882, his final year at College.
His twin brother George Hill Boyd died aged 9 years in 1873.
James Boyd died on 9 April 1930.
Pegasus in August 1930 reported his demise:
‘With the passing of James H. Boyd in April, the College lost one of its most loyal and generous Old Boys. For some years Jim Boyd had not
enjoyed good health, but he bore his illness with patience and fortitude. Two years ago, in a city accident, he had the misfortune to break a thigh, which, no doubt, considerably retarded his recovery. Like his brothers, William and Alex., he took an active part in sport during his life at the College, and was Captain of both the school Football XX and Cricket XI in 1882. Since leaving school he had followed a very successful pastoral life, for some years residing at his beautiful Green Hills Estate, near Caramut.
Always a generous benefactor and liberal supporter of his 'Alma Mater', he assisted in building the George Morrison Library, the Norman Morrison Hall, the beautiful new Dining Hall, and by his will has left a substantial sum to establish Bursaries and Scholarships. To those relatives who mourn his loss we extend our warmest sympathy.’ The Herald newspaper in May 1930 detailedthe donation to the Geelong College:
'Geelong College has benefited by £10,000, free of duty, under the will of the late Mr James H. Boyd, according to an announcement made in the Presbyterian Assembly today by the chairman of the finance board of the Presbyterian Church (Mr W. G. Balfour). Mr Balfour said he had just received a letter to that effect from the chairman of the Geelong College Council (Mr S. B. Hamilton Calvert). The 'trustees and the headmaster and the Council of the College would meet later to settle details, which include scholarships', said Mr Balfour.' The final amount left to the school became about £23 000 after conditions of another amount were not met by the intended recipient.
His brothers William, Thomas Hope Boyd, and Alexander were also educated at Geelong College.
Sources: The Argus (Melb) 15 May 1930 p1 (NLA); The Herald (Melb) 15 May 1930 p1 (NLA); The Herald (Melb) 12 June 1930 p17 (NLA); The Argus (Melb) 12 December 1930 p9; Pegasus August 1930 p14.