William D. Boyce

Introduction:

William D. Boyce was an American entrepreneur who was known as the founder of the Boy Scouts of America. Boyce was a successful newspaper and magazine publisher whose legacy of generosity and philanthropy has continued to inspire entrepreneurs around the world.

Basic Information and Background:

William Dickson Boyce was born on June 16, 1858, in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. He was the youngest of seven children, and his parents were farmers. Boyce attended local schools and completed his high school education in 1876. He then went on to attend Wooster College in Ohio, but he could not complete his studies due to financial difficulties.

Boyce moved to Chicago in 1883 and began working as a coal miner and schoolteacher. In 1884, he married Mary Jane Beacom, and the couple had two sons together. Boyce's success in the publishing industry began in 1882 when he started the News Newspaper Syndicate in La Porte, Indiana. He went on to found several other newspapers including the Chicago Evening Post and the Saturday Blade.

Personality and Motivation:

William D. Boyce was known for his generosity and his dedication to helping others. He was a man with a clear vision and a strong work ethic who was not afraid to take risks. Boyce was motivated by a desire to make a positive difference in the world, and he believed that his entrepreneurial ventures could help him achieve this goal.

Before Becoming Famous:

Before becoming famous, William D. Boyce faced several challenges including financial difficulties and personal losses. In 1906, he lost his son when the child was just nine years old. Boyce also faced a serious financial crisis when a bank that he had invested heavily in went bankrupt. Despite these setbacks, Boyce continued to work hard and pursue his entrepreneurial dreams.

Family Life:

William D. Boyce was married to Mary Jane Beacom on January 1, 1884, and the couple had two sons together – Richard and Pierce. In addition to his immediate family, Boyce was also known for his generosity towards his community and his dedication to helping others.

Linked to Other People in the Industry:

William D. Boyce was linked to several notable people in the industry, including Norman Rockwell, who worked with the Boy Scouts of America. Boyce was also friends with several other successful entrepreneurs, including Frank Vanderlip, who founded the National City Bank of New York. Despite competition and rivalry in the publishing industry, Boyce was respected and admired by many of his peers.