General Boyd

The newest addition to the Webster House Museum grounds is the carriage house, built to house the original carriage of General John W. Boyd and to help the public better understand the lifestyle differences of yesterday with today. The 1850 Hand-Hewn Oak Beam Barn was moved to this location in 1998.

In 1844 General Boyd came to Wisconsin in the carriage on display. He settled in Linn Township and involved himself immediately with community concerns. His most notable achievements included being a representative to Wisconsin’s Constitutional Convention in 1846; serving two terms in the State Senate in 1848 and 1858 as well as serving in the State Militia.

General Boyd died in 1892. He was known as a man of integrity, education and faith. His family donated the carriage and it was restored by the Walworth County Historical Society. The Boyd carriage and barn as well as many of the families historic items, all of which have been donated to the Webster House Collection depict the significant achievements and influential pioneer statesmanship of General John W. Boyd, referred to as “Wisconsin’s Abraham Lincoln.”