Nathan Boynton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Nathan Smith Boynton
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| Born | June 23, 1837 |
| Died | May 27, 1911 (aged 73) |
Nathan Smith Boynton (born June 23, 1837 – died May 27, 1911) was an important person from Michigan. He was a politician, an inventor, and a successful businessman. He also served as a Major in the American Civil War. Boynton is best known for founding the city of Boynton Beach in Florida.
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Early Life and War Service
Nathan Smith Boynton was born in Port Huron, Michigan. His parents were Granville Boynton and Frances Rendt Boynton. He went to school in Waukegan, Illinois. For a short time, he studied medicine in Cincinnati, Ohio. There, he met and married Anna Fidelei. They had five children together.
When the American Civil War began, Nathan Boynton joined the army. He served bravely and earned the rank of Major. After the war ended, he returned to his hometown of Port Huron.
A Man of Many Talents
Back in Port Huron, Major Boynton took on many different jobs. He served as the town's postmaster, managing the mail. He also published a newspaper, sharing news with the community. Later, he became the mayor of Port Huron, helping to lead the city.
Boynton was also an inventor. He held special legal rights, called patents, for equipment used in firefighting. He also had patents for special badges used for celebrations.
The Order of the Maccabees
One of Nathan Boynton's most important ideas was creating the Order of the Maccabees. This was a national group, like a club or fraternity. It offered a type of life insurance to its members. This meant that if a member passed away, their family would receive money. This idea helped many families across the country.
Founding Boynton Beach
As Major Boynton grew older, his health began to decline. He needed a warmer place to live. In 1895, he visited South Florida with a friend, Congressman William S. Linton.
Boynton loved the sunny climate and the beautiful beaches. He bought land along the coast from Congressman Linton. On this land, he built a large, two-story hotel made of wood. He named it The Boynton. Later, it became known as the Boynton Beach Hotel.
The Town of Boynton Beach
The area around the hotel grew into a town. On September 26, 1898, the town was officially named after Major Boynton. This was done by Byrd S. Dewey and her husband, Fred S. Dewey, when they filed the town's official map. The town officially became a city in 1920.
Major Nathan Boynton passed away on May 27, 1911, at his home in Port Huron, Michigan. He is remembered for his service, his inventions, and for founding the Florida city that bears his name.
