Boynton, Hon. Nehemiah, was born in what is now Rockport, but, then a section of Gloucester, Mass., Dec. 2, 1804.

Baptist Church History

Daily Baptist Encyclopedia Post by Jim Curran

Boynton, Hon. Nehemiah, was born in what is now Rockport, but, then a section of Gloucester, Mass., Dec. 2, 1804.

When he was twenty-one years of age he commenced business at St. George, Me., where he remained nine years, and then re- moved to West Thomaston, Me. Here he carried on business for eleven years. At the end of this period he removed to Boston, and embarked in the business which he prosecuted with energy and suc- céss for the remainder of his life. Mr. Boynton’s residence was in Chelsea, where, as a member and an officer in the First Baptist church, he gave himself with great devotion to the service of his Lord and Master. For two years he was a senator from his district in the Massachusetts Senate, and for three years, 1862, 1864, and 1865, a period of great responsibility, he was a member of Gov. Andrew’s Executive Council for the county of Suffolk. If Mr. Boynton was a successful merchant and an honorable councillor, he filled also another post, which to him was one of higher honor and more sacred trust than either of the other two. A vacancy having occurred in the Executive Committee of the Missionary Union in 1853, Ke was appointed to fill it. At once his business capacities pointed him out as the proper person to be selected as chairman of the Committee on Finance. In 1855 he was chosen treasurer of the Union, and held the office for nine years in succession. In the hands of no better man could the great trust have been placed. He entered upon the duties of his office when the so- ciety was burdened with a heavy debt. He lived to see the debt wiped out and the credit of the Union, in all parts of the world where it transacted its business, placed upon the soundest basis, so that its drafts were as promptly honored as those of any banking or mercantile house then or since known. “The prominent personal qualities of Mr. Boyn- ton,” says one who knew him well, “ were fittingly symbolized by his commanding personal presence. Weight and symmetry of character were his in an eminent degree. No man was ever less influenced by personal fears or preferences. His action was based on public and solid reasons. No member of the committee ever commanded greater influence for his opinions. The answer to the question, ‘What does Deacon Boynton think of it?’ was almost enough to conclude any matter of weight. To the high personal qualities which contributed to this beautiful wholeness he added a faith in God, and in the loyalty of his redeemed people, that made him confident, where to human sense there seemed more ground for despondency.” With the record of such a life as he lived before all men, there was no need of a dying testimony. Deacon Boynton died Noy. 22, 1868. From the Baptist Encyclopedia by William Cathcart