Ralph E. Boynton Fund
Created: 1971
Purpose: "Income to Jaffrey Public Library for books."
Biography of Ralph E. Boynton
If any man has had a selfless affection for the town of Jaffrey, that man was Ralph E. Boynton, who held the office of selectman more years than anyone else in the history of Jaffrey, a total of twenty-seven years. He was a true Town Father, with the best interests of the town at heart always. He garnered many memories during his fourscore years, and one of the main delights of his latter years was the recalling of events and persons that have figured in the way we have come to where we are. Many of these recollections he wrote down and are being preserved by the Jaffrey Historical Society which was formed in 1958, and remained a member for the rest of his life, serving also on its board of directors. He was the first president of the Society.
Ralph E. Boynton was born in Sharon, New Hampshire, on September 15, 1888, the son of Frank J. and Hattie A. (Butler) Boynton. In 1890 his father moved to Jaffrey where the son received his education in the local schools. Upon attaining man's estate, he became an accountant for the Boston & Maine Railroad, in which capacity he served for fifty years. His genial and courteous manner during his service in the local station office won him many friends, both in town and among the railroad officialdom, whose friendships he treasured for the rest of his life.
He early acquired the so-called Lt. James Stevens farm near Gilmore Pond. which remained his home until old age. For many years he and his wife, Sarah L. (Taylor) Boynton, took in summer boarders, many of whom returned, year after year, to enjoy the peace and quiet of the farm and the genuine hospitality of their hosts.
As a young man he joined the Jaffrey Grange and remained an active and interested member for forty-six years. For a number of years he was the local Grange insurance representative. His active interests were county-wide and for twelve years he served as a Cheshire County Commissioner. In Jaffrey he served as a library trustee until his death. When the burden of his eighty years and failing health began to weigh heavily upon him, and fearful that he was not able to render his former measure of service, he considered giving up his latter post. But his associates found his service still valuable and encouraged him to stay on.
Fraternally, he was a fifty-year member of the Artisan Lodge of Masons of Winchendon, Massachusetts. He was also a member of the New Hampshire Chapter, Sons of the American Revolution. He was a member of the Jaffrey History Committee which was appointed in 1967. Among his other services to the town and its people was his town auditor office. He died on February 6, 1969.
Source: Town History, vol III, p. 272