Linn Boyd

Who was Linn Boyd?

Linn Boyd was a prominent US politician of the 1840s and 1850s, and served as Speaker of the United States House of Representatives from 1851 to 1855. Boyd was elected to the House as a Democrat from Kentucky from 1835 to 1837 and again from 1839 to 1855, serving seven terms in the House. Boyd County, Kentucky is named in his honor.

Boyd served in the Kentucky House of Representatives after first winning election in 1827. He represented Calloway County and his father represented neighboring Trigg County. In 1831 Boyd moved to Trigg County and was elected to the House again from there.

In 1833 Boyd lost his first campaign for the United States House of Representatives. In 1835 he was elected to the House and served there until 1837 when a Whig landslide cost him his seat. Boyd soon returned to the House, serving from 1839 through 1855. He was a strong supporter of President Andrew Jackson. Boyd played a key role in maneuvering the annexation of Texas through Congress during the term of President John Tyler in 1845. Boyd was also important in getting the Compromise of 1850, chiefly credited to Henry Clay, passed through Congress.