The Boyden family
There is probably no man as well-known or well-loved in Issaquah history as Moses Alfonzo “Dad” Boyden, who published The Issaquah Press from 1919 to 1947. He was born in Susanville, California in 1865. As a young man he moved to Utah to work on a daily newspaper. There, he met and married Lena Madsen, the daughter of Danish immigrants. The couple had three sons: Web, Joe and Blaine.
After 21 years with the railroad, Boyden returned to the newspaper business by purchasing the paper in Manti, Utah. During World War I, Joe Boyden was stationed at Ft. Lewis. He heard the newspaper in Issaquah was for sale, looked it over, and relayed the information to his parents. The name “Boyden” first appeared on the masthead of the Press in the February 14, 1919 edition and stayed there until January 9, 1947.
Everyone in town called the publisher “Dad” with respect and affection. He was probably one of the biggest commmunity boosters the town has ever seen, and rarely missed a social event, club meeting or athletic game.
His love of music and sports has been passed on. His son Blaine, grandson Tom, and great-grandson Brian all played baseball for Issaquah High. And in 1990, the name returned to the Press staffbox with the hiring of granddaughter-in-law Marilyn Boyden.
