Leah Kepner Boyce Explained

Leah Kepner Boyce (May 12, 1881 - April 5, 1960)[1] was am American journalist, civic worker, and clubwoman.

Early life

Leah Belle Kepner was born in Port Carbon, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Howard Douglas Kepner (1854-1922) and Emma Rebecca Chillson Vose (1857-1917). Kepner had two siblings, Maude Evelyn Kepner Johnson (1879-1956) and John Roland Kepner (1901-1908).

Career

On May 9, 1935, Boyce gave an address on "Wanted" at the 49th annual convention of the Tri County Woman's Christian Temperance Union, Santa Cruz, California.[2] In July 1937, Boyce was elected Publicity director for the White Ribbon Ensign, the California W.C.T.U.'s magazine.[3]

In August 1937, Boyce was part of the Youths' Temperance Council conference, sponsored by the W.C.T.U.[4] In August 1938, Boyce was director of press for the 63rd annual convention of the W.C.T.U. at the Civic Auditorium of San Francisco.[5]

On September 28, 1939, Boyce celebrated the centenary of the birth of Frances E. Willard making a pilgrimage to "Inspiration Point" overlooking the Golden Gate Bridge. (Boyce made a speech as representative of the D.A.R.)[6] On October 16, 1939, Boyce was part of a panel responding to questions at the 59th annual convention of the W.C.T.U. in Berkeley, California.[7] In 1947, Boyce organized The W.C.T.U. Convention Banquet at the Hotel Bellevue, San Francisco, on October 9, 1947.[8]

Personal life

Kepner initially lived in Iowa and Illinois, and then moved to California in 1914 and lived at 10 Corona Street, Ingleside Terraces, San Francisco, California.

In 1905, she married Leroy Porter Boyce (died 1943). They had one son: Robert William.[9]

Boyce died on April 5, 1960, aged 78, and is buried at Cypress Lawn Memorial Park, Colma, California.

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Leah Belle Kepner Female (May 12, 1881 – April 5, 1960). familysearch.org . October 1, 2023.
  2. Wednesday, May 8, 1935. Santa Cruz Evening News. 1935. August 16, 2017.
  3. JULY 22, 1937. White Ribbon Ensign. 1937. August 16, 2017.
  4. Thursday, August 12, 1937. Santa Cruz Sentinel. 1937. August 16, 2017.
  5. Tuesday, July 12, 1938. The Los Angeles Times. 1938. August 16, 2017.
  6. Wednesday, September 27, 1939. Oakland Tribune. 1939. August 16, 2017.
  7. Sunday, October 15, 1939. Oakland Tribune. 1939. 16 August 2017.
  8. White Ribbon Ensign. The White Ribbon Ensign. April 1947. August 16, 2017.
  9. Book: Binheim. Max. Elvin. Charles A. Women of the West; a series of biographical sketches of living eminent women in the eleven western states of the United States of America. 1928. 25. August 8, 2017.