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Presented by the Author

History of the Boyd Family
and its Descendants

WILLL-iM P. BOYD

HISTORY

Boyd family and
Descendants

HISTORICAL SKETCHES
OF THE Ancient Family of Boyd's in Scotuand from
THE YEAR I200, AND THOSE OF IRELAND FROM THE YEAR 1680,
WITH Records of their Descendants in Kent, New
Windsor, Albany, Middletown and Salem, N. Y., Boston,
Mass., Northumberland County, Pa,, and Sketches of
those from the Southern and Western States from
1740 to 1912

WILLIAM P. BOYD
AUTHOR OF history OF BOYD FAMILY (1884)
history of TOWN OF CONESUS (1887), ETC.

ROCHESTER, N. Y.
JOHN P. SMITH PRINTING COMPANY
1912

copyright 19 12
BY WILLIAM P. BOYD

Contents

PART I
Chapter Page
Introductory Chapter  i-vi
I History of the Early Settlements of Scotland  i
II History of the City, of Kilmarnock, Scotland  21
III History of the Ancient Home of the Boyds in Scotland 35
IV History of the Old and Ancient Family of Boyds in
Scotland  S3
V History of the Stewart or Stuart Family of Scotland. 85
VI History of the Boyd Family of Ireland  93
VII History of the Coats of Arms Given to the Boyds of
Scotland  99
VIII History of the Boyds of America  113
IX Copies of Letters Relating to the Boyd Families of
America  123
X Historical Sketches of the Boyd Families of America. 151

PART II
I History of the Boyds of Kent, Putnam Co., N. Y.,
and Descendants  189
II Historyof the Boyds of Salem, N.Y., and Descendants 321
III History of the Boyds of Middletown, N. Y., and
Descendants  337
IV History of the Boyds of New Windsor, N. Y., and
Descendants  355
V History of the Boyds of Albany, N. Y., and De
scendants  421
VI History of the Boyds of Boston, Mass., and De
scendants  445
VII History of the Boyds of Northtimberland Co., Pa.,
and Descendants  463
VIII History of the Boyds of Aghadowey, County Antrim,
Ireland  487

General Introduction
This volume is a family record. Its design is to give a
history of the ancient family of "Boyt" or "Boyd" of the Old
World and their descendants in America. To preserve their tra
dition, gather up the fading memorials of the past, and transmit
them to those who shall succeed us. Prior to the year of
1884. or before I published my first edition and commenced to
investigate my lineage, which was not done for the ptupose of
publishing the same in book form, but done only for my o^ti
satisfaction, that I might leam the true character of my ancestors
and of those who honorablj' bore the name of Boj^d. But, becom
ing interested in the work and meeting at that time so much
success, far beyond my expectation, in obtainiiag information
from Scotland and Ireland pertaining to the first families of the
Boyds of those countries, as well as those in my native land, and
resting imder many solicitations from others, I decided to con
tinue my researches and print what information I could obtain,
that it might not become lost to the coming generations of descend
ants that vnh follow after us. If I had laacmi at that time the
difficulties I had to encotintcr and overcome, and the expense to be
incurred, the years of toil to be spent, which many would have
shrunk bact appalled at the magnitude of the undertaking in the
preparation of that little book. As it caused me to x\Tite more
than a thousand letters to all parts of America, as well as to the
Old World and to travel many mUes to investigate records of their
native places, and to obtain information from church and church
yards as well as family records. If I had spent more time and
labor, the work might have been greath' improved. Yet as it

II GENERAL INTRODUCTION
was, four years soon rolled away in search of the papers and
records from which I prepared my first edition of the Boyd
family for the press and to look for a publisher to finish my
great undertaking and give me a rest. It was now that I received
my first real disappointment. For as soon as I began to consult
some of the large printing firms throughout the country, I found
my imaginary expectation badly discouraged. The prices of the
publishers that were given me reached so far beyond the encour
agement I had received in the sale of books from the descendants
of the Boyd families, placed the printing of the little volume out
of my financial reach, and like an over-taxed schoolboy, did not
know what to do next. Having for six years, a small printing
office of my own, that had been my constant care in passing my
leisure tim.e away. So after meditating a short time over my
misfortunes of life, a bright thought struck my mind — why could
I not do the work myself.
As a persons' life is built of sunshine arid shadows from the
edge of a dark cloud, so it was with me at this time, and after
short meditation, I concluded to undertake it, I now found
another great obstruction in my way and that was my limited
education which I had obtained in a common district school at
the place of my birth. Oh! how I now long to turn back to the
days of my childhood again, and improve the hours I had whiled
away in vain! 'But it was now too late, and with sad thoughts
on my mind, and brooding over my educational misfortunes, my
devoted wife (to whom the readers of this edition are indebted for
the printing of the first edition, and whose likeness will be found
in the proper place in our chapter of the Boyds of Kent, N. Y.)
came to my relief, and with her kind dictation I was enabled to
prepare and print my little Boyd history of 1884. Yet at the
same time I would have you bear in mind that I set every letter,
transposed them into lines, formed them into pages, printed them
from a rotary press of my own make and a folding machine of my
own construction. No doubt there were many mistakes, words
spelled wrong, sentences discomposed and many other typo
graphical errors (as most of the work was done after dark and
a hard day's work on the old farm of my father's. But as far as

GENERAL INTRODUCTION Ifl
it went, it gave a correct history of those it mentioned and held
their names on record to the memory of the living generations,
for years to come. This little book, whose edition was only 150
copies, flew like the wind all over the world, and in a few
months (except a few reserved copies) was out of the reach of
all. Twenty-seven years have come and rolled away. In that time
I have received many letters from those who were disappointed
that their branches were not represented. And from the same
persons I have received a large number of valuable sketches of
their branches which I have saved, and I have been urged by
many to prepare this volume, our second edition, and with offers
of encouragement, I have done so, after much time and labor.
Dear readers, genealogical works are never perfect. The
source from which they are obtained from the county, town and
family records are more or less defective. They are vanished
lines which would require large sums of money and years to trace
out, and lost threads that can never be recovered. Many families
keep no records, and many records are lost by accident, so it is
utterly impossible always to ascertain the correct dates. We
have given as full a record as could be made from the information
at our command. As mere names and dates are not always inter
esting reading, we have endeavored to bring before the reader
the living individuals, and have introduced a large amount of
biographical and historical matter, giving the prominent facts
of the descendants' lives, the position they have occupied in civil
life, in the military service of their country, or in liberal pro
fessions, as our space would permit.
In the orthography of proper names, we have generally
followed the spelling sent us in records. When you find we have
made errors in dates (which are many in all genealogical works) ,
some blame must rest on those sending them. Records are often
written unlegibly and some times given different by the same
person. Our dates of the births, marriages and deaths of descend
ants will be found as full as extensive records can rriake them.
Our history of the Boyds of the Southern States is very
limited. At the time of the Civil War sweeping over the same,

IV ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
many records of families were lost and have never been recovered,
and today there are but a few Boyds in those States that can go
back far in their ancestory. After spending much time and
labor in our researches, we have had to give up our investigations
in vain. This volume which now goes before the public as a
family record, as we have said before, is woven from such material
as could be gathered after no little labor, though in a manner
somewhat desultory. Fidelity to truth and justice to the char
acter of persons has been my conscientious aim. It .has been
my intention not to give anything in this work to reflect upon the
character of persons, or hurt the feelings of their descendants.
Should there be a single instance of that kind in the book, I
humbly ask their pardon from intentionally doing them an injury.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I wish to express my deep obligation to all who have so
kindly seconded my efforts by correspondence and words of
encouragement and personal assistance.
To Miss Ellen W. Boyd, who was preceptress of the St.
Agnes School of Albany, New York, in 1884 and a descendant of
the New Windsor Boyds, for her kind assistance at that time
in obtaining a sketch of the ruins of Dean Castle, one of the homes
of the Boyds of Scotland, while upon a pleasure tour to the city
of Kilmarnock through the summer months of 1882. She also
at that time furnished me cuts of the coat of arms belonging to
her father, Hon, John Boyd of Winchester County, Connecticut,
beside many other valuable papers pertaining to her branch of
the Boyd family.
To Mr, N. T. Boyd of Warppingers Falls and Mr. Samuel J.
Boyd of . Ottisville, New York, who have been very liberal and
zealous in preparing the history of their respective branches of
the same family. To the latter we are indebted for furnishing
cuts of his branch, and securing for us a large number of sub
scribers for copies of this work.
To Mr. Frederick Boyd of Middletown, New York, for compil
ing the history of his branch of the Middletown Boyds..

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS V
To Mrs. Alice E. Pray of Albany, New York, for papers and
records of the Boyds of Albany, New York, and preparing the
chapter of her branch and also to Mr. Charles L. Boyd of Chicago
and Mr. Henry Griffing of Warrensburg, New York, for kind
assistance in same.
To Mr. Robert K. Boyd ex-councilman of Eau Claire, Wis
consin. To him the readers of this book are greatly indebted
for the publication of same, who in the financial dark hours en
countered by the author, came forward with financial aid. Also
for the records, etc., of the Salem Boyds of New- York.
To the Rev. Thomas Wallace Boyd of Oakland, California,
formerly a native of the Northern part of Ireland, arid Mr.
William J. Boyd of Caledonia and Mr. Henry A. Boyd of Buffalo,
New York, for historical facts pertaining to the Boyds of Ireland
and the latter for sending cut of coat of arms and a view of Dean
Castle in 1790.
Regarding the history of the Boyds of Kent, New York,
Boston, Massachusetts and Northumberland, Pennsylvania, has
been copied from our former history of 1884, with many correc
tions made by the descendants since that time.
In regard to the Boyd family of Franklin, Massachusetts,
which we expected to have included in this work, will say the
records of the same were sent to me by a descendant from which
we prepared a chapter in comparison to the chapter found in our
book from a tangible lot of manuscripts. After doing so I for
warded all the records we had with this chapter back to the
descendant for his correction and revisal. He becoming vexed
over some unknown cause to us has uncourteously ignored the
many letters we have written him. For the want of records, etc.,
we are obliged to omit the same from our book. At same time I
extend to Miss Caroline B. Fisk of Cambridge, Massachusetts, a
descendant, our thanks for the kindness she has exerted to place
the same in our hands, which again proved a failure.
In conclusion I must say to all who have been so kind and
courteous to the author in answering letters and preparing records,
whose names I have not mentioned in this introductory chapter,
to them the Author extends his sincere thanks, and hopes that the

VI ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
pemsal of these pages may afford to them as much pleasure as
the preparation and publication of this history of the Boyd
family has afforded the Author. This work has been his constant
care for over thirty years. He can never receive pay for all of
his toil, and he is glad to say, he has always been well treated
(except by one man) with the tenderest heart. It has afforded
him a delightful pastime, for without it, he would have seen
many weary hours. And among the sunny memories of his past
and future life, will be the remembrance of the many true and
noble men and women whose first acquaintance it has given
him. William P. Boyd.
Conesus, New York, August i, igi2.

CHAPTER I
History of the Early Settlements oe Scotland
Scotland, the home of our forefathers, is a romantic little
country of the old world, consisting of about twenty-six thou
sand square miles or a little more than twice the size of New
Hampshire. It is dotted over with lakes and many curious
creeks winding their way among its mountains, diminishing to
a great extent its habitable surface. The indentations of the
sea around Scotland are so many and so extensive, that this
little country has a sea-coast of more than three thousand miles.
WhUe the arms of the sea almost cut it in two again and again.
In several places but for a few miles, one could sail across from
the Atlantic to North Sea. One arm of Argyleshire stretches
into the North Channel till it reaches within about ten miles of
the cotmty of Antrim, in Ireland. When you add to this, the
fact, that Scotland is covered with mountains, traversed in
every direction by deep and beautiful valleys, whose surface are
marked by rapid rivers, has large flocks of birds and innumerable
beds of flowers, exceeding those of England in variety, with a
climate so softened by the ocean that the thermometer rarely, if
ever falls to zero in winter. While in simimer, 80 degrees is the
limit of heat — you can hardly wonder that it was a most at
tractive land and dear in memory to our forefathers as they
gazed back in their settlement here to their former homes in
that foreign land.
Scotland was first known to the Romans under the name
of Caledonia, and was not called by its present name till nearly [I]

2 HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
four hundred years after their departure or about A. D., 840.
The Roman histories speak of the inhabitants of Caledonia as
consisting of many tribes, a,nd the worst kind of idolaters, as
robbers and uncivilized Beings living in huts, nearly naked in
summer and winter, exceedingly brave and warlike, and capable
of great endurance. In speaking of them the Romans called them
by name Picife or painted men. They seem to have inhabited the
low-lands along the Eastern coast, while the old Scotch clans
inhabited the Highlands. Certainly there has always been a
difference in language and manners between the two races of
Beings. Some authorities assert that Caledonia was invaded by
the Scots, a Celtic tribe from Ireland, about A. D., 500, who
established a kingdom on the Western coast, and gradually
overpowered the Picks and obtained control of the whole coun
try about 840. But this whole idea that the original Scotch
were from Ireland, seems to lack proof and 'appears very much
like the conjecture of some historian ambitious to have a theory.
It has become certain that the Saxons invaded the land about
the time they invaded England, and they conquered and settled
the lowlands next to the latter country, and that under their
chieftain Edwin, they founded Edwinsburg, now Edinburgh, the
capitol, and the Picks were driven back West and North. Prob
ably what is spoken of as the invasion from Ireland in that mythi
cal period, was simply an uprising of the highlanders on the
North and West of Caledonia in which they poured down upon
the Saxons and obtained possession of the country and as the
principal clans in these victories were Scots, and the leader was a
Scot, the land began to be called Scots-land, while the Picks and
surviving Saxons were absorbed by the victorious tribes.
These races of Savages, like the Red Men of North America,
stained their faces, dressed themselves in the skins of wild animals,
lived together in huts on the river banks or in rude clearings in
the forests. Their huts were not made like those of American
Indians, of poles and barks, but .by twisting long willow sticks
together basket -like shape in side and roofs and covering the
whole with mud, leaving an opening for window and chimney.
It is now claimed that such huts are built and occupied by some

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 6
of the tribe at this present day. These barbarians were great
warriors, and enclosed their villages with trenches and low mud
walls for fortifications to defend themselves. They had many
horses and cattle, but followed no agricultural pursuits. These
tribes were polygamous, but imlike the mormons, it is said every
woman had eight or ten husbands. Though history has failed to
tell us how she managed her numerous superior half.
These imcivilized tribes were united by one common re
ligion named Druidism. Their priests were Druids. It took
twenty years to leam and commit to memory their various
forms, ballads and incantations. They had no books, no ser
mons, no creeds, but had numerous other rites and superstitions.
The Druids kept the mystery of their faith in their hands in the
deep oak forests, so little is really known of them. The ruins of
their great temples and stupendous alters of stone, still remain.
It was a terrible religion to which they held; sometimes like the
savages of Africa, they offered human sacrifices, carrying round
the -victim in wicker cages and then with fearful ceremonies,
buming them alive. It was the most authoritative false religion
that ever existed.
It was during the Roman possessions of England and especi
ally the last part of it, our attention is called to the Scots. We
are often told in history about the inroads of the "Picks and
Scots." The Picks (as I have stated) were painted men and the
Scots, no doubt were native clans, and it is claimed by writers
that the latter derived their name from Anglo-Saxon "Scdt" a
wanderer, while other writers say they derived their name from
the Anglo-Saxon "Sco1?" an assessment of money by violence or
otherwise. The origin of these old clans of Scotland is a matter
much disputed and is still unsettled. Nor is it within our plan
to discuss the question. Our earliest reliable history find them
in the Highlands of Scotland, a bold, independent, warlike, un
conquerable race which they are today. The Romans hated and
scorned them, but could not subdue them, and as wealth increased
in England under the Roman management, the depredations of
the Scotch rangers increased. They came down from the moun
tains, captured everything they wanted and departed with such

4 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
rapidity as to preclude pursuit into such haunts as render dis
covery impossible. They were kind to the poor, helpful to the
distressed, having in all their lawless depredations a certain
haughty nobleness of character, they were on the whole an ex
ceedingly uncomfortable race to the Romans.
As a last resort, the Roman generals built walls and dug
ditches between England and Scotland. One of the most
formidable of these walls (which is said to have been built A. D.,
208); was called the "wall of Severn" after the Emperor. It was
made of stone eight feet thick, and twelve feet high, and along
the north side of the wall, a ditch was dug the whole distance
of seventy miles, thirty-six feet wide and twelve feet deep. It
was certainly an enormous work. On this wall was hundreds of
castles and turrets, so arranged that if a fire was lighted in one,
it could be seen in the next, and- in that way extended from
tower to tower and from shore to shore. Such an immense
barrier, guarded by armed men, would seem enough to keep back
the few Scotch of the northward mountains. Yet over this great
barrier, they often broke and moved along the Southem coimties
like the wind, escaping with their booty over this great wall and
back to their fortresses behind the impassable cliffs. Consequently
when the Roman force was withdrawn from the Island. The Britons
long used to being defended by their Roman conquerors and
unacquainted with arms, were in no condition to meet the intrepid
clansman from beyond the wall. The Romans in history seem
to have taken their farewell departure in the spring of A. D., 449.
For immediately afterwards the Scots began pouring in upon the
defenseless counties. Only a feeble resistance was offered them;
cattle, horses, fruit and treasures fell into their hands. They
seemed to regard the lands of the Britons as their proper prey.
The latter in their extremity sent a deprecation over the channel
to the German tribes for help. And thus the Scotch, who would
have controlled the whole island but for foreign interference,
became the occasion of letting in the Saxons, Angles and Jutes,
who afterward governed England. Before the close of the year
(449) some seven thousand warriors responded to the Britons
appeal came across the channel and soon put the Scots to flight.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 0
The rapidity which they answered to this call for help has been
explained by the statement that they v ere already meditating
this very enterprise by way of conquest. So that the petition
of the Britons foimd them strangely willing not only to
reply in the affirmative, but to follow up with immediate
¦vigor. Yet, no sooner had they driven back the Scotch in
vaders, than they began to manifest a spirit of conquest for
themselves, and quietly took possession of one important place
after another. Soon being reinforced by five thousand additional
Saxons, they found occasion for a quarrel, and commenced
open hostilities against those who had sought their help. After a
varying struggle, the Britons were mostly slain or driven to
Wales or Cornwall. A few escaped to France. The Saxons
obtained full control. The country was divided into seven
small kingdoms — sometime in conflict, but generally allied
together — and in this way they held on their course for more than
three centuries. But in 827 Wessex succeeded, from various
causes, chiefly from conquest in uniting these seven kingdoms into
one, which received the name of England (Angles-land) and was
nearly identical in area with that which bears the name toda^^
This govemment under the Anglo-Saxons continued unbroken
tmtil 1013, when the Danes succeeded in getting possession of
the kingdom and held it for twenty-three years, after which the
govemment retumed to the Saxons, and remained with them
till the conquest and ascension to the throne of William the
Norman, in 1066.
The first king that thus governed all Scotland was Kenneth
Macalpin, and the Scottish kingdom with various changes and
vicissitudes maintained its integrity till James Sixth, who was
heir to the English kingdom, quietly ascended the throne of Eng
land as successor of Elizabeth in 1603, as James the First,
uniting the two countries under one sovereign. Previous to this
event, Scotland had many excellent kings. There was a long
war with the Danes, resulting in the entire expulsion of the
invaders. Subsequently there was wars with England and the
borderland hetween the two countries, was a scene of blood and
devastation for many years, imtil the union under James.

6 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
In the year of 1290, there became a vacancy in the Scottish
throne, John Bailiol and Robert Bruce (a devoted friend of Sir
Robert Boyd V) being aspirants thereof. To settle this dispute
which had extended into the next year (i 291) was left to Edward,
King of England to decide. He declared that John Bailiol was
entitled to the crown and in support of the same, he required
all lords to swear fidelity to himself as feudal lord of Scotland.
Among this number was Lord Robert Boyd IV. But Edward
soon scraped a quarrel with this weak sovereign, overran his king
dom and sent John Bailoil a prisoner to the tower of London, and
at once succeeded in subduing most of the fortresses of Scotland. A
deliverer soon arose in the person of William Wallace, who was
joined by Robert Boyd at the risk of the loss of his castles arid
lands. Wallace had descended from an ancient family in the
western part of Scotland and though being of a small fortune
had but a few resources, but succeeded by great courage and endur
ance, mingled with wisdom in freeing his country from foreigners.
But at length Wallace was betrayed into the hands of the king
who caused him to be executed with the cruelty and shame of a
culprit. Thus to the everlasting disgrace of Edwards and to
England, Fewer nobler spirits than Wallace ever lived. But his
death in 1305, only set the teeth of every Scotchman tighter and the
struggle was continued by young Robert Bruce, a grandson of
Robert Bruce who claimed the crown in 1 2 90. The English had
an abundance of men and money, and often it looked dark for
Scotland. But her unconquerable warriors were never broken,
and they kept up the unequal contest in one way or another till
their lands was freed. In the spring of 1314, Edward II collected
an army of one hundred thousand men for the purpose of finishing
up the Scottish conflict, marched into Scotland and met with little
opposition till Bruce confronted him at Bannockburn. The
battle of that name was fought June 25, 13 14. The Scottish
Chieftain had but thirty thousand men, but they were all heroes
and were admirably managed. Full one-half of the English
army was either slain or captured. The young Scotch leader was
covered with undying glory, and his land was free. He was
succeeded by many sovereigns until the crown of England and

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 7
Scotland were united under James as named above. The latter had
no further history as a separate nation, though it was more
than a hundred years before the two Parliaments were united in
one as at the present time. This event occurred in the autumn
of 1706, and since then the two countries have been more or less
blended in interest and character of each other.
Having now given a brief review of the first settlement and
early history of England and Scotland, we will now glance over
the history and the causes that compelled our forefathers the
Boyds to seek homes in a foreign lands.
In the year of 1509, Henry VIII, ascended the throne of Eng
land, and in this year of his reign, married Katherine of Arragon
as his lawful wife. After the death of Henry in 1547, and the
brief reign of Edward VI, who died at the age of sixteen, Mary
daughter of Henry VIII and Katherine of Arragon, ascended
the throne. This was in 1553, and she was the most bloody,
cruel and devilish of women. When her licentious father deter
mined to get rid of Katherine, and divorced her (1532). he was
set in bitter opposition to the Pope for declining to sanction the
act. He declared his opposition to Rome openly and his passion
lead to what was called the "Reformation" in England. He had
previously written a book against Luther, for which the Pope
gave him the title "Defender of the Faith," a title still retained
by the sovereigns of England. Now he proceeded to persecute
the Papists, and many met death at his hands. Perhaps, there
fore it was to be expected that Mary, the daughter of Katherine
and a zealous Catholic, should feel herself called upon to re
taliate in blood and established the persecuted Sect, and she did
her worst. The leading Protestants were condemned to the
flame. Many were burned at the stake, and scarcely in the five
years of her reign did the fire of Martyrdom cease. Great
numbers were tortured in the most cruel conceivable methods
and put to death. "Bloody Mary" died 1558, and her memory
is covered with the abhorrence and execration of mankind.
At her death, Ehzabeth, daughter of Henry VIII and the
murdered Queen Anne Boleyn succeeded to the throne and in
her first year of her reign, Protestantisrn was forever established

8 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
as the religion of England. This was by an act of Parliament.
But for the object of putting down the CathoUcs, laws were
passed requiring the abjuration of all foreign authority both in
spiritual as well as temporal things and the acknowledgement of
the Sovereign of England as the head of the church. It was
made a crime to attend a religious service of any clergyman not
belonging to ths established church. This arbitrary enforce
ment of religion was the mistake and dishonor of Elizabeth's
reign. It was only doing on the other side and in a milder way,
what the infamous Mary had done before her. Yet these wicked
laws were in force for generations, and many suffered prosecution
and death at the hands of so-called Protestants in the reign of
Elizabeth and her successor James I. But many of the Protest
ants themselves were not satisfied with the established religion,
which, through putting them from Papal tyranny, gave them
no real freedom of conscience. Some parties called "Non-Con
formists" arose in the kingdom and in subsequent years there
was a very determined opposition, both in England and Scotland
to all these encroachments upon the rights of the people in religion.
Those who professed to follow the pious word of God were called
"Puritans". They grew up under the reign of "Bloody Mary," but
do not seem to have been called Puritans till about 1564. They
desired a wider separation from the Roman Catholic church than
that allowed by the established church and willingly accepted the
appellation given them in reproach. They were opposed and
ridiculed and persecuted. None joined them except such as
were conscientiously devoted to Christ, so that the name Puritans
came to be significant of great self denial and excellence in re
ligion. They were both godly and intelligent people and were
exalted by the fire they passed through. The name Puritan has
been differently used at times in the latter days, for every one that
wanted to live a decent life was called a Puritan by the irreligious
raultitude, even though he were conformed to the established
church. Under Charles I, all people opposed to his arbitrary
government were called ' ' Puritans ' ' . The histori an Hume , applies
this name to these classes. The political ^puritans who advanced
the most radical ideas of civil liberties, the Puritans in policy.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 9
who opposed the government and forms of worship in the estab
lished church, and puritans in doctrine who strenously insisted
on the ferrets of the reformers. The Puritans that settled in
America, among whom no doubt were many Boyds, certainly
enbraced all of these. There was never a time when any such
lines of distinction could be drawn this side of the waters. As
the history of the first settlements of the Puritans in America is
so well known to every school boy, we do not deem it essential .
to give their different settlements here, but simply say their first
settlement was made by John Endicott and a few associates at
Salem, in the State of Massachusetts in the year of 1628.
Having now followed and given a description of the Puritans
in their prosecutions in England and Scotland, let us now turn
our attention to the history of the "Scotch Irish " of Ireland from
where came so many families of the Boyds that emigrated to
America. Ireland had been previously invaded and conquered by
the English in the reign of Henry II, A. D. 1172. For four
hundred years they really exercised but little authority in the
island, and that in such a way as to exasperate the ignorant and
suffering Irish beyond endurance. They frequently rebelled
against the English authority during the reign of Elizabeth, and
it was not until the close of her reign (1601), that her government
could be said to have been established there. To a great extent, the
lands of the Catholic rebels were confiscated by the crown. These
lands being attractive in soil and climate and offered at a very
low rate, many English and some Scotch settlers were induced
to come over and settle upon them — a course of things greatly
incouraged by the govemment in the hope that an intelligent
Protestant population would counteract the plots of the uneasy
and troublesome Irish. James I ascending the throne in. 1603,
persued the same course and offered increased inducements to
any of his countrymen who would come and settle on the vacant
farms. Indeed soon after his ascension, a company was formed
in London to Colonize Ireland. Large parts of the eastern
counties, and the whole of the province of Ulster, comprising
nine counties in the north, or in all fully one-fourth of the island
came by attainder into the hands of James. Those parts next to

10 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
England were slowly filled up, and occupied by the British, but
Ulster in the North, being a wild and lawless province, remains
for the most part unoccupied, except by lingering bands of the
rebel Irish, who had no legal right to the soil. James (whose
government of Ireland was about the only good record found in
his reign), owning now more than two millions of acres in Ulster,
and being very desirous of a loyal population there, thought of the
Scotch as the only one likely to meet his wish. The Scotch
were rigid and decided Presbyterians, and James hated them
as being bitterly opposed against all his pet schemes for estab
lishing Episcopacy in Scotland, however they were near by
and exceedingly brave and industrious and were people of intelli
gence and reliable in every place. The Scotch were poor and
their lands were rocky and hard. It was thought they could
be induced to plant a Colony over the channel, where cultivation
was so much easier. This vacant territory was therefore divided
up into small farms and offered to the Scotch on sucli favorable
conditions, that like our young men going west, a great number
went over and settled early in the year 1612. These settlers
were young men from all parts of Scotland, but chiefly from the
adjacent county of Argyle, hardy, vigorous, independent Scotch
men. The Irish were removed from the hills and strong places,
and settled in the open country. The Scotch, though by honest
purchase, occupied the best of the soil. ' They spread over the
county of Antrim, Down and Londonderry, and some of them
settled farther to the south and west. The Irish Catholic rebels
living among and around these Protestant Scotch, not only looked
upon them as invaders supplanting their rights, but as heritics
and foreigners, and they felt the keenest hatred toward them.
Although being awed by the government and overmatched by the
superiority of the Scotch they remained quiet. The new settlers
flourished, multiplied, built churches, formed presbyteries and
extended themselves largely over all Ulster. This happy state
of things lasted only thirty years. But the Irish hatred of these
thirty years did not soften with time, and was only a smothered
fire, heating and buming unseen and ready to burst forth into
dissolving flames. They associated with the Scotch in treacherous

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 11
kindness while they were waiting an opportunity to murder them.
This^vorable moment for that great murder came in 164 1, when
they thought from the disturbance in England and Scotland the
Protestant settlers could get no help from abroad. Perhaps they
may have been aroused to this bloody action by noticing the
thrift and increase of the settlers, and the fact that respectable
accessions about this time were being made to them by new
emigrants from Scotland. Thus suggesting the thought that
something must be done, or Ireland would speedly become a Pro
testant land. King James I and Charles I as they supposed and
hoped, forced Episcopacy upon Scotland, step by step, when in
1638, the whole people of that land rose in opposition and entered
into what was called"Solemn League and Covenant." This was
a solemn agreement to maintain the reformed religion, and to put
down Popery and Prelacy in Scotland, and was signed by almost
the whole body, men, women, and children high and low. Then
followed the controversy with Charles; the effort to compromise
on his part; the preparation for war, the treaties with that weak
King; the raising of new amies, entirely engaging the attention
of Scotland until the visit of Charles to that kingdom in the
summer of 1641, and a settlement of their difficulties — ^which
doubtful negotiations lasted into the autumn of that year. Thus
the Papist intriguers in Ireland concluded that Scotland was put
out of their way.
In England in 1640 and 1641 the arbitrary conduct of Charles
was stirring the kingdom from border to border. The con
flict between the King and Parliament was intense, people were
looking forward to the threatened arbitratment of arms which fol
lowed ere long. The govemment had not sufficient force in Ireland
and the universal interest was in affairs at home. At this junction,
therefore, the long quiet malcontents of Popery in Ireland thought
the favorable moment to strike for supremacy and revenge had
come. Some eight thousand disciplined Catholic soldiers dis
banded by Charles and ready for any desperate adventure was
at this time let loose. Help to the Catholics was promised from
France. Priests excited the old Irish to revolt. All the English
and Scotch in the Island only amounted to one-sixth of the whole

12 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
population. They were for ths most part unarmed, and were en
tirely unaware of the storm that was ready to break in upon them.
The plan was to rise up in all parts of the kingdom at once, and wipe
out the unsuspecting Protestants by death. The plot was dis
covered in Dublin in season to save that place and the surround
ing counties to the Protestants and prevent an outbreak. But in
the North of Ireland it was carried out with all of the cruelty
which Popery and the devil could invent. The time fixed for
this universal murder was October 23, 1641. On that morning
(an exceedingly hard, cold day for the season of the year), the
Catholics being everywhere intermingled with the Protestants,
fell upon them by surprise and commenced their contemplated
butchery on every hand. The Protestants outnumbered, five to
one, unarmed, scattered and surprised, had no chance at all.
Their neighbors whom they had befriended and instructed became
their murderers. Entreaties and tears availed nothing. The young
and the old, the mother and her babe, the languishing invalid, the
strong man, the fair and innocent child were murdered. Here
whole families were butchered slowly, one after another, so that
each living one might see the anguish of the dying before enduring
the same cruel fate. Even the Irish women went farther than
their husbands in torturing of the young mothers and help
less children fugitives, fleeing naked from their burning homes,
to perished from cold and hunger. A few survivors were changed
into maniacs by the awful scenes, never to think of anything but
murder and flames or to know the quietudes of home again.
There were hundreds of instances of lust and torture, the minute
description of which would shock the most hardened heart, and
this was done for a sacred religion whose ministers were guilty of
these murders. Of this quiet and harmless people, who had not
shown the least unkindness to the Catholic people, nor been in
any way opposed to them living in neighborly love and peace
with them, it has been estimated that two hundred thousand
were thus butchered in a single day.
The lowest estimate ever made was forty thousand. Prob
ably the mean between them would be nearly correct. It has
been said by English authority that the victims were mostly

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 13
English, and without question, the English Colonies in the North-
em Counties were blotted out in this most inhuman massacre. It
may not be denied that the Irish pretended some friendship to the
Scots, for some extent they had time to escape, or a chance to band
together in defense, so that less number of them were murdered.
Yet it is certain, many of the Scotch were murdered, and that
fire and robbery did not distinguish between theirs and the
English homes. Many fled back to Scotland, and there is but
little doubt that many of the Boyds, who had emigrated to Ire
land before this date perished on this bloody day, long to be
known as the great Irish Massacre of 1641.
After this sad event, those Scotch who remained in Ireland,
lived in alarm. They were on the lookout for defense, during
seven or eight years until in 1649, Cromwell, ha'ving leisure from
affairs in England, came over the Channel and subdued the
Irish. Thence onward for several }'ears, the Protestants lived
in comparative peace and prosperity, and slowly recovered their
former condition. The Catholics were disai-med and the Protest
ants were supplied •with means of defense. From this fact it is
said rose the habit which long prevailed of firing guns at
Scotch weddings, as being then the best way of expressing their
triumph and their gladness.
In Scotland, during the last years of the reigia of Charles
II, 16S5, they began to be openly persecuted. The latter monarch
was narrow minded, small and bigoted. Charles II has been
secretly a Papist, and James II was openly such, and sought in the
most bloody and arbitrary way to enforce it upon the nation.
To attend any meeting except that of the established order, was
made punishable with death. In the' western lowlands of Scot
land particularly, military bands were sent out e^'er\"where to
spy out the Covenanters, and bring them to death. Some of
them were commissioned to shoot on the spot any who would not
renounce the Covenant or swear allegiance to the king who was
murdering Protestants. James II, even when he was Viceroy,
is said to have amused himself with hearing Covenanters shriek
and seeing them wn-ithe while their knees were beaten flat in their
boots under them. Subsequently when he became king, and

14 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
had things his own way, he appointed James Graham, or Lord
Graham of Cleverhouse a prominent leader — a most ingenious
and remorseless wretch, to carry out his designs.
No pen can paint the cruelties which he enforced. His name
is now spoken with abhorrence all over the earth. When his
bloody and hardened soldiers shrunk from shedding innocent
blood, he would plunge his own sword into the body of the poor
victim, whose only crime was non-comformity to the Episcopacy,
or unwillingless to pray for King James as against God's will.
These indignities, robberies and murders was so numerous, and
constant, as utterly to surprise all calculations. History gives us
two instances out of thousands, as a illustration. One of the
hunted Covenanters who had found shelter in the house of a
widow of a good family and name, had died there. The corpse
being discovered in her house, the soldiers pulled it down, carried
off all her property, and turned her out with several small
children, to perish with cold and want. The oldest child, a lad
of about fifteen years of age, was brought out before the soldiers,
the guns were loaded and the fair sweet boy, without trial or
delay was told to pull his bonnet over his face. But he refused,
saying, " I can look you in the face," and in a moment they fired
and the boy fell dead with his Bible in his hand. About the same
time, two women were put to death by drowning. An attempt
has been made to disprove this, but there is not, in view of the
¦evidence, the least room to doubt the fact. One was an aged
lady, and the other a sweet girl of eighteen, named Margaret
Wilson. Their only crime was that they would not abjure their
Presbyterian faith. They were taken to a place on the banks of
the Sol way, where it rises and overflow with the tide. The feeble
old lady was tied to a stake near the water, so that the terror of her
death might frighten the young girl over to submission. But she
prayed and sung praises, till the advancing water choked her
voice, and when the struggle of death was over they unbound
the unconscious victim from the stake, and restored her to con
sciousness. Then kindred friends begged of her to comply
with the vile murderers command, crying "dear Margaret only
say God save the King." The weak and heroic girl gasped out,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 1 5
"God save the King if it be God's will." ''She has said it! she has
said it!" shouted her friends to the cruel officer. "Will she take
the abjuration," he savagely asked. "Never" she answered, "I
am for Christ, let me go." The waters closed over her head
slowly and she was gone. On her gravestone at Wigton, are
these rude words :
"Within the Sea, tied to a Stake
She suffered for Christ Jesus sake."
While therefore such persecutions were in progress in Scot
land, quite a large number of the Covenanters to escape miseries
at home, emigrated to Ireland, and joined their countrymen there.
From 1684 to 1688, these emigrations in large numbers took
place. Among them were many of the ancestors of the Scotch-
Irish Boyds, who in after years emigrated to America which we
will speak of hereafter. But on their arrival in Ireland to escape
persecution at home, they found things there were under Papal rule,
and being surrounded by Papists, they were soon disarmed, and
in their defenseless conditiori, began to suspect a repetition of the
murder of 1641, and it proved they were right; that a desperate
struggle was indeed awaiting them. For affairs had arrived to
such a pitch of discontent in England, that the better part of the
population began to look for deliverance to William, Prince of
Orange, who had married Mary, eldest daughter of James II.
Accordingly being invited over from Holland, he came with
five hundred vessels and fourteen thousand men and landed in
England late in the autumn of 1688. At once the nobility, clergy and
military, went over to William, and even Anne, daughter of James,
joined the party of the new king against her father. James was
dethroned without a blow. Fleeing to France, where Catholic
renegades have been want to flee, he was encouraged to attempt to
recover the crown. As the Papists adhered to him, he hald a small
party of friends in England ; and in Scotland had some strong Catho
lic clans; while in Ireland he had great resources in the Irish Catho
lics who constituted the great body of the people of that Island.
The military plan of James, therefore, was a good one, to pass
over to Ireland with men and money, which the French King would
give him. To raise there an immense army of Irish, then to pass

16 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
over to Scotland and with the addition of the Catholic Highland
ers, bear down upon England, from the North and sweep every
thing before him. This plan, the scheme looked encouraging to
him. He started with great hopes and landed in the South part
of Ireland March 12, 1689. Then he made his way the best he
could to Cork, then to Dublin, expecting to go North at once,
and anticipated no serious resistance till he should reach England.
But the Protestant population in the Northern part of Ireland
stood in his way. Though small, was judged to be of such energy
and valor that he must overcome them at the start. A large
army had been raised before the arrival of James,- and had begun
the attempt to subjugate these Protestant Colonies that stood
in the face of the royal plans. The strongest of these Protest
ant positions was Londonderry — a city that had held out success
fully against the Irish in the murderous rebellion of 1641, and the
army of Catholics swept Northward to capture the city, which
was supposed to be easily done. They pillaged and murdered
without stiijt, till thousands of men, women and children fled
before them for their life, and many found refuge within the walls
of Londonderry. The Protestants suffered more, and lost more
possessions than the massacre of 1641, though probably not so
many lives were sacrificed as then. But the city of Londonderry
refused to surrender and the whole army of James, French and
Irish, outnumbered the defenders of the city, five to one, attempted
the work of its capture. They arrived in the vicinity of the city,
April 15, 1689, and at once entered into negotiations with the
treacherous Lundy, then Mayor, to give up the city on some
terms, in spite of the unknown will of the people. This dallying
went on a day or two, and the gates of the city were closed against
James' army by a dozen brave defenders, and negotiations
broken off; King James set out from Dublin with fifteen thous
and additional soldiers and arrived at the gates of Londonderry
on April 17, 1689, and was exceedingly anxious for the surrender
of the city, on any terms, (as the success of the whole undertaking
seemed to depend on the immediate possession of this place), so
that he might go on to Scotland while his army was in good
spirits, and before a formidable preparation could be miade

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 17
against them. Expecting the surrender would be made more
willingly to him, James advanced at once within three hundred
feet of the Southem gate to receive it, when it broke upon his
ears, the shout of "No Surrender," and by a fire from that part
of the wall, which struck dead an officer by his side. The king
fled like a frightened school boy to get out of danger. Then the
real struggle began from this eventful day, April 17, 1689. We
have not time and space to detail all the circumstances of this
remarkable siege, only to illustrate to the reader the hardship of
a number of families of Boyds in the city at that time. For
their courage and endurance, there is nothing superior in human
history, to the weak defenses, scanty provisions, having but a
few soldiers against an immense army, and only a handful of that
few, unused in war, with a disadvantageous position, and twenty
thousand women, children and aged men to feed, while having
themselves small hope of outside help; and the enemy likely to
be increased. It must be confessed that their situation at this
time was desperate enough. But immense interest was at stake,
and they were determined to stand for their religipn, come death
if it must. While Lundy, the governor of the city was in danger
of being tom to pieces by the maddened people and he skulked
off in disguise, at night to the foe.
Major Henry Baker and Captain Adam Murry responded to
the call of the people at arms, and took the lead the first day.
On the succeeding day the people again met, and unanimously
choose Rev. George Walker and Major Henry Baker governors,
the latter taking the military command. These men managed
affairs with great wisdom and courage. The siege was pressed
with cruel vigor, shells burst constantly over the defenders heads,
chimneys were knocked down; often the city was on fire, night
and day, men were called to the most vigilant and desperate
defense. Many sorties were made. The walls were often assaulted
by superior force, parties raining under the same were constantly
watched against, and by the fierce struggle put to death; threat
and artifice were abundantly employed; they began to suffer for
the want of provisions and for want of water. The long hoped
for reinforcement from England at last had come in sight, but

18 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
being frightened by the batteries on the riverside, had sailed away,
leaving the brave defenders of the city to their fate. Their enemies
had been reinforced ; one third of their number had fallen, and the
force against them seemed overwhelming, yet on the sixty-second
day of the siege they determined that no one should speak of
surrender on pain of death. Thus matters went on day after day
in heroic and painful detail, which we shall have to omit for want
of space. But before many days of July were gone, famine began
to press harder than their foes. Not a few died of starvation.
Cats, dogs, rats, mice, horseflesh and old hides came to be luxuries.
Tallow was mixed with pepper and meal to make a sort of pan
cake. Starch mixed with tallow became an article of food. A
dog's head was sold for two shillings and six pence, a quart of
horse blood one shilling, a cat for four shillings and six pence,
and so on. They expected to eat dead human bodies, yet would
not entertain the thought of surrender. So desperate was the
case, some fleshy people hid themselves for fear of being chosen
for food, for the emaciated soldiers. On the thirteenth of July,
the garrison had became so far reduced that they reckoned on
only two days more life — there being but one pint of meal left
for each, already starving man. But on this day deliverance
came. It was the one-hundred and fortieth day of the siege.
The commander of the English fleet had received orders to
relieve the city at whatever peril. Three ships, the "Montjo^^"
of Londonderry, the "Pheonix" of Coleraine, both laden with pro
visions of releaving and the war-ship "Dartmouth" undertook the
perilous adventure. The evening sermon at the Cathedral
had just closed. The sad audience had scattered and it began to
grow dusk, when the sentryman on the tower saw the sails of
these three ships coming up the Foyle. The river was narrow
and low. On the banks were the batteries, and the great Irish
army hurried to the spot to prevent the relief of the city. Rocks
had been sunk by them in the Channel and an immense boom had
been thrown across the river to prevent the approach of a ship,
while formidable guns swept the spot. It was an hour of tre
mendous suspense — the besieger straining every nerve to oppose,
while the starving defenders looked on with an agony of interest.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 19
seldom if ever,. equalled in the world. At length the little squad
ron came bravely to the critical point. The "Montjoy" lead the
way and sailed with all its force against the boom, and the huge
obstruction snapped and fell apart, but its strength was so great
as to send the ship back by the shock in the mud, exposed to a
terrible fire. The Irish in great numbers rushed for their boats
to board the defenseless ship. Just then the "Dartmouth"
opened upon them so effectually as to destroy many of them and
held the rest in check, while the "Pheonix" left free by the struggle
of the others dashed under a fearful fire into the break made by
the "Montjoy" and receiving no great injury, slowly passed all
the barriers. When the "Montjoy" was stopped in the mud, the
Irish gave a scream of fiendish joy, while the dying heroes within
the walls looked at each other in hush, and awful agony. All
featiu-es grew black, and a feeble wail like the prayer of death,
ascended from the battered defenses. Women and children wept,
and men with stem dark faces, whereon hope had fled, but no
yielding or fear was there. The tide was rising rapidly, and just
at the critical moment, a broadside from the "Montjoy," not only
drove back the approaching enemy, but started her from the
mud, and she sailed on up the stream. The "Dartmouth" fol
lowing, bravely answering the desperate firing from shore, and
under the curse of the whole Papist army, and the rage of its
officers, with considerable loss of life, and injury to the ships, the
brave little vessels made their way to the city. As darkness
closed in and the firing went on, it was a time of unutterable
suspense within the gates. When they arrived, about ten o'clock,
the whole population turned out to welcome them. Such ecstasies
of joy of a lifetime, was never known. Men wept and thanked
God. .The bells of the city rang all night. There was no sleep
within the walls that night for joy. On the morrow, the Irish
fired tumultuously all day. On the second night — that of July
31, 1689, silently that great army, mortified and enraged with a
loss of one hundred officers and about nine thousand men retreated
up the Foyle. Macaiah Browning, Captain of the "Montjoy,"
was killed at the struggle at the boom, and afterwards a pension
was conferred on his widow by King William, and that great mon
arch in the presence of the court, put a chain of gold about her neclf .

20 HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The defense of Londonderry was a great check to. King James
and the Papists. It saved Protestantism in England, Ireland and
Scotland. The enemy were kept back one hundred and five days.
By that time William was prepared to meet James in Ireland, and
the forces intended for Scotland and England never went across
the Channel. On the Bank of the Boyne, James was soon
defeated in a decisive battle, June 30, 1690, and after some less
important struggles he fled as a poor outcast to his premeditator's
country, called France and died there at St. Germains, September
16, 1701, age sixty-eight years.
At- the time of this notable siege, the territory surrounding
the same had many Boyds, who took part in the defense of this
city. History tells us of one noted person, Rev. Thomas Boyd,
a Presbyterian minister of the congregation of Aghadowey, near
Colerain, Londonderry, who marshalled on the green, all the
able bodied men and boys of the place, and held prayers. .A few
days before the siege marched them to the defense of the city, and
bore all the hardships of that noteable time.
As we advance farther on, we will speak more of this noted
man in our chapter on the history of the Boyds of Ireland, known
as the "Scotch-Irish Boyds," and give a more complete history
of this venerable man. Much might be written and said of the
early history of Ireland and England, Yet the name of many
Boyds may not be particularly spoken of, although from an early
date, they have been settlers of these countries for nearly four
centuries. Whatever has transpired in these countries, the fami
lies of Boyds must have suffered the same as the other noble
families, therefore, a full history of them would fill many volumes,
of which for time and space we will only give a limited sketch.
The turmoil of war in those countries, with the massacres in their
midst, made many of the Boyds feel that the same fate which
had been dealt out to their friends would be like a terrible storm
which any hour was likely to break in upon them. They left
their homes and friends and made America a home of refuge, and
many of them in fear of apprehension here buried all history of
their early homes in the Old World, from their descendants, who
follow in the footsteps of Life after them.

CHAPTER II
History of the City of Kilmarnock, Scotland
The City of KUmamock, the old original home of the Boyd
Family in the Old World, is situated a few miles inland upon the
western coast in the Highlands of the romantic coimtry called
"Scotland." The place today is one of the largest towns in the
county of Ayr and rests upon the banks of two mossy streams
called "Irvin" and KUmamock waters some fifteen and one-half
miles by rail northeast of Ayr and twenty-four miles south
west of Glasgow. In i8gi it had a population of twenty-eight
thousand, four hundred and thirty-eight souls. The origin of
the name like many other towns of importance in Scotland, is
involved in considerable obscurity, and scarcely anything illus
trative of its Ancient history can be gathered from the various
statistical works in which it is mentioned. It is stated by writers,
in works we have consulted, that in the year of 322 A, D., it was
the residence of a noted Irish minister or Prophet called "St. Mar-
nock" or "Marmock" and was named "Kel-mo-ernin-oce" (a
Gallic church of my Little Ervine) which was dedicated to the
memory of that noted man about the year 1200. Pont, one of
the earliest writers of Scotland says : "It was built by the Locarttiss
Lord of it (meaning the Baroney) and dedicated to a holy man
named "Mamock" as witness in the records of Kilvinin Abbay.
Kjlmamock, for a long time after the death of him, whom its
name is derived, must have been a mere hamlet, for we find no
trace of it in history until nearly the year of 1 591, when our noble
family of Boyds became possessors of the land and made a Burgh

22 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
or Baroney of it. The earliest mention of it is by Barbour, in
his life of Bruce, as one of the chance places through which the
English Knight Sir Philip Mowbray fled, after being defeated by
Douglass, somewhere in the District of Cunningham, about the
year of 1306.
To trace the course and progress of Kilmarnock, would be
impossible in the space at hand. The town books go no farther
back than 1686, and then throws no light on the general historyof
the place. The first entry of baptism here is recorded for February
6, 1644. The church of the old Saint was a desirable place of
residence. It was sheltered from storms that often raged in this
part of the country, then a very healthy location which was well
watered by two pleasant streams, the Marnock gliding through it
and the brook Irvine meandering at a short distance, with fine
lands for cultivation which was no doubt the cause of it becoming a
noted place, in the early history of the cotmtry. The particular
sites of the first houses no doubt were scattered around the ancient
chapel, which was dedicated to St. Mamock, which tradition tell us
occupied the spot now used by the Low Parish church.
One of the first notices of any consequences which we
have of Kilmarnock, is in a document giving the names of
persons who voted on appointment of a Parish, or clerk of
Parish, in the year of 1507. The names of persons who took
part in this election amounted to nearly three hundred and this
likely composed the whole or nearly whole of the heads of the
families at that time in the Parish, From this it may be inferred
that the population was a little more than four hundred or five
hundred souls, a number of which seems small when we consider
that the Parish of Fenwick was then included with that of Kil
marnock. Of course this document furnishes us with no state
ment in regard to the town or its streets or buildings. But it is
worthy of remark, that the most of the names attached to it,
though different in their orthography are such as are commonly
found in the city at the present day. In the list, the Boyd name
are represented by the number of fifteen being but two other names,
Smyth sixteen and Brown twenty, above them in numbers. The
descendants of those fifteen Boyds are to-day scattered all over

HISTORY OF THE BOYD F.\MILV AND ITS DESCENDANTS 23
the different countries, malting it very difficult for the present
generation to trace their ancestors back to the Old World.
Timothy Pont, an old historian about sixty \-ears after the
time spoken of, namely in 1609, \-isited this to^^^l when making
a survey of Cunningham, and in his records, spealcs of Kilmarnock
in his Scottish way as thus: — "Kilmamock-towne and Kirk is a
large ^^llage and of great repraise. It hath in it a veekly market —
it hath a faire stone bridge, o\'er the river Marnock ^¦ich glides
hard bj- the saide towne till it falls in the river Ir\ring. It hath a
pretty church from ^•ieh \'e village eastell and lordschipe talces
its name. The Lord Boyde is now Lord of it to quliosse pre-
dicessors it hath belonged for many generations. In this church
or divers of ye Lord Bo\-des progenitors buried among quhome
there is one tombe or stone bearing this inscription and coat.
Hie laeet Thomas Boyde, Dominus de Kilmarnock qui obiit
Scptimo die mensis Julii 1432 and Johaime de Montgomer}'-
eins sposa Orat, pro iis." Kilmamock was created a burgh of
barony by the Scottish Solomon in 1591, and its charter was eon-
firmed by Charles II, in 167 j.
In the books of the Ir^-ine Presbytery the folloAA-ing notice
occurs regarding Lord Boyds tomb. "At a \-isitation at Kilmar
nock, June 19, 1040, anent ane superstitious image that was upon
my Lord Boyd his tomb it was the Presbiterie's mj-nd that his
Lordship sould be wTitten to that he wold be pleased to demolish
and ding it do\\Ti and if he wold refuse that — these Presbiteric
was to take, a further course." This appears to haA^e been in
accordance \riih an act of Parliament passed a few years previously
for "abolishing monuments of Idolatrie."
The following interesting docvunent is found among the
Archives of Scotland toda\-, whieh is the charter of King James
to Thomas Boyd and Son, erecting the Towm of Kilmamock
into a Burgh of Barony and reads thus:
Charter and Infertnum by James ^T. In favour of Thomas
Lord Boyd in Life sent and Robert .Master of Boyds in Fee,
Dated 12 January, 1591.
James by the grace of God, King of Scots, to all good men
of his realm, cleric and laic Greetings.

24 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
"Know that we, now after our complete age of twenty-five
years have given, granted and disponed and to our present charter
have confirmed to our well beloved cousin, Thomas Lord Boyd in
free holding of life rent for all the days of his life and to Robert
Master of Boyd his eldest son and heir-apparent in fee heritably
and to his male heirs and of entail respectively and successively
underwritten all and sundry the lands. Lordship and baronies re
spectively after — specified with their castles, towers, forts, manors,
gardens, orchards, mills, multures, fishings, outsets, parts pendiclis,
breweries, woods, yearly rents, tenant-holdings, free-holdings,
servitudes, advowsons, donation and patronages of churches and
chapelries of the same and with all and sundry their pertinents
lying in the bailiwick of Cunningham and under the sheriffdom
of Ayr, with all and sundry foresaid lands. Lordship, etc; with
their etc, belonging heritably aforetime to the foresaid Thomas
Lord Boyd held by him and his predecessors immediately from
us and our most noble progenitors as Primeis or Seneschals of
Scotland, and which he at Holy Roodhouse by his lawful pro
curators and by his letter patent by stick and staff, as the manner
is simply and purely resigned unto the hands of us as his Lord
Superior of the same together with all right and title, etc, which
he has had, has or in no way shall be able to have and renounce
all claim for the future for ever in consideration of this our new
Infeftment of the ten or following:
"We for good, faithful and generous service performed and
paid to us and our most noble progenitors by the foresaid Thomas
Lord Boyd, and his predecessors in times passed and for certain
sum of moneys in name of composition paid into our treasurer,
and for other reasonable cause and consideration moving us, do
of our certain knolwedge and our own motive give and grant a
new and for ourselves and our successors forever confirm to the
said Thom.as Lord Boyd in etc. and to the said Robert Master
of Boyd, his etc. and to his heirs, etc., all and hold the
foresaid lands. Lordship, etc, along with all rights and title, etc.
which we for ourselves, our predecessors or successors, as Kings
or Princes of Scotland have had or in any manner should be able
to have or claim to them or any part of them, their rents, etc..

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 25
renoimcing, disclaiming, exonerating, disposing and transferring
the same totally from us and our successors all actions, right,
etc., and in the like manner renouncing for ourselves and our
successors all actions of non-entrance, error, etc., and our processes.
whatsoever raised or threatened by us, or predecessors or successors
or any of us, our treasurers or advocates in our names against
the aforesaid Thomas Lord Boyd, etc., conceming the said lands,
lordship, etc.
"And farther, we for the cause above written, do now erect,
tmite, annex, incorporate and create all and sundry the aforesaid
lands, lordship, baronies with their aforesaid pendcies and other
things above specified with their castles, etc., into a free lordship
and free barony to be called in all times coming the Lordship and
Barony of Kilmarnock and we also will and grant and for ourselves
and our successors decree and ordain that the castle and mainor
of Kilmamock shall be the principle m.essage of the said Lordship
and Barony and that the single sasine by the aforesaid Thomas
Lord Boyd and his son, etc., all the principal messages shall be
now and in the all timing coming a sufficient sasine for all and
sundry the lands. Lordship, Baronies, etc.
"Further we in consideration of the special love and favour
which we bear and have toward the foresaid Thomas Lord Boyd,
and in consideration of the policies and buildings in the Kirktown
of Kilmamock lying under the said Barony and our aforesaid
sheriffdom, do for the convenience and entertainment of our lieges
frequenting the seine of our present charter; infer, erect and
create and teach the said town called the Kirktown of Kilmarnock
and the lands of the same with their pertinent into a free burgh
or baroney forever to be called in all times coming the burgh or
town of Kirktown of Kilmamock and we give and grant to the
inhabitants and inn dwellers of the said burgh, present and future
plenary power, facility and free power of buying and selling in the
same wine, wax, cloth, woolen and linen, broad and narrow and
other merchandisers what-so-ever and of having and holding in
the said burgh bakers, brewers, butchers, venders of flesh and
fish and all other tradesmen belonging to a free burgh or baroney
and we also grant that they may be free burgesses in the aforesaid

26 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
burgh and that they with the consent of the said Thomas Lord
Boyd the said Master of Boyds his son, etc., may have the power
of annually electing for the future bailies and officers for the
ruling and governing of the said burgh and that the said Bur
gesses, and inhabitants of the same may have and hold a market-
cross and a market weekly on the Sabbath-day (Saturday) and a
free fair annually on the twentieth day of the month of October, to
last for eight days of the same with plenary power to the foresaid
Thomas Lord Boyd and his son foresaid, and etc., to assign and
and locate in full from his lands adjacent to the aforesaid town of
Kilmamock in whole or in part into burghal divisions for build
ings or houses to be erected on the same with all the tholnies
customs, (Tholonium 'the liberty of buying and selling on our own
grounds or the right of charging 'toll' for such liberty) privileges
and liberties pretaining or in any way able to pertain in future
to the free fair and free barony in the same manner and as freely
as any burghs under our kingdom is inferred by us or our
predecessors. "All and whole the aforesaid lands. Lordship and Barony of
Kilmamock with their castle, etc., to have and to hold to the
aforesaid Thomas Lord Boyd, etc., and to the aforesaid Robert,
Master of Boyd, etc., his brother — german and their heir male,
etc., whom failing to Adam Boyd, likewise his brother — german
and the heir male, etc., whom failing to any other heir male of
the body of the said Thomas Lord Boyd to be as vet lawfully
begotten at any time proceeding his death and to the heirs, male
of their bodies lawfully begotten whom failing to Robert Boyd of
Badinhaith brother german of the same Thomas Lord Boyd and
the heirs male, etc, whom failing to Adam Boyd of Penkill and
the heirs male, etc., whom all failing (which God forbid) to the
nearest lawful heir male, whatsoever of the said Thomas Lord
Boyd bearing the names and arms of Boyd, to wit the aforesaid
burgh or town of Kirktown of Kilmarnock from us and our
successors as Princes and Seneschalo of Scotland in a free burgh
in Barony and the aforesaid remaining lands, etc., in a free Lord
ship and free Baroney, etc., throughout all their straight bound
aries, old and divided as they lie in length and breadth in houses,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAJtflLY .AND ITS DESCENDANTS '1 1
buildings, woods, plains, moors, marshes, roads, paths, waters,
ponds, streams, meadows, pastures and pasture-lands, mills,
multures, and their appurtenances, fowlings, huntings, fishings,
peet, turf, coal, collieries, minerals, mines, pigeons, pigeon houses,
workshops, distilleries, breweries and broom woods, groves and
thickets, firewood, timber, quarries — stone and lime; wnth courts,
decrees amercements escheats, etc. of the said courts; -with gallows,
pit, sok-sak, thole, thame, infang-thief, out-fang-thief, pit and
gaUows, ¦with common pasture, free entrance and exit, with free
forests in all places when thereon, and have been woods ¦within
the foresaid lands with privilege of forest courts, amercements
and escheats of the same and wraik wert wair and venison -ndth
aU and sundry the privileges of a free baroney and free forests,
and with all and sundry the other liberties, commodities, profits,
conveniences and just pertinents whatsoever, whither not named
or not named, whether under the earth or upon the earth, far and
near, pertaining or in anj- racumer able, rightly to pertain in future
to the aforesaid lands, lordship, etc., freely, quitely, plenarilj^
entirely, honorably well and in peace, in like manner and as
freely in all things and through all things as the said Thomas
Lord Boyd and his predecessors held and possessed the same
from us and our successors as Prince and Seneschals of Scotland
before the resignation aforesaid.
"Then being paid therefrom annually by the aforesaid
Thomas Lord Boyd during his life and after his death by the
same Robert, IMaster of Boyd, his etc., and by his heirs, male, etc.,
to us and our successors as Princes, etc., the rights and servitudes
due and wonted to us and our successors before the said resigna
tion according to the tenor of the ancient infeftiraent of the same.
"In ¦witness whereof, etc., witnesses, etc., at Holyrood house
the twelfth day of the month of January, in the year of our
Lord MDXCI and of our reign XXA' ." James VI.
In the village of Kilmamock at this time b}" the Bo^ds,
was erected what was called "Gallows Knowe" for punishment of
those who failed to do as they were requested to, or were enemies
to the will of the Boyds. This structure stood until 1861, when

28 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
it was torn down. This authority was given as it is seen in the
above charter to Lord Thomas Boyd the right to establish one
in his baroney. Dr. Johnson an able writer on Scottish history
says: "The name so called was in consequence of being the
place of execution in the days of feudalism. The Boyds had at
one time the right of pit and gallows, a privilege conferred on all
Barons according to our old laws of having on his grounds a pit for
drowning women, and gallows for hanging men convicted of theft."
The ¦village of Kilmamock has been several times more or
less destroyed by fire, and the complete plans it were built
upon, would doubtless facilitate the progress of its ravages. One
of these great fires took place May 22, 1668. The whole to^wn as
stated by different ¦writers was destroyed and according to the
following extract taken from the minutes of the Synod of Fife,
the number of those who suffered was one hundred and twenty,
and from this computation we concluded that the whole popula
tion (not concluding Parish) was then under six hundred souls.
This great fire is alluded to by Chambers in his Domestic
Annuals of Scotland in the following words:
"1668, May 22, the town of Kilmamock was wholy destroyed
accidentally by fire, when about six score families were driven in the
fields destitute both of goods and homes, endured in this starving
¦condition. Matters were the worse for them by reason, that they
being all poor tradesmen, and having no other means of liveli
hood, than their daily employment. Having sometime before,
been reduced to great misery and affiiction, in consequence of
the quartering upon them of a great part of the King's forces,
when they were sent to the west to prevent a rebellion."
Another large fire visited the place on Saturday, April 26,
1800. It originated on the east side in a m.alt kiln that had been
overheated. Thirty-two houses were destroyed in the short
space of one and a half hours. Seventy-six families, consisting of
more than three hundred persons were rendered homeless and
¦destitute. Floods have also swept the place, the largest one took
place July 14, 1852,
Kilmarnock is also noted for one of the oldest lodges of Free-
Masons in Scotland; known as "Kilmarnock Masonery St.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 29
John's No. 2 2." Among the members of this Lodge were several
Boyds, and one of the earliest members was Thomas Boyd of
Pitcon. It was established in 1734. The unfortunate Earl of
Kilmamock, William Boyd, was one of the originators and was
the first Right Worshipful Master of the same.
Kilmarnock in its younger days must have been surrounded
¦with the turmoils and strife of war, and there was no time when its
quietness was not disturbed by the clashing of arms, and the war
crys of the many clans of those days for the supreme control over
this territory, which at that time was one of the most prominently
settled territories of Scotland. The popular tradition today
among authors whom I have consulted, is that Campbell which
is situated near the border of a Large Parish, a few miles from
above place, was the field which formed the encampment for the
Scottish armj' prior to their advancing to meet the Norse invaders
on the shore of Larqes in 1 263. Other places in the locality which
preserves momentoes of the overthrow of Haco, are Burleggati,
Killincraig and Keppinbum. The last named spot, legends affirms
that the ancestors of the Earl of Kilmarnock, William Boyd
surprised and defeated a band of fleeing foes. The above famous
battle which the Scots took so active a part in ¦with the Norse
invaders, lead by their respective Kings was fought on October 3,
1263. The exact scene of the conflict is believed to have taken
place south of the to'wn and immediately below Haylie mansion.
This engagement was a total disaster to the Norway King, for a
violent storm set in and did much harm to the Norse fleet and only
a portion of the invaders were able to effect a landing on the
Scottish coast. The result of this battle was a decisive victory
for the armies of Scotland which were lead by Alin Durward,
Justician of the Kingdom, the Earl of March and the Steward of
Scotland Robert Boyd. This battle resulted in a complete
recognition of the rights of the Scottish King to govern the western
coast and adjacent islands of his monarchy. At this battle
Robert Boyd was rewarded for his bravery by his King, with
grant of Lands in Cunningham. The words "Gold Berry"
(which are found in the print of the Kilmamock coat of arms)
are supposed to have been given him at this occasion.

30 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
West Kilbride a few miles from Kilmarnock also contains
the ruins of three other castles of ancient days. The broken
walls of Law castle, which cro^wn the Law and overlook the town,
are all that remains of a stately edifice that was one of the seats
of the Earl of Kilmarnock. The Barony of Kilbride was con
ferred on the ancestors of the Earl of Kilmarnock by Robert
Bruce and the Parish took its name from St. Bridget — commonly
called Bride. The church dedicated to that saint was connected
¦with the Abbey of Kilwinning.
Irwin's Role of Fame included many notable Scots in various
departments of life. The town as related by Charles S. Dougall,
M. A., has sent forth many honorable soldiers in life, as Sir
Patrick Montgomery and Sir Robert Boyd, the defender of
Gibraltar in 1782.
"Killir" as the Scotch people dehght to call it is situated on
the river Marnock, a few miles north of Tarbolton. Local history
asserts that a church dedicated to Saint Marnock, was established
here eight hundred years ago, but for generations the town never
emerged from obscurity. In the reign of James IV, it was a
mere hamlet dependent solely on Dean Castle, the residence of
Earl of Kilmarnock (Robert Boyd) for protection.
In Burn's time, Kilmarnock enjoyed the reputation of being
the most irregularly built town in the west of Scotland. A pro
gressive municipality aided by an extensive and not altogether
unfortunate fire of 1800, has done much to remove the approbrium.
Its spacious streets and handsome buildings are a vast improve
ment on the low thatched houses and the maze of narrow lanes
that comprised a veritable puzzle to strangers in early days.
The Parish of Kilmarnock contains some interesting memorials
and relics of grandeur of by gone days. One of these is the very
heavy grown ruins of Dean Castle, the home of the Boyd family,
for nearly eight hundred years and was destroyed by fire in 1735.
Situated at the junction of Crawford Lane and Fenwick which is
about a mile north east of the town which we will speak of in "the
following chapter. The Marnock house which is still in exist
ence and now used as an industrial building, which the Earl of
Kilmarnock "William Boyd" lived in when he took sides with

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 31
Charles Stewart "The Pretender," when he lost his life. Not
far from Dean Castle are the ruins of Crawfordland Castle, part
of which is believed to have been built in the early years of the
eleventh centurv.

RUINS OF DEAN CASTLE, KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND
Taken in 1884

CHAPTER III
History of the Ancient Home of the Boyds in Scotland
Dean Castle, long the residence and home of the old and
ancient Boyd family, stands at the distance of nearly a mile in
the northeast direction, from the present site of the city of Kil
mamock, which now rests upon lands once owned by this noble
family, in the county of Ayrshire on the western coast of Scotland.
Its situation surrounded by the scenes of the past, though not the
most romantic, can scarcely fail to delight the admirer of the
gentle, as well as the magnificent in nature. On the right, and
on the left of the same, the ground rises in pleasing elevations, as
it can be seen by the picture taken of it by "Pont" in 1790,
shown m the cut of same, in this book. At an early day the
castle was almost embosomed in woods, and no road lead to it
except the principal one from the southwest, and a private path
that lay along the stream in the direction of Fen^wick. It is
supposed it derived its name "Dean" the word according to Dr.
Jamieson a noted historian says: "Signifies a small valley or
hollow where the ground slopes on both sides." Close by the
castle the scene is enlivened by two little mossy streams locally
called the Borland and Crawfordland, which meet and mingle
¦with each other, forming, what is termed Kilmarnock water.
The view in the neighborhood too, is considerably beautified by
several steep woody braes. From one of these, near Assloss, the
castle presents a majestic and stem appearance. Though gray and
rent with years, it looks as if conscious of its strength, and as if
frowning defiance down the valley that stretches before it. From
[3Sl

36 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the same eminences we have a glimpse of the town, with its towers
and spires, which give to it an air of importance, and the eye ranging
still farther rests and is dehghted on the beautiful green hills
of Craigie, and the more romantic heights of Dundonald. In
early times, according to the oral tradition a dense wood stretched
itself behind, and on each side of the castle, concealed it in a great
measure from the scrutinizing eye of the invader, and made it
almost inaccessable to strangers, save by the principal approach,
which was found on the southwest. Here was situated the huts
or hovels of the vassals of the Manor. In those days, this old
baronial stronghold was not only picturesque and secluded, but
was secure in a great degree from the attacks of neighboring chiefs,
or of the more ruthless hordes who sought to reduce the country to a
state of thraldom. The alarm could be readily given by the vassals
from the Glen, or by the warder, whose eye from the watch-tower
could distinctly describe every movement of the advancing foemen.
The Dean Castle consists of two separate Towers of unequal
height and appears to have been surrounded by a wall or rampart,
part of which now stands. The period, of which either of the
towers was erected is unkno^wn, but both bears the mark of con
siderable antiquity. Gross, one of Scotland's able ¦writers visited
the castle about the year of 1789, and made a drawing of its ruins
for his "Antiquities of Scotland." He supposed the higher tower
to have been built about the beginning of the fifteenth century.
In the wall of the lower edifice and looking into the court is a stone
on which the family arms are sculptured and beneath which are
the words "James Boyd and Catherine Craik," were lately legible
and thus being the name of the eighth Lord Boyd and his Lady.
It has been sometime conjectured, that the whole of the lower
mansion was erected in their time, namely about the middle of
the seventeenth century. The estate devolved on the eighth
Lord Boyd in 1640, and his death took place about the year 1654.
This conjecture however, appears to be incorrect. For Pont,
another early writer in his "Cunningham Topographer," which
was written as we have said about 1609, speaks of both towers as
then existing. "That portion of the building, therefore on which
the arms are sculptured, must have been only an addition made

RUINS OF DEAN CASTLE, KILMARNOCK, SCOTLAND
Taken in 1790

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 39
by the eighth Lord Boyd. It also appears from the same author
ity that both towers are of greater antiquity than was supposed
by Gross. Ponts words in his "Cunningham Topographer says"
Killmemock Castle, is a staitly faire ancient building, arising
in two great high towers and built around courtways, -with fyve
(There is good reason says the editor of the above work, that the
word "Fjrve" here has been erroneously translated from the
original MS. for fine and that illusion is simply to the cheerful
and elegant range of buildings fronting the south, the walls of
which still remains pretty entire. To the east and north, the
enclosing rampart walls still stand to their full height, whilst the
great tower or donjon-keep occupies almost entirely the west
angles of the square, so no possible site would appear ¦within for
any further structure of the least consequence whatever.") low
buildings it is still planted and almost environed ¦with gardens,
orchards, and parks. It belonged first to ye Locartts, lords thereof,
then to the Lord Soulis, and the cheiffe dwelling almost three
hundred zeirs of the Lords Boyd." It may also be mentioned
that on another part of the lower building, the remains of two
figures, a male and female, are, or lately were discemable, but no
inscription describing them or leading to a knowledge of the date
of their erection can be traced.
As a place of strength, as well as a manor-house, the "Dean"
appears to have been superior to many of the strong-holds of our
Scottish Barons of the older times. The walls of the high tower
are about nine or ten feet thick. The lower story consisted of
several dark vaulted rooms, and on the second flat is a large hall
thirty-eight feet in length, twenty-two in -width and twenty-six
in height. It had a fine arched stone ceiling and was furnished
with stone seats, which jut out around the lower part of the walls
and which in all likelihood, was cushioned or covered ¦with some
kind of cloth, when the castle was inhabited. From this apart
ment, a short passage leads to a trap door of the dungeon or
prison, which is immediately beneath, in the center of the wall
at the north comer of the tower, and measures fifteen feet by five,
and must have been a dreary place for the poor wight whose mis
fortune it was to be incarcerated within it. It had no aperture by

40 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
which light or air could be admitted, save a little oblong opening
three or four inches wide, and even the little light that could thus
enter had to struggle down in a slanting direction through the
wall which is about ten feet thick, ere it could sooth the prisoner
with its cheering influence. The dungeon has now a door broken
into it from the outside, and is or likely was used as a milk-house.
Adjoining is another gloomy apartment which is probable was
also a place of confinement. This wall shows that the castle was
not used as a shelter for the homeless wanderers who sought to
worship God according to the dictates of their own consciences,
but as a stronghold for their merciless enemies. At the time
Dalziel occupied the town, a party of his soldiers was stationed in
this fortress and many were the severities which the people in the
neighborhood suffered from their doings. An instance of their
cruelty we ¦will give. When traversing the fields one day in quest
of the sufferers, they observed an individual hurrying from them
at a distance, and suspecting he was flying through a conscious
ness of guilt, they pursued him like demons, bent on some infernal
enterprise. The man however, kept in advance of them, at
length, reaching a house, he passed through it by a passage that
lead to the back premises, and ¦with great presence of mind, con
cealed himself in a pool of water, where he stood with only his
head above the surface of the water. In course of a few minutes,
the soldiers were in the house expecting their prey, but no person
save the mistress of the cottage could be found. They threatened
her with instant death if she did not produce the object of their
search. She acknowledged that a man had run through the house,
but who he was and where he had gone, she knew not. Maddened
by disappointment, they seized her and lead her a captive to
Kilmarnock where not-withstanding her declaration of innocence,
she was condemned to be immersed in a dark subterraneous
apartment in Dean Castle. This harsh sentence we need scarcely
say was promptly executed, and tradition affirms that the poor
creature was never released, but left to perish in that dreary
abode among filth and vermin. Whither William Boyd the first
Earl of Kilmamock took any active part against these sufferers,
the authorities which we have consulted do not inform us, but

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 41
without doubt, he did not, and if he had been opposed to such
crimes, no doubt he was powerless and obliged to look on helpless,
for fear of his o-wn destinies.
On the third flat there was apparently two chambers. These
are now roofless and otherwise much dilapidated. One of them,
with a large window looking to the north is said to have been the
chapel. In the walls of these rooms are two curious little recesses.
One of them, -with two narrow loopholes looking in different
directions, was, perhaps used as a watch-house in times of em
ergency. It has a small stone seat and flreplace, but is so con
structed in its dimensions that a person can scarcely stand upright
within it. The other recess was probably a place for a bed as
there were in other Scottish castles. The upper or attic story
also has two rooms, cro-wning the eastern comer, which seems to
have been another watch-house, which must have commanded an
extensive -view of the adjacent country. On top of the walls, a
walk or passage, about four feet in breadth leads around the tower.
It was a plain battlement or parapet in which here and there were
little openings, considerable portions of which still remain and
in which a narrow spiral stairs lead to the various stories, and the
main entrance was by an arched doorway at the northeast comer
of the building, which is still entire.
In the lower tower which was surmounted by an erection
in the form of a belfry, is shown a picture engraved by an ingenious
to-wnsman of Kilmamock named Michael Reid, about the begin
ning of the last centuiy. There were at least four apartments
above the ground floor. Except some small patches of plaster,
stiU seen on the wall, nothing remains to give an accurate idea
of their original appearance. The most commodious part of the
building was that occupying the space betwixt the two towers
and fronting to the south. It seems to have been the principle
dwelling place connected with the small tower, and was lighted by
spacious windows, which gave to its rooms, all the attributes
of some ancient seat of royalty, rather than of the abode of a
Scottish lord in the day of feudalism of the past.
It is not likely — though history is silent on the subject that
the Dean was often beleaguered in the olden times, when chief

42 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
contended with chief, through a love of gain, a love of revenge, or
a love of glory. That such was the case is asserted at least by
tradition, which affirms, it was once or t-wice beseiged, and that
every attempt to reduce it was altogether fruitless. Tradition,
however, related the fate of Lord Sordis by the hands of one of
the Boyds in 1444. One day one of the vassals, while taking an
afternoon walk along the private path, that layed along the stream
in the direction of Fen-wick, heard, or thought he heard, the
voice of strangers among the trees, and fearing that foemen were
skulking in the locality, he ascended a small height and imme
diately discovered a party, who turned out to be »Southerons. He
stationed himself upon an eminence at a short distance (the spot
of ground here meant is that on which the powder magazine now
stands and if we believe tradition, it was the sight of the Roman
encampment in ancient times. It commanded an extensive view
of the surrounding country and was therefore well adapted for
a military station in the days of fedual warfare.) In breathless
anxiety the vassal hastened to the castle, and apprised the inmates
of the discovery he had made. In a moment all was bustle and
activity among the Boyds. The tenants of the Manor arid
several other adherents of the ancient house of Dean, among
whom was the Lord Cra^wfordland, were soon made aware of the
circumstances, and before the shade of evening had darkened the
landscape, they were all assembled on the green plain in front of
the tower, from which headed by the Boyd, they marched tdWard
the encampment. On coming near the spot, a breathless silence
reigned among the Southerons as if they were refreshing them
selves with sleep, before attacking the fortress, which, in all like-
hood, they meant to do during the night or early moming. "Shall
we give them battle" whispered one of the friends of Boyd. "We
shall" said he, "for I have always thought it best to remove evil
ere it assumes a formidable shape, let us disperse them." At these
words the followers of the Boyds rushed upon the English, who
notwithstanding this unexpected attack displayed no s;^TTiptoms
of fear. With a ferocity common only in the days of feudalism,
man met man, and each and all seemed to act as if more ¦willing
to die in the strife than to have their names associated -with

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 43
cowardice. In the midst of the conflict there was one of the
Southerons who's stately appearance and signal powers bespoke
him as the leader of the party. His form caught the eye of the
Boyd and in a moment they were in close combat, but was soon
separated by the awful scene of the others. At length after a
desperate struggle in which several fell on both sides, the English
in spite of their commander who urged them to keep their position
fled from the fleld and concealed themselves in the fastnesses of
the woods. From some of the vanquished whose wounds rendered
them unable to fly, it was leamed that the name of their leader
was Lord Soulis, but their object in their coming to the locality
they did not disclose. The darkness was now gathering fast,
and the heroes of the Dean retumed in triumph to the castle,
bearing along -with them swords and other instruments of war
which had been left on the field by the Southerons. During the
night, watches were set around the castle and as soon as the first
ray of light of the moming broke through the eastern clouds, the
warder was at his station on the summit of the tower. In a
short time, he discovered one or two of the fugitives lurking
about the bottom of the glen. This intelligence was soon com
municated to the Boyd, who immediately armed himself with his
cross-bow, and followed by only one or two attendants, left the
castle in quest of the English lord. At a little distance below the
beautiful green mound at the south side of the castle he crossed
the stream and hurried on with the firm tread of a warrior along
its banks in a southem direction till he reached the field now
kno-wn by the name of Clerk's Holm. On a brae at the other side
of the water, he espied the object of his search, and with deadly
aim he drew his cross-bow and his arrow instantly pierced, the
heart of ill-fated Soulis. On the night of that day, a sumptuous
feast was spread in the hall of the Dean, the wine cup was freely
circulated. The festal song fell upon the ear of Lord and Lady —
and the arched chamber closed not to echo the sound of merri
ment till the beams of moming had tinged with golden hues the
turrets of the Tower.
The castle, however, is not without its historical associations.
Mary, the sister of King James III and wife of Thomas Boyd,

44 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
then Earl of Arran, was kept for some time a prisoner within the
walls of this castle. A prisoner as it -will be seen by the history
of this noble Patriarch in our history of this ancient family. But
who her jailors were or what liberties she was deprived of, our
informant has failed to enlighten us. The castle is also noted for
having been used as a garrison house, by Captain Inglis and his
soldiers in the dark days of the persecution.
According to Pont, the grounds around the castle as far back
as the year of 1609, were well planted and adorned with "gardens
and orchards." The exact location which they occupied would
now be a difficult thing to ascertain. Within the remembrance of
persons lately living there, an old pear tree grew out on the
beautiful green moimd situated in what was formerly called
"Paddock Park," and it is not improbable that one or other
of the gardens, or orchards lay in that direction. At an early
period one of the little streams that form the Kihnamock water
flowed, it is alleged between the mound and the smaller tower
and joined the other rivulet on the south side of the eminence.
The scene, in a pictorial point of view, wotdd then be truly
interesting, for the two castles towering formidably amid the
woody enclosure, with the braes rising gently on one side, and
the water gliding peacefully in the foreground, must have formed
a picture pleasing and imposing.
In 173s, the Dean Castle was partly destroyed by fire. The
lower castle was the principle scene of its ravages. Marks which
we are told, were lately traced on some of the wood coimected
with the mason work. The fire was occasioned by some flax
being accidentally ignited, while in the process of being cleaned,
or spun by one of t he maid servants. The Earl of Kilmamock (t he
unfortunate William Boyd of 1746) was then on the continent.
On his way back to Scotland he had his attention directed to a-
newspaper, in which was an account of its destruction by fire of
a Scottish mansion called the Dean, the particular locality was
not given. Fearing it was his own castle, he hastened home
and found it reduced to a state of ruin. It may be mentioned
that the eminent scholar James Moor, L.L.D., author of a Greek
Grammar, and sometimes Professor of Greek in the University

KILMARNOCK HOUSE, KILMARNOCK. SpOTLAND
Taken in 1884

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 47
of Glasgow, was at the time of the buming, tutor in the family
of the Earl of Kilmamock. He lost by the fire a considerable
stock of books which he had collected for his own use. The
Dean was never afterwards put into a habitable condition in
consequence, perhaps of the vast expense which its restoration
would have required. But though nearly one hundred and
seventy-five years have passed away, since it suffered by.the con
flagration, it stiU. presents as we have said, a bold stately aspect,
and though now roofless and desolate, its great strength may
enable it to stand many centuries, an object of interest to the
admirers of the picturesque, the historical inquirer, and the lover
of ancient antiquity.
Let us here add, after the buming of Dean Castle, the Boyd
family moved and resided in the Kilmamock House, which is
situated between St. Mamock street and Nelson street in Kil
mamock. The old mansion apparently was built at different times .
The original part of it is supposed to have been erected about the
end of the seventeenth century. The western portion was in
course of being finished when the last Earl of Kilmarnock took
part in the Rebellion of 1745-1746, and in consequence of his
connection with that unfortunate affair, the progress of the work
it is said was suddenly stopped. That such was the case would
appear from the fact that when ingress was made into the large
hall (which had been shut up for a number of years after above
date), there were found window frames as if new, from the tool
of the joiner, together with a tradesman's apron and some shav
ings of wood. The stately old trees with which the paths of
Kilmamock house were adorned, previous to the formation of
St. Mamock street, gave it a fine aspect of Baronical dignity.
One of these trees — a majestic beach — grew until lately (which
was cut down the third of May, 1859 in consequence of being
decayed and measured upward of ten feet in circumference)
immediately at the back of the mansion, and a few others, which
formed a part of a woody avenue, long known as the "Lady's
walk" (being so called it is said from being a favorite walk of the
last countess of Kilmarnock in her hours of sorrow after her
unfortunate husband's execution) still remain, along the line of

48 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Dondonald Road. This walk at a comparatively recent date,
was a sweet rural retreat, and must have been still more so
at an eariier period, when the Kilmamock water flowed as it
did in a westerly course leaving a grassy edge, this ridge forming
the walk and giving to the whole scene an air of freshness and
beauty. But time and the spirit of commercial enterprise have
made changes arid only a faint idea can now be formed respect
ing the appearance which Kilmamock House and its environs
exhibited even sixty years ago. Instead of the lordly dwelling
rising in stately grandeur above the few humble straw-roofed
cottages, which were in the vicinity, it is now itself, thrown into
the shade, by large modem structures erected near it, and its
quaint old room.s, once the abode of the titled and the great, are
now used for purposes connected with the Parochial Board, part
of them being occupied as offices by the Inspector of the Poor,
and part of them as the Ragged School. In regard to schools, the
Boyds of Kilmamock seem^ed to have been miuch interested in
early times. For to-day is found this interesting paper, which
is called the "Boyds Charter-Chest" pertaining to the same
which is supposed to have been given to James Lord Boyd.
Unfortunately the document has no date, but is supposed to have
been made prior to the year of 1654, and reads in Scotch language
thus: "For keeping one school within the parocheine of the
Old Kirk of Kilmarnock and for provisioime of an constant rent
and stipend for holding one school maister in the said parocheine
of the Old Kirk of Kilmamock quho may also serve as musician
in the said Old Kirk in all time coming."
As we have given a somewhat minute description of the
various apartments of Dean Castle, it may be interesting to
our readers to know the styk in which it was furnished, two
hundred or three hundred years ago. This is now sho-wn by the
following list taken from the Scottish journal, published in Sep
tember, 1847. The list is now found among documents in the
Scottish archives of Thomas Boyd, bearing the date July 25,
161 2, and is written in the Scottish language as follows:
"Twa cowies of silver, every ane of thaim vechtain on unce
of siller, ane lang carpet, half worset, half selk; ane schort carpet

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 49
for the chahner buird; ane lang greine buird clathe the lenthe of
haill buird; twa schort greine buird claithis for the chalmer buird;
four cuscho-wnis of tripe valvet (an inferior kind of velvet) : four
cusho-wnis of carpet ruche vark; twa lang buird claithis of flandiris
damais; saxteine seruietis (table napkins) of damais; ane lang
domick (a species of linen table cloth) buird claithe; and dusoun of
domick serviettis; ane braid domick towell; twelf lang lyning
buird claithis; four dosun and ane-half of lyning seruietis ; fyves
buird claithis of grit lynyng ; fyve dosoun of lynyng seruietis ; aucht
towellis of room hard in; four drinking claithis; twathairof servit
with selk, and the ither twa plaine; two lynyng drinking claithe
ane cop buird clathi; ane down bed; aucht feddir beddis, with
aucht bowsteris offering thairto; auchtein codis pair the filed
with do-wnis and pairt is with fedderis; auchtein pair of dowbill
blaiikettis; fewe cowering of ruishe vark; ane fair rallow caddow (a
kind of streaked or rayed woolen cloth) ; seven houshaild cowerings ;
saxtein pair of lynyng scheittis; two pair of held scheittis of
small lynyng, sche-wit -with guhyt vork and perling; ane pair
of plain held schettis; sax pair of het scheittis; ten codwairis
(pillow slips) of small lynyng sche-wit with black selk; sax codwairis
of small lynyng unchewit ; ane stand of stampit crambasse (crimson)
vorset courteins with ane schewit pand effering yrto; ane stand
of greine champit curteinis -with ane pand effering yrto, ane
ither stand of gray champit (having raised figures) vorset cour-
teinis -with ane pand effering yrto ; ane stand or greine plaidine
courtains -with the pand effering yrto; ane stand of quhyet schewit
courtainis; ane pair of quhyet vowen courtainis -with pand effering
yrto; seventie pewdir platis ane dusoun pewdir trunchoris; ten
coweris of pewder; sexintein saisceris; twa new inglis quart
stowpis; twa new quart flaco^wnit; thrie ale tyne quart stoup-pis;
twa ale tyne quart flacownis; ane tyne pint stoup; twa new
chimer pottis ; four new tyne chandilieris ; fyve grit brassen chan-
dilieris; ane grit marter of brass, and ane iron pester; twa tyne
bassings with ane lawer of tyne; f5rve grit bass panis; thriemeikle
brassin pottis and ane lytell brassin pot; ane iron pottis; ane
grispan of brass and ane pair of grait standard raris; fyve lang
speittis ane grit iron tank; ane meikill frying pan and ane grit

50 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
marking fatt; thrie gyill fattis; twa meikill barralls; four pair of
taingis; ane chaimer chimvay; twa lang hall buirds; thrie furmis;
ane schort hail buird; twa chalmer duirdis; twa chyiris of aick;
ane cop buird of aick; sax buffet stuUlis; ane meikill bybil (Bible) ;
ane meikill meill gumells of aick; thris cofferis twa grit kistis of
aick for keiping of naipperie; four less kistis; ane candill kist;
twa stand bedis of aick."

Memo from the Antiquities of Scotland by Francis Grose,
Esq.
Printed for S. Hooper, High Holbom, London, 1789.
Buffalo Pub. Lib. 914. i B2 — 3.
DEAN CASTLE — This was one of the ancient seats of the
Boyds, Earls of Kilmamock, for some time the favorites of King
James III. It was forfeited in the year 1745, afterwards sold
to the Earl of Glencairen, and in 1789 when this dra-wing was
made, belonged to Miss Scott.
It lies a small distance from the main road leading from
Kilmarnock to Stewarton, and consists of a large vaulted square
tower, which seems to have been built about the beginning of
the fifteenth century; this is surrounded by a court and other build
ings, apparently more modem. Upon the tower under a defaced
coat of arms, there is this inscription
James Lord of
Kilmamock
Dame Katherine Creyk
Lady Boyd
The Lord James, here commemorated, according to Douglas,
died in 1654. He was a firm adherent to the royal cause, for
which he was by Oliver Cromwell exempted from pardon, and
fined fifteen hundred pounds sterling.
In this castle, it is said. Lady Margaret (Douglas calls her
Mary) sister to King James III was confined during the life of
her husband, Thomas Boyd, Earl of Arran, from, she was divorced,
notwithstanding she had bome him two children. The pretext
for this divorce was some legal impediment at the time of mar
riage. Some say it was a prior contract to the Lord Hamilton.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 51
On her husband and the rest of his family falling under the
king's displeasure, she went to Denmark, to acquaint him with
it; who thereupon fled for refuge to the courts of France and
Flanders. In the mean time King James sent for her. She
hoping to make her husband's peace, obeyed the summons, when
the divorce was procured. After her husband's death, who died
abroad, she was married A. D. 147 1, to the Lord Hamilton,
then created Earl of Arran.

CHAPTER IV
History of the Old and Ancient Family of
BoYDS IN Scotland
According to the ordinary genealogical authorities as given
us, the Ancient family of Boyds, sprang from a younger son of
the illustrious Lord, the first High Steward of Scotland. Some
-writers maintain the' idea that the first settlers of this romantic
couritry came from Ireland. Others hold that the Scotch race
came from Normandy, prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066.
If this is the case we are unable to say, and will leave the
same too the kind investigation of our readers. About this
time there was found in Scotland a noble and brave warrior
named "Alan" who was created Lord High Steward of his country,
who was a son of Fleance, the latter a son of Thome, who had
descended from King Kennith III that was murdered by Macbeth
the usurper of 1043.
Alanmarriedfor his wife, Margaret, a daughter of Tergus, the
Earl of Galloway, and by him had five children. The eldest we
know but a little of. It may have been a female or died young.
The second child was named Walter, of whom the family of
Stewarts of Scotland descended. The third son was named
Simon, who was the progenitor of the noble family of Boyds.
The fourth, like the first, we have no record of. The youngest
was named Adam, and the first we find of him, he is mentioned
in a charter given by King David I, in the year of 1139. Alan,
their father the High Steward was a very noted man in his time
and died in 1153. I53l

54 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Simon, the third son of Alan, and the second Lord High
Steward of Scotland. His name is found in the foundation
charter of the Monastery of Paisley in 1161, and is designed
"Simon frater," "Walter fills," "Alan Lapiferi," "Regis Sectiac."
History fails to inform us how many children he had. His oldest
son was named Robert, and being of a fair complexion, was
named "Boyt" or "Boyd" taken from the Gaelic or Celtic word
"Boidh" or "Boidel" which in that language means fair or yellow,
and from this fact the first surname "Boyd" arose, and from him
all the famihes of the Boyd's in this and the Old World descended.
In the charter of Paisley which is supposed to have been the
first original house of the Boyds of Scotland, in 1157 was a
possessor of Walter Fitzalan, ancestor of the Royal Stewarts.
He is destinated nephew of Alan, High Steward, and in a con
tract between Bryce de Eglinton and the village of Irvin in 1205
he is destinated Dominus Robertus Boyd, and at that time
and since then the Boyds having carried the armorial bearings
of the Stewarts and prove their descent from that illustrious
house. Robert (as we will number him the first of our line of
descendants) died prior to the year of 1240 leaving a son Sir
Robert Boyd who succeeded him.
Sir Robert Boyd II, son of Robert I, the first history we have
of him, is in a charter given Sir John Erskin in 1262 and was
designed in the same as Robertus de Boyd Miles, and was also
called Robert II of Scotland. He was a person of singular
bravery, and at the Battle of Large in 1263, when Haco or Acho,
King of Norway entered Scotland, with a numerous army to
capture her was put to flight. He nobly rushed forth in the
behalf of his country's defence and nobly distinguished himself,
and was rewarded by Alexander the third, then the King of
Scotland with "grants of land in Cunningham" for his true
patriotism. Tradition maintains that he, -with aid of a party he
commanded in the engagement, threw into confusion and finally
defeated a strong detachment of Norwegians at a place called
"Goldberry Hill." The words "Gold Berry" which sometimes
appear on the lower scroll of prints of the Kilmarnock coat of
arm.s were probably adopted in commemoration of this feat of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 55
Sir Robert Boyd. He died about the year 1270, leaving a son
who was his successor.
Sir Robert Boyd III. — ^Was a son of the second Sir Robert
Boyd. In 1296, when Edward the First of England took posses
sion of several Scottish castles in Scotland, and like other nobles
of that country was compelled to swear fealty to the usurper of
their country. But to throw off this yoke of bondage and degra
dation which had been imposed upon them, he, in the following
year 1297, joined the small but intrepid army of Sir William
Wallace, and by deeds of daring, under the banner of genuine
liberty, which was hoisted by that hero, showed that he possessed
a spirit imbued with patriotic ardor which quailed not at the
dangers of war, when the dearest interests of Scotland were at
stake. His name is honorably mentioned in the Bards account
of Wallace's encounter with the English in the neighborhood of
Loudoun Hills, when the latter was completely routed when on
the way to Ayr with stores for the garrison. He also took an
active part in taking the castle of Ayr from the English. He
like-wise accompanied Wallace into England, where with the
Earl Malcolm, he commanded the west gate at the seige of York
and it appears from history, that he afterwards supported the
Hero of Scotland in many other engagements. He died about
the year of 1300. The record of his family we have not, only he
had a son by the same name who succeeded him.
Sir Robert Boyd IV. — The eldest son of the above Robert
was a great and noble patriot. He was among the first of the
Scottish Noblemen who rallied around the standard of Robert
Bruce, and with the exception of the monarch's immediate
relatives, was perhaps the only person of distinction in Ayr
shire, who espoused his interest when he first offered defiance to
the King of England. He continued a faithful supporter of the
same cause until the independence of Scotland was established
by the decisive battle of Bannockbum, June 23, 13 14, at which time
he acted as one of the principal leaders. For important service
given by him to his country, he was rewarded .by Bruce with
gifts of land of Kilmamock, Bondington, and Hertgcha-w, which
had been forfeited by John Baliol and these gifts were granted

56 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
by charters dated 1308 and 13 16. According to Wood, (a prom
inent writer) he had also conferred upon him "the lands of Kilbryd
and Ardnel, which had belonged to Godfrey de Ross's, a son of the
deceased Riginald de Ross, also all the lands which belonged to
WiUiam de Mora's in the tenement of Dairy, -with seven acres of
land, which were Robert de Ross's in the tenement of Ardnel,
which was erected into an entire and free Barony to be held by
the King," The lands of Ardnel or Portincross, situated in the
Parish of west Kilbride, were conferred on Sir Robert Boyd
about the year of 1308, and afterwards became the patrimony of
a younger son of the family, from whom the Boyd's of Portin
cross descended, and remained in that family until the year
1737- This castle of the Portincross Boyds, at this time stood upon
a ledge of rocks, projecting into the sea under a bold promontory,
which gives it the name of a singular, -wild and romantic situation.
Several royal charters of the two first Stewart Kings bears to
have received the Sign — Manual at "Ardnel" which unquestion
ably refers to this f ortlet, and which has lead to a notion of writers
that Portincross, was at that period a Royal residence of the
Kings of Scotland. But there seems to be no evidence what
ever to conclude if it ever was such in the proper sense of the term.
The probability is that these Sovereigns in passing too and from
Dondonald in Kyle, and Rothesay in Bute, had been used as a
harbor in crossing the channel at this point, and may occasionally.
as circumstances or inclination suggested have prolonged their
stay at this convenient station. Contemplating and gazing on the
narrow walls of this sea-beaten tower, it is certainly difficult to
¦conceive that it should ever have afforded accommodation to
pestage of a Royal Court. Yet, when we reflect on the cir
cumscribed nature of even Dondonald itself, the favorite resi
dence of these same Sovereigns, the contrast by no means appear
so extraordinary. Sir Robert Boyd died about the year 1329. His family
consisted of three sons, Thomas, Allen and James. The first
son was his successor. The Second son, who is said to have been
valiant in war, was killed at the battle or siege of Perth in Scot-

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 57
land in August of the year, 1339. James, the youngest son is
mentioned in a charter of 1342.
Sir Thomas Boyd V. — Sir Thomas was the oldest Son of the
above Robert, and he flourished in the reign of King David
Bruce. Nothing of any importance respecting him is on record,
save that he accompanied Da-vid the Second, to the battle of
Durham, fought in 1346, and along with the King was taken
prisoner, conveyed to London and for a time imprisoned. His
family consisted of three children. Thomas his successor, William
who was ancestor of the Boyds of Badenheath, and obtained a
charter from King David in 1368, and two from King Robert II.
In the year 1375 and 1376, Robert deBoyd the third son was
ancestor of the Boyds of Portinecross in the county of Ayrshire,
Scotland, and married a lady named Grizel.
Sir Thomas Boyd VI. — Sir Thomas was known and desig
nated "Dominus de Kilmamock" (First Lord Boyd). A feud
in the nation which is not explained by the writers we have con
sulted, appeared to have risen between him and one Nelson of
Dalrymple, and like many of the disputes among the turbulent
chiefs of that pferiod lead to serious consequences. For Nelson,
we are told was cruelly slain by the hands of Thomas, who after
wards obtained, in 1409 a remission for the deed from Robert,
Duke of Albany. He courted and married one of the daughters
and co-heiress of Sir John Gifford, Lord of Yester by whom he
obtained a great accession of fortune. By this union they had a
son named Thomas, who was his successor.
Sir Thomas Boyd VII. — Sir Thomas Boyd succeeded his
Father as second Lord of Kilmamock, and was a man of dis
tinguished abilities. He took and performed an active and
principle part among the contending Nobles in the reign of James
the First. That Monarch, James, as the historical reader is
aware of, had been kept for niri'eteen years a prisoner in England
before his accession to the throne in 1442, and it was at length
agreed that a ransom of four hundred thousand marks should be
paid for his liberty. But the Scots it would appear, could only
advance part of the sum, and several Noblemen , among whom was

58 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Sir Thomas Boyd were given as hostages for the remainder. Some
historians, when speaking of this time mentioned that Thomas
Boyd of Kilmarnock (who we take to be Sir Thomas) was after
wards accused along with others of having wasted "the crown-
rents" during the Regency of the Duke of Albany, for which he
was put in confinement at Dalkeith, but soon obtained his
liberties by the Nobility interceeding in his behalf, and by him
making compensation for the offence by the payment of certain
fines into the Royal exchequer.
Sir Thomas married Johanna Montgomery of Androsson, by
whom he had two sons. Thomas his heir and William, who for
some time was Abbot of Kilwinning. Thomas died July, 1432,
and had a monument erected to his memory and that of his wife
in the old church of his native place.
Sir Thomas Boyd VIII. — Sir Thomas is placed on record in
History, chiefly on account of having slain Sir Allen Stewart
of Damley, between Linlithgow and Falkirt and of having been
himself killed through revenge on July 9, 1439, by Alexander, a
brother of Allen, at Craignaucht Hill, in the parish of Dunlop.
An account of the feuds or contests is given by an old historian
named Lindsey of Pitscottie, Scotland, as thus: "In the mean
time, the country was over-run and there was nothing but
murder, theft, and slaughter in the south and west of Scot
land. For Sir Thomas Boyd slew Allen Stewart of GartuUie at
Polmais Thome, three miles from Falkirk for an old feud that
was between them, in the third year after the death of King
James the First. Allen's death was soon revenged hereafter.
For Alexander Stewart to avenge his brother's slaughter, manfully
set upon Sir Thomas Boyd in plain battle, when the said Thomas
was cruelly slain and many valiant men on every side. The
battle was fought so fiercely, that both sides would retire and
leave others in their place and then recounter again at the sound
of the trumpet, until at last the victory turned in favor of Alex
ander Stewart." This deadly contest does not appear to have had
the effect of calming the deeply rooted animosity that existed
between the two factions, for another of the Stewarts was after
wards slain in revenge, by the Boyds, near the town of Dun-

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 59
barton. Such bloody duels were not of rare occurrence, at this
time, among the Scottish barons.
Whom Sir Thomas Boyd married, we are unable to obtain.
But their family consisted of four children whose names were
Robert, Alexander, Janet and Margaret. Robert succeeded his
father's estate and his successor, as Lord Robert Boyd.
Alexander lived at Duncan, Scotland, and was preceptor to King
James and was murdered on Castle Hill, Edinburgh, 1469, as
stated in the history of his brother. Janet became the wife of
John Alexander Maxwell of Calderwood. Margaret married
Lord Alexander Montgomery.
Sir Robert Boyd IX. — Robert the heir of his father's house
was a man more eminently distinguished than any of his prede
cessors. In 1459, he was made Lord of Parliament by King
James the Second. He afterwards filled the office of Lord
Justiciary of Scotland and was also in 1464 and 1465 ambassador
to England. But the elevated position he had obtained drew
down upon him the envy of other Nobles. He was accused
along -with his brother Alexander of having carried the young
King James the Third, only eight years of age, from Linlithgow
to Edinburgh for "to enter upon the regal government" while
he was yet in his minority. For the investigations of this matter
a Parliament was called in 1466, but the Boyds even by the
King, James II, himself were declared to have been only com
panions in that journey and therefore innocent of all crimes. A
decree to this effect was registered among the Acts of Parliament.
In the same month, Robert was constituted regent and intrusted
with defence of the King, and charge of his brothers and sisters,
beside the command or all the fortresses or places of importance
in the country. Robert was now at the Summit of distinction.
But earthly possessions and honors however extensive and daz
zling, are not always the source of solid happiness, as it has proved
so in this case. The rude Nobility of those days began to grumble
at the advancement he had made and began to study to over
throw him. At last the time came, and in a short time the
affection of the King was weaned from the Boyds by the insidi-
ousness of their enemies. At length a Parlim.ent was called and

60 HISTORY or THE BOYD F.A.MILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Robert and Alexander were stunmoned to answer such charges
as might be brought against them. According to the Historian
of Hawthonden (whom we have consulted) Robert Boyd appeared
on the day for his trial, with a considerable number of his friends
and vassals in arms for the purpose of over winning the Nobles
of the court, but finding by private conveyance of intelligence,
that they were bent upon his ruin, he fled into England. But his
brother. Sir Alexander Boyd, "who was arrested by sickness" and
trusting to his innocence, appeared before the Parliament. The
removing of the King from Linlithgow to Edinburgh (the principle
crime with which they were charged) was declared to be treason,
and in defiance of the act of Parliament passed in 1466, approv
ing of the same, the Boyds were all found guilty, condemned to be
executed and their lands . forfeited. Alexander Boyd suffered
accordingly on the Castle Hill of Edinburgh in 1469, and Thomas,
Earl of Arran and his father was declared rebels, notwithstanding
the former being absent on his mission to Denmark. Lord
Boyd on hearing the dismal fate of his family and brooding over
the same died the next year (1470) at Alnwick in England of a
broken heart.
Sir Robert Boyd married a daughter of Sir Robert Maxwell
of Caldenwood, Scotland, by whom his family consisted of four
children, namely: Thomas who was his oldest son and his
father's successor, and Alexander who after the death of his nephew,
still carried on the lineal line of the family. Archibald, who was
the ancestor of the family of Boyds, Bousham, Scotland. Eliza
beth the only daughter, married Archibald the fifth Earl of
Angus, and was the mother of the old Scottish poet, Gavin or
Gawin Douglass, who was sometime Bishop of Dunkeld, and
author of several poetical works. He was bom in Brechin,
about 1474, and died of the plague in London in 1522,
Sir Robert Boyd X. — Thomas the oldest son of Robert
Boyd, was a youth of extraordinary endo-wment of mind and
body. He married Margaret Stewart (sometimes called Mary)
the King's eldest sister, who soon after this was to have been
given by her mother in marriage to Edward, Prince of Wales.
By this union her husband obtained considerable wealth and was

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 61
created the Earl of Arran. At the time of the cruel sentence
against him and his father's family, he had been sent to Denmark
-with a magnificent retinue to bring home Margaret, the daughter
of Christiem the First of that country, who in accordance with a
previous treaty between that monarch and the court of Scotland,
was to have been given in marriage to the young king. He
knew nothing in regard to the fate of his father's family until
he had arrived in Leith Road with the Royal bride. He was
then apprized of the state of matters by his -wife the countess,
who had contrived, by disguising herself, to get on board his ship
before he landed, and accompanied by her, he immediately
retumed to Denmark, to avoid the impending danger, and then
entered into the service of the Duke of Burgundy, who became
his faithful friend until he died. King James pretended friend
ship to his sister, the wife of poor Thomas, and by letters which
he caused to be sent her in Denmark, encouraged her to return
to Scotland. She at first hesitated, but at length through these
solicitations obeyed in hope of obtaining a pardon and favor
from her royal brother for her husband, to whom she was so
tenderly devoted and attached. But instead of meeting a friendly
welcome, she was seized and placeii in confinement in the Dean
Castle during the life of her husband. And her marriage for
reasons for which history does not very satisfactorily explain was
declared null and void. Thomas died at Antwerp, Denmark in
1471. A tomb bearing an "honorable inscription" was erected
to his memory by his friend Charles, Duke of Burgundy. Soon
after his death, his wife was released from her confinement (and
it is said by compulsion) married the Lord Hamilton, to whom
the Earldom of Arran was then given.
Thomas Boyd's family consisted of a son and daughter
who were named James and Margaret. James was his successor
and Margaret married for her first husband. Lord Forbes, and
for her second. Earl Cassillis, but she had no children by either.
James Boyd XI. James was the only son of Thomas, and
is said to have been a youth of fine spirits surrounded with great
hopes. Several years after his father's death, the Lordship of
the Boyds was restored to him by a charter from King James

62 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the Third. This charter bears the date of 1483 and compre
hended the lands of Kilmarnock, Daloy, Nodesdale, Monsford,
Muir, Rawensdale, Ralson, Plate and many other lands in the
county of Ayr. But a more gloomy fate than that of his father's
awaited him, for he was slain in 14S4, while yet a young man,
in some petty feud by Hugh Montgomery of Eglinton, and his
extensive possessions returned to the crown.
Alexander Boyd XII. — JamxCS died without lea-ving any
descendants. Alexander, his uncle and brother of his father
being the next in the line of lineal descendants, the estate of
James was soon afterwards conferred upon him by the King.
Alexander becam.e a great favorite and friend of King James the
Fourth, who in 1505 constituted him Baillie and Chamberlin of
Kilmarnock. History gives us but little account of this man,
only that he married the daughter of Sir Robert Colville of
Ochiltree, Scotland, by whom he had three sons who were named
Robert, Thomas and Adam. Robert was his successor. Thomas
was the ancestor of the Boyds of Pitcon and Adam was of those
of Pentville and Flushing.
Robert Boyd XIII. — Robert Boyd had the estate and honors
of Lord Boyd restored to him in 1536 by James V. From the
statement of different writers he seems to have been a man of
strong resolution and undaunted courage. In the battle of
"Glasgow Field" as some old writers term it, fought about 1543,
between the Earl of Lennox and the Regent Hamilton, near
Kilmarnock during the minority of Queen Mary, he took so brave a
part, it is said, as to turn the tide of the conflict in favor of Hamil
ton. "In the heat of battle" says the author of the Annuals of
Glasgow, "while victory was doubtful, Robert Boyd of the
Kilmarncck family arrived with a small party of horsemen and
having valiantly thrust himself into the midst of the combat,
decided the fate of the day. In this engagement, there were
about three hundred slain on both sides. After this victory, the
Regent Hamiltqn immediately entered the city, and being ex
asperated against the citizens, gave it up to the soldiers to plunder,
which they did completely. They carried away or destroyed
everything movable, and even tore down the very doors and

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 63
windows of the houses. For thus periHng his hfe, in the behalf
of Regent Hamilton who stood high with the King, he was
immediately afterwards rewarded with additional honors, and
was succeeding heir to James Boyd, son of the Earl of Arran,
1544- Robert married Helen SomerviUe, a daughter of Sir John
Somerville of Comnathon, by whom he was the father of two
children, whose names were Robert and Margaret Boyd. Robert
was his successor, and Margaret married Neil Montgomery of
Landshaw. The latter marriage seemed to have engendered bad
feelings of friendship between the two families. For history
tells us that her father, with Mowatt of Busbie and others, assas
sinated Sir Neil Montgomery (supposed to have been her hus
band) of Lainshaw at Irvin in 1547, through revenge for the
death of her father's cousin James Boyd, whom we have stated
was killed by Hugh Montgomery in 1481. According to Robert
son's description of Cunningham, this feud was the cause of much
blood being shed throughout the district, and we are told by the
historians of the Rowallan family, that Robert the Master Boyd,
for some time after the slaughter of Neil Montgomery, did not
dare to appear openly within the country "for fear of pairty"
or in other language from dread of the Montgomeries and their
adherents. But a mutual agreement, is said, was at last made
between the two families and they lived in peace. Robert Boyd
died in the year of 1550.
Robert Boyd XIV. — Robert was known as the fourth
Lord Boyd and was a man of great honor and integrity
and steady in his adherence to the unfortunate Mary, Queen
of Scotts, in whose interest, with a considerable body of men
under his command, he fought at the battle of Langside, May 13,
1568, and was one of the Nobles, it is recorded, who formed around
the Queen's person during the conflict. In this battle, Queen
Mary's forces were defeated and she fled toward the boarder.
In her unhappy hour, she resolved to throw herself upon the pro
tection of the Queen of England. But after suffering twenty
years' imprisonment in England she was beheaded on the eighth
of February, 1587.

64 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
In the following year, Robert, with the Bishop of Ross had
a Commission under the hand and signet of the Queen, to treat
with Queen Elizabeth regarding "her rebellious subject in Scot
land." But for espousing the cause of Mary, he fell in the dis
favor of the Regent Morey and was commanded to leave the
country with both of his sons, who had also according to Chalmers
had been engaged in the same conflict. He afterwards obtained
the favor of James the Sixth and through his influence was one
of the commissioners appointed in 1578 and 1586 to form a treaty
with England. To whom Robert was married we are unable to
say or how many children he had. His oldest son was named
Thomas and became his father's successor. Robert Boyd was
bom in 15 17 and died January 3, 1589, an epitaph to his memory
may still be seen on a stone in the interior of the low church of
Kilmarnock. The stone which was part of the old church was
preserved by being put into the wall of the present building at
its erection in the year of 1802. The epitaph was as follows :
1589.
Heir lyis yt godlie Noble wyis lord Boyd
Quha Kirk & King & Commin well decoir'd
Quhilke war (quhill they yis jowell all injoyd)
Defendit, counsaild governd, be that lord.
His ancient hous (oft parreld) he restoired
Twyis sax & saxtie zeirs he leivd and syne
By death (ye third of Januare) devoird
In anno thryis fyve hundreth auchtye nyne.
Thomas Boyd XV. — Thomas was known as the fifth Lord
Boyd and obtained a charter to many lands and Baronies between
the years of 1595 and 1599. It also appears he was a sickly per
son and subject to bodily disease and was favored by James the
Sixth with a "pass empowering him to go to foreign countries for
the sake of his health." This pass read as follows : "We under
stand that our cousin, Thomas, Master of Boyds is vexed with
ane vehement dolour in his held, and other deseases in his body,
as he can not find susficient ease and remeid within our realm,
but in mynd to seik the same in foreign countries, quhair the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 65
sameyn maist convenientlie may be had thairfore (we) be the
tenor heer of gevis and grantis licene to the said Thomas Master
of Boyds, to depart and pass furth of our realm to the partis of
France, Flanderis, wall of the spa, and othens partis quhair he
pleases, thair to remain for seiking for cure and remedy of his
saidis diseasis,for space of thre zeiris after the date hereof," The
concluding passage was as follows: * "Providing always that
our said cousin do not attempt nothing in prejudice of us our
realim and religioun publiclie preachit and profeist within our
reahne or otherwais this our licence to be null and of none availe
force nor effect. Ge-vin under our signet and subscrivit with
our hand at our casteU of steivihny the XIIII day of Julij and
of our reigne the twelth zeia — 1.5.7,9. James R."
. Thomas Married Margaret the daughter of Sir Mathew
Campbell of Londoune, Scotland, and his family consisted of
six children, namely; Robert Martin Boyd his successor,
Sir Thomas Boyd of Bedbay, Adam, whose wife was Margaret
Galbreath a sister of Robert Galbreath of Kilbraith, and John
Boyd. One of the daughters became the wife of the Earl of
Abercome, another Blair of Blair, and the third of Elphington of
Blaythswood. Thomas died in 1619,
Robert Martin Boyd XVI. — Robert was the oldest son of
Thomas Boyd and would have succeeded him as sixth Lord Boyd
if he had lived, but died young. He married Jane, a daughter
of the Earl of Lothian by whom they had one son named Robert,
who became the Sixth Lord Boyd.
Robert Boyd XVII. — Robert was the sixth Lord Boyd, and
in 1620 and 1626, obtained a charter to several lands in Ayr
shire. His first wife was a daughter of the master of Eglinton
by whom he had no children. Soon after her death he m.arried
for his second wife a daughter of the Earl of Addington who is
spoken of in history for her great sympathy with the persecuted
Presbyterians. Her son Lord Boyd also warmly embraced the
sentiment of the Covenanters and subscribed to the National
Covenant on the first of March, 1638 in the Greyfriars church,
Edinburgh. By this union Robert's family consisted of one son

66 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
and four daughters as foUows: James his heir. The oldest
daughter married Morrison of Preston Grange. The second,
Sinclair of Stevenson. The third, Scott of Harden, and fourth,
Dundas of Armstrong.
James Boyd XVIII. — James the eight Lord Boyd, was to
use the language of a genealogist of the family "a man of great
worth and honor, and steady in his support of the unfortunate
Charles for which the usurper (Cromwell) fined him £1500. He
warmly embraced the sentiment of the Covenanters and subscribed
to the National Covenant on the first of March, 1638, in the
Greyfriars church, Edinburgh. As we have stated before, it
was during the life of this Lord that the part of Dean Castle on
which the Kilmarnock Arms are sculptured was erected.
James married Catherine Craik, who died in 1654, leaving
one son named William, who was his successor.
William Boyd XIX. — William was a man of great wit and
learning and much attached to the Royalty, for which King
Charles the Second created him Earl of Kilmamock on August
7, 1661. In 1672, a second charter was given him conferring
further rights and privileges on the town from the same king.
He died in 1692, leaving his oldest son his heir to his estate.
William Boyd XX. — William was the eldest son of his
father's family and was known as second Earl of Kilmamock.
He survived his father but a few months and died at the close
of same year, leaving two sons of which the eldest named WiUiam
succeeded him as his lawful heir.
William Boyd XXI. — ^William being the eldest of his father's
family became heir to his father in 1699, as the third Earl of
Kilmamock. In 1670, he gave a grant of land to his native
town, and was a prominent person among the tradesmen of that
place. In life he was much attached to the House of Hanover.
At the time that George the First was proclaimed in August,
1 7 14, he appeared -with the Bailies and other gentlemen on the
stair head of the old Council house where the ceremony was per
formed with great solemnity. The "Stairhead" says the Burgh
Record "was covered with carpet for the occasion, the "haiU
inhabitants" attended at the cross in which a large bonfire was

HISTORY OF THE B9YD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 67
kindled, the bells rung merrily and the evening was spent by all
parties in a loyal and joyful manner.
In 1715, when the Earl of Mar, gathered the clans of the
North amounting to twelve thousand men, in order to aid the
Pretender (the Leader of the Stewarts) the Earl still e-vinced his
fidelity and zeal to his Sovereign by serving in the Royal army
with a considerable body of men who was raised through his
influence at his native place and in its neighborhood. These men
according to Rae's History of the Rebellion were well disciplined
and presented a handsome appearance when the general muster
of the fencibles of Cunningham took place at Ervine in August,
1715. Rae says: "It is not to be forgot that the Earl of Kilmar
nock appeared here at the head of about five hundred men of
his o-wn, well appointed and expert in the exercise of their arms,
and that which added very much into it, was the early blossoms
of the loyal principal and education of William, who though
but eleven years of age appeared in arms with his father, and
gracefully behaved himself to the admiration of all the beholders.
In the following month whUe the Rebels were gathering at Perte,
expresses were issued throughout the west of Scotland, stating
that his Grace the Duke of Argyle had collected a force of men,
and had assembled at Glasgow. This sudden and surprising
alarm so excited the people of Kilmamock, his native place that
on Monday, September 19, they universally assembled in arms
with the rising sun and in the presence of him, offered cheerfully
to march forth-with to Glasgow. Of this number, two hundred
and twenty men were immediately sent, and the next day he went
with one hundred and twenty more whose presence very much
added to the general satisfaction and courage of the city. The
next day they entered upon duty, keeping watch night and day
till Saturday, the first of October, when they returned home
again. At that time the daring Rob Roy,- and the reckless clan of
the McGregors were robbing and plundering in the highlands.
In comipUance with a letter frcm the Duke of Argyle, William
marched hither with the volunteers of the west, to curb the
lawless doings of the freebooters. The house of Gartartan and of

68 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Perthshire was assigned as a garrison for his men, wherein they were
employed on duty from October 3, till the 13th of the same
month. Then they were relieved by a party of the Stirlingshire
Military, and they retumed to Glasgow where they were honorably
dismissed on November 21. William died in 17 17, leaving his
oldest son William his successor.
WiUiam Boyd XXIL— The history of WiUiam Boyd, the
fourth Earl of Kilmarnock is fraught with a more melancholy
interest than that of any of the former Noblemen of our illustrious
family. In the prosperity of his town, and its manufacturers
he always displayed a deep interest, was frequently present at
the meetings of council, and was much esteemed by the inhabit
ants. When the Earl succeeded to the estate of his father
William Boyd, it was very much reduced and his income was short
for a person of his standing. He married Lady Annie Livingston,
daughter and heiress of the Earl of Linlithgow and Callander,
who had been attended for joining in the Rebellion of 1715. She
was also a presumptive heiress of the Earldom of Errol, and is
said to have been highly accomplished and beautiful. His
family consisted of three sons. Earl of Errol, Charles and Wil
liam of whom we will speak of hereafter. His Lordship was the
last of the Boyds who resided in the ancient Castle of Dean, for
as we have already stated it was rendered uninhabitable by fire
in 1735- In 1745, Prince Charles (known as the founder of Stewart
dynastic of that year) planted his standard in Scotland and
succeeded in gaining the attachment and support of many of
the nobles and gentlemen of influence. William too became one
of his adherents, but whether through a love to the cause of the
Stewarts is uncertain. It is known previous to this time, his
public conduct betrayed no want of fidelity to the crown. Some
accounts says that he was induced to join Prince Charles by the
entreaties of his Countess, who was a catholic and consequently
inimical to the house of Hanover. Be it as it may have been, the
zeal of the unfortunate Nobleman in the cause of the young
chevalier, was evinced soon after the breaking out of the rebellion.
For we find that the Prince after marshaling the clans of the

Taken 174s

70 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
North, and when on his march to Edinburgh, lodged with
him one night in the Callander House, while his army lay among
the fields in the vicinity. Here it is said, he welcomed the Prince
and assured him of his uttermost support.
WUham Boyd the Earl of Kilmamock was by Prince Charles
appointed colonel of the Hussars and in that capacity accompanied
the insurgents into England. At the Battle of Falkirk he was
one of the principal actors, and on the day following he brought a
party of men into the town to guard some prisoners, a list of whom
he presented to the Prince at his lodgings.
An anecdote is mentioned by writers in connection with
the battle of Falkirk. It is told of the Earl's wife. She was then
residing at the Callander House in the vicinity, and in order to
divert the attention of Lieutenant-General Hawley, the com
mander of the Kings forces from the movements of the Prince,
she insidously invited him to breakfast. This well aimed scheme
was in some degree successful; for Hawley was so fascinated by
the elegant appearance and engaging demeanor of the countess,
that Prince Charles found ample opportunity for choosing as he
did a favorable position for his army. In short the general had
so far forgotten his duties that he had ultimately to be apprised
of the situation of the enemy by a messenger who was dispatched
to him for that purpose, and such it is said was his confusion
of mind when leaving the mansion that he left his hat behind him
and hurried bareheaded to the camp. The Battle of Falkirk in
which the young adventurer was victorious, was fought on the
afternoon of January 17, 1746.
In course of a few days. Prince Charles and his followers
marched to Sterling, and after a fruitless attempt to besiege the
castle retreated to the north. By this time the Duke of Cumber
land had arrived in Scotland -with addition of forces for the sup
pression of the RebeUion, and the day was rapidly approaching
when the golden hopes of the Prince and his adherents were
destined to perish. The Duke lost no time on foUo-wing them to
the Highlands, and on April 16, the two armies met on Drum^mos-
sie Moor, near CuUoden House, a short distance from Inverness.
We have no time and space to describe this sanguinary conflict

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 71
that ensued. Still as it proved disastrous to WUliam Boyd, a
succinct account of it may be appropriately given in these pages.
It is said that WiUiam Boyd, who commanded the foot guards at
this engagement, on beholding the cool determined appearance
of the formidable ranks of Cumberland, felt an inward conviction
that the Prince's army would be involved in defeat and ruin.
But not-withstanding the powerful aspect of their opponents, the
adherents of Charles, though greatly inferior in numbers, attacked
them like men resolved to conquer or perish.
According to various historians, the havoc which was made
among the poor Highlanders, in this Battle was dreadful in
the extreme. In some places on the field their bodies lay
in layers three or four deep, and many of the survivors were treated
-with greatest inhumanity by the reckless soldiers of the Duke.
Many of the vanquished who escaped death on the field of battle
were taken prisoners. Among them was WiUiam Boyd, who it
is said had received a wound in the engagement. In the confu
sion of the fight, or by the wind — ^for the weather was tempetous,
his hat ha-ving fallen from his head, he was escourted bare
headed along the line of the Royal Army. His eldest son who
was an ensign in the King's service at the same combat, with
feeling of pity, and affection beheld his father in that condition, and
at the risk of incurring the displeasure of his fellow officers,flew from
the ranks and with his own hat covered the head of his unfortunate
parent from the storm. Many eyes, it is said, were moistened
with tears on witnessing this noble act of filial regard on the part
of the youthful lord.
William Boyd with the other prisoners was carried to London
and imprisoned in the tower. A bill of indictment having been
found against him, he was brought to trial along with the Earl
of Cromarty and Lord' Balmerino on Monday July 28, 1746
in Westminster Hall, which had been fitted up -with great mag
nificence for the occasion. Unusual pomp was also displayed in
the assembling of the Judges. The Lord High Steward and the
Peers of whom a hundred and thirty-six were present. The
three Lords were brought from the tower in coaches, along-side
of which a strong military force marched as a guard. In the

72 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
coaches with the prisoners were the Deputy Governor of the
Tower, Captain MarshaU, and Mr. Fowler (the gentleman jaUer)
-with the ax, which was covered. The court being assembled and
the Seargent-at-anr.s having made proclamation for the bodies
of the prisoners, they were lead to the bar accompanied by the
gentleman-jailer who carried the ax with the edge turned from
them. The indictment of WiUiam Boyd was read, to which he
pleaded guilty and recommended himself to the mercy of the
King. The two other Lords being found guilty, the court ad
journed till the 30th, when the sentence was to be pronounced, and
the prisoners with the edge of "the ax turned toward them" were
conducted back to the tower.
On the day appointed the court again met, and the Lord
High Steward put the following questions to each of the prisoners.
"Have you anything to offer why judgment of death should not
be passed against you?" William Boyd rose and said: "I am
well aware of the crime of which I am charged, and sorry to have
to acknowledge my guilt. But I now throw myself upon the
sympathy and compassion of the court whom I implore you to
intercede with my Majesty in my behalf. I kindly aUude you to
the unsuUed character of my ancestors, to the service rendered
by my father in the support of the House of Hanover, and in the
promotion of revolution principles, and to my own adherence
and fidelity to those principles up to the moment which it was
said I was lead to join in the Rebellion. I also allude you to the
service of my oldest son in the cause of his Majesty, to the hatred
of Popery and arbitrary power which is said to have been instilled
into my mind, and is it possible that my endeavors in his educa
tion would have been successful, if I had not myself been sincere
in those principles, and an enemy to those measures, which has
involved me and my family in ruins. Had my mind been tainted
with disloyalty and disaffection, I could not have dissembled so
closely with my own famUy, but some tincture would have de
volved to my children. To you I will say I have bought no arms
or have I raised a single man for the Pretender, and when engaged
with the Rebels did I not frequently make myself useful to your
Majestic subjects, by assisting such persons as were wounded or

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 73
sick among the prisoners they had taken. Did I not separate
myself from the corps at the battle of CuUodon and surrender
myself when I could have made my escape. But my Lord, of all
I have offered is not a sufficient motive to your Lordship to induce
you to employ your interest, with your Majesty in my behalf,
I shall lay down my life with the utmost resignation, and my last
moments shall be employed in fervent prayers for the preservation
of the Ulustrious House of Hanover, and the peace and prosper
ity of Great Britain." Not-withstanding these seemingly sincere
sentiments of contrition for his errors, William Boyd unfortun
ately found no favor from the court. At the close of the trial,
the Lord High Steward made a speech to the prisoners and con
cluded by pronouncing sentence in the foUo-wing words: "The
judgment of the law is and the high court doth award that you
WiUiam, Earl of Kilmamock, George, Earl of Cromarty and
Arthur, Lord Balmerino, and every one of you, retum to the
prison of the Tower from whence you came from, thence you
must be driven to the place of execution: when you com.e there
you must be hanged by the neck, but not till you are dead for you
must be cut down alive, then your bowels must be taken out,
and burnt before your face, then your head must be severed from
your bodies, and your bodies must be divided each in four quarters,
and this must be at the King's disposal. And God Almighty be
merciful to your souls."
Petitions containing statem.ents similar to those embodied
in his speech at the trial were afterwards presented by William
Boyd to the King, the Prince of Wales and Duke of Cumberland.
A petition was also sent to the govemm.ent in his behalf, by the
to-wn counsel of KUmamock. His old family teacher. Professor
Moor, (mentioned in Chapter III) traveled aU the way to London
to intercede for him with persons of distinction, and it is said that
his tmhappy -wife hastened thither for the same purpose, but none
of these efforts had the effect of producing any mitigation of his
sentence. It is generally thought that his life would have been
spared, had not the Duke of Cumberland, believed that he had
sanctioned an order which was issued by the leaders of the
insurgents and signed "George Murray" to give no quarter to

74 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the King's troops. William Boyd emphatically declared that
he had no hand in the matter, in his petition to the Duke and
also to his fellow-sufferer Lord Balimerino, in their last interview,
in presence of the Rev. Mr. Foster and others on the day of his
execution. The appearance of WiUiam Boyd at his trial is thus described
by the Honorable Horace Wampole, who was present. "Lord
Kilmarnock is tall and slender with an extreme fine person. His
behavior a most just mixture between dignity and submission,
if in anything to be reprehended a little affected and his hair too
exactly dressed for a man in his situation. But when I say this,
it is not to find fault with him, but to show how little fault there
was to be found. He had the greatest nobleness of soul, and
desired to have Lord Cromarty pardoned and saved if there
could have been but one saved."
WiUiam Boyd was attended from August 7, till -within a
few minutes of his execution by the Rev. James Foster, an eminent
•dissenting clergyman, who published an interesting account of
his behavior after his sentence. From that work which I have
consulted, William appears to have been of a mild and benevolent
disposition. When approached on the subject of death, he spoke
calmly and rationally, like one who had been weaned from
the world, by the soothing influence of true religion. When told
that the warrant for his execution had come and the day was the
eighteenth, he evinced almost no perturbation of mind, but seemed
more concerned for the consequence of death than for the thing
itself, of which he said: "He had no great reason to be terrified,
for that the stroke appeared to be scarce so much as the pain of
drawing a tooth, or the first shock of a cold bath upon a weak
and fearful temper."
A minute detail of all the solemn and appalling circumstances
that would attend his execution was given to him by General
Williamson, to which he listened without betraying any inward
emotion. Among other things he was informed that the coffin
would be in a mourning hearse close to the scaffold. So that when
the head was struck off, it would be ready to receive it, to which
William Boyd said, "that he thought it would be better for the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 75
coffin to be placed upon the scaffold near by, that the body
would sooner be removed from sight." He was also told that the
executioner was not only an expert but a good sort of a man.
"General" he exclaimed, "this is one of the worst circumstances
you could have mentioned. For I can not thoroughly like, for such
work your good sort of man, one of that character I apprehend
must be tender hearted and compassionate, and a rougher and
less sensible temper might perhaps be better for one to be em
ployed." He requested of the General "that four persons might
be appointed to receive the head in the red cloth when it was
severed from the body, so it might not, as he had been informed
was the case in some former executions, allowed to roll about the
scaffold and be hereby mangled and disfigured. Adding he
thought this was in compassion but a small circumstance, he was
not wUling that his body should appear with any unnecessary
indecency after the just sentence of law had been satisfied."
"I now come" Mr. Foster says, "to the conclusion of this
dismal scene — his beha-vior on the day of his execution. I at
tended him in the moming about eight o'clock and found him in
a most cakn and happy temper -without any disturbance or con
fusion of mind. He continued all the moming in the same uni
form temper unruffled, and without any sudden -vicisitude and start
of passion. This remarkable appearance was, soon noted after
I had at his own desire made a short prayer with him, and General
WiUiamson came to inform him that the sheriff's waited for the
prisoner. At receiving this awful summons to go to death, he
was not in the least startled, but said calmly and gracefully,
"General I am ready, I'll foUow you." At the foot of the first
stairs he met and embraced Balmerino, who said to him, "My
Lord I am heartily sorry to have your company in this expedi
tion." From thence he walked ¦with the same formahties to the
Tower-gate, and after being delivered into the custody of the
sheriff, to the house about thirty rods from the scaffold provided
on Tower-hill, with a serenity, mUdness and dignity that greatly
surprised and affected the spectators."
After passing a short time in conversation ¦with Balmerino
and in prayer with Mr. Foster and others, "WiUiam Boyd took

76 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
his farewell of the gentlemen who attended him in a very affec
tionate manner, and went out of the room preceeded by the sheriff
and accompanied by his friends." "And I am informed," con
tinued Mr. Foster "of the foUowing particulars by Mr. Home,
that as he was stepping into the scaffold, not^withstanding the
great pains he had taken to famiUarize the outward apparatus of
death to his mind, nature stiU incurred upon him so that being
struck with such a variety of dreadful objects at once : The mul
titude, the block, his coffin, the executioner, the instrument of
death — he turned about and said, "Mr. Home, this is terrible."
The expression so suitable to this awful occasion, must to all
who knew the human heart, appear to be nothing else than the
language of nature, and was far from being a mark of unmanly
fear. His whole beha^vior was so- humble and resigned, that not
only his friends, but every spectator was deeply moved, even the
executioners burst into tears and were obliged to use artificial
spirits to support and strengthen them. After I had talked
¦with his Lordship a considerable time to support him in his
penitence and resignation, I embraced him, and left him in the same
calm disposition, ha^ving quit the scaffold some minutes before
the execution." What remains to be told of this mournful scene, we will
give in the words of Rev. Mr. Jameson, another Presbyterian
minister, who attended him, till his last moments. "My Lord's
hair having been dressed in a bag, it took sometime to undo it
and put it up in his cap, and the tucking his shirt under his waist
coat, that it might not obstruct the blow was the occasion of some
further small delay. But as soon as the preliminaries were
adjusted, his lordship gave the executioner notice what should be
the signal, took out a paper containing the head of his devotion,
went forward to his last stage and decently knelt do^wn at the
block, whether it was to support himself, or as a more convenient
position for devotion, he happened to lay his hands with his
head upon the same. The executioner observing, prayed his
lordship to let his hands fall down, lest they should be mangled
or break the blow. Then he was told that the neck of his waist
coat was in the way, upon which he rose up and with the help of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 77
one of his friends, Mr. Walkinshaw of Scotstown, had it taken
off. This done and the neck made bare to the shoulders he
knelt do^wn as before. This sufficiently shows that he enjoyed
full presence of mind to the last. Mr. Home's servant, who
held the cloth to receive the head, heard him direct the executioner
that in two minutes, he would give the signal. That dreadful
interval, to his friends who were upon the rack, appeared much
longer, but those who measured the time found it just about two
min-utes. This time he spent in fervent devotion, as appeared
by the motion of his hands, and now and then his head; having
then fixed his neck on the block, he gave the signal, and his body
remained ¦without the least motion except what was given by the
stroke of death, which he received in full and was hereby happily
eased at once of aU of its pains. William Boyd's remains were
accordingly, at his own request interred in the evening, close by
the side of Marquis of TuUibardine's in the church of St. Peter's.
On his coffin were these words: "Gulielmus, Comes de Kil
mamock, DecoUatus, i8, Augusti 1746, Aetat Suae 42."
Mr. Walkinshaw of Scotstown was at this time a Colonel in
the royal army. He was one of William Boyd's intimate friends,
beside holding the cloth to receive the head, he performed the
last melancholy duty of a friend by getting him interred. For
this service, which was purely that of friendship, he was put to
the bottom of the army list. He afterwards rose to the rank of
Major, and latterly to that of Lieutenant-Colonel. He died in
1793, at the age of seventy-two.
Soon after WiUiam Boyd's death, his eldest son, Lord Boyd,
who was then residing in Kilmamock, where the family was much
respected, wrote the foUo-wing letter to Colonel Walkinshaw at
Scarborough, thanking him in feeling terms for his attention to
his unfortunate father. The original manuscript, in 1884 was
in the possession of W. H. Cra-wford, Esq., of Crawfordland.
"My dear John: — I had your last post and I don't know in
what words to express how much I am obHged.to you for doing
the last duties to my unfortunate father. You knew him perfectly
weU that he was your best friend, the most affectionate husband
and the tenderest parent. Poor Lady Kilmamock bears her

78 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
loss much better than I could have imagined, but it was owing
to her being prepared several days before she got the melancholy
account of it. I shall be here some time, as I have a good deal
of business to do in this country. So I shall be extremely glad to
see you as soon as possible. I am my dear John your sincere
friend and obedient humble servant,
Kilmarnock (House), August 27, 1746. Boyd."
According to a declaration made by WiUiam Boyd, during
his confinement to his solicitor Mr. Ross, and to the Reverend
and Honorable Mr. Home, his -wife, although a Catholic, had
no hand in exciting him to join the rebeUion. But on thecontrary,
had endeavored to dissuade him from taking such a course. After
his death, she brooded in deepest melancholy over his fate in
a secluded avenue called "The Lady's Walk," which we have
already described, and part of which yet remains in the vicinity
of Kilmarnock house. Here she was wont to wander alone with
downcast look and pour forth the sorrow of her heart. She died
of grief at Kilmamock, September 16, 1747, having survived her
husband a little over a year after his death.
The foUowing extract was taken from Annie Boyd's testament
Dative. Showing her worth in her pecuniary circumstances at
the time of her death. It is to be remarked however, says Pater-
son from whom we quote it, "that -"nventories of this kind which
was compelled to be made in those days, were usually made up
upon the lowest calculation, in order to avoid legacy duty."
Inventory
There pretained and belonged to the said deceased Annie
(Livingston) Boyd, Countess of Kilmarnock, at the tim.e of her
death foresaid the particular goods and year following, valued at
the particular price after mentioned viz. : In the first, four cows
valued at one hundred and eighteen pounds Scots. Item on hay
stack at fifty-four pound Scots. Item a little com stack at
twenty-four pound ten shillings Scots. Item, the whole furniture,
utensils and domicile in and about the defuncto house at Kilmar
nock, at two hundred and twenty-one pounds Scots. Summa of the
inventory of the goods and year is — IV. CXVII pounds X. S. Scots.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 79
In the next place in the inventory, there was indebted endow
ing to the said defunct, the time of her death, for said the sura of
five hundred and seventy-four pound Scots money, arrears of her
fortune on the lands and Barony of Kilmamock due and resting
for the one-half of crops muijc and forty-seven years and pro
ceedings. "Summa of the inventory of the debts is, V. C. LXXIV
pound Scots.
"Summa of the inventory of the goods and debts is, IX. C.
LXXXXI pounds x. s. Scots."
Confirmation granted hereon into form by WiUiam Weir,
Commissar deputy and Alex Stevenson, clerk of the Commissaret
of Glasgow, at Glasgow, the fifth day of March muijc and forty-
eight years.
A few days before William Boyd's death, he wrote a couple
of letters, which copies came into my possession in 1884, but being
lengthy and for want of space I was obliged to omit them. Onis
of these was directed to his friend Boyd Paterson and was written
two days before his execution which you will see gave direction
in regard to his property and personal effects. The other was to
his oldest son. Earl of Errol and was -written the day before his
death, which gave him ad-vice in regard to the future welfare of his
mother and younger brothers. They were as foUows :
"Sir: — I have commanded to your care (meaning Boyd
Patterson) the enclosed packet to be delivered to my wife in the
manner your good sense shall dictate to you as being the least
shocking to her. Let her be prepared for it as much by degrees,
and with great tenderness, as the nature of the thing will admit
of. The entire dependence I have aU my life had the most just
reason to have on your integrity and friendship to my wife and
fanuly as well as to myself, make me desire that the enclosed
papers may come to my wife through your hands in confidence
that you wUl take aU pains to comfort her and reHeve the grief I
know she wUl be in, that you and her friends can. She is what I
leave dearest behind me in the world, and the greatest service you
can do to your dear friend is to contribute as much as possible
to her happiness in mind and in her affairs."

so HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
"You will peruse the State before you deliver it to her and
you will observe that there is a fund of hers (l don't mention that)
of five hundred Pound Scots a year as the interest, my mother-in-
law's portion in the Countess of Errol hands, which, I believe a con
siderable arrear upon it, which as I have ordered a copy of all
these papers to that countess, I did not care to put in. There is
another thing of a good deal of interest, which I mention only to
you, because it could be taken away without noise. It would be
better, but if it is pushed it will be necessary to defend it, and that is
a bond which you know Mr. Kerr, director to the chancery has of
me for a considerable sum of money with many years interest on
it, which was almost all Play Debt. I don't think I ever had
fifty pounds or the half of it of Mr. Kerr's money, and I am sure
I never had a hundred, which however I have put it to in the
enclosed Declaration, that my mind may be entirely at ease. My
intention -with respect to that sum was to wait until I had some
money, and then buy it off by a composition of three himdred
pounds, and if that was not accepted of, to defend it in which I
neither saw, nor now see anything unjust, and I now leave it on
my successors to do what they find most prudent in it.
"Besides my personal debts mentioned in general and par
ticular in the State, there is one in which I am liable in justice if it
is not paid, and that is owing to poor people who gave their work
for it by my orders. It was at Elgin in Murray when the regiment
I commanded wanted shoes. I commissioned something about
seventy pairs of shoes and brogues, which might come to about 3s, or
three and sixpence each one with another. The Magistrate's divided
them among the shoemakers of the Town for the price out of the
composition laid on them, and I have been told afterwards at
Inverness that it was believed the composition was other-wise
applied and the poor shoemakers not paid. As these poor people
brought by my orders, it wUl be a great ease to my heart to think
that they are not to lose by me, as so many have done in the course of
that year. But had I Hved I might have made some inquiries after it.
But now it is impossible as their hardships through my soldiers are
so interwoven with what was done by other people, that it would be
very hard if not impossible to separate them. If. you'll write to

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 81
Mr. Junes of Dalkinty at Elgin (with whom I was quartered
when I lay there) he -will send you an account of the shoes, and if
they were paid to the shoemakers or not. And if they are not I
beg you get my -wife or my successors to pay them when they can.
"Accept of my sincere thanks for your friendship, and good
service to me, continue them to my wife and cMldren, my best
-wishes are to you and yours and for the happiness and prosperity
of the good To-wn of Kilmamock. I am Sir, your h-umhle
servant. 'Kilmamock.' "
Tower of London, August i6, 1746.
The following letter I have said was written to his son the
day before his execution: Tower of London, August 17, 1746.
"Dear Boyd: — I must take this way to bid you farewell and
I pray God he may forever bless you and guide you in this world,
and bring to you a happy immortality in the years to come. I
will likewise give you my last advice. Seek God in your youth and
when you are old he -will not depart from you. Be at pains to
acquire good habits, that they may grow and become strong
to you. Love mankind and do justice to all men. Do good to .
as many as you can and neither shut your ears nor your purse to
those in distress when it is in your power to relieve. Believe me,
you -wUl find more joy in one beneficent action and in your cool
morning you -will be more happy with the reflection of having
made any one person so, who -without your assistance would have
been miserable, than in the enjoyment of all the pleasures of such
which pall in the using — and of all the pomps and gaudy shoes of
the world. Live within your circumstances by which means
you wUl have in your power to do good to others, prefer the public
-interest to your own whenever they interfered. Love your family
and your children when you have any, but never let your regard
for them drive you on the rock I split upon. When on that
accotmt I departed from my principles and brought the guilt of
rebellion on my head, for which I am now under the sentence
justly due to my crime. Use all your interest to get your brother
pardoned and brought home as soon as possible, and his eircum-

82 HISTORY OF. THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
stances and bad influences of those he is among may not induce
him to accept of foreign service and loose him both to his country
and his family. If money can be found to support him, I wish
you would advise him to go to Geneva where his principles of
religion and liberty will be confirmed, and where he may stay
till you see if a pardon can be procured for him. As soon as
Commodore Barnet comes home, inquire for your brother Billie
and take care of him on my account. I must again recommend
your unhappy mother to you, comfort her and take aU the care
you can of your brothers, and may God in his infinite mercy
preserve, guide and conduct you, and then through all the vicissi
tudes of this life and after it, bring you to the habitation of the
just and make you happy in the enjoyment of himself to all
eternity. "Your loving and unfortunate father,
William, Earl of Kilmarnock."
The unfortunate WUHam Boyd had three sons, Robert the
Earl of Errol, who was called Lord Boyd, Charles and WUliam.
Lord Boyd, the oldest son, whom the above letter was addressed,
served in the Scots FusUeers, in the Royal Army at the Battle
of CuUouden. By a trust deed dated 1732 and confirmed by the
house of Peers in 1752, he recovered the land of Kilmamock
which had been forfeited by his father, which he sold afterwards
to the Earl of Glencairn; On the death of his grand aunt the
Countess of Errol in her own right he succeeded to the title of
Errol, in 1758. After he had disposedof the title of his fore
fathers, which sale closed the last title of the Boyds, which had
been handed down from one generation to another for nearlj^-
eight hundred years, he took up his residence at Aberdeenshire,
Scotland, in Slains castle, which was situated upon the sea coast
at that place.
There is a tradition that some years after his father's death,
he visited Kilmarnock, so long the property and residence of his
illustrious family. The Dean Castle, though in mins, which
had been the scenes of his childhood happy hours, he hastened
to survey. When he had reached the head of the town, his eyes
caught a view of its venerable walls. He. paused to gaze upon

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 83
them for a moment — painful associations, were awakened within
him. The remembrance of his father's unhappy fate rushed
upon his mind. Trembling -with emotion he could go no farther —
but bursting into tears, he at once turned hurriedly away from
the scenes never to -visit them again. The advice of his father
"do good to others" was one of his best mottoes of his Hfe,
and after raising a large famUy of his own, he died at CaUander
House in the year of 1778.
Charles Boyd, the second son of WiUiam who took up the spirit
of the rebellion with his father, and was also engaged in the same
battle of Dummosie Moor -with his father, soom after the fight,
fled to the Island of Arran, the ancient property of the Boyds,
where he concealed himself for a year. He then went to France
and then married a French Lady and resided there for about
twenty years, when a pardon was granted to all the Rebels and
he retumed again to his native country and resided with his
brother at Aberdeenshire. We have no more history of his
famUy. The history of WiUiam, the other brother, called in the
letter of his father "BUlie," we have but a little knowledge of,
only he was in the Royal Navy and was promoted in 1761 to a
company of the fourteenth Infantry. Being so close to the
Revolutionary war, he may have been sent to America with his
regiment. Some Boyd families today connect their lineage to
him or to a Boyd of that name who settled in the Middle or East
ern States. . But they cannot go back any farther to prove their
claims. If it was him, he may have deserted the British cause at
that time and remained .here in secretness. For many of "the
Boyd famihes here, find their ancestors came to this country
about the time of Stewart dynastic of 1745—46, and no doubt
other Boyds were in the same fight with William Boyd, the ill-
fated Earl of Kilmarnock, and were obliged to flee to a place of
safety for fear of apprehension.
The present Earl of Errol, known as Hays, we may add, is
the direct descendant of the Boyd family in the lineal line. In
the Peerage of the United Kingdom, he is caUed Baron Kilmarnock
of Kilmamock.

CHAPTER V
History of the Stewarts of Scotland
The Stewart or Steuarts of Scotland as a family named are
descend ants from the Ulustrious and noble man Robert Bruce, who
gained for his Ulfated countrymen, their independence after
several years of suffering and hardships, and being hunted as a
refugee through mountains and valleys of his native country
Scotland, imtil June 23, 13 14, when the hard fought battle of
Bannockbum gave to the Scottish people their independence.
Prior to this, Bruce had been defeated and compelled to
flee from his enemies. In the spring of 1307, Bruce returned
from one of his hiding places upon a small island named Rachin,
off the Northern coast of Ireland, gathered together a small band
of foUowers (numbering six hundred) and on May 10, on a well
chosen position of Louden HUl, (some fifteen or twenty miles
from KUmamock in Ayrshire) gave battle to the English force
under the command of the Earl of Pembroke. Bruce posted his
six hundred spearmen, and cooly awaited the attack of the English
cavalry. They advanced and charged, but the spearman stood
firm, the cavalry reeled and broke. The Earl was totally defeated
and retreated to the castle of Ayr. Bruce followers now began
to have confidence in him and from this time he gradually gained
ground. On July 7, 1307, Edward I died and the contest was taken
up by his son Edward II, who advanced at once into Scotland, to
bring the rebellious Scots under submission. Again Bruce was
fotmd equal to the emergency, knowing that his forces were

86 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
unequal to his enemies, resolved on strategem. So with his fol
lowers in front of the invading army, drove aU the cattle and
horses into the pastures of the mountains, and destroyed all the
products of the earth. Edward II soon found that to save his
army from destruction by starvation, he was compeUed to retire
from the territory, whUe Bruce hung like Hghtning from the
clouds upon the rear of his enemy.
In the spring of 1314, Edward II again entered Scotland with
another army of one hundred thousand men, including many from
Wales and Ireland. More than one-half of them being cavalry,
he commenced an act've campaign to bring the Scots into sub
mission. AU this time Bruce had not been idle, for he had brought
together some thirty thousand true Scotchmen on foot and five
hundred cavalry, and had ordered his men to meet in the Toi-wood
(Forest) near Stiriing. He prepared to guard and strengthen
their position to the utmost, and to fight on foot. After a care
ful examination of the grounds, he resolved to divide his army
into four divisions. Three of them forming a front line inclining
to the Southeast facing the advance of the enemy. The fourth
division was held in reserve and placed behind the center, under
the command ot the king himself.
The formation of the Scotch Spearmen was a series of soHd
circles so inclines in front as to most effectively to resent the
shock of cavalry charges. The right flank of his line was well
protected by the rugged ground and by the broken banks of the
Bannockburn, while his left wing was admirably secured by pits
and trenches which effectively limited the space for the movement
of the enemies cavalry. On June 23, the enemy appeared and
opened the battle by attempting to force a body of cavalry into
the castle of Sterling. But they were repulsed by Randolph, the
Earl of Moray, for the Scotch had made all arrangements for
the battle, and had passed the night under arms upon the field.
At daybreak, the Abbot of Inchaffany celebrated Mass on an
entrance in front of the army. He then passed along the line
and in a few words exhorted the Scots to fight for their rights
and liberty. The soldiers breakfasted and placed themselves
under their different banners in battle array.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 87
The battle raged -with utmost fury. The EngHsh attempted
by desperate charges, many times repeated to break through the
Scottish Spearmen, but in vain. All during this important hour
they thought of the home of their fathers and their own native
hearths, and remembered the many grinding injuries, galling out
rages, cruel and unmitigated suffering, during the long years
they had passed, they rushed on to victory.
After a while, Bruce seeing the enemy flaying, he encouraged
his leaders to strive on, and assured them that the victory would
soon be won. He then brought up the reserve and all the dis^isions
of his army was engaged. The English fought bravely, making
many attempts to pierce through the front of the Spearmen, and
at every successive charge lost more men and horses and fell
into great confusion. There was heard afar the clashing of armor,
the mingled shout of war-crys, the agonizing moans and groans
of the wounded and d}n.ng. The ground was streaming with
blood and strewn with shreds of armour, broken spears, arrows,
and peimons, rich scarfs and armonical bearings, soiled with
blood and clay.
At last the English broke in a disjointed squadron and began
to quit the fleld. King Edward stood and gazed intently upon
the scenes around him, and remained on the fatal field until all
was lost, and at last fled in utter bewUderment. The struggle
was soon over, and glory to the heroes who fought and bled and
fell on Baimockbum. Thirty thousand of the English fell upon
the field, and the standards of twenty-seven Barons were laid in
the dust and their owners slain. Two hundred knights and seven
hundred Squires were among the fallen. The English prisoners
fell into the Scotch hands consisted of twenty-two Barons, sixty
Knights and a multitude of the lower ranks. On the Scotch side,
only two men of high rank fell on the field and four thousand
men. It was said, Bruce showed a noble character in the hour of
victory and treated his fallen enemies and prisoners with great
respect and humanity, which was a far different policy than would
have been done if King Edward had been the victor.
In this engagement which took place so close to the home of
the Boyds of Kilmarnock, this illustrious house took an active

88 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
part in this battle, and were loyal admirers of Robert Bruce. But
who they were, we have no record, and history only gives us the
name of one. This was Sir Robert Boyd IV, who was a great
and noble Patriot. He was among the first of the Scottish Noble
men who raUied around the standard of Robert Bruce, and with
exception of that Monarch's immediate relatives, he was perhaps
the only person of distinction in Ayrshire who -espoused his in
terest when he first offered defiance to the King of England.
He continued a faithful supporter of the sam.e tUl the independence
of Scotland was established by the decisive battle of Bannockburn,
in which he acted as one of the principle leaders, and for this.
important service he rendered his country, was given by Bruce,
the lands of his fallenjenemy which we will give more account of
hereafter. Robert Bruce was the father of a daughter, named Margery
Bruce, who married Walter, called at the time Steward or Sen-
schal (a word derived at that time from the French for Steward
or Stewart), who afterwards married David II, later the King of
Scotland. The Steward or high Steward of Scotland at this time
whose duties were to be the chief of the household, to collect and
manage the crown revenues, and to hold the first place in the
army next to the King in Battle. The office was conferred by
David I on Walter Fitzalan, a brother of Simon Boyd, who was
the founder of the Royal famUy or house of Stewarts. The
ascension of Robert the Seventh, High Stewart to the throne, as
Robert II merged the Seneschalship in the crown, but the estate
of the Stewarts afterwards became the appendage of the King's
oldest son, and by act of the Scottish Parliament of 1469, the
title of Prince and High Steward of Scotland, Duke of Rothsay,
Earl of Carnich, Baron of Renfew and Lord of Isles, were vested
in the oldest son and heir apparent of the Crown of Scotland
forever. So the Great Steward of Scotland has thus become one
of the titles of the Prince of Wales.
In our sketch of the House of Stewarts, we wiU start from the
Norman Alan Fitzfleald, the father of Walter Stewart and also
of Simon Boyd the progenitors of the Boyds of Scotland, who
died 1 1 14, who received from Henry I the lands and castle of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 89
Owestry in Shopshire. His oldest son William Fitzland from
lies to II 60, remained in England and became the ancestor
of the Earl of Arundel, who through an heiress in 1546, that
Earldom has passed to the Duke of Norfolk. The second son
Walter, died in 11 7 7, came to Scotland in the service of David I
and -had large possessions conferred on him in Renfrewshire, etc.,
along -with the dignity of Steward of Scotland, which became
hereditary in his family and gave his descendants the sure name of
Stewart. Some branches called it "Steuart."
For seven generations the stewardship descended without a
break from father to Son. Walter, the grandson of the first
Stewart, held in addition the office of Justizciary of Scotland and
was one of the Ambassadors sent in 1239 to fetch Marie-de-Conct
the second -wife of Alexander II. His third Son Walter, called
Balock, by his marriage -with the daughter of Maurice, Earl of
Menteith received the earldom which by his great grand daughter
Margaret was conveyed to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany,
Son of Robert II. Alexander the fourth Steward from 12 14 to
1283, was regent of Scotland in Alexander III minority. He
commanded at the Battle of Large in i263,^and invading the
Isle of Man annexed it to the Scottish Crown. By his second
son's marriage with the heiress of Bonkyle, sprang the Stewarts of
Damley, Lenox and Aubique. James the fifth Stewart from 1243
to 1309, was one of the six Regents of Scotland. After the
death of Alexander, Walter the sixth Stewart, from 1293 to
1326 occupied a conspicuous place among Bruce's companions
in Arms. He did good service at Bannockburn and four years
later, defeated at Berwick, Edward II in person. He married
in 13 1 5 Margery (some writers called it Margaret) Bruce's
daughter which eventfully brought the Crown of Scotland to his
family. His son by Margery, Robert, was the seventh Steward
in 1316 to 1390, and on the death of David II in 1371 be ascended
the throne as Robert II. In his life he was twice married. First
in 1349 to Elizabeth, daughter of Sir Adam Muse Rowalter and
second in 1350, to Eaphemia Countess of Moray, daughter of
Hugh, Earl of Ross. His third son Robert (1349-1420) was in
1398 created Duke of Albany. The fourth son Alexander, in

90 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
1374, got to be the Earl of Buchan, and is famous in history as
Wolf of Badenock, Between the years of 13 17 and the year of
1 7 14, a period of three hundred and forty-three years, fourteen
Stewarts sat upon the Scottish throne, and six of them on the
English throne.
The house of Stewarts has proven to have been one of the
most unlucky houses of Scotland. For more than four hundred
years, fate seemed to have been against it, and many of
them were driven from home as refugees, and many met a more
dreadful fate, "the Block" as you will see by the following history
of the family namely: — First was Robert III (of 1340 to 1406)
whose eldest son named David, Duke of Rothsay, was starved to
death in prison. About this time, King Henry IV of England,
had an advantage over one, who by his situation, was most likely
to disturb his government. This was Robert III, then King of
Scotland, a Prince of slender capacity, who had a brother the
Duke of Albany having assumed the govemment of State. Not
being satisfied with his present authority and jealous of his
brother's office, and knowing him to be feeble in body, and that
his sons would soon enter upon the throne of Scotland, entertained
the criminal purpose of making away with his brother, Robert's
sons, and acquiring the crown for his own family. To carry out
his intentions, he seized David, his eldest nephew, and threw him
in prison, where he perished with hunger, unknown to the king,
his brother. James, a younger brother of David, now stood
between the tyrant and the throne, and KJing Robert seeing his
son's danger, put him aboard of a ship secretly, -with the purpose
of sending him to France and intrusting his welfare to the care
of a friendly power. Unfortunately the vessel was taken by the
English, and the young Prince, then in his ninth year, was carried
to London, and although there existed at that time a truce between
the two kingdoms, Henry refused to give him up. Robert, the
father worn out with the cares and infirmities, and unable to
bear the shock of his last misfortune, soon afterwards died on April
4, 1406. James I (1394 to 1437) was eighteen years a prisoner and
afterwards murdered, James II (1430 to 1460) was killed at the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 91
siege of Roxbourgh. James III (145 1 to 1489) was murdered
with his son in a rebellion against him. He had been defeated
and was fljdng from the field when his horse fell and injured him.
He was carried into a cottage, where he met his death. James
IV (1473 to 1513) was slain upon the Flodden Field and his
beloved mistress Margaret Drummond was poisoned to death.
James V (1512 to 1542) died with grief over his army being defeated
at Solway Moss. Mary (1542 to 1587) was beheaded at Fother-
ingham by Queen Elizabeth. She was twice a widow and held for
twenty years a captive by the above Queen. James VI and I
(1566 to 1625) was Henry Stewart, Lord Damly, her cousin and
husband was blown up in his Lodging house. James I of Eng
land died -with suspicions of being poisoned by Lord Benkinham.
His daughter Elizabeth Stewart was the Ulustrious winter Queen
of Bohema, his cousin Arabella diedinsaneinthetower of London.
Charles I (1600 to 1649) "was beheaded. Charles II (1620 to
1685) passed many years in ex-ile after the fatal battle of Wor-
chester. James VIII and II (1633-1701) was driven from his
throne and for twelve years of his youth an exile, and again
twelve years of his old age. Mary (1662 to 1694) daughter
of James IV, died childless and Anna her sister (1665 to 1714)
lost all of her children in infancy. James VII and II by his
second Queen, Mary of Modena, had a son, James Francis Ed
wards, born at St. James palace, June 10, 1688.
Henry the Cardinal, called himself Henry IX by the grace
of God, but not by the grace of man. It has been fallaciously
said that a cousin of Queen Anna may be found in every family
of modem ladies in every Cathedral in the cities of England.
In England the Stewarts gave that country rulers of the
names of Charles I, Charles II, James II, Mary the wife of WiUiam
II and III. Annie with the two pretenders James and Charles
Edward, Henry VII was the father of Margaret, who married
James IV of Scotland and their son was James V of Scotland.
James V, was the father of Mary, Queen of Scots, and Mary, Queen
of Scots was the mother of James I of England.
The Scotch as a Nation were very radical, but no king could
be less Democratic than the Stewarts. The Scotch in heart

92 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
were Presbyterians and Puritans, but the Stewart kings were
Catholics in heart at least and anything but Puritans, either in
morals or religion. Perhaps Charles I was the best one of them
all, and worst of all of our dynastic leaders.
The synopsis of the Stewart family is finely given from the
historic note book by Rev. E. Cobham, LL.D., Philadelphia, and
published by J. B. Lippincott Co. in 1892, as follows:
"The Stewarts descended from Margery, daughter of Robert
Bruce, who married Walter sixth Steward Seneschel of Scotland.
Malcom IV, was the father of William, the Lyon who succeeded
himself and of David Earl of Huntington. William the Lyons
had no issue. David Earl of Huntington was the father of
Margaret Isabella, who married Robert Bruce and Ada. Josie
Margaret, she was the mother of Devoirgoil and John Baliol
and was the son of Devoirgoil great-great grandson of Malcolm
IV. Now take Isabella (wife of Robert Bruce) was the Bruce
(Robert Bruce No. i). The Bruce (Robert) was the father of
Margery Bruce who married Walter Steward or Seneschel and
their son was David II Steward or Stewart in French spelling.
Lady Macbeth was the grand daughter of Kenneth IV, who was
killed in 1003, fighting against Malcolm II. Macbeth who was
accused, did not murder Duncan in his castle of Inverness, but
attacked and slew him at a place called Bothgowan or Gunch
house near Elgan in 1040. The clans of Macbeth as grand
son of Malcolm II was according to Scotch, much better than .'
that of Duncan."
Like their territorial neighbors the Earl of Kilmamock, the
Crawfords were always faithful to the selfated Stewarts, and
when William Boyd the last Earl of Kilmamock, went to the
scaffold on tower hill for his Jacobits adhesion he was attended
to his doom by the brotherly Laird of Crawfordland. For this
public exhibition of love and sympathy says Paterson, Crawford
land was put to the bottom of the army list."

CHAPTER VI
History of the Early Boyd Family of Ireland
In presenting to you, our readers, this short sketch of the
Boyds of that romantic country of Ireland, whose homes were
in among the deep grassy valleys, surrounded by high green hills
and vales, of the northern part of that renowned country lying
but a short distance west of Kilmamock city, the former ancient
home of the Boyds of Scotland which was only separated from the
same by the North Channel, a small body of water of some
seventy miles distance from their native home. And from her
shores today, she has the honor of being the embarking place of
all Scotch-Irish emigrants to America. So today, most all of our
Boyd famUies can only trace their lineage back to that noted
land. For nearly three years we have lived, with great hopes,
to have obtained more direct history of the Boyds of that country,
which had been promised us by descendants of some of the
Boyd families now living in this country, whose birth place and
younger days were spent in that romantic region. But we have
been disappointed and are obHged to go to the press without the
same. What we now give has come to our notice from other
sources. Prior to the sixteenth century, Ireland was settled by a race
of inhabitants who had but little enterprise. They lived in hovels
or huts in a barbarous manner, spending most of their time in
idleness and of no great interest to the govemment of England,
who at that time had the controlHng power over Ireland as well
as that of Scotland. [93l

94 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
As we have stated in our historical chapter, when King
James I ascended the throne in 1603, he at once offered great
inducements to his countrymen of Scotland to come and settle
upon the lands owned by the native Irish, that had been vacated
by their removal from the same, by orders of King James govem
ment. The time rolled on for a few years longer, or until the year
161 2, when a large company of vigorous, hardy and independant
young Scotchmen from all parts of Scotland, but chiefly from the
county of Argyle and Ayershire, then only a few miles across the
channel to separate them irorq. their friends of their native
country, came over to Ireland, which they did and soon spread
over the Northern Counties of Antrirn, Downs and Londonderry,
while a few others settled farther to the South and West. There
is no doubt that among them were many families of the Boyds,
who settled here as a permanent home to escape the persecution
of their native country.
The first trace of the early Boyd family in Ireland was at the
time of the seige of Londonderry. To the east of this renowned
city, a few miles, rested in the County of Antrim, a small Pres
byterian vUlage called Aghadowey, one of the oldest Presby
terian settlements in Ireland. At this time (1689) found at this
settlement the Rev. Thomas Boyd, who had ministered
almost from the time of the plantation to the little settlement of
this place. He had succeeded the predecessor of the Rev. James
McGregor, who had come over here to America.
A few days before the seige of Londonderry commenced
(which took place April 15, 1689) this aged soldier Divine, for
he must have been between seventy and eighty years old at the
time, gathered all the members of his congregation one afternoon
on what was called the green or lawn, in front of the old church.
Here he held a service, picturing to his congregation the advance
ment of the Irish troops toward the Ulfated city. He then after
wards picked out all the youths and men who were able to carry
arms. Then mounting upon a small grassy elevation on the
lawn, with his sword by his side and Bible in hand, with his long
white waving hair hanging over his shoulders, he addressed the
men and his hearers, and aroused them to the highest pitch of re-

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 95
ligious and patriotic enthusiasm. Then formed them into a
company of soldiers, and placed himself in front, as chief
or commander, and marched at the head of his company to the
walls of Londonderry, where, old as he was, he prayed and fought
and endured all the deprivations and horrors of that famous and
awful siege. He afterwards, retumed to his old home again,
where he lived for nine or ten years in peace, to see his cherished
religion saved, and died among those of his younger days in 1699.
Although this event occurred over two hundred years ago
to this very day, his memory is as fresh amongst the people of
Aghadowey who now reside there, as though he had only Hved
twenty years ago. The spot where he stood to address his con
gregation before he marched with his men to Londonderry, is
still pointed out to all who may -visit that place. He is said to
have been a tall, slender, old gentleman and had a very command
ing appearance and was a favorite -with all that knew him.
At this time, there were several other famihes of Boyds living
at this place. And there were others of the Boyd name who went
with Reverend Thomas Boyd to Londonderry, but being less
noted men, their names and deeds have passed into oblivion. At
the present day, there are several Boyds, still living there, who
are prominent in civil history, and one of their cleverest judges
descends from the old ancient family of Boyds.
On our investigation, another family of Boyds of note in
Ireland were those of Bally Castle in the County of Antrim in
the Northern part. This place was settled in 1736, consisting of
two parts known as the Upper and Lower Quay. Both of these
vUlages were connected by a fine avenue of trees along the way.
The first settlement of this town was made by one Hugh Boyd, to
whom Alexander, Earl of Antrim, granted in 1736 a lease in per
petuity of all the coal mines, etc. from Bonamargy to Far-hean.
He built here a church, erected coal furnaces, iron foundries,
salt pans, glass furnaces, breweries, tanyards and in a short
time" obtained for the settlement the reputation of being the
most flourishing town in Ireland. Mr. Hamilton Wright in 1786
described the town as having gone completely to decay. Its
founder Hugh Boyd established here an excellent machine, but

96 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
unfortunately left it without any permanent principal of motion.
The dark shadows of the picture are today pointed out of large
stone houses and factories and the dwellings of the contemplated
places in a complete state of of utter decapitation. The
custom house has been constructed into barracks and even the
collieries, a source of immense wealth, are worked but at intervals
with a little revenue.
In 1724, six of the eight mines were worked by an English
company. They were succeeded by Mr. Boyd for several years
afterwards, until rendered useless by the sea. He received
grants from the Irish Parliament to the amount of £23,000 to
improve the harbor and quay. Mr. Boyd died in 1780, and left his
estate to his sons.' They did not follow him with the business.
Who his descendants were or if any of them came to America is
not known to the writer.
Another settlement of these Boyds in Ireland was upon the
eastern coast and we refer the reader to the Boston Boyds
in this book. This old Homestead -was situated at what is
called Movilla which in the language of that country was called^
"Ma-HiU" or "Maugh-iU" when interpretated the Maughment
means a plain. This place was situated one mile from Newtown-
ard, an old ancient town, settled in King James I'stime. The
interpretation of the last word had the meaning an eminence, or
in other words a "New-town on an Eminence" and was about ten
miles from Belfast, one of the principle ports of those days, where
so many of the Boyds embarked for America. The whole popu
lation in and about Newtownards was originally from Scotland.
Their language, attachments, reHgious observances of set times
and holiday prejudices and antipathes were all Scotch, even to
the honest belief in witches and a good liking to bag-pipes.
Donaghadee, situated ten miles from Newtownards and
twenty-two miles from Belfast was a famous shippirig port of
cattle across the channel to Port Patrick in Scotland. These
droves were mostly raised in the northwestern part of Ireland and
generally were driven through Newtownard on their way to
Donaghadee in charge of the "Upper County men" better known
as Irish settlers. William Boyd, Esq. of Mansfield, Mass., now

HISTORY OF THE BOYD F.AMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 97
deceased, wrote me in 1884 'at the age of eighty-four years, whose
early home was in this part of the country, said: "That among
my boyhood recollections, the other boys as well as myself
would be attracted toward the cattle that was on the way to
market to see their immense growth of their horns. Our mothers
would call us in by saying, 'Come in, an stay in till them folks
hae a gane away, for they er Erish oot then an' ye mawnna gang
neer them.' " The Boyds trace back to this place, by descendants
in this country, to one Hugh Boyd, who was bom at Moville in
1742, who married Jane Craig at this place in 1766, and died at the
advance age of seventy years. He was a farmer, and was buried
at his birth place as given in the Records of the Boyds of Boston.
At this place were several other Boyd families of which we have
no record. Another prominent settlement of Boyds was in Roscommon
County, Ireland. This settlement we have but little record of.
From this place descended the Rev. William Boyd, who came
over in 17 18 to New England with the memorial address to Geo.
Shute, which upon the same bore several names of Boyd. A
descendant of this noted minister was Captain William Boyd
an old sea captain who came over the blue waters of the ocean
fourteen times, bringing Scotch- Irish emigrants to America. He
was bom in 17 19 and died in 1790, and today has many descend
ants here.
Another settlement of Boyds in Ireland was at Ballgaston —
in the County of Antrim. One of the progenitors of this family
was James Boyd, who was bom here in 1735, and came a few
years afterwards to Bridgton, N. J. He died here in December
23, 1 775) and from him descended some of the most prominent
families of the State. He is said to have been a linen merchant
while residing in Ireland.

CHAPTER VII
Description of the "Coat of Arms"
IN THE Boyd Family

In the early history and records of England, Ireland and
Scotland, the different families were distinguished from one and
another by what -was called a "Coat of Arms." These Coats of

coat of arms of BOYD FAMILY
Arms were usually bestowed upon certain male members of
families, the same as medals are given for honorable deeds in this
country. In Scotland, England and Ireland, this medal was usually
given for gallantry upon the field of battle. Loyalty to the
King, and for Knighthood, High Steward or any other title of
honor that the head ruler of the government may see fit, or deem
the person worthy of distinction. These Coats of Arms (more
properly called Heralds) are governed and regulated by the laws
[99]

100 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
of the country to which they belong. The jurisdiction in the
question of Arms and the office under which they are executed in
England is called the "Herald College of England." Those of
Scotland by the name of the "Lyon Court of Scotland" and those
of Ireland "the College of Arms of Ireland." No one in the
whole united kingdom is entitled to wear any shield or medal
without first having a hereditary descent, or a grant from the
government for honorary distinction. Any person wrongfully
using a Coat of Arms in those country falsely, is subject to a heavy
penalty and fine. And when a person used a heraldic shield
rightfully or wrongfully, it subjected the bearer to an annual tax
to the govemment. Not only the Coat of Arms, but it is uiUaw-
ful for any person to use a "Crest" or any figure of device placed
upon a Heraldic wreath which is considered a crest, without
authority and the Heraldic officer is authorized to collect from
such persons the regular tax the same as legally granted. In the
United States, there is no law in regard to Heraldry, and any persons
-who choose may use any emblematic sign he or she may see fit.
The Coat of Arms of the Old Country consisted of many
devices, but mostly in form of a shield, with a figure on the top
called a "Crest." Sometime the shield bears upon it the form of
animals, like the Goldberry Coat of Arms of the Boyd family of-
1460, which has two squirrels or the seal of England, which has
two Lions. Some have figures, some have flowers upon them, but
in general are made only of two kind of metals, gold or silver,
which in heralding are called "Or and Argent." The colors
adopted in Heraldry are generally five: red, blue, black, green and
purple, which are more or less blended together.
The Coat of Arms was first brought into use in the eleventh
and twelfth century, and at that time was in the shape of a boy's
kite, a form which seems to have been borrowed from the Sicil-
lians. Its object was designed to reward the person and the
family for good conduct or honorary purpose. Should the person
disgrace himself afterwards, they were taken away by the govem
ment and only restored again when some other member of the
family or the same person redeemed their former standing. In
Scotland, in the olden times, when a person brought disgrace

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS

101

upon himself or family, all must suffer equally the same, which
can be more plainly seen, to have been the case by the ancient
famUy of Boyds in Scotland. In the Peerage of Scotland, which
we have consulted , we find that the original Arms of Kilmamock
family of the Boyds, the oldest of any clan of that family are thus
described: "Azure (a fess cheque) argent and gules:" Crest, a
dexter hand, coped at the wrist, erect, pointing with the thumb
and the two next fingers, the others turned down: Supporters,
two squirrels proper: Motto: "Confido, I trust." On the lower
scroll, however of the various prints of the arms as given to Sir
Robert Boyd of 1460, the word Goldberry usually appears, but

c:^CaTgt^

"^<3^

of its real meaning, we have met with no explicit explanation, but
have formed an opinion regarding this Coat of Arms, for we
find a similar one is given in Robertson's "Ayrshire Families."
Many of these mottoes on the Armorial bearings of the ancient
nobility, had their origin in some particular war-cry, or singular
heroic deeds. The word in question, therefore may have been
adopted, as we formerly said, in commemoration of the bravery of
Sir Robert Boyd, who according to tradition, when engaged at the
battle of Large, attacked and defeated, with a Httle band of fear
less followers, a strong detachment of Norwegians at a place called
"Goldberry HiU" a few miles south of the main scenes of action.
The oldest representation of the Arms of any of the Boyd
families is a seal of Robert, first Lord Boyd, now preserved amone

102 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS

the "Tweeddale Charters." The document to which it is appre
hended, and to which Sir Robert Boyd (not yet ennobled) seems
to have been a witness is a "Precept of Seisin" for infesting Sir
David Hay of Yester, Knight in the fourth part of the lands of
the Baronies of Yester, etc., in excambion for the lands of Teling
in Forfar, and it bears the date the tenth of January, 145 1. The
arms are as follows: "Couche (a fess cheque:) Crest on a helmet
with mantlings, a dexter hand, with the two last fingers turned
down, issuing from a coronet of three points. Supporters, two
squirrels. Legend, Sigillum Roberti Boyd De Kilmarnoc.
Plate third is from a seal attached
to a document of Robert Lord Boyd
in 1 460, represents the ancient armorial
bearing of the family. It will be found
to resemble very closely the one just
described, and the only difference in
the legend is that the latter has "DN"
(for dominus or lord) which does not
occur in the former. It has neither
the motto Confido, nor the word Gold
berry, but as will be observed, it has a
coronet and helmet below the dexter
hand.
Plate four is taken
from a piece of plate now
in the possession of the
Boyds of Portland, Me.
This rare piece of anti
quity was given to Mary
the daughter of King
James II, upon her mar
riage to Sir Thomas
Boyd in the fifteenth
century, but by whom
given, we have not been
informed.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS

103

The city of Kilmarnock (Scotland) Burgh Seal is similar to
the arms of the Boyd's save that wants the coronet and
helmet as well as the two squirrels. Around the shield are the
words "Sigillum Commune Burgh de Kilmarnock" and beneath
it "Virtute Industria."
Upon the examination of the different Coat of Arms, given
to the respective Boyd families in the old world, which by the
consulting of Burk's "Peerage, Baronage and Knightage" and
Burk's "Heraldic Dictionary" (two valuable works by the same
author on this subject). We find the Coat of Arms in Scotland
given to members of this family were ten in number, namely:
Boyd (Kilmamock, County of Ayr, Scotland).
This is the Coat of Arms of the old and ancient family of
Boyds in Scotland, who descended from Robert, the oldest son
of Simon, who was the third son of Alan, and who was surnamed
"Boyt or Boyd" from the Celtic word "Boidh", meaning fair or
yellow complexion, and he was living in the year 1205. From
this family descended Thomas Boyd, the celebrated Earl of Arran,
of 1467, who was the husband of Mary Stewart, sister of James II
of Scotland. There was another de
cree of arms granted to a descendant
of the same family as that of William
Boyd, who was the iU-fated Earl of
Kilmarnock, who suffered for his par
ticipation in the uprising of 174S,
better known to the world today as
the Stuart dynasty of that year, and
causing so many of the Boyd family
to seek homes in a foreign land. This
Coat of Arms is as follows: (Arms)
The shield was chiefly argent (mean
ing, made of silver or some other kind
of white metal) : Azure (blue) Gules
(Red); having across the face in the center a fesse chequy (a
horizontal band filled with checked figures, these checks being
sometimes blue and red according to what the main face of the
shield might be) .

104 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
"Crest" (meaning an emblematic sign placed on top of the
shield) consisting of a dexter hand (a right hand) erect, issuing
out of a wreath of feathers and pointing with the thumb and two
fingers perpendicular.
Motto: "Confido" a Latin word, meaning "trust" or "I
trust" placed upon the shield under the crest.
Boyd. (Portincross, County of Ayr, Scotland).
The Coat of Arms of the Portincross famUy was given to a
cadet of Kilmarnock, and the heiress of Grizel, a daughter of Sir
Robert Boyd of the Portincross family, who married Alexander
FuUarton of Kilmichel in Arran , and died in 1 7 9 2 , leaving descend
ants. (Arms). They were almost like the Kilmamock Boyds, but
differing in only having a plain bordure around the shield.
Boyd. (Mertin Hall, County of Wigton, Scotland).
These arms were granted to a descendant of WUliam Boyd,
Abbot of Kilwinning; a son of Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock and,
Joanna his wife, a daughter of Sir John Montgomery of Adrossin.
The Abbot, William Boyd, had a dispensation from Rome and re
ceived grants of lands in Lanarkshire in Scotland, which descended
in lineal succession until sold by the late Rev. William Boyd, D. D.,
of Mertin Hall, father of the present Edward Boyd of the same
place. (Arms). The same as the Kilmamock Boyds.
Boyd. (Picon, County of Ayr, Scotland).
These Arms were granted to a descendant of Thomas Boyd,
second son of Alexander Boyd of Kilmarnock.
(Arms). Nearly same as the Kilmarnock family, except
a plain bordure around the shield.
"Crest." A hand coped and pointing a thumb and two
fingers perpendicular.
Motto: The Latin word "spes mea in Coelis" meaning "my
hope is in Heaven" or the Heavens.
Boyd. (Carlung, County of Ayr, Scotland).
These arms were given to a scion (a younger branch) of the
Boyd family of Piteon, and they bore the same arms.
Boyd. (Edinburgh, County of Edinburgh, Scotland.)

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 105
To whom given is not known.
(Arms). The shield was principally azure (blue) a fesse'
chequy (having a belt across it in checks) and the dividing line
of the check was argent (sUvery or white) . It was gtUes (having
lines running up and down) between three roses in chief on top
of the shield, and a crest rising out of the second or middle one.
The crest or hand may have been the same as the Boyds of Kil
marnock. Boyd. (Pint Hill, Lanark County, Scotland) .
(Arms). The shield was principally azure (blue), a fesse
chequy, (checkered) the lines between the checks were argent
(silver or white) gules (lines running perpendicular) in base across
molin or crest.
Motto. "Prudentie me Sustinct" a Latin meaning word,
"Prudence Sustains me."
Boyd. Trochrig, Scotland.)
To whom given is not known.
(Arms). The shield was azure (blue), having a fesse chequy
(a checkered belt across it horizontally) . The lines of the same
being argent (silvery or white) gules (lines running up and down)
between two crosses or crosslet (a small cross) fitchu in chief,
with as many stars in the base of the second "Crest" resting upon
the shield a sun dial.
Motto. The Latin word "Elemtatum Cogita" which in
terpreted the meaning, is "Think on Eternity."
Boyd. (Roslair, County of Wexford, Scotland.)
This was granted to a descendant of the Kilmarnock family;
but later from Higatt Boyd, Esq., to whom his cousin John
Higatt, Esq. of Roslair, bequeathed his estate by will dated 1677.
The present descendant of this ancient family is James Boyd of the
same place, who was high sheriff of the County of Wexford, 1831.
The arms, crest and motto are the same as the Kilmarnock
Boyds. Boyd. (Danson, County of Kent, Scotland).
To whom given is not known.
(Arms). The shield is azure (blue) and or (golden) gules
(lines running up and down) in chief three mullets (fish) with the

106 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
second fish in the base in crescent gold a "Crest", upon the top
of the shield in the place of the hand, three ostrich feathers rising
out of a wreath.
Motto the same as Kilmarnock Boyds.
If there have been grants to members of the Boyd families
in England and Ireland, we are unable to say as we have found
no record of them in our researches.

The Clans and Tartans of the Boyds in Scotland
In the feudal days of Scotland, this country was found
more or less divided and occupied by what was called "Clans,"
and in the past history of these days, it is shown the country was
overrun by at least ninety-six or more bands of these fearless
warriors. At this time, each clan consisted of several chiefs
occupying sections of land in the high and low lands of this
romantic country, which had been given them by the Government
for gallantry upon the field of battle or other loyal deeds of honor.
Upon these grounds, the chiefs owned large, extensive and indis-
tructible castles surrounded by men tenants, called vassals,
who were at all times ready to protect their leaders domain,
and occupying huts around the strong holds, in easy distance of
being called in emergency by their leaders.
The Boyds, although leaders, for many years among their
people, were not known to have a separate Clanship or Tartan
of their own. But in being in close lineal descent with the Stewarts
became prominent members of that noted Clan and shared with
them the hardships and misfortunes of this world in war or peace.
It must never be forgotten that prior to 1746, when the Clan
system ceased to be known, a Clan was something very different
from a modern Clan Society. Prior to 1745, a Clan consisted
of a set of men, all bearing the same surname and believing them
selves to be related, one to another and to have descended from
the same stock of ancestors in years gone by. The members of
every clan, seems to have been united to each other, not only by
the fedual but by a patriotic bond, for most of the individuals,
who composed the clan, if they were vassals or tenants of their

history of the BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 107
own hereditary chief, they were found to have descended from
his family, and they were able to count exactly the degree of their
descent, and the right of primo geniture, together with the weak
ness of law to reach inaccessible countries, had in the revolution
of centuries converted their natural principles of connection
between the Chief of the Clan and his people was found the
most sacred ties of human life. The castle of a chief was a kind
of palace, to which every man of his clan was welcome, and where
he was entertained according to his station in time of peace, and
to which all would flock at the sound of war. Thus the meanest
of the Clan, believing himself to be as well born as the chief him
self, gave to the latter all respects of himself.
The Clansmen did not look upon their chiefs merely as
their landlords, but as the representatives of the old patriarchs
or fathers of the clan, for they held the same office and authority
after having lost their estates, and the members of the Clan
felt themselves as much bound for the chief's support as when he
was in full possession of his rights. There are several instances
on record, where the estates being confiscated by the government
and the chief in exile, the Clansmen subjected themselves to a
voluntary assessment for his support.
In retum for such loyalty and devotion, the chief was bound
to protect his followers even against the loss, and he was held
accountable to the law for depredations or violence committed by
any member of the Clan, and was also bound to provide for
every member of the Clan. Thus the connection was sustained
by mutual benefits and kind offices ; the most condescending man
ner being employed on both sides.
After the year 1745, the Clan system came to an end, the
chief accepting crown charters for what were known as Clan
lands. This and the repressive act which deprived Highlanders
of their arms (instruments of war) and their picturesque dress, so
disgusted them that many of them left their native land (including
many of the Boyds) and sought homes beyond the Atlantic. It
has been estimated that between the year of 1763 and 1775, up
wards of twenty thousand Highlanders left the lands of their birth
rather than suffer the hardships of their government at home.

108 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The obnoxious "Disarming Act" of 1747 remained in force
till 1782, when it was repealed through the influence of the gallant
Duke of Montrose. The tyranical administration of the Act
continued long enough to stamp out the use of the Highland
dress at least among the lower classes, and almost put an end to
the manufacture of tartan.
Tartan is not a Gaelic word; the striped or spotted cloth
under this name is called "Breacan" derived from brace chequered.
In the old Gaelic tale of Curio, assigned by competent authorities,
to the fourteenth century, the word "breacan" occurs, various
colored cloth have from a very early period been worn by the
several Highland clans. Originally, tartans was worn only by
the native inhabiting the Highlands, which not only excluded the
Lowlands or Border Counties on the south, but also the northeast
of the country, and in modem times, many tartans have been
invented and manufactured and were named after the Border
tribes of the Lowlands.
The first tartan that has been known was a dress worn by
King James V, while hunting in the Highlands in the year of 1538.
An item of account of the material in the same is found in the
Account of the Lord High Treasurer of Scotland, dated August
of that year. While there can be but a little doubt that district
tartans are older than Clan tartans, for it is on record, evidence
to prove the existence of Clan tartans as early as 1587. In a
charter of that year granted to Hector MacLean, an heir of
Duart, certain land in Islay, the free duty is made payable in
the form of sixty rolls of cloth of white, black and green colors,
which is shown to correspond with the hunting tartan of the
house of Duart.
It should be borne in mind that many Clans have from one
to four various tartans. Such was the case of the Stewarts and
the Boyds, as one of the leading chiefs of the same. They were
known as the old originally Stewart; the royal Stewarts, the dress
Stewarts, and Prince Charles Edwards. But of the Boyd family,
they were called namely: the Clan Tartan; the Chief's Tartan,
worn only by himself and heir; the Dress Tartan, and the Hunting
Tartan.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 109
Up to the time 1745, a person could be easily distinguished
who he was and what Clan he belonged to by his dress and in time
of battle a foe was easily distinguished from a friend. We have
accounts of chiefs selecting out each other from the other warriors
and engaging one another in a mortal combat. For one instance
tis sa:id Lord Boyd saw Lord Soulis in 1444, and went forth to
slay him. No doubt it was his dress that caught Lord Boyd's
eye, so that he could distinguish him from the other warriors.
Each Clan in the Highland and Lowlands had its own war cry
or slogan to which every Clansman responded. It served as a
watchword in case of sudden alarm, in the confusion of battle or
in the darkness of night. There war cries, so far was used the
same by all chiefs and warriors of each Clan and when one of their
number was in peril in battle it was given to summon help to their
side. The Clans were also distinguished by badges worn in their
boimets, which were usually green plants or some native plants of
their country. The Boyds favorite flower was clauran in Scotch
meaning a thistle and the green leaves around same, were called
Daray (meaning Oak) . Each Clan had certain music which they
played upon their bagpipes when on the march or in the field of
battle. This was also a favorite custom among the Clans. The
sacred music of the Boyds was the same as the Stewart's and
was as follows: The common or chief salute in Scotch were:
"Earrach an aighis a Ghleami". The name of its piece in
English was (Lovely Spring in the Glen). At a gathering Scotch
"Bratach Bhan nan Stiub hartach" (The Stewart White banner)
on the march song "Thainig mo High air tir ane Muideart" (My
King has landed at Noi dart).
The Scotch plaid used by the Boyds for their Tartan we will
describe as follows: The Clan Tartan consisted of a blue back
ground or field work, set lines running up and down across the
face, also black lines the same forming a fessie checker. This
tartan has been known as the tartan of the Boyds for many years.
The dress Tartan was of a white back ground, with red, blue,
black and white stripes up and down, across its face. The
Hunting Tartan had a green face with blue, black, red and yellow
stripes across the face to form the fessie checkers. The royal

110 HISTORV OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Tartan which was used by the chief only consisted of a red back
ground and had stripes running as that of the Hunting Tartan.
The originality of this Tartan dress as near as we can trace it is
as follows: The first ancestor of this gallant and royal race to which the
Boyds belong, for five centuries or more drew from the Scottish
people instances of love, loyalty and devotion even to their death,
such as no other Clan or Royal house in Europe can boast, was
a Britan Nobleman nairied Alan, a cadet of the ancient Count of
Doland Dinan in Brittany. In cros.sing to England he was ap
pointed sheriff of Shropshire by Henry I, whom by his eldest son
William Fitz Alan he became an ancestor of the Earls of Arundel
and the Dukes of Norfolk, etc., while his seconds on Walter Fitz
Alan (a brother of Simon, whom the Boyds descended) was the
progenitor of the House of Stewart. Walter crossed the border
into Scotland and received from King David I the office of Great
Steward of Scotland, an office subsequently made hereditary in
his family. He was notable as the founder of Paisley Abbey,
which he and his successors endowed in such munificence, as no
other private family has equaled. An Alan, (a Boyd) and
Walter carried on the line to the time of Alexander II, the second,
Walter, being the father of (i) Alexander, his successor and (2)
Walter, created Earl of Menteth, in right of his wife by whom he
became ancestor of the Stewart and Graham' Earls of Menteth,
Stratheam and Airth. This ancient branch of the Stewarts is
today represented by Sir James Stuart Menteth, third Baronet
of Closbum in Dumfriesshire.
Up to this time, the family had no surname (surname being
hardly known which confuses the readers to trace the lineage
in Scotland today), but Walter, the brother of Simon Boyd — the
third Stewart assumed as his family surname, the name of his
office, which was then invariably pronounced Stewart instead of
Steuart of the present time. In this way it will be seen that the
old and in the circumstances of its adoption, the correct form of
spelling for the race as a whole is Stewart. The form Stuart is
traceable to the alliance between Scotland and France, the first
or second to use it being Sir John Stuart of Darnley (ancestor of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 111
Henry Lord Darnley,) who became a French Nobleman and died in
the French service about 1429. The form Stewart also originates
in the same cause owing to the absence of the letter "w" in the
French alphabet.
Alexander the fourth Stewart and his brother Walter, Eail
of Menteth, led the right wing of the Scottish army at the battle
of Large in 1263. Sir Robert Boyd also commanded a detach
ment in the same battle, and for the part he took in the same, was
rewarded by King Alexander III, lands in Cunningham and for
his bravery, the word "Gold Berry" sometime appears on the
Kilmarnock Coat of Arms. In this battle the Danish power in
Scotland was finally subdued. Alexander left two sons, James
his successor and Sir John who fell at the battle of Falkirk in
1298, commanding the Scottish army which then opposed Edward
I of England, and from James descended the lineal line of Royal
Stewarts through the marriage of his son Walter with the Princess
Marjory Bruce, and from his brother John descended many
ancestors of the Stewart family of Scotland. Walter the sixth
Stewart at the age of twenty-one lead his vassals to Bannock
bum, when along with his cousin the "Good Sir James" of Doug
lass, commanded the "Third B attah on" as Barbour called it of
Bruce's army. In the following year he married the Princess
Marjory Bruce, by whom he had one son Robert (Boyd) who
ultimately ascended the throne as Robert II. Walter died at the
age of thirty-three, and he was destined to a life of danger and
enterprise not exceeded by the romantic career of his descendant
Prince Charlie. At the age of sixteen, he fought at the head of
his vassals (including the Boyds of Kilmarnock) at the battle of
Halidon Hill, where the Scottish army was totally defeated and
his country's independence well nigh lost. He was outlawed
and his lands and offices confiscated, with him was a number of
Boyds. But raising his banner, his followers flocked around him
and they drove the English out of his ancestral home while the
other Scottish Nobles joining forces with him, he gradually
recovered the lost grounds and was appointed Regent of Scotland
before he was twenty-one years of age. Although his uncle David
II, reigned in person in Scotland for about eighteen years, the

112 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Stewarts and their Clans was the virtual ruler from about 1338
tUl his death in 1390. We -wUl not carry this issue any farther
only to say that the Boyds were always true friends of the
Stewarts and they were highly held in esteem by them and
suffered along with them. They did not hold the first place in
government as the Stewarts did, but in councU, in peace or war,
they were one of the trusty leaders and counted iipon to com
mand a prominent position in the battle and government of
Scotland. Therefore the Tartans were the same and today are
classed with them.

CHAPTER VIII
" Our Boyds of America "
In searching and investigating the records of many of the
Boyd families in America, and connecting them back to those
of Ireland and Scotland, has been very unsatisfactory to descend
ants in the New World. We find but a few who claim the emi
gration of their Ancestory came direct from Scotland here. But
most of them trace back their ancestors to the northern part of
Ireland to those who emigrated there from Scotland years before.
One of the greatest difficulties to overcome in our researches in
Ireland and Scotland, was that the Boyds were of strict Presby
terian faith and at the time of leaving those countries for America,
they came here strong adherents to that religion, while the de
scendants of the eldest son of Alan, a brother of the Boyds were
Catholics and known as the Stewarts. The latter according to
the ancient custom of that country, inherited the crown.
This without doubt, caused an envious feeling to rise in the bosom
of the Boyds, causing them to adhere more strictly to their Pres
byterian faith. The Boyds stood foremost and were looked upon
as the leading faction, until the Stuarts had drawn to their folds
a large proportion of the Catholic powers of England, Ireland
and Scotland and with the insignificant James who became their
cousin by marrying a descendant of the Boyds, and whom the
Boyds had always befriended, turned against those of his wife's
kindred, and drove many to a foreign land as we have stated.
After this time the family of the name of Boyd was not safe on
account of their Presbyterian faith, and to escape the persecu- lii.i]

114 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
tions at home, where the young mother with her cherished infant
in her arms, felt that the next hour would find her driven from her
home to take refuge in the forest, and her devoted husband and
protector dragged forth to some dismal dungeon for his irreligious
faith and then according to the will of his accusers made to suffer
the block. This was in the fifteenth century and the time rolled
along until the year 1612, -without any change and only for the
worst, when a large number of Scotch emigrants wishing to escape
the persecutions at home, took their families and went into the
northern part of Ireland and lived in seclusion, and afterwards
stole away unknown to their persecutors and emigrated to the
New World. Those are known as "Scotch-Irish emigrants to
America." Today the records show that many of the Boyds
went with them. Many of the branches of the Boyd family here
can trace their ancestry back to Ireland and no farther. This
shows that many of them had gone there to escape their persecu
tions at home in Scotland. Their friends in that country kept
their hiding place a secret, and not revealing the same at the time
of their death, buried with them all earthly knowledge as to their
former homes in that country. And without doubt in after
years many of these Boyds came to America and settled. Many of
there descendants tell us that their ancestors would never mention
a history of their early life, showing that they had some hidden
cause which they for pride's sake of their families refused to reveal.
The early homes of the Boyds in America principally in the United
States were many. History shows us that they have existed here
for more than two hundred years. We find among the marriage
bonds filed in the secretary's office at Albany, N. Y., of the provi
dence of New York in the year of 1762 to 1765, no less than ten
different couples, where one of the contracting parties was a Boyd,
and in our researches, we have only been enabled to locate the
descendants of one of them, Ebenezer Boyd of the Kent Hneage
of this book. In other parts of the United States at this time,
there must have been many more, for today, hardly a township
in this country what has persons, as well as families of that name.
The first record we have any account of was at Londonderry,
New Hampshire. Here records shows us that a number of the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 115
Boyds came over with a large number of Scotch-Irish emigrants,
who sent over here first, the Rev. William Boyd a Presbyterian
minister of Maccosgum Ireland with a memorial address to
Governor Shute of Massachusetts, who was then governor of
New England in 1718. He brought with him a petition of two
hundred and seventeen signatures, asking the gift of land of that
Governor to form a settlement here. In this list now on record,
there were ten persons by the name of Boyd. The name of
Robert, WiUiam, John and Samuel occurred several times and if
they are the same, or each one a different person it is not known
to us. As soon as Rev. Boyd accomplished his undertaking here,
he sent or went back to Ireland, and his friends immediately
embarked in five ships from Belfast and landed at Boston, August
4, 1 7 18. From here, they soon went to New Hampshire and
formed a settlement and called it Londonderry after the native
city, that had saved their religion a few years before in 1689.
How many Boyds came with these emigrants, the records are
now lost. For we can only find the descendants of one family
from this emigration, that is of Captain William Boyd, whose home
was at the above place. He came along with the early settlers a few
years after its settlement. He was an old sea captain and came over
the dark blue waters between the two countries (Ireland and United
States) fourteen times, bringing Scotch-Irish emigrants. With
this Captain Boyd, many of the Boyds found their way to Amer
ica, between the years of 1 7 1 8 and 1 7 5 1 . He was bom in 1 7 1 9 and
died in 1 790 and today has many descendants in the United States.
The next Port of entry was that of New York City. Here
probably more landed than any other city in the New World.
From here they spread up the Hudson River, and worked their
way back west through New York State, and settled in many
of the little frontier settlements of those days. Among these
the famUies of Albany, New Windsor, Kent, Middletown and
Salem, as well as the Northumberland County, Pennsylvania
Boyds are the offsprings of. But none of the above are able to
trace their lineage back across the ocean.
The next settlement of the Boyds in the United' States was
in Pennsylvania. They landed at Philadelphia before the Revolu-

116 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
tionary War. From here they spread through the different
counties of that state, and west to Ohio and other western states
and have today a large number of descendants. We have not
been able to trace them far enough to connect them with the
other families of Boyds, that the reader -wiU find in this book.
The fourth settlement is the Boyds of Maryland, Virginia,
and the Southem states. Their landing place was at Baltimore,
Md., Richmond, Va., Charleston, S. C, and at other ports along
the coast of the Southem States. They came here at an early
day and their descendants are scattered through these states as
well as that of West Virginia, Kentucky and Tennesee, and today
there are counties and towns that bears their names. Our re
searches in these states has been limited. During the cruel CivU
War of 1861 to 1865, both armies over-ran this territory with
fire and destruction. Many famUy records were destroyed never
to be recovered again. The writer has in his possession many
letters from descendants of the Boyds in these states who have
gone West, who wish to recover lost records of their ancestors.
In researching the records of the Register office of Scotland,
we found only the record of the oldest son of each family in the
lineal line in that country. Without doubt, many of the different
Boyd families of this country are from 3'^ounger sons, of whom no
records have been kept in Scotland. As near as we are able to
' trace the respective families of this book, they are from the Kil
marnock Boyds of the County of Ayr, Scotland. Some may have
come from Wigton and Argyle, a branch of the Kilmarnock family,
for these three counties were the principle homes of the Boyds,
in the Old World, and from here they went to Ireland in their
emigration to the United States.
The traits of the Boyds are numerous. In all of our research
we find them to be men and women of the highest standing.
Although there are no family or branches in the genealogical line
of the same, but what had members who were not worthy of
themselves or other. But of the Boyds, we find as little imper
fections in building up an honorable person, than any other
family tha-t we have become acquainted with. In statue, the
Boyds as a class, were tall, slender (in good proportion to height)

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 117
with long features, and high foreheads. In all descendants can
be seen the same characteristics found among the early Boyds of
Scotland. They are of a fair complexion, which from the same,
they in an early day were called Boit or Boydel, which in the
Latin language means fair or beautiful, from which they derived
their name. And we have records of descendants of the past,
that were noted for their great beauty. As for age, the Boyds
are as a general thing long Hved. They are known in several
instances to have reached the age of one hundred years, and one
member. General Boyd of Albany, lived to see, it is said one
hundred and fourteen years. A few years ago in the Kent Boyds
family, were two old veterans, Hiram Boyd of Conesus, N. Y.,
father of the -writer, who lived to the good old age of eighty-six
years and never had a physician called for any physical ailment
tUl his death bed. The other, StiUman Boyd of Jefferson Valley,
N. Y., who died at the same age, never knew what it was to have
a pain. In disposition of the Boyds, they are slow to anger, but when
once aroused, they were firm in their undertakings. Their word
was like the Gospel truth, when they promised to do any thing,
it was certain they would do it. They always despised a person
who would not tell the truth, and held themselves above such
persons. They were charitable to the poor, and the needy were
never seen to want for charity sake. They were driven to many
deeds in Scotland, of which if they had received different treatment
from their enemies they would have done far different. At the
time of the Revolutionary War, the most of the Boyds were firm
in the hatred to the British cause. They were brave and daring
in opposing England's encroachment upon the young republic.
And whatever position that they were placed in, they would never
reveal nothing, and died like martyrs, with closed lips. Such was
"^he fate of Thomas Boyd, who lost his life in the Sullivan campaign
against the Seneca Indians, September 14, 1779, near the present
sight of Cuylerville, N. Y. When questioned by Butler the
British Tory, as to the intention of Boyds commander's army,
and knowing at the same time a refusal was to him death, he
revealed nothing, and died with sealed lips. So it was the same

118 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
with William Boyd, the ill-fated Lord of Kilmarnock, who suffered
for his participation in the behalf of Charles Stewart, at the block,
firmly refusing to accuse others to save his life. Also that of
Robert K. Boyd of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, who was shot five times
in one battle, and when under the surgeon's knife refused to
acknowledge he suffered any pain. These are only a few of the
many incidents we are able to relate.
In religion, most of them belonged to the Presbyterian
church of Ireland and Scotland. In this country, they have
united more or less with the other churches of our land. To
this very day, their blood curdles with a hatred against the
Catholic religion which drove so many away to make horries in
a foreign country from the cruel persecutions of their ancestors
in the Old Worid.
In political life we find them filling many prominent positions.
We find them holding the positions of Governors of states. We
find them as Supreme Judges of the United States; also that of
Senators and Congressmen, Mayors, and Councilmen of cities.
Noted lawyers and others connected in Railroad labor, and many
other positions of trust. Yet, we must say, we are yet to learn
of a single person by the name of Boyd, who has been untrue to
his trust or connected -with any unreliable dealing of the many
business firms that exist in our land today.

AMERICANS OF ROYAL DESCENT
Chas. N. Browning, Sixth Edition 1905
Philadelphia
Pedigree VIII
Robert Bruce King of Scotland had by his second wife Lady
Elizabeth deBurgh, daughter of Richard Earl of Ulster.
Princess Margaret: Sister of King David II: who married
1344 (his first wife) Wm. Earl of Sutherland, d. 1370 and had.
John — sixth Earl of Sutherland only son, who d. 1389, who
m. Lady MabiUa Dunbar, daughter of Patrick, tenth Earl of
March and had.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 119
Nicholas — eighth Earl of Sutherland second son d. 1399,
who m. Elizabeth, daughter of John Macdonald, Lord of the
Isles and had.
Robert — ^ninth Earl of Sutherland, d. 1442, who m. Lady
. MabiUa, daughter of John — second Earl of Murray and had.
Alexander Sutherland of Dunheath, third Son who had.
Lady Margaret Sutherland who m. William Sinclair third
Earl of Orkney and Earl of Caithness and had.
Lady Marjory Sinclair who m. Andrew, Lord Leslie who
d. V. p. 1502, son of George Sinclair first Earl of Rothes and had.
William Leslie third son, third Earl of Rothes who m. Lady
Margaret, daughter of Sir Michael Balfour of Montquhanie and
had. George, fourth Earl of Rothes, k. in France in 1558, who had
by his third -wife, Margaret Crichton.
Lady Helen Leslie, second daughter, widow of Gilbert de
Seton the younger, who m. Mark Ker, Abbott of Commendator
of Newbottle 1546, Extraordinary lord of Session, d. 1584, second
son of Sir Andrew Ker of Cessford, and Agnes, daughter of William
Lord Crighton and had.
Mark Ker eldest son, succeeded his father in office and was
made baron 28th, July 1587 and created loth, February 1606
Earl of Lothian, d. 8th, April 1609 who m. Lady Margaret daughter
of John, fourth Lord of Maxwell, and Lord Herries in right of his
wife Agnes, daughter of William Lord Herries and had.
Lady Jean Ker, who m. first the Hon. Robert Boyd, Master
of Boyd d. v. p. eldest son of Thomas, fifth Lord Boyd, and his
wife Margaret, daughter of Sir Matthew Campbell of Loudon
and had. James, eight Lord Boyd of Kilmarnock, second son, who d.
1654, who m. Catherine daughter of *John Craik of York City, and
had. William, ninth Lord Boyd created Earl of Kilmarnock 7th,
August 1661, d. 1692, who m. 25th, April 1661 Lady Jean Cun
ningham, daughter of William 9th, Earl of Glencairn, Chancellor
of Scotland, and had.
*An inscription on tower described by Grose.

120 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock, fourth son, b. 6 August 1689,
d. 1761 m. Margaret Thompson by whom he had.
James Boyd, b. in Kilmarnock 3, May 1732, d. 30, Sept.
1798, in 1756 he came to America with a patent from George II
for 60,000 acres in New Brunswick, dturing the Revolution he
sided with the colonists and thereby forfeited his grant. He m.
II August 1757 Susannah, daughter of Colonel Joseph Coffin of
Newburyport and had.
I — Robert Boyd, b. October 1758, d. 18, January 1827, mi.
I, November 1791, Ruth, daughter of David Smith of Portland
and had.
William Boyd, b. 16, December 1800, graduated at Harvard
1820, d. Portland Maine 10, May 1875, he m. 10, September 1832
Susan Dayton, daughter of Charles Harrod of New Orleans
Louisiana and his -wife, Hannah Dayton, grandaughter of Major
General Elias Dajd;on of Elizabethtown, New Jersey and had.
I — Annie Frances Harrod Boyd a member of the Maine
Society of the Colonial Dames of America, the Order of the Crown
etc. II Augusta Dearborn (member of the Order of the Crown).
Ill Julia Wingate, IV Emily Dearborn.
2 — Joseph Coffin Boyd of Portland, Maine, b. Newburyport
23, July 1769, d. 12, May 1823, m. 24, January 1796 Isabela, daugh
ter of Judge Robert Southgate of Scarboro, Maine and had.
Judge Samuel StiUman Boyd of Natchez, Mississippi, b.
27, May 1807, d. May 1869, m. 15, November 1838 Catherine
Charlotte Wilkins of Natchez and had.
Anna Maria Wilkins Boyd, b. 10, March 1859 a member of
the Pennsylvania and Mississippi Society of Colonial Dames
of America, the Order of the Crown, etc., who m. William Bonne
ville Rhodes of Natchez and had.
Catherine Charlotte Boyd, b. 1890, Dorthy Marie b. 1894.
The above genealogy is questioned so far as the connection
between James Boyd, (the emigrant) son of Robert Boyd of
Kilmarnock -with the Kilmamock family, there being no proof
that he was either the son of Robert Boyd or that he was born
in Kilmamock, and -with regard to the grant of 60,000 acres, it
appears to be a myth, there being no record either in Great

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 121
Britain or America of any such grant, this appears to have orig
inated from the fact that James Boyd who did considerable trad
ing for the -vicinity of Passamaquoddy Bay did acquire some
land. See Boston Transcript genealogical page on April 27,
1904. There are also notes referring to other pages as follows:
Page 252, Margaret, daughter of David Boyd of Northumberland
Co., Virginia who m. Augustus Smith of Shooters Hill (b. 1738
d. 1774)- Page 398, Mrs. Allen R. Boyd (Jane HaU Maulsby Ritchie)
Page 407, James Boyd Nixon.
Page 466 the royal descent of the Duke of Manchester on
the female side beginning with James Boyd of Newburyport who
had Frances who m. William Little of Boston and had.
Ellen, m. Antonio Yzhaga de Valle and had.
Consuelo Yznaga who m. Duke of Manchester and is the
mother of the present Duke of Manchester.

CHAPTER IX
Copies of Letters Relating to the Boyd Families
OF America
In giving this chapter to our readers and to those who may
be interested in them, it may be well for me to say, after the
publication of my former History of the Boyd Families and
Descendants in 1884, I have received a large number of letters
from the descendants of different families of Boyds (most
of them are not connected with those given in my book) through
the United States, asking of me to give them information in regard
to their own branch of the Boyd family, which to them was a
blank. The statements they gave to me in these letters were
quite interesting, and contained much valuable history, liable
to become lost to the rising generations, and will enable many to
get a start in obtaining the lost threads of their family history.
I am sorry to say, many of these writers have passed away and
have left us in the dark of obtaining any farther history of their
ancestors than what we have at hand. So instead of trying to
gather up further information, which would have to be accom
plished by an extensive research, costing a large amount of time
and money, we have concluded under these circumstances to
present the letters and correspondence that we have received in
the past twenty-six years and let our readers draw their own con
clusions and investigations.

[123!

124 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Fort Wayne, Detroit, Mich., Dec. lo, 1887.
My Dear Sir:
I have observed in some serial that you have published, a
History of the Boyd family, yet I never have seen it, therefore I
do not know the contents of the book, but notwithstanding I
presume to transmit to you some facts concerning some Boyds,
who formerly resided in New Hampshire, and the items I furnish
may be of interest to you.
My grandmother Dodge-nee Dennett of Portsmouth, was
in some way connected with them. Now, I have not yet been
able to ascertain, and perhaps you may be able to assist me in
solving the query as to how related. She had a brother
named George Boyd Dennett and I recollect she used to call one
of the Boyds her uncle and George Wm. Boyd, who died in Port
land, Maine, her cousin. She was bom at Portsmouth, N. H.,
September 10, 1779, and died there March 9, 1867. Her father
was Ephman Dennett and her mother was Jane Hoyt, who died
at Portsmouth, October i, 1809, aged sixty years and it is through
her mother (Jane H.) that the Boyds were connected and proba,bly
in the Hoyt line. Have you any dates or knowledge of this
relationship, or does your book give any Hoyt or Dennetts'
names. I would be obliged to you if you could solve the Genea
logical enigma for me. * * *
I am respectfully yours,
Fred L. Dodge,
ist Lieut. 23d U. S. Infantry.
Lieutenant Dodge sent me with this letter a well written
history of his ancestors which will be found in our chapter on the
different Boyd families of the United States.

Manchester, Conn., Dec. 13, 1887.
Dear Sir:
I received your book today and find it to be a very interesting
book and a valuable history. I presume you did not know of
the Shelburn Boyds. They were in Shelburn one hundred and

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 125
twenty-five years ago. There was John, Robert and Thomas
Boyd. I think Robert and Thomas were sons of John. I knew
Mr. Thomas Boyd and his son (WiUiam P.) in 1829. In that year
I attended a writing school -with William Parsons. About that
time the family left Shelburn and emigrated to the West — as
it was caUed then, York State . * * * Chas. M. Taintor.

Portland, Maine, Dec. 19, 1887.
Dear Sir:
From a Boston publishing house I recently received a copy
of your History of the Boyd Family and have been much interested
to know something of our name in New York, etc. If your
branch is from Kilmamock, we are of the same lineage and our
ancestors may have left Scotland about the same time. In
Bro-wning's "Americans of Royal Descent" (Published by Peters
and Coats, Philadelphia in 1883), we descended from William,
ninth Lord Boyd and first Earl of Kilmamock and is given quite
extensive, though there are errors in names, dates, etc., it is in
main correct.
Our great-grandfather James, was born in Kilmarnock in
1732, and came to America in 1756, with a grant of St. Andreas
Parish, etc., in the Passamaquodda. The parchment deed or
charter signed by King George III, and bearing the Royal Seal
is somewhere in the family. I have relics brought by him from
Scotland, among them a large piece of Plate with the signet and
monogram of King James II, which has been in our family for
four hundred years, and the legend is that it was given to his
daughter the Princess Mary, when she married Sir Thomas
Boyd. Also full coat of arms painted in colors — very old. More
or less intercourse has been kept up with the old families of
Scotland and some of them have visited this country, whom we
have known. I have met quite a number of our name in Virginia,
Kentucky and Tennesee and South Carolina, but never one with
any particular knowledge of their ancestry. They most all
claimed to be Irish. I include one of our book marks from the

126 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
old plate, and now in use by us. Our family is living now in
Maine, Massachusetts, New York, Washington, Mississippi, etc.,
which I write, we knew some of all the names in the United States.
Very respectfully yours,
Chas. H. Boyd.
The following letter was also from Mr. Chas. H. Boyd, but
was written to a Mr. W. Tracy Curtis of Boston, Mass., and
sent to me by parties of that place, which letter the former gives
us more of the Boyds of Maine :
Washington, D. C, April lo, 1892.
Dear Sir:
Many thanks for yours of the 5th inst. forwarded me from
my home address. Several years since I purchased the history
of the Boyd family by W. P. B. of Conesus, N. Y., having seen
it advertised, but found it contained no information whatever
about our branch of that name. Mr. John Parker Boyd, whom
you mentioned was the oldest bro1;her of my father (William) , and
Robert Southgate was their cousin, a son of Joseph Coffin Boyd.
The house you mentioned is at the comer of High and Pleasant
Street, and was built by my grandfather, Robert Boyd in 1800.
By inheritance it came to uncle John and my father. My great
grandfather was bom at Kilmamock, Scotland in 1732, and came
directly from there to St. Andreas in 1756, where he had been
granted a large tract of land of thirty thousand to forty thousand
acres from the King. He then built the Kilmarnock house, resid
ing there in summer and at Newburyport in winter. Here he
married Susannah Coffin, related to Westrain Coffin. Dr. vStover,
and his brother of your city, were the children of Margarett Boj-d.
My great aunts are the only relatives on the Boyd side living there.
So you see it was impossible for any of our branch to have accom
panied the William in 17 18. We have a complete history of our
branch for a thousand years with all dates of birth, marriages,
deaths, etc. The Rev. Frederick W. Boyd a brother of South-
gates was a D. D. of Cambridge, England, and livedmuch of his
life with our Scottish relatives with whom we have kept up
intercourse. He has a very minute history of the family, with

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 127
all necessary documentary evidence. In Browning's "Americans
of Royal Descent" published by Porter and Coats, Philadelphia,
in 1880 and 1891, is a complete history of our branch. It is
somewhat singular fact that my grandfather and his wife Hannah
Greenleaf are both direct descendants of King Alfred the Great,
Lord Robert Boyd, Earl of KUmamock and sole Regent of Scot
land during the minority of King James II, is our former ancestor.
I have a piece of plate that was his (James II) with his mono
gram — a large painted coat of -arms of the Boyds, seals, etc., that
was brought from Scotland. My uncle John P. always wore a
large seal with the arms that came from Lord WUliam Boyd, tenth
Lord Boyd his grandfather, and to-day, I wear a ring that came
across the water. Yours truly, Charles Harrod Boyd.

The following letters of Mr. McAtee were quite interesting
to me. After the elapse of twenty years, I attempted in the fall
of 1909 to reopen a correspondence again with him. My letter
sent to him at Caldwell, Kansas, was returned to me saying
that Mr. Atee had gone from that place to Oklahoma and had
died there a few years ago : Caldwell, Kan., June 14, 1889.
Wm. P. Boyd, Esq.,
My Dear Sir: — In reply to your kind favor of the loth inst.,
please accept thanks. You must have taken great pains and
trouble in getting together the volume on the Boyd family and
I would like, some time to have it. I will buy it later, or when
I feel a trifie more like indulging myself, than I do at present.
I have made a little table (see same in Historical Chapter) show
ing what I know of the family tree indeed. I think I must have
errored however as to the Shakers or Ohio Boyds. They must be
descendants of the first William Boyd named in the table, by a
son, whose name I have forgotten. I would like to know what you
can find out about the WUliam Boyd who was in the St. Clair
Army. I have not the books accessible, of course I have a little
doubt there is a distant connection. The family has been known

128 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
as quite modest. It contained people in the older branches
and no doubt, they had men who were most reliable and true
in times of trial. I am respectfully yours,
Jno. L. McAtee.

Caldwell, Kan., July i, 1889.
Mr. Wm. Boyd.
My Dear Sir: — Your kind favor of the 21st ulto, is at hand,
accompanied by the pamphlet and account of Thomas Boyd, for
which please accept thanks. It was a humble tragedy indeed.
In regard to the connection of that family of Boyds, I presume
it was the same family in Scotland. What were the names there,
the customary given names? Among my ancestors they were
Walter, William and Manndate. Sometimes those things are as
indications. You have been very obliging to answer my letters
so carefully. I thank you very much. So far as I know of the
Boyd family, my mother's people, they were brave, frank, exceed
ingly modest, almost to shyness, and yet with very high and
positive self respect, devoted to their friends and loyal to engage
ments and to friends in the highest degree. They were not
extremely ambitious nor very fond of money. There are great
things to claim for our families of Boyd.
What were the traits of the Dean Castle or Kilmamock
people? My oldest brother Walter Boyd McAtee is President
of the Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore, Md. ; my second brother
William McAtee is a Presbyterian minister and Doctor of Divin
ity of Madison, Wisconsin. A sister and I make up the remainder
of my parents family. I am very truly yours,
Jno. L. Atee.

Caldwell, Kan., February i, 1892.
Mr. WiUiam P. Boyd.
Dear Sir : — I believe I have not -written to you since I received
from you sometime last spring the History of the Boyd Family.
I have meant to have done so, however. Especially for the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 129
book Opened up to me matters of special and particular interest.
On page 65 of the same, you say that the other brother whom his
father called "Billy" we" know nothing except he was in the
Royal Navy and was promoted in 1761 to a company of the
Fotirteenth Infantry. Now I think I can account for "Billie,"
but am not certain.
In 1755, there came to America a Seman Detachment that
was attached to the Expedition of Braddock or perhaps the
Seman was organized for that fatal expedition and on their
arrival "Billie" was found among them and was my great-grand
father. About that time or shortly afterwards; William Boyd,
who was a Scotch Episcopalian in religion, a strong Monarchist
in politics, having with him some relics of the Stuarts, the Pre
tenders family, settled in western Maryland after marrying
Charity Talbot. He settled in what is Washington County, Md.,
along or near to the old road still kno-wn in that locality as the
Braddock road, along which Braddock advanced toward Fort
Du Quesne to his defeat. There was some strange mystery about
him. He was a man of high spirits and sense of honor. He
transmitted to his children along with probably the story of his
family and his early life -with a great aversion to speak of it and had
many independent characteristics. All of his sons were engaged
in the Revolutionary War on the Patriots side. One of them
died in the prison ship at New York harbor; another survived
(William) and died — a Lieutenant in St. Clair defeat after the war.
My grandfather Walter Boyd was a Lieutenant in the Con
tinental service and commanded Fort Frederick, a Frontier post
on the Potomac between Williamsport and Hancock, Maryland.
He was the son of the Billie, the William' Boyd, who married
Charity Talbot. He had in his possession a ra7,or hone and a
knit silk purse which he claimed was once the property of Charles
I. (Charles Stuart), but he refused to tell his children among.
whom was my mother — who they were or where they came from
and to his death preserved the utmost secrecy as to his family.
Saying to his children, that they had their own way to make in
the world, and that it would not help them to know who their
family was or where they came from, and that was all that he

130 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
would teU about his family history. Now let me ask you where
you got this information contained in this paragraph? I have
cited from page 65 of your book. I feel William Boyd was my
grandfather who came to America about the time of Braddock's
campaign and he must have been "Billie". Where can I find
the record of the Fourteenth Infantry? Please let me hear from
you and your book has been of great interest to me.
I am very respectfully yours,
Jno. L. Atee.
A sketch of this "Billie" was taken from McKay's History
of Kilmarnock, Scotland, for my History of the Boyd family of
1884.

422 Benson Ave., Camden, N. J., Nov. 12, 1889.
WiUiam P. Boyd, Esq.,
Dear Sir: — In tracing up the history of my famUy which
I have always been lead to believe sprung from the Boyds of
Kilmamock. I, yesterday came across your volume in the
Pennsylvania Historical Society. Your account of that ancient
noble house is a good one. You seem, however, to be unable to
.grasp the missing link which connects the Scotch with the Irish
Boyds. At least a hurried glance at your work seems to carry
.that impression. I have, I think some where among my papers,
.a memorandum or two with references to Kihnamock stock,
and the names of two persons (Sir Harris and Dana I think) to
whose large conveyance of lands in Ulster were made, and it is
thought there is no doubt that the Boyds, gradually appeared in
the North of Ireland and multiplied there to the extent to which
the tourist now finds them.
My own family are from Derry County. I thought they came
from the Isle of Man after leaving Ayrshire. I hope some day to
get up a sufficient genealogy to warrant me in printing it. What
I want to know is where I can get a copy of your book and what
is the price? Sincerely yours.
Rev. William Boyd.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 131
Camden, N. J., Nov. 28, 1889.
My Dear Mr. Boyd:
* * * I have read with great interest your history of the
Boyd Families, and have been struck with the genealogy of the
Boyds of Londonderry, New Hampshire. I have wondered
whether they might not be a kin to me. My family came orig-
inaUy from County Derry, Ireland. I stood this summer by the
side of the grave of my great-grandfather, who is interred in
Mayher's graveyard in that County. His father lies but a
stone's throw of it. So I can go back to 1 740 or about. Upon
page 67 of your book of 1884, you say the birthplace of the Rev.
WUliam Boyd, who came over in 1718 to New England with the
Memorial Address to Govenor Shute, is unknown. He was the
Rev. William Boyd of Maccosgain, Derry County, Ireland, and
was well kno-wn in the Irish Presbyterian church, and whether our
famUy are relatives to him or not, I cannot say. But as both
branches came from County Derry, I have an impression that they
were connected. I will gladly give you any information about
our line that you need. As I get a little leisure I intend to ferret
out more of our history and hope to correspond with you at
intervals. In conclusion, let me thank you for yotu" courtesy.
I hope we will some day meet and talk family matters over. With
kind regards, Truthfully yours,
Rev. William Boyd,
Pastor of Second Presbyterian Church.

Bridgeton, N. J., Aug. 31, 1895.
Mr. WUliam P. Boyd.,
Dear Sir: — I write to you as one who probably knows more
about the Boyd family than any one else on this side of the Atlan
tic, to see if you can give me any information which will help
me to learn the names of parents or more remote ancestors of
my great-great-grandfather James Boyd, who was born at Ball
gaston, County of Antrim, Ireland in 1735. He came to Bridge-

132 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
ton. New Jersey when he was old enough to be married and had
two daughters, his only children, and died here December 23,
1775. Among his descendants may be found some of the most
prominent names in this State. I believe he was a linen merchant
while in Ireland. Any information whatever, will be most grate
fully received. Yours very respectfully,
Robert Potter Elmer,
60 West Commerce St., Bridgeton, N. J.

Savannah, Ga., April 2, 1890.
WiUiam P. Boyd, Esq.,
My Dear Sir: — I came into possession on this day, one ol
your histories of the Boyd family and am interested in the same
and I ask if you can give me any information as to my branch.
My father William Spencer Boyd, was born in. Hartford, Conn.,
1800 or 1801 and went from here to Winstead, same state, where
he was united in marriage to Sylvia ToUes Colebrook. They had
four children. Mary Furman Boyd, born at the latter place
July, 1827; WUliam Riley Boyd (the writer) born August
15, 1830. My sister married Ira W. Ford. I came South in
1856, where I man-ied and still live at Atlanta, Ga. We have
two sons whose names are Warren Newcomb and Donald Stewart
Boyd, both of whom desire more light if you can give it in the
matter I shall greatly value, as I think too little attention is paid
to the genealogy tree. I do not think I belong to the Presbyterian
branch. If so, I have not been inclined that way. I was in the
Confederate service until the close of the war. Now being in
peace with all men, I shall be glad if you have time to drop me
a line. I will close by saying, some years since I had a kind letter
from A. S. K. Boyd, Country Parson, Scotland, which I have
forgotten the address, we could not trace any connection.
Yours truly,
William Riley Boyd.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 133
Philadelphia, Pa., Sept. 9, 1899.
Boyd's Printing Co., Conesus, N. Y.,
Gentlemen: — My great-great Grandparents were Geo. Boyd
and Sarah Knott. They were married at the First Presbyterian
church. New York city, August 12,1789. I am desirous of tracing
the genealogy of Geo. Boyd, who my mother (now deceased),
claimed, was of Scotch origin. I would highly appreciate it, if
you could give any information concerning him.
Yours very truly,
John S. Neill.
TTT-11- 1-. -r. 1 -r^ Philadelphia, Sept. 22, 1899.
William P. Boyd, Esq.,
Dear Sir: — I am endeavoring to get from the library of this
city, your history of the Boyd family. If I do not succeed, cannot I
procure a copy from you. My mother contended that her
great uncle was a captain in the Revolutionary War, possibly it
was the gentleman who so materially assisted in the capture of
Major Andre. I wish I could fathom some way of making the
connection. Have you any suggestions. The only fact I have
to work upon, is George Boyd's marriage to Sarah Knott in the
First Presbyterian church. New York city, August 12, 1789. Oneof
the children of this couple was Moia Boyd, who Hved in Dayton,
Ohio, and died there twelve or fifteen years ago. Have you any
knowledge of her. She was a famous woman in the town, devot
ing her whole life to charity and was known to everybody. ¦
Gratefully yours,
John S. Neill.
Southeast corner 6th and Market Sts., Philadelphia, Pa.

William P. Boyd, Esq., Philadelphia, Sept. 27, 1899.
Dear Sir: — Your esteemed favor of the 23d' inst., reached
here yesterday finding me absent in New York city. My sister
(Mrs. William H. Wanamaker) says that mother always stated
that Ebenezer Boyd was her great uncle — I am one of the firm.
If you will loan me your book, you need not fear it not being
properl}' kept and returned in a little while, and of course I will

134 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
gladly pay your expense in getting it here and prepay the express-
age or mail back. I have absolutely no clew to George Boyd. I
enclosed what I have collected of his wife's family. The Penn
sylvania Historical Society do not permit any books to be taken
from the library building. Again thanking you for your many
courtesies I am very gratefully yours, j^^^ g_ McNeill.
A sketch of the Knott family is given in the Historical
Sketch Chapter as referred to above.

North Islesboro, Maine, March 3, 1897.
WiUiam P Boyd, Esq.,
Kind Sir: — I am much interested in your history of the Boyd
family and may I trouble you a little. In my researches, I have
not got the book of Kilmarnock, only that the Kilmamock
family was in direct line from Lord Boyd the great Regent of
Scotland. What I want to be informed upon is as follows : Were
there not some family trouble after the death of William nineteenth
in 1692, foUowed by the death of his son, William twentieth, the
same year, and during the term before WiUiam twenty-first came
in possession, and during that time, did not the remaining son
of William nineteenth leave another son besides the sons, Robert,
James and Charles?
We have it that James, son of William nineteenth, left
Kilmarnock, 1696, and crossed the Giant's Causway to Ireland
and his son, James Boyd came here and also the family of James
Boyd, who crossed to Ireland with his brothers in 1696, and
married Mary Whiton. James Boyd came to America in 1 7 1 8 or 20,
and married Elizabeth Garland, and James Boyd, bom in 1780,
married Ruth Picker and Charles Boyd, born in 181 2, married
Margaret Davis Boyd. James Boyd, born in 1830, married Mary
Cuttings, which makes me the fifth generation on this side. I
have heard grandfather tell about Kilmarnock and Giant's
Causeway. His father's buildings were all burned in 1869, so
we have no scraps of anything. Our ancestor, -jve are told was
a grandson of William nineteenth, who died in 1692. Can you
enlighten me? James Boyd.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 135
Kaukauna, Wis., Dec. 17, 1896.
Mr. WiUiam Boyd.,
Dear Sir: — ^While looking through the Newbury Library in
in Chicago, yesterday, I came across your book on the Boyds,
published in 1884. I am very much interested in genealogy in
general and especially the Boyds, for I married a Boyd. * * *
I am able to put you in possession of a very interesting line
of the Boyds. My wife's ancestors were from Maryland. Colonel
George Boyd married a Miss Harriet Johnson, a sister of Mrs.
John Quincy Adams. He was in the employ of the United States
govemment all his life. My father-in-law lives with me now (died
in 1 897) and can tell of many of his ancestors. If you are thiriking
of getting up a new edition of the work, I would be glad to send
you an account of my wife's ancestors. Yours truly,
H. B. Tanner, M. D.
A little over two months after I received this letter of Mr.
Tanner's, his father-in-law James Boyd, died, and I was not able
to obtain any further information of this family. The sketch
of his life found in our "Historical Sketches" in our Historical
Chapter, was copied from one of the daily papers of his home
place. Marietta, Ohio, Oct. 31, 1901.
Mr. W. P. Boyd.,
Dear Sir: — I have just received your letter which gave me
great pleasure. I saw last week in an old review of 1884, the
notice of your book and I now write to you for a copy of the same.
I belong to the Pennsylvania branch. My father was bom at
Uniontown, Fayette County, Pa., in 1767. His father came to
Uniontown from Westmoreland County, Virginia in 1749. ***
I have been rector of the Episcopal church of Marietta, Ohio,
for fifty years. In September, of 1900 I had my Semi-Centennial
anniversary, which I take the liberty to send you my Jubilee
Memorial. In reading yotu- book, may I have the liberty to
write and ask you many questions that may enable me to connect

136 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
my family in the line. I should not presume to give you trouble
or trespass on your time. With many thanks for your prompt
and satisfactory reply, I am ,,. „. ,
¦' ^ Yours Sincerely,
John Boyd,
320 Second St., Marietta, O.
The request of Mr. Boyd for the privilege of asking me ques
tions, I was too glad to give, and to all other descendants who
wrote me, received the same treatment, and I answered them
with all the information I had at hand.

Marietta, Ohio, Nov. 12, 1901.
Mr. WiUiam P. Boyd.,
My Dear Sir: — Many thanks for your history of Conesus,
N. Y., and I will read it with pleasure. But at present I am taken
up in my spare moments with your History of the Boyd Family.
It is above value to me, and I can not thank you enough for it.
I am delighted with your description of Dean Castle and the coat
of arms. It all must have required immense labor. You was
kind enough to promise me any assistance you could give, and for
the same I fear I can do little for you at present. Unfortunately,
our records were bumed and I am trying to reproduce them by
items. My father was born at Uniontown, Pa., in 1767. He
studied medicine in the University of Philadelphia. About 1797,
he came to Ohio, where the city of Columbus now stands. My
grandfather's name I do not know. He came from Westmore
land County, Virginia to Fayette County, Pa. in 1749, as I have
been told, but I am not certain. In all of your papers, have you
any light you can throw on the Boyds of Fayette County, Pa., and
on the Boyds of Westmoreland County, Va. My knowledge
back of my father is not definite. In 1885, the year after the
publication of your book, there appeared a genealogy of the
Pennsylvania families of Scotch-Irish and Germans, by William
H. Eyle, published at Harrisburgh, Pa., by Louis S. Heart. Do
you think the book would give me any light, and can it be had.
Among the historians of such facts, do you know Martin Shallen-
berger, can you give me his address. He has in his possession

HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 137
some facts that would greatly help me. If I can succeed in getting
my ancestry satisfactory established, I will take pleasure in telling
you anything that you would care to learn.
Yours very cordially,
John Boyd.
Marietta, Ohio, Nov. 25, 1901.
Mr. WiUiam P. Boyd.,
My Very Dear Sir: — You have granted me a very large
charter to ask questions. On page 44, of your history of 1884,
you say, Alan, the illustrious Lord — was he an Earl or did you
mean only "Second High Steward." If he was an Earl or what.
You say Alan, son of Flence, a son of Thome of Scotland. Is
Thome here a proper name, or is it a title of a title that was a
personal name. If it is his proper name, how do you connect
him with the line that leads down from Kennith. Is Fiance, the
Fiance of Shakespeare's Macbeth? If so, the Thome of Scotland
would be Bangus. I have the genealogical line from Kennith
down to David I (1124-1152), but I can not find how to connect
Alan in the line. That is my only missing link from A. D. 503
to A. D. 1746, and I am very anxious to find that link.
Pardon me for a few other questions, thus — If Alan married
Margarett, the daughter of Earl of Galloway, might not a son
of theirs become Earl? I ask this, for I found that John Bailor
(the King of Scotland, 1292-6) was grandson of Alan, Earl of
Galloway and Margarett, oldest daughter of William the Lion,
who was king from 1165 to 1214. You say the second child (of
Alan) was named Walter, from whom the family of Stewarts
descended. I suppose you mean the Royal family. If so can
you till me how that family connects with Walter. Can you give
me two or three of his descendants. So I can see the continuous
line. Did he take the surname Stewart or does it come from
marriage. The eldest son of Lord William who was executed in
1746, became Earl. Can you give me his first name.
In your book, you mention Gross Antiquities of Scotland
and Robertson Ayershire Families, would they help me — are they
to be had? If so, where, how and at what price? Do you know

138 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
anything of E^'gle Pennsylvania's Genealogy — would it help me?
I have failed to find out. Pardon my inquisitiveness, but your
book has made me enthusiastic. I cannot tell you what a
delight it has been to me. I would have rejoiced as its owner
years ago. ^ _
John Boyd,
320 Second St., Marietta, 0.

Buffalo, N. Y., March 15, 1904.
Mr. Wm. P. Boyd.,
Dear Sir: — I thank you very much for your kind favor of
the 12th inst., and regret it is not possible to obtain the Boyd
History. I cannot give you much information about my branch
of the family. My great grandfather John Boyd came, I think
from Kilmarnock, and was an officer in King George's army for
more than four years. He married Jane Barclay, daughter of a
loyalist in September of 1785. His eldest son John — my grand
father was in the army for a time, but resigned to become a
surgeon. His second son Edward, was a grandson of the Duke
of Kent, and became Colonel of the Royal Engineers. His
third and youngest son, James William, was a Barrister at Law.
My father was bom at St. John's, New Brunswick. I was bom
in Portland, Maine, was educated in Boston, Mass., at Chansy
Hall School and Massachusett's Institute of Technology. All
of our family plate with the Kilmarnock arm, and the records
were destroyed by fire, some years ago, but I hope ere long to
have the records complete prior to 1785, when my Great grand
father's sword and old memorial ring bearing the name "Alex
Boyd, 1626" were destroyed. This ring was given to my ancestors
by his cousin John, when leaving Aberdean. I am the only
male representative of our family in this country. There are
two sons of James still living, one old bachelor, and the other lost
his only son a few months ago. One of my father's brothers is
still living, a retired Lieutenant Colonel of the British army. I
have but two male cousins, both of whom are in South Africa. So
there are only three of us left to carry on the name. Our crest
is the hand. Motto, Confido. Coat of arms, the blue shield with

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 139
"Silon Ud Cleque." I knew of a Miss Boyd at St. Agnes School,
Albany, where my oldest daughter attended for a term, but never
had the pleasure of meeting her. Yours very truly,
Henry A. Boyd.
Buffalo, N. Y., Oct. 17, 1908.
Mr. WUHam P. Boyd,
My dear Mr. Boyd: — Your esteemed favor of the 14th inst.,
came to hand yesterday, also the history of Conesus, for which
I am greatly obliged, and shall be pleased to give it a place in my
library. I note what you say about the coat of arms and- have
seen the seal of the town of Kilmarnock, as you described. The
word "confido" literally, means "I trust." I have seen a Boyd
crest -with the word "Confidemus" which means "we trust," and I
take it the motto and the ground color of the shield are in memory
of the faithfulness of the early Boyds in the cause of Scottish
independence. I want to call your attention to something you may not be
aware of, that the coat of arms of the Stewart Clan is identical
-with that of the Boyds, except the ground color of the shield is
gold in the case of the Stewarts. I can get a sample of the Boyd
plaide from a Scottish friend of mine and will send you the same.
I have considerable about the origin of the name and our connec
tion with the Stewart family, which I shall try to send you during
the coming week. I suppose you have seen the history of the
Kilmarnock Boyds by Rev. F. W. Boyd. I have that complete
in manuscript. I referred in my last letter to Lady Alfred Reynold.
Her father was Alfred Boyd, the oldest son of John Boyd, who
was baptized at Clackmanan, Scotland, December 10, 1794, and
died August of 1854, at Brooklyn, N. Y. Have you ever came
across anything about any of the above. Yery truly yours,
Henry A. Boyd.
Mr. Henry A. Boyd, who resided at Buffalo, has been very
kind in furnishing much interesting matter, which will be found in
our Historical Chapter of Sketches, and has contributed much to
this volume of the history of the Boyd family of the Old World, etc.

140 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Fitzgerald, Ga., July 21, 1908.
Mr. WiUiam P. Boyd.,
My Dear Sir: — Ple'ase pardon my delay in answering your
very kind letter of the 6th inst. I was waiting for a book which
I had ordered from Munsells & Sons of Albany, N. Y. — Boyds
of Pennsylvania, but received a letter, saying they were out of
that, but had a later book — Boyds 1905 for $2.00, and would
send me a typewritten chart of the Boyd family of Pennsylvania,
for $7.50. I considered it absurd to pay this amount for informa
tion that might be of no benefit to me whatever, so I ordered the
Boyd 1905 and was disappointed in not finding anything bearing
on my immediate family. Now I am going to look to you to
help me out, and shall expect to compensate you for any accurate
information, or if you will not accept anything, will be glad to
tell you all I know conceming the Boyds of Georgia and Florida,
as there are many prominent people by that name in both states,
though they are no relation of mine.
I will give you my story as it was told to me as follows: My
great grandfather Samuel Talbot Boyd, ran away from his parents
in his youth. His father being, we think, a Scotch Presbyterian
minister of Pennsylvania, perhaps from Philadelphia. He went
to sea and followed the business until he became independent as
he thought. As he was retuming with a rich cargo, containing
some gifts for his mother, he was taken by Pirates on the high
sea and robbed of all he had. Mortified over his loss, he would
not go home, but came South to the Georgia coast, and there
met my grandmother, then a Miss Ashley, near St. Mary's of
that State. He never afterwards visited his old home and parents
again. There are two small villages near St. Mary's called
Scotchville and Kingsland, situated in Canden County, which he
perhaps named. This is merely a conjecture however. There
is also a place called KiiUaw. I am not sure how many children
they had, but there was one called James Boyd, who was my
grandfather; Robert, Jane and one daughter, whose name is
unknown to me. My great grandmother's people, the Ashleys are
nearly all wealth}^ and prominent people in this state at present.
My grandfather James Boyd married Mary Ann Monroe, and

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 141
had the following children: Monroe, Julius, Warren (my father) ,
Thomas, James, Robert (who died young) and Edwin, named
"the short" on account of his. diminutive size. The girls were:
Ella, Jane and Susan C, whose names probably were family names
given to these chUdren by my grandfather. My father was
First Lieutenant of his company at the beginning of the Civil
War and was later promoted to Captaincy. I lost his record
and afterwards obtained it from the War Department at Wash
ington, D. C. My mother was Marcilla Smith, daughter of
Martha (Babcock) Smith. Her family consisted of eleven chil
dren. Three are dead, two in Southern California. My father
was elected Senator from the Fifth Senatorial District in 1890
and 1 89 1. He had a very fine education, notwithstanding the
ravages of war and the financial depression which overspread the
country, this was after his education. It was his children who
suffered from that, and it is from want of good educational advant
ages that my father's oldest brother Monroe Boyd, went to
Mexico and died, leaving two fine manly sons, whose names are
Frank and Robert. At one time, one of them was a sea captain
and I think perhaps the Boyds, you heard from„in Key West, was
one of their boys. This is all of my story that might interest you.
Hoping to hear from you favorably, and at an early date,
I am yours very truly,
Mrs. Henry Alonzo Dickey.

Fitzgerald, Ga., Aug. i, 1908.
Mr. WUHam P. Boyd,
Dear Sir: — I have your very kind favor of the 15th inst., and
take pleasure in answering the same, giving what information I
can, that might aid you in your work. I note you centemplate
republishing the fore-part of your book which was published
twenty-four years ago. I certainly trust you may see your way
clear to do this.
I do not know whether you are aware of the attention your
book is attracting, as I found mention of it in a great many books
on genealogy, both in the State Library and Carnegie Library

142 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
at Atlantic, Ga. On a recent visit to that city, I think it is in
Volume Six of American Ancestry published by Joel Munsell
Sons, Albany, N. Y., when it was first brought to my attention.
It was from that firm of whom I ordered the little Boyd book
recently, and your book is mentioned in that also. I have a
suspicion that playiarism has been used in the chart, which this
firm offered me of the Boyd famUy of Pennsylvania, for $7.50. I
mean, I believe that you wrote the history of this famUy first,
though perhaps I am mistaken; I would like to have this chart,
but would like to know before buying it whether it pertains to
my ancestors or not. With reference to the little book, which I
paid Munsell Sons $2.00 recently. This book has one hundred
and twelve pages, has the crest of the Boyd famUy on the out
side cover, and on the front page is the name of the publisher as
I understand it "American Publishers Association, Chicago, IU."
Munsell firm is not mentioned, although they sold me the book.
With further reference to its contents, I quote from the pages
the following :
"Origin and history of the name of Boyd with biographies of
all the most noted persons of that name." This book also gives
the coat of Arms, crest and motto of England, and crest and motto
of Scotland and Ireland. There is nothing pertaining to my first
ancestors in Georgia, or Samuel Talbot Boyd, nor any of his
descendants. Presuming that you have not Volume VI, Ameri
can Ancestry, I quote the following from page 174, omitting
several links on account of length: "Chas. Herrod Boyd of
Portland, Maine, bom there in 1833. ('See Browning's Ameri
cans of Royal descent, Philadelphia in 1835.') Omits links back
to James Boyd, Newberryport, Mass, bom in Kilmarnock, Scot
land, May 3, 1732. Died at Boston, Mass., September 30, 1798,
came to America in 1756. (Omit much matter of valuable historical
nature), son of Robert of Kilmarnock, Scotland, who was bom
there in 1689, and died there in 1762, and a younger brother of
William the tenth Lord Boyd, Earl of Kilmarnock, son of William,
ninth Lord Boyd, Earl of Kilmarnock, Scotland, who died 1692,
direct descendants from the kings of Scotland, through Lord
Robert Boyd, who was regent of Scotland during the minority of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 143
James III, etc." If you do not possess this volume, I thiiik you
would find it very interesting. There is another family of Boyds,
descendants from John, of Ir-vine, Scotland. My grandfather
James Boyd, named his first son Augustus Monroe Boyd, and the
fore name is perhaps a family name. I think I have written
you all that pertains to our branch of the family as far back as
I could. Our family records have been destroyed, but I leam
that my grandfather James Boyd was bom in 1812, and died in
1884. Granting his father Samuel Talbot Boyd was twenty-
five years of age at his birth, would make the date of his birth
in Pennsylvania, about 1787. I do not know what year he cam.e
to Georgia, but I may find this out later. I note you have distant
relation by the name of James Talbot Boyd. I am anxious to
leam the name of Samuel Talbot Boyd's father in Pennsylvania.
Then I feel the rest of it would be comparatively easy as the
people of that State and section seem to have given more atten
tion to the matter of history and records than most of the people
of the South. If you should fond this name or anything con
cerning this run-a-way lad from Pennsylvania, I would certainly
be glad to know it.
In a book on genealogy of my husband's family, I found that
Mary Dickey, bom September 3, 1746, married Robert Boyd
and they settled in New Boston, N. H., and had no children.
Also Martha Boyd Dickey, born May 15, 1813 in Londonderry.
N. H. (which is the ancestral home of the Dickeys, who came
from Londonderry, Ireland), married August 20, 1852, Robert
Boyd, who was born October 20, 1798 in Londonderry, where he
always lived, had been a valuable citizen there, having held
nearly every office in the gift of the town, was also an efficient
Elder in the Presbyterian church. He married and had five
children which they took to their new home in Ravenna, Ohio,
where, they afterwards lived. He died April 12, 187 1 in Freedom,
Ohio, and was buried at Warren, same State. This may give you
some information. Hoping to hear from you in the near future,
and with best wishes, I remain very truly,
Ellen Mae Boyd Dickey.

144 HISTORY OF 'THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Key West, Florida, Nov. 12, i
Mr. WUHam P. Boyd,
My Dear Sir : — Will you please' inform me the price of your
printed book, the Genealogy of the Boyd Family, also does it
contain the first name of Mr. Boyd's family of Orange Co., N. Y.,
who married Elizabeth Nicholson, who was born about 1792,
and was the daughter of Lieutenant Thomas Nicholson and his
wife was named Experience, a daughter of Nathaniel Chandler?
Did Mr, Boyd, by his wife Elizabeth, have any descendants?
Please give me his first name and date of marriage, also date of
wife's birth and death and the name of his children. In your
researches, did you eome across any information or clew relative
as to what was the first name of the parents of the above men
tioned Lieutenant Thomas Nicholson, as to when they were born
and where, and date of marriage. Yours truly,
Herbert H. Grain,
P. 0. Box 63, Key West, Monroe Co., Florida.

Honolulu, T. H., Aug. 14, 1905.
Dear Mr. Boyd:
' Your letter of April 3d, has remained unanswered, but my
interest has not ceased as to my ancestry.
Henry Boyd (1600 and something) with three brothers or
more left Scotland, The brothers were David, John and another,
James. I think Henry Boyd's sons were David, John and Archi
bald. I believe David's sons were Robert, John and James, I
think. Robert was my grandfather, and his sons were David,
James and Robert. Robert was my father. I can give this
more accurately later. What I want is to connect, so as to cross
back to Scotland, as these records are lost in my branch. Henry
lived about the year 1600 to 1650, North of Ireland, as did the
rest of the family at that time, when my grandfather came over to
New York State. They were Coventers and no doubt were
expelled. My grandfather remembered his father taking him

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 145
back to Kilmarnock when a very young boy and showing him
some things that he remembered. But our history of the family
at that time was not kept very well by the Coventers, as the
church at that time considered such things various and unworldly.
I hope I may hear from you soon.
Very truly yours,
Chas. F. Boyd,
Major Fourth Battalion, Philippine Scouts.

REV. THOMAS WALLACE BOYD

history of THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 147
The following letter is from the able pen of Rev. Thomas
Wallace Boyd, a Presbyterian minister now located at Virginia
City, Nevada, giving a sketch of his former home in the Northern
part of Ireland and was written to me while he was living in
Chicago. 226 Chestnut St..
Chicago, IU., July 5, 1909.
My Dear Mr. Boyd:
Your letter came to hand some time ago. I was sorry to
know your book had gone out of print. But glad to leam that
you intend tb bring out a new edition soon. I hope to be able to
contribute at least a little more information to you in the work
on which you are at present engaged. I will leave you to judge,
I do not just exactly know how you are treating the subject.
Now, I am what is called, an Ulster Scotchman or a Scotch-
Irishman — having been bom, bred and to a large extent educated
in what I possess in Ireland. But I have been here a number of
years. My brother is a Presbyterian clergyman over here, mar
ried and has a family. He has been settled quite a long time out
West. We have also two cousins in America — Kennedy and
Richard. Richard is a professor of classics of one of the American
coUeges. These are all I know of at present of the family to
which I belong, that are in the States. I could not with the
sound of a single letter, give you the history of the family just
now. I have thought of going over to Ireland this present sum
mer, but circumstances have happened which have prevented me
from doing so. But I expect to be over there for two or three
months, next year, when I shall spend some time at home
and come back with full account. In the meantime, a little later
from now, when I have more time at my command, I shall write
you out a short sketch or outline of my ancestry.
The family I belong to came to Ireland a little over two hun
dred years ago, from a town named KUmamock, in the county or
shire of Ayr, Scotland, about the time of the Ulster Plantation
and own lands near Colerain, County of Londonderry. I think I
heard my father say there were two or three young brothers who
came at the same time from the old residence in Scotland, called

148 history of THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the Dean, but some of them went back again. The ruins of the
old stronghold are stUl to be seen in Scotland. It is not generally
known (at least in America) and yet it is a historical fact that
the Boyds of Ayrshire took a prominent part in the famous siege
of Londonderry against King James II, and his Catholic troops
and on behalf of William III, Prince of Orange and the Protestant
issue, showing that although transplanted to Ireland, they had
not lost the old martial spirits of their ancestors, when truth and
justice was at stake. Our knowledge of them in particular and
on account of his extraordinary heroism during these stormy
times of the siege, I cannot refrain from mentioning to you in this
letter as I will allude to the Rev. Thomas Boyd, who was the
first Presbyterian minister of the congregation of Aghadowey
near Colerain, Londonderry. Aghadowey is one of the oldest
Presbyterian settlements in Ireland.
Rev. Thomas Boyd had ministered almost from the time of
the Plantation. He was the predecessor of Rev. James Gregor,
who came out here to America a few days before the siege of
Derry commenced. This aged soldier devine (for he must have
been seventy or eighty years old at that time) gathered all the
members of his congregation on the green or lawn in front
of the old church. He held a service and afterwards picked
out all the youths and men who were able to carry arms.
Mounting a grassy elevation, sword by his side and bible
in hand, with his long white waving hair hanging over
his shoulders, he addressed the men and aroused them to
the highest pitch of religious and patriotic enthusiasm and
forming them into a company of soldiers, with himself as chief
or commander, marched at the head of them to the walls of
Londonderry, where, old as he was, he fought and endured all
the privations and horror of that famous and awful siege. He
lived for nine or ten years afterwards, and I think he died
about 1699. This event occurred over two hundred years ago.
To this day, his memory is as green among the people who now
live there as though he had only lived seventy years ago. The
spot where he stood and addressed the congregation before the
march with his men to Londonderry is still pointed out to the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 149
visitor. He was a tall slender old gentleman it is said and had
a very commanding appearance.
Now perhaps I am taking up to much of your valuable time
with this writing, and so I will draw to a close this time. When I
go home next year, I may give you a fair account of the Boyds
in Ireland, and as the saying is "holding their own" although per
haps not so prominent in civil history as in their old mother
land. Still one of our cleverest judges over there is one of the
old stock — Lord Justice Boyd, and a great many of them are in
the ministry of the Irish Presbyterian church and in medical
circles. The Armament bearings of the Aghadowey Boyds are (arms)
azure, a fesse chequey arquet and gules (rest) a right hand erect
perpendicular, having two fingers turned in. Thumb and others
pointing up, two squirrels with the motto "Confido and Gold
berry." Sincerely,
Thomas Wallace Boyd.

PaoH, Ind., December i, 1911.
Dear Sir: — In your letter of November i, 191 1, you state
that you would assist me in my effort to trace my Ancestors and
if I can trace my Ancestors so as I can connect them with those
of your book I shall want one.
My father was born near Ashboro, Randolph County, North
Carolina in 18 18. His father and mother (Haywood). Grand
father and grandmother (Rhoda Davenport) also resided there,
the latter in 1780 or 1790. His father and grandmother died
here. His mother and her children. His grandmother, in fact
all the Boyd relatives came to Orange County, Indiana, about
1840. His grandfather was a Revolutionary soldier, a full record
found in the state of North Carolina office of Colonial Records
Vol. 16, Page 1017 as follows: "Boyd, William, private tenth R,egi-
ment, Stephenson County, enlisted June, '77. Served three
years." There is a record of a will at Ashboro, N. C, made by
William to Rhoda his wife. This is supposed to be my great

150 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
grandfather to his wife. In my father's history, he states they
originally came from Scotland and Ireland, and were of Scotch-
Irish blood. The ancestors first settled in Pennsylvania, then
went South into North Carolina. What I want to know of them
is any means by which I can connect my great grandfather with
some of the branches of Boyds that you have the history of. I
do not know just where my great grandfather's people Hved,
whether in North Carolina, or he was the first of the family to
leave that State. Can you suggest any way by which I might
trace his ancestors. Could T trace it through the Revolutionary
War records? Respectfully,
C. L. Boyd, M. D

CHAPTER X
Historical Sketches of the Boyd Families
OF America, Etc.
This chapter has been prepared by the author as a Historical
Chapter pertaining to the early history of the Boyd Family.
These threads of information have been gathered from letters,
sketches from books, and researches made from geneological works
in the archives of the Old and New World, and too short in
narrative to form a chapter of their own, we have placed them
together, and give them to the reader in a condensed form.
Some of them may lead the reader to start their first stepping-
stone in discovering the early history of their ancestors. These
items I have gathered mostly since I issued my first edition of
1884 as you -will notice by their dates.

The foUo-wing is taken from the first settlers of Albany by I.
Pearson and who are supposed to belong to the Jamesto-wn Branch
as foUows: Alexander Boyd married Elizabeth Beeker and their children
were John, bom in 1784 and Peter Boyd, born in 1795. John
Boyd married Christine Van Deusen, had one child, James, who
was bom July i, 1790.
Hugh Boyd married Catherine Staats, bom 1776, and had
one child, Ann, bom 1797.
James Boyd whose home was in Albany, married Jane Mc-
Master. Their children were Robert, who was born April 2,
1772. Agnes, bom June 5, 1779 and John bom June 15, 1780. (151

152 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The following is taken from the list of New York families
giving the names of persons by the name of Boyd to whom mar
riage licenses were issued by the secretary of the Providence of
New York previous to 1784 as is now found in the Records of the
Archives at Albany of the State of New York. These records
comprised several large volumes of marriage bonds.
James Boyd and Patty Huester, April 22, 1757. Garrett
Williamson and Catherine Boyd, July 15, 1757. John Boyd and
Annie Morris, February 3, 1761. Geo. Harris and Mary Boyd,
Oct, 20, 1762. Samuel Boyd and- Isabella DoUes, January 20,
1764. Ebenezer Boyd and Sarah Merritt, July 20, 1764. Wil
liam Boyd and Ann White, September 16, 1765. John Fitzmond
Ferdinand Shultz and Elizabeth Boyd, May 5, 1767. Peter
Maybee and Sarah Boyd, December 12, 1769. John Boyd and
Helen Hewlet, December 8, 1772.

The following is taken from Baird's History of Rye, N. Y.,
pages 397-398-
John Bold or Boyd bought a house and lot in the town of
Rye, N. Y. in 1678 when he was appeased as a witness. He
became co-proprietor -with John Merritt, Sr. John Boyd's meadow.
lay opposite the old mill at Blind Brook Creek. He died about
1709. John "the son an heir" of the above so-called in 1709,
married a daughter of Peter Disbrow, Sr. of which estate ho
obtained a considerable part. He sold in 17 18 to John Disbrow
his orchard in Rye of three acres with a house on it. The spot is
still known as Boyd's orchard. He was living in 1736. Ebenezer
Boyd is mentioned in 1789 when persons were appointed by the
town to collect the debts due from them and others to the town
ship of Rye.

The foUowing pertaining to the history of these Maryland
Boyds was contributed by Mr. John L. Atee of Caldwell, Kansas,
now deceased, June 14, 1887.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 153
William Boyd of Herring Bay, Md., who was bom about
1730-1740, married Charity Talbot also of Maryland, a descend
ant of George Talbot, a cousin to Lord Baltimore, Their children
were: First, WUliam Boyd, a lieutenant in General Arthur St.
Clair's army and was killed in St. Clair's defeat, according to my
grandfather's statement to my mother. The descendants of this
WUliam Boyd have always been at the head of the Colony of
Shakers or Shaking Quakers, near Dayton, Ohio. David Boyd
is now or was recently the Chief of the Colony.
Second, Benjamin Boyd who died in childhood.
Third, Walter Boyd married Amanda Alverson of Chester
County, Pa., and died 1832 at the age of sixty or sixty-five years.
This was my grandfather and was also a lieuteriant in the Conti
nental army and had command of Fort Frederick, east of Cumber
land on the Potomac River. His children consisted of Mamiaduke
bom 1758 and died in 1871, whose descendants lived in Maryland
and Kansas. Second, Cynthia; third, Matilda and fourth, Olina;
all bom in the last century and died prior to 1845. Walter Boyd's
youngest daughter was named Anna A. Boyd and was bom in
1800 and died in 1880 at the good age of eighty years. She
married William B. McAtee, my father.

The Portsmouth, N. H. Bo yd Family
(Now Extinct)
This sketch was furnished by Fred L. Dodge, ist Lieutenant
of 23rd U. S. Infantry, stationed December 10, 1887 at Fort
Wayne, Mich.
George Boyd of Boston, Massachusetts, and Abegail Hoyt of
Newington, New Hampshire, a daughter of William Hoyt were
married as it appears by the Old Church records of Newington,
August 21, 1730, and their son George was baptized at the same
place, April 23, 1732, who married Jane Brewster of Portsmouth,
NewHampshire,and on his retum passage from England to America
•died October 6, 1787 on board of the vessel on which he had

154 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
his tombstone, which he had purchased in England, with the in
tention of having it erected upon his family burial lot in the North
Cemetery of Portland, New Hampshire, where it can be seen to
day with his family coat-of-arms upon it. He went to England,
it was thought because he had Tory proclivities at the time of
the Revolutionary War. He, at that time, left his famUy in the
old Boyd family mansion, intending to retum to Portsmouth
after awhile. But he died on his route home after the close of the
war. This vessel reached America October 8, 1787 and he
expired two days before. The tombstones of the children of
George Boyd and his wife were erected near his imposing memorial
stone which has the following names inscribed : George, aged 3 2 ;
Supply, aged 14; Henry C, aged 11; Joseph, aged 27; Pheobe,
aged 17. Jane Boyd the wife of George died in 1800.
Jane Brewster, the wife of George Boyd the second, was the
daughter of Joseph Brewster. By this union there were five
sons and five daughters as follows: Mary, who married Joseph
Champuey; Jane, who married Dr. John Goddard and died in
1790 at the age of twenty-seven; Phoebe- Abigal, who married
Captain Mackay and after her first husband's death. Captain
Samuel Hane, who built the George Woodbury house in Portland,
New Hampshire. Submit, who married Hon. J. S. Sherburne
and died in 1803 at the age of twenty-eight years. Joseph, who
died unmarried; William, who married a daughter of Captain
Thomas Martin and had a daughter named Louis Maria that
married George Walace; Supply and Henry Cruger.
The tombstone of Madam Abigail Peavy is also there. She
was the widow of George Boyd, Senior, that was nee Abigail
Hoyt as already stated. She married after her first husband's
death a gentleman named Peavy and her tombstone shows that
she died September 8, 1800, at the age of ninety. William Boyd
was the son of the George Boyd who died on his way from England
and he had a son also named George William Boyd who was the
great-grandson of George and Abigail Hoyt Boyd.
¦George William Boyd Hved in Portland, Maine, but was
born in Portsmouth, New Hampshire in 1791; fitted for College,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 155
Exeter, New Hampshire and then graduated from'Bordmans Col
lege in 1810, when he went abroad and remained a year at St.
Petersburg, Russia. He retumed during the war of i8 12-14,
enlisted in the United States Army and was made a Lieutenant
of the Infantry. He also served as an aide-de-camp to General
Thomas A. Smith and was also at one time Assistant Adjutant
General of the 8th Military District, fn 1847 he resigned from
the army to engage in commerce and resided in New Orleans for
.a short time. In 1831 he married Meriam F. Guerlain, the widow
of a Parisian Banker who died in 1837 childless. He left an adopt
ed son who bore his name and lived in Mobile, Alabama.
George WUliam Boyd died in Portland, Maine, in 1859,
bequeathing to Bordman College his whole property of more
than $10,000, burdened only with a small annuity to the use of
his infirmed -wife. This gift is called the Boyd fund. George
William Boyd above, was the last one bearing the name of this
Boyd family and his tombstone can be seen in the Rice and
Goddard family lot in the South Cemetery in Portsmouth, New
Ham. p shire.
The old gentleman, George Boyd who married AbigaU Hoyt,
it seems came from Boston, Massachusetts and his ancestry
is not known to me. Her son, George's -wife, Jane Brewster ,was
the wealthiest man in Portsmouth and lived in great elegance in
the grand old Boyd mansion which is still standing. The rambles
about Porstmouth, in two volumes, by Charles Brewster, gives
quite an account of this family.

The following letter was received from J. J. Howard, October
4, 1887, whose residence was at Dartmouth Row, Blackreth,
Kent, England.
Dear Sir: I wrote to my friend Miss Julia Boyd at Moor
House, Leamside Junction, Durham, England and asked her to
send me one of her beautiful armorial bookplates for your collec
tion. I now enclose it. It would be well for you to correspond
¦with her as she is very much interested in the Boyd genealogy.

156 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
She, I am sure would subscribe for your book, and therefore,
think you had better send her a copy, naming the price in the
letter to her when you thank her for the plate. She would if
asked, send you several impressions of this plate. Any notes I
may gather relating to the family you shall have.
I sent this lady the book but could not obtain any further
information.

The following interesting article was secured by me from
Mr. Charles Howell, of London, England, December i6, 1881 and
was not published in my former History of the Boyd Family of
1884. At this time he was Librarian of the British Museum and
also the Archives of Scotland at the City of Edinburgh in
that country. At this time I was making a historical research of
the Boyd family of the Old World and more especially of Scotland,
and I wrote to Mr. Howell for information and he sent me the
following communication.
Mr. W. P. Boyd, ^°^^°"' ^^^- '^' '^^'-
Dear Sir : You will think I have been a long time in answer
ing your letter. But the fact is, it is no easy matter to get the
information you require as there is no book or history of the
Boyd family. Of this I am positive as I have had access to the
Library of the British Museum and the Archives Library of
Edinburgh the number of seven in the kingdom which by law
are receptants of a copy of every book published in the country.
Both of the Libraries tell me there is no such work. I have had to
get my information by piece-meal. But I flatter myself. I have
made a thorough search of the family. So far as the country is con
cerned, I have turned it back to Boj^d number one in the twelfth
century. You will understand by the law of inheritance of this
country only the oldest son who inherits the estate and title (if
there are any) is considered worthy of record. Hence, the younger
sons are lost sight of and it is from some of them we miust date
back our ancestry. There was a crest in this family, also a motto,
a fac simile of which I send. The following is the result of my
labor.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 157
Boyd number one had no surname, nor is it known from whom
he came. The first mention of the name Boyt or Boidet in Scot
land (this name indicating in Gaelic, the Ancient language of
the country means Fair Complexion) is a -witness to a contract
between Boyce de Eglinton and the to-wn of Irvin in the year
of 1205. This man was a son of Simon and the name was given
him on account of his complexion. The family is traced for suc
cessive generations until 1346 when the title of Sir (Baronet) ap
pears attached to Thomas Boyd's name at the Battle of Durham.
The representation of the family in 1459 was made Lord Boyd,
but with what title is not mentioned. All his successors appear
as Lord Boyd untU the ninth Lord Boyd -was created Earl of
Kilmamock in 1661. There was four successive Earls of Kil-
mamocks. The last one William Boyd the fourth being engaged
in the rebellion of 1745, was executed at Tower Hill, London
tower, the eighteenth of August 1746. His estate and the title
being forfeited to the crown.
The crest and motto — a right hand coped at the wrist, point
ing with the hand and the next two fingers, the other two turned
do-wn, motto "Confido."
Sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmamock (1346) had three sons.
The youngest, Robert, was the ancestor of the Boyds of Portin
cross, whom, as near as I can trace, we are descendants. There
is no mention of any going to Ireland or America. But as I have
been able to trace the successive generations (and they seem
numerous) from 1372 to 1712, I am quite confident that here is
our common origin. I am strengthened in this opinion from the
fact that they were opposed to the Stuarts and hence were Pro
testants. The last male representative of this family died in
17 1 2, and the estate was inherited by a grandson named William
FuUarton Boyd. Up to this time all the oldest sons, representa
tives of this family was named Robert. I notice also that the name
of Alexander is very frequent. Mr. S. M. Boyd, great-grand
father was named Robert and his grandfather's name was Alex
ander. Further Mr. S. M. Boyd's grandfather had a brother who
had two sons named Robert and Alexander. Still among these
Portincross families are the one you speak of as belonging to

158 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Wigtonshire. This family retained the crest and motto of the
family of the Earl of Kilmarnock.
There is another family of Boyds, called the Boyds of Pitcon,
but they are descendants from the Earl of Kilmarnock by a young
er son. This family is first noticed in 1608, and is traced down to
1770. When the male issue died out and the estate was sold.
This family seems to have somewhat changed the crest and motto.
The finger of the hand pointing to a sun and the motto "spas-
mea-en-coelis" (Meaning, "My hope is in the heaven or the
heavens".) There are yet two more Boyd families, both appear to have
descended from the others already given. They are called the
Boyds of Carlung, coming from the Pitcon Boyds and the Boyds
of Orchced who trace their predecessors back to the Earl of Kil
mamock. I am sorry I have not been able to get a trace of any
of the members of the families emigrating to America. But there
are no records to be found of the fact very likely for the reason,
that at the first they went as fugitives. Their friends keeping it
secret and dying -without revealing it to the next generation
following. Probably they did not take much interest in it at
that time, as it was very unpopular to be a Protestant. If what I
have been able to gather up, will be of any service, I shall be only
to happy in corttributing my share to the memory of a family
of whom, nam^e and history we, their descendants should be proud.
Yours respectfully,
Chas. Howell.

The foUo-wing memoranda was furnished me by Mr. Francis
Boyd, number 19 Pearl Street, Boston, Massachusetts (now
deceased). Several years ago and were New England Boyds.
James Boyd, of Hartford, Vermont, bom January i, 1845,
a pew holder. Archibald Boyd of Bangor, Maine, married Martha
P- Easty October 23, 1855; Franklin Boyd belonging 'to Hartford,
Vermont's Company, of 3rd regiment of volunteers, and was

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 159
killed in the Battle of the Wilderness. William Hiram Dutton,
bom July 12, 1857, married Mary M. Boyd December 26, 1877
at East Galas, Vermont, who was bom April i, 1859, and their
daughter Bessie Rebecca Dutton was bom October 17, 1880.

, The folio-wing is taken from the Town Record of Dedham,
Massachusetts, published by Don Gleason Hill, the Town Clerk,
in 1886 which shows the early settlement of the Boyds in the
above to-wnship and also records of this family as furnished by
Francis Boyd of Boston, Massachusetts (now deceased).
The first of- this family we have any record of is Robert Boyd
who must have come here when a young man, and married here
AbigaU Colbum, February 7, 1778. His wife was the daughter
of Ephram and Abigail Colbttm and was born in Dedham, April,
1758. By this union they had a son named David, who was
bom here, March 5, 1780. He married Miss Polly French and
their engagement was announced and filed December 12, 1803,
and the marriage ceremony was performed by the Rev. Thomas
Thacher at Dedham, February i, 1804. David had children,
how many I am unable to say. Among them was Moses who
was bom, October 29, 181 5. He married Miss Olive Guild whose
engagement was announced, November 29, 1840 and the ceremony
was performed by the Rev. John White, December 23, 1840. His
wife was bom April 30, 1822. Their child was named Moses and
was bom January 5, 1842 and married Hannah Tracy WUcox,
April 30, 1855, and had one child. Gardener Boyd, bom August
3, 1888. Town Records gives the name of Mariah L. Boyd who was
bom, November 24, 1843, "who without doubt was a daughter of
David. She may never have been married or have died young.
Hannah, another daughter of David, was born April 5, 1804 and
was united in marriage to Joshua H. Spears by the Rev. John
White, November 1840. She must have died soon after her
marriage for the records show that the gentleman married Mary
Boyd (probably her sister), October 29, 1841. No more record.

160 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
There are two other records of Boyds to be found in the
Town Marriage Records of Dedham. First is Augustus Boyd, of
Douglas, toMiss Lucy Turner, whose engagement was announced
October 28, 1827 and was united in marriage at Dedham by the
Rev. John White, December 12, 1827 and Robert Boyd and Mary
Dalton whose marriage ceremony took place, April 12, 1829.

The following is a couple of letters from the venerable Wil
liam Boyd of Cambridge, Massachusetts, who has always taken a
deep interest in the Hneage of his branch of Boj^d family. Many
interesting letters I have received from him in the past. His
name -will be found among the descendants of the Boyds of Boston
chapter which he says: "In regard to Peers, the Royal family and
the now Archbishop (of York and Canterbury) come in distinc
tion or descending order of Dukes. Marquises, Earls, Viscounts,
Bishops and Barons and aU of them from Dukes tp Barons may be
called Lords. Thus we may say the Duke of Wellington, on page
65 of your History of the Boyds of 1884, you mentioned that the
Earl is the direct descendant in the male line of the ennoble Boyd
Family. Scottish peers and also English peers set in the House of
Lords, The Errol sat there as one of the Barons of Kilmamock.
Sixteen Scottish peers who are not also English peers are
elected at each new Parliament to sit in the House of Lords.
They are elected by the Scottish peers. The twenty-eight
representative Irish peers are elected by the Irish peers for life.
The Lord "of Errol is named William Harry Hays. His oldest
son (heir) bears one of his father's titles" Lord Kilmamock. One
of the vice chancellors of Oxford University is Henry Boyd, D. D.
Among the professors in the four universities at Glasgow, Aberdeen,
Edinburgh and London, there is no one called Boyd. The Hon.
Boyd D. Morehead is the name of one of the Board of Directors
of the Queenland National Bank. It is strange how so many
]5ersons have Boyd before their names.
The above was written to me by Mr. Boyd May 15, 1886,
and ten days later I received my second epistle, giving still further
information on the above subject.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 161
It is as I said by card, the Kilmamock History was duly
received arid also your letter accompaning the same. I have read
the Kilmamock History from end to end. I am from a town named
Ayrs — that is only twenty mUes from Kilmamock. I came to
America when I was only eleven and a half years old. Therefore
the History of Kilmamock is to me very interesting. Being per
sonally acquainted -with the history of Ayers, I am very glad
you have given me an opportunity to read the KUmamock Book
you sent me. I of course notice where in this book you have
borrowed items for your own book I am delighted for your own
sake at least that you fell in with the History of KUmamock.
In regard to page 42 of the above history, what I say is that
the narrie of Boyd as a Peer the name is now extinct. Earl of
Errol who is the descendant in the male line of the ennoble Boyd
famUy of Kilmamock is named Hays, as you -wUl ere now have
seen in the Peerage list in Whithers Almanac in the Peerage of
Scotland's p»ast. The KJUmamock Book is of course most interest
ing and important to you and me as containing the history and
description of the place where the ennoble Boyd Family lived for
hundreds of years and where their residential Castle was the home
of the bold and resolute men and women.
I am sorry you did not receive greater encouragement for
your trouble in the sale of the Book and the great trouble and
labor you had in preparing same. I have no copy of Burks
Peerage but I hope you have. If so, please look in Burks and see
how it is that the Earl of Errol is called Hays. The oldest son
of the fourth Earl of Errol, whose name of course was Boyd.
Find out how and -when the Boyd name died out and became re
placed by another name. Trace back the name of Hays and see
how it grew out of the demise of the name of Boyd. Perhaps the
first (and perhaps the only) Boyd, Earl' of Errol had no son or
sons, but may have had a daughter and the name of Boyd died
out in that way, and there was no sons of the fourth Earl of Kil
mamock also called the Earl of Kihnamock instead of being
called by a name that gave his father the title of Earl. Find out
all this in your books and oblige me,
William Boyd.

162 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The foUo-wing sketch of the Boyds of PhUadelphia, Pa. was
sent me September 27, 1899 by John S. McNieU of that city, a
descendant of the same.
Peter Knox was born 1681 and died February 2, 1770.
Naturalized by New Jersey Provincial Legislature, August 14,
1733. He gave thirty-eight and three-qviarter acres in New
Jersey to the famous Tennert Church in 1758. .He was probably
a Hugenot from France by the way of Holland. His children,
by his wife Catherine Knox, were Saul who died January 16, 18 10;
Rebecca who married Remembrance Lippincdtt; -Raehael who
married Peter Van Dike; Mercy who miarried Conrad Hendrick-
son; Catherine who married James Wilson and David who mar
ried Isabella Little, David was a trustee of Tennert Church in
1763 and member observation. May 27, 1775. His -wife, Isabella
was bom August 11, 1737, and died in PhUadelphia about 18 13.
Their children were Peter who married Lydia Hendrickson ; Mary
who married Holmes ; Lydia who married Huffman ; Elizabeth who
married Christopher, and David, John, Joseph, Sarah and George
Boyd. This George Boyd and Sarah Knox (by the Knox records)
were married in the First Presbyterian Church, New York City,
August 12, 1789. No trace has been fond of this George Boyd in

The following was taken from one of the Fox River Valley
papers sent me by Mr. H. B. Tanner, M. D., of Kankauna,
.Wisconsin, a son-in-law of this noted man, December 17, 1896,
which read as follows:
"Died at the residence of his daughter, Mrs. H. B. Tanner
of the South Side, Tuesday, February 23, 1897, James M. Boyd
aged eighty-one years, ten months and ten days.
"The death of Lieutenant James Madson Boyd, the Fox
River Valley loses another of the few remaining old settlers, who
figured so conspiciously in the early history of the state, and whose
recoUections are always valuable material for historical produc
tions. The residence of the deceased in this part of Wisconsin
dates from the fourth year of his life, at a time when Milwaukee

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 163
was but a village, and the whole of Fox River Valley was in a
primeval state. Mr. Boyd had therefore, seen and keenly ob
served much of Pioneer life and the habits of the aborigines, and
was a regular encyclopedia of information regarding the details
of the early forest trade, the movements of Indian tribes, the
characteristics of old settlers and incidents of early times, but
unless the subjects were well dra-wn out, he never discussed them
much not being of an over-talkative disposition."
"Lieutenant James Madson Boyd was bom in Washington,
D. C, January 13, 1816, being the fourth son of Colonel George
and Harriett Johnson Boyd. When four years of age he came
to the Island of Mackinaw -with his parents, his father having
been appointed Indian agent at that place in the year of 181 8.
Colonel George Boyd his father, was in the Govemment employ
all of his life acting as special agent for the govemment, carrying
dispatches to the peace commissioners at Ghent, during the war of
181 2, and afterwards purchased arms and material in Europe to
build the capitol buUdings and White House that had been
burnt by the British during the war. Colonel Boyd married a
Miss Johnson who was a sister of Mrs. John Quincy Adams.
The Boyds on both his mother's and father's side were of Scotch
ancestry. Mr. Boyd tracing his descent on his father's side from
the younger son of the third Earl of Kilmamock.
The deceased attended school at Mackinaw during his youth,
and at one time had the Rev. W. M. Ferry as a teacher, the
father of Senator Ferry of Michigan, in 1832, Colonel George
Boyd was transferred to Green Bay and removed there with his
family in June of that year. This was just before the Black Hawk
war, and soon after coming to the bay, James Boyd who was then
just entering manhood, enlisted for service in this war, and served
during the compaign, attaining the rank of Lieutenant. He
probably was the last survivor of the two companies that went
from Green Bay. The next year after his return from the Black
Hawk war he came to Kankauna and purchased four hundred
acres of land along the south side of the river, most of which at
this tim-e is known as the "BeauHeu addition." Shortly after
locating here, in company with Paul H. BeauHeu, another one of

164 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the old settlers who long since crossed the Dark river, built a saw
mill on the south side, on a part of the rapids that run along their
lands, about a quarter of a mile below the present site of the
Badger Mill. This mill was operated for a number of years and
considerable of the adjacent timber was cut up into building tim
ber and material. Not long after this, however, the Strock-
bridge Indians who were then located here began to move to Cal
umet County, and as the market gave out Mr. Boyd disposed of
his interest in the mill and removed to a farm he had acquired in
the meantime, about half way between Green Bay and DePere.
Many of the citizens of Kankauna who have resided here since
the seventy's -will undoubtedly remember seeing part of the old
saw-mill referred to, for a part of the ruin stood on the south
channel until along in 1880 when the south side began to build up.
"The deceased was married on the 14th of November, 1839
to Maria M. Lawe, daughter of Judge John Lawe of Green Bay,
and a sister of Hon. George W. Lawe, father of Kankatma, who
departed this life at the close of the year of 1895. After marriage
Mr. Boyd continued to reside upon his farm until 1872, when he
sold out, locating at DePere where he erected a brick block and
opened a furniture store. He continued in this and other
business until 1879, when owing to the death of his wife he gave
up all business, and ia 1881 retumed to Kankauna, since which
time he has resided -with his daughter, Mrs. H. B. Taimer. Mr.
Boyd raised a large family. Two of his sons enlisted in the war
of the rebellion. One had both feet amputated and died at Davis
Island, N. Y., the other contracted consumption and died soon
after his retum. All of the other children have passed away
except his daughter, Mrs. H. B. Tanner, and one son, N. C. Boyd
of Stevens Point. By virtue of having acted as administrator
for the estate of his father-in-law, Mr. Boyd accumulated a very
large collection of letters and documents relating to the early
history of Wisconsin, the greater part which were presented to the
Wisconsin Historical Society at Madison, and from what are
called the Lawe-Boyd-Porlier papers, comprising 118 botind vol
umes. This is the most valuable collection of old papers relating
to the early times in this state that the Society ever received.

HISTORYT OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 165
Mr. Boyd was a man of strict integrity, and one who believed
in doing every thing well. He practiced in his life the maxim
"if a thing was worth doing at all, it was worth doing well."
His early relation with the Indians gave him a good command
of their language, and as he spoke several, he was employed for
years as govemment interpreter.
Funeral services were held at Dr. Tanner's residence at 10:30
Thursday moming, and the remains taken to Green Bay for
interment 'in the famUy lot in Woodlawn Cemetery.

A sketch of the following distinguished Boyds were taken
from Historical works such as encyclopaedia and other works of
that nature. They are as follows:
First: Mark Alexander Boyd was a Scottish scholar and
soldier. He was bom in Galloway, Scotland, January 13, 1562,
and died at PinkhUl, April 10, 1601. He was a man of headstrong
temper that made him quarrel -with his relatives and instructors.
Before he had finished his academic course, he sought his fortune
in life by challenges in court, where he fought one duel, and by a
number of broils, soon made himself notorious, and to escape his
enemies, he went to France and studied civil law. Here, to avoid
the plague at that time, he emigrated to Italy. In 1587 when the
war of the Ceyin commenced, he joined the catholic party as a
volunteer, though himself a protestant, and at the close of the.
campaign in 1584, again resumed his legal study at Toulon, where
he was imprisoned for his religious opinions, but was permitted
to escape to Bordeaux, where for some years he spent his life
alternately between religion and study. On the death of his elder
brother, he was induced to return to Scotland, where he had pre
viously endeavered to win the favor of James VI by dedicating to
him a volume of poems printed at Antwerp in 1592. Some of
his Latin poems are to be found in Delicive Poetarum Scotorum.
But his ambition faUed and Lord Hailus pronounced his style
to be incorrect, and his ideas frequently impure.
Second: Hugh Boyd was bom in Scotland in 1746 and died,
1 791. He was educated in Trinity College.

166 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Third : Robert Boyd was bom in Scotland in 1578, and died
in 1627. He in life was a Scottish Divine, and a descendant of
Robert Boyd Errol of Arran. He was educated at the University
of Edinburg, Scotland, and became professor of PhUosophy at
Montuban. In France, professor of Saumar in 1608, and professor
of Divinity in the University of Glasgow in 161 5.
Fourth: WiUiam Boyd was a Presbyterian minister of
eminence in New Jersey and was bom in 1758. He gradua,ted at
Princeton College in 1778, and died at Lumrnington, New Jersey
in 181 5. No more record.
Fifth : John Parker Boyd was a Brigade General in the army
of the United States. He was bom at Newport, Massachusetts in
1768, and died at Boston, October 4, 1830. In life he passed
through a peculiar military career. In Hindostan he raised an
army of three battaHons,each of about five hundred men equipped
with cannons, elephants and a few English officers, and men he
hired by the month. This equipment was his sole property, and
he hired out their service to any of the Indian Princes who would
give him the best pay. He was in the service and pay of Holkar
in the Peistwa Service, and afterwards in the Nizam-AH-Khan.
Finding the trade in war gro-wing dull, he sold out his stock of
arms, elephants and equipments to Colonel Felose, a Neopolitan.
He was in Paris in 1808, and having found his way back to America
was put at the head of an attachment of fifteen thousand men in
General Williamson's army in the expedition to Upper Canada,
and was commander at the Battle of Williamsburgh which was
fought November 11,1813. He proved to have been a good officer,
and after the war was appointed Naval Officer of the Port of
Boston. He afterward published some documents pertaining to
military offices during the war of 181 2-14 in the year of 1816.
(P. S.) John Parker Boyd belonged as near as I can say, to
the Portland, Maine Branch and is spoken of in a communication
of Mr. C. H. Boyd of Portland, Maine, written from Peters-
burgh, Va,, in April 2c, 1892.

The following is a sketch of a branch of the Pennsylvania Boyds
taken from Cleveland's Historyof Yates Co., New York as follows:

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 167
Robert M. Boyd was a native of Lancaster county, Penn
sylvania. He was bom here in 1772, and at a young age leamed
the blacksmith trade: He emigrated from here to Bath, New
York in 1799, taking the route by the way of the Susquehanna,
Chemung and Cohocton River on what was kno-wn as the old
General Sullivan route of 1779, bringing -with him his kit of tools.
From here he went to Geneva, where he worked for a year, then
went to Hopeto-wn, Yates county. New York. In 1804 he united
his destinies in marriage to Miss Rebecca Woodhull, a daughter
of Tompkins Woodhull, then an early settler of Benton, same
county, who was bom in 1783, and died in 1854. They at first
took up their residence in Hopeto-wn until 1824, when they moved
to Jerusalem, New York. WhUe living at the former place, he
continued to work at his trade, except two years in Newark,
New York, where he sharpened tools for workmen on the Erie
Canal. He died in Jerusalem in 1839. By his union to Miss
Woodhull their family consisted of six chUdren, namely:
First: Alexander W., who was bom in 1807. He married
Raehael Fitzwater, a daughter of Samuel Fitzwater of Jerusalem,
New York in 1836. After their marriage they resided in Penn
Yan until 1850 when they moved to Michigan. They had two
children, Margaret and Stewart.
Second: Thompkins W. Boyd, the second son was bom in
1809 and married Utebecca Van Scoy, daughter of Timothy Van
Scoy, in 1835. At first they resided in Penn Yan knd in 1839
moved to Harmonyville, Pulteney county. New York, where he
kept a Public House for some twenty years. His wife died in
1866, and their children were Elizabeth, Robert (who married
Kitty Booth, daughter of Spencer Booth of Spencerport, New
York and then went to Saginaw, Michigan), Elmira, Theodorfe P.,
Timothy T., George P., and Harrison P.
Third: Margaret, who was bom in 1809 and died in
1832. Fourth: Robert McDowell Boyd, who was born in 18 14
and married Mary H. Luther in 1840, who was a daughter of
Elisha Luther. His home after his marriage was on the Friends
Track, number 44 in Jerusalem, New York, on lands owned by

168 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
his father-in-law. By occupation he was a farmer. His wife
was bom in 182 1, and their children were Sidney, Bennet A.,
Martha, Tompkins, Charles, Abbott, Ellen M., and Frederick.
Sidney married John Waterhouse, Jr. of Pultney, and died in that
township in 1866. Bennett married Jane Briggs, daughter of
Joseph Briggs of Potter, New York and always resided in that
town. The rest of the chUdren in 1884 were single and resided
with their father.
Fifth: Martha R. Boyd who was bom in 1816. She was
married in 1834 and became the second -wife of Louis V. Durand,
a native of France. He was a noted Physician of Rochester,
New York, and died in 1857. In 1884 she still resided in Rochester
and their children were, Adolphus, George and Robert. The
former died in the army in 1861, and George married and lived in
Buffalo. Sixth: Arabella R. M. Boyd was bom in 181 9, and married
Thomas B. O. Durand, a son of Louis V. Durand, by the wife of
his first marriage in 1839. He also was a Physician and lived at
Fairport, New York. Their children were, Ann, Louis and
Rebecca. Seventh: Mary Elizabeth Boyd was bom in 1825. She
married Levi Dildine of Pultney and moved to Wayland, New
York, where she died in 1854, leaving three chUdren by her first
husband. Her second husband was Simpson DUdine, brother of
the first, who died in 1864, lea-ving one child, Frederick.

While engaged in preparing my former history of the Boyd
family in 1884, I obtained the following memento from Mr.
Henry Holmes, Librarian of the General Library, and Stephen B.
Griswold, Librarian of the Law Library of the state at Albany,
New York, of the records and names of Boyds found on the fUes
of their respective offices. These records were sent me. May 27,
1882 as follows:
In a manuscript account book found in the State Library
of Charles Clinton from the year of 1729 to 1756 just bought for
the Library gives the foUo-wing:

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 169
February the 20, 1754, received from Charles Clinton,
twenty-four shillings in full for Smith work and all accounts to
the date hereof. Robert Boyd.
Mr Hough's American Biographical Notes, Albany, 1875.
Royal 8vo. There are six notes of Boyds, each of about three
lines each.
American Popular Life Insurance Company, published
number one, a list of long lives Americans in America, but failed
to mention any Boyds in the list.
T. BaUey, record of Longe-vity, London, 1859, pages 399,
1 2mo. This volume enumerates in alphabetical order the names
of centenarians, their homes and other facts. Under the letter B
there are several hundred mentioned. Only one was a Boyd,
whose name was Flora, who died in Edinburgh, 181 5, aged 104
years. WUliam J. Thomas, Human Longe-vity facts and fiction,
published at London in 1873, pp. 320, i2mo. This volume dis
cusses cases of longevity in England and Arrierica by name, but
does not mention a Boyd.
The Massachusetts Historical Society collections. Series
number 2, vol. 10, contains a list of centenarians in New Hamp
shire, but no Boyds.
Joel MunseU's Collections for the History of Albany, New
York. Albany 1865 to 1871, four volumes. Each volume has
copious indexes of names of persons, and there are thirty-six
references of the different persons named Boyd.
Joel MunseU's Annual of Albany, 1849 to 1855, ten volumes,
have thirty-eight references to incidents in the lives of a number
of Boyd famUies of Albany.
In these notes I have not referred to the, Standard Biography
Dictionaries. Yet in -winding up I will mention the name of
General John Parker Boyd, bom in 1764 — died, 1830, whose life
is in Drake's American Biographical Dictionary of Boston 1872.
Henry Homes, Librarian of General Library.
Stephen B. Griswold, Librarian of Law Library .

170 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The following was taken from the Rockland, Illinois paper
of January 26, 1892, and furnished by Frederick Boyd of Quincy,
Illinois, April 9, 1892.
"Mr. John Boyd at his home in this city, this moming at
five-thirty, died of general debility after a prolonged illness of
several years. He was born in Chatham, New York, September
16, 1828, and was therefore in his sixty-fourth year of age. He
married Miss Lizzie A. Moore at Fredonia, New York, October
3, 1851, who survives him. He leaves also a son, John M. Boyd,
who is employed as a salesman for the Rockford Watch Company.
Mrs. John A. Davis of Kenwood, near Chicago, and Colonel
Wesley Boyd of Kokomo, Colorado, are a sister and brother of
the deceased man."
The paper has an account of the family of Mrs. John A. (Boyd)
Davis thus :
"Mrs. John A. Davis (sister of the late -John Boyd of Rock-
ford) of Kentwood inherits an Irish estate. She is a recent heir to
a million doUar estate in Montana.
Mrs. John A. (Boyd) Davis of Kenwood, Illinois, has just
fallen heir to a big estate in Ireland and succeeded to a title. Mrs.
Davis is the only surviving heir. She is a grand-daughter of
Lady Elenor Stanhow. She succeeds to the title of Lady Stanhow
and to Carson House the Clavtalien estate. Mrs. Davis is a
niece of the late John Russell of England. The fortunate lady
is a sister of the late John Boyd of Rockford, who died January
26, and it is understood he stood first in succession to the estate.
She is an aunt of John Boyd, Jr., who traveled for the Rockford
Watch Company. Mrs. Davis attended the funeral of her brother
and only retumed to her home last week. Fortune seems to
smile upon her family, for it was only a short time since her
husband was declared by the Court of Montana to be heir to an
estate valued at more than four millions that was left by his
brother in Butte. Mrs. Davis' friends in Rockford, Illinois will
rejoice to hear of her good fortune. The property which she
inherits from her grandmother has been tied up for some years,
and it is only recently that proofs of title to it have been
received.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 171
The following is found upon the old muster roll of soldiers
from the Province or State of New York in the Archives,
Albany. They took active part in the Revolutionary war and the
regiments they were members of.
Ebenezer Boyd, captain in the 3d Regiment; George Boyd,
private in the ist, 2d, 5th and 6th Regiments; Isaac Boyd, private
in 7th Regiment; James Boyd, 2d Ulster county Regiment and
also artillery; John Boyd, sergeant in General Putnam Scoharie
county Regiment; John Boyd, captain in the 5th Regiment;
John Boyd, Charlotte county Militia, also the 6th Regiment and
7th Albany Militia; Jonah Boyd, private of 6th Regiment;
Jonathan Boyd, Fonday's Party; Jonathan Boyd, the ist Regi
ment; Nathaniel Boyd, 2d and Le^vies Regiments; Peley Boyd, in
the Le^vies Regiment; Robert Boyd, in the 2d, 4th, 5th and 6th
Regiments and Charlotte Militia; Robert Boyd, Jr., in the 2d Regi
ment; Samuel Boyd in the 2d, 5th and 6th Regiments; Thomas
Boyd in the Charlotte county Militia; William Boyd in the Char
lotte county Militia ; Samuel Boyd in the 5th and 6th Regiments.

The foUowing sensational drama was introduced in New York
a few years ago of which a program was sent me. In the same,
one of the characters were Captain Ebenezer Boyd of Kent, New
York, the progenitor of the family of Boyds of that place as
given in this work. The play bill read as follows:
"MAJOR ANDRE."
New Clyde Fitch play, well staged and acted at Savoy Theatre,
New York.
Is an Interesting Drama.
Has Strong Situations, Bright Lines, and Charming Pictures of
Old New York.
Savoy Theatre — Major Andre, an Original Play of the Revolu
tion in Four Acts, by Clyde Fitch.
Major John Andre of His Majesty's Army  Arthur Byron
Michael, his Servant  Arnold Daily

172 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Captain Basil Trehem  Frederick Lane
Lieutenant Gregory Whithers  Ernest La-wford
Colonel Beverly Robinson  Dodson L. Mitchell
Nathan Goodrich  Guy Bates Port
John Pauldney  Wallace Eddinger
David Williams  George S. Probert
Isaac Van Wort  Thomas Meighan
Josiah Allen Esy Tory  Frank J. Mclntyre
Joshua Hett Smith Tory  Edward Lea
Captain Ebenezer Boyd  Adam Fox
Casar  James Rallis
Miss Barbara Allen  Chrystal Heme
Miss Nancy Winslow of New York  Angela Keir
Miss Polly Van Kort of New York  Marian Gardiner
Mrs. Van Kort of New York  Mrs. Sol. Smith
Miss Kip of New York   Mrs. Johannas Whiffen

The following sketch of the Boyd family of the to-wn of
Antrim, New Hampshire and descendants, is taken from the
early history of that town by the Rev. Warren R. Cochrane in
1880 which gives the same as foUows:
The finst of this family in this country of which we have any
record of was Captain William Boyd of Ireland, who came over
the deep blue waters of the ocean fourteen times, bringing Scotch
emigrants from that country to America. He was a man of noble
courage and force and came to Londonderry, New Hampshire
among the early settlers of that to-wn not far from the year 17 19.
Eight of his given names appear on the memorial sent over to
Governor Shute, March 26, 1718, asking encouragement to obtain
lands in "that very excellent and renowned plantation" called
New England. In his matured years he signed the "Association
Test" of April 1776. He married here, Alice Hunter and settled
permanently in the western part of Londonderry in 1 7 5 1 . He died
here November 24, 1789, aged seventy. His -wife also died here,
November 26, 1 790, aged sixty. They had six children as follows :
The first was Deacon Joseph who came to Antrim, New
Hampshire in 1774, and settled upon a farm o-wned in 1880 by

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 173
D. H. GoodaU. Here he married Miss Mary McKeen who in after
years was better kno-wn as "MoUy Boyd'' as she was called.
History says she had the reputation of being "particularly kind,
tender-hearted and generous." Joseph was a very devoted
elder in the Presbyterian Church from 1800 until his death. It
is claimed that nobody ever knew him to do an unfair thing, and
was eminently sincere and honorable, and he was also a man
patiently laborous and industrious. His death which took place
December 20, 18 16, was caused by being thro-wn from a car
riage just below the old church he had attended and was retuming
from service at the age of sixty -four. His wife was a woman of
great bravery and courage. She died May 3", 1828 at the age of
seventy-three. Tradition says at one time when her husband was
absent from Londonderry, she had been left alone -with two or
three small children in their log house in the woods, a large bear
came and attacked her pigs, which constituted one of their early
possessions at that time. The bear had broken into the enclosure
and the first notice of it was the squealing of the pigs. One of
them had escaped and ran by her door in its fright, while the other
kept up the squealing. She went do-wn near the log bam and found
Bruin hugging it nearly to death. Quick as a flash she grabbed a
stick of wood from the fire as it was burning, struck the bear such a
fearful blow that he dropped the pig, ran off a short distance, sat
upon his haunches and looked at her as if deliberating what to do.
In after years she used to say he looked to her more like the devil
than anything else she ever saw. She got between him and the
pig and drove the bleeding thing back into the pen and shut it in.
Then she ran for one of the nearest neighbors to come and
shoot the bear, but when she and the neighbor got back her hus
band had come, and the bear had gone. They made a trap that
night and baited it with part of the pig, and before moming they
caught old bruin who weighed over three hundred pounds.
The family of Joseph and Mary Boyd was of nine children.
Five of them died young and the others were as foUows:
First: Robert Boyd who was bom November 7, 1778. He
married Betsey Paige in 1800 and was found dead in the woods in
September of 1837. He left a family of eight children thus:

174 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
William, who was born September 24, 1801 and died in child
hood. Betsey was born November 2, 1803, and married James W.
Wilder and lived in after years at Providence, Pennsylvania.
Joseph who was bom August 11, 1807, and married Mary G.
Bemis of Boston, and was for a long time in the provision business
in that city, where he accumulated great wealth, and in 1880 was
living in SummerviUe, Massachusetts. They had one living child
named Frances A., unmarried. William who died in infancy.
Mary who died in March 181 2. David who was bom April 9,
1 8 13. He married Abbie S. Butler of Bolton, Massachusetts and
in 1880 was living at Plymouth, Vermont, and Mary who was
bom June 30, 1815. In 1880 -99as living with her brother Joseph.
Joseph's wife, the mother of the above children died at Providence,
Pennsylvania, May 5, 1869. David's wife died in 1878, leaving
two children, William David and Mary Allen Boyd.
Second : Alice Boyd, the oldest daughter of Joseph and Mary
Boyd, was bom June 24, 1780. She married Mark Woodbury.
She was a woman of rare kindness, attractive and of unusual
ability and force. She died April 15, 1858. She was the mother
of ten children whose names were Luke, Sabrina, Mary, Betsey,
Betsey B., Mark B., Tanny, Nancy, Levi, John B., whose history
are as follows: Luke was bom December 25, 1800, graduated at
Darmouth College in 1820 and was for many years Probate Judge
for Hillsborough county and at the time of his death was the
Democratic Candidate for Governor of New Hampshire. He
married Mary E. Wallace of Antrim, June 10, 1834 and died
August 27, 1850. They had no children. Sabrina the oldest
daughter was bom February 4, 1804. She married George W. Hill,
May 20, 1828 and died. May 8, 1856, of whom three children
survive her, Alice R., Susie S. who married Morris Christian,
M. D., July 22, 1863, and has one child George bom August 5
1868, and John R. a citizen of Johnston, Vermont. Mary was
born December 8, 1805. She married Joshua C. Dodge, October
23, 1828 and died May 3, 1836. Betsey, bom May 8, 1808 and
died in infancy, Betsey B. bom May 8, 1809 and married Benja
min B. Muzzey, October 6, 1834 and died March 20, 1849. Mark
B. born May 9, 181 1, married EmUy Wilson of Stoddard in 1837

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 175
and died October 24, 1874, and his wife, June 20, 187 2, aged fifty-
seven. They had one child named Frank B., born January 28,
1849. Fanny was born November 14, 18 13 and died October
4, 1858. Nancy was born Oqtober 28, 1817, married for her first
husband A. N. Moore in 1837, who died in 1844, and for her sec
ond husband George C. Trumble October 21, 1855. Le-vi was
bom February 18, 1820 and died August 10, 1865, married Anna
M. Bald-win May 21, 1850. They had no children. John B.
was bom October 13, 1823, married for his first wife Mary F.
Pattee, who died October 15, 1858, leaving three children, John
H. P. bom October 31, 1850, who married Ellen L. Car of Antrim,
February 12, 1873, and had one child Nannie Bland, born June
19, 1877. Levi who was born January 14, 1854, married Ida M.
Whittle of HUlsborough Bridge, August 26, 1873. Mary Alice
was bom October 8, 1858 and married WiUiam A. Parker August
23, 1876. John B. Woodbury married for his second -wife Mary C.
Whittemiore of Antrim, May 28, 1861. By this union they had
four children, Helen C. born August 7, 1863; George C, born
September 18, 1865; Arthur W., born February 14, 1868 and
died April 12, 1869, and Ralph B., bom March 4, 1879.
Third, David Boyd the second son of Joseph and Mary Boyd
was bom November 17, 1782, died September 2, 1859, was never
married. Fourth, John C. Boyd the third son was never m.arried. He
went in the War of 181 2 and died in service at Portsmouth,
March 18, 1813, aged twenty-seven.
William Boyd the second son of Captain William Boyd and
Alice Htmter, married for his first wife Annie Orr, a daughter of
William Orr of Derry, N. H. He died October 10, 1825 at the
age of 69. For his second -wife, Martha Dickey of Londonderry.
The first wife Alice Hunter died in 18 13. Her children were
WUliam Boyd, Jr., who married Margaret HolmiCS and died in
Derry in 1841, aged fifty-nine. Second, Letitia, who married
Samuel March and died in Pittsburgh, Pa., 1845 and her hus
band October 4, 1825, aged forty-five. James died December
9, 1809, aged eighteen. Robert married Elizabeth Choat and
died May ig, 1816 at the age of twenty-seven. Mary died

176 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Aug. 28, 1804, aged three. The second -wife's (Martha Dickey)
children were. Col. Col-vin Boyd, who was bom March 5, 1818
and married Charlotte W. Shepard, and in 1884 was living in the
old homestead at Londonderry, N. H. He commanded a regi
ment of New Hampshire Militia and was a fine officer. Maria
was born August 19, 1819 and married Horace P. WiUis of Man
chester, N. H., and Mason who was bom August 2:8, 182 1, mar
ried Mary H. Dodge and lived at Londonderry, in his native state.
Isaac Boyd the second son of Joseph and Alice Boyd, was
drowned April 28, 1800 at the age of twenty-nine. He lost his
life while driving some cattle across the Merrimac River. He
married Mary Thompson, who died February 2, 1817, aged forty-
seven years. Their children were: First, Robert, who married
Susan Riddle of Bedford and second, Martha B. Dickey of War
ren, O. He died in Ohio April 12, 187 1, aged seventy-three years.
Second, Alice, who died unmarried at Londonderry, January 9,
1852, aged fifty-five. Third, Isaac, who died in 1844, aged forty-
four years, and for his -wife, married Sarah C. HUl of West New
bury, N. H. He was a noted physician of the latter place, where
he lived. John Boyd the third son of Joseph and Alice Hunter Boyd,
married Naomi, a daughter of John Duncan of Antrim, N. H.
He lived in the homestead of his father, and died there in early
manhood greatly lamented, July 12, 1795, aged twenty-nine years.
Alice Boyd the oldest daughter of Joseph and Alice Boyd,
married James Steel and lived and died in Antrim, N. Y.
James Boyd the fifth son of Joseph and Alice Boyd, was
born April 3, 1768. He was one of the first settlers of Antrim,
N. H., settling there about the year 1789. He married Fanny
Baldwin of Amherst, N. H. in 1795. She came here as a teacher
in her younger days and taught in several places in the to-wn.
She taught a while in a dwelling house on top of what was called
Pattee's Hill, which was upon a road that led to her father-in-
law's house. There she became acquainted -with James Boyd
who choosed her on account of her good qualities as his -wife.
She died December 25, 1828 at the age of fifty-seven and he died
September 6, 1835, aged sixty-seven. They had seven children

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 177
as follows: First, Fanny Boyd, who was bom September 17,
1798, married Josiah Christian March 16, 1824 and died in child
birth near the close of the same year, lea^ving twin infants, whose
names are Franklin, who died in 1828 and Francis, who moved
to Boston in 1845. Second, Harriet, who was born September
17, 1798 and married Simeon B. Little of Roscawan, September
16, 1824 and died there October 3, 1850, lea^ving four children:
George, Sherman, Arthur a distinguished Congregational clergy
man of Chicago and Evelyn. Third, Lucy, who was bom Octo
ber 6, 1802, married Kimball of Hancock, N. Y., October 20,
1831 and died February 10, 1879. He died September, 1864,
aged sixty-three years. They had four children: James B. died
in chUdhood, Joseph M. died in 1862, aged twenty-eight, Mary
F. and Helen. Fourth, James Boyd, who was bom May 26,
1804, married Evelyn HaU in 1832, a daughter of Gilbert and
Phebe (Perry) Hall of Warren, Me. Her father being an old sea
captain with a life of romantic successes and reverses, died
at sea, 1825. James resided upon the old homestead of his
father and was a carpenter by trade; was a hard worker and an
able and careful manager. Was for a long time a Deacon in the
Presbyterian Church. He died April 18, 1880 after a long lin
gering suffering. He sur^vived all his children, consisting of two
sons and a daughter namely: Isaac, who was born April 28, 1806
and married Mary Hadly of Goff'win. He was a ro^ving, stirring,
wide-awake man and carried on the bobbin business for several
years at the Branch, then moved to Waldobordugh, Me., where
he died April 28, 1828 lea^ving three children, Mary T. who mar
ried Samuel N. Morse of Nashau, N. H.; James P. who lived un
married at Waldoborough, Me. and Sarah M. who was for a time
a teacher in Boston, and in years afterward a traveller in South
America and Europe; also a teacher in BrazU, South America.

Among those of the Boyd descendants whose life has been
fUled with many daring adventures and cunning bravery connected
-with the dark hours of the Southern Rebellion of 1861, is that of
a young lady of Virginia, better known in the present day as the

178 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Rebel Spy, BeU Boyd. From the first breaking out of the war
her whole sympathy was for the southem people there in the Re
bel camp, and she spent most of her time in getting information
in the Union lines and carrying the same to the Rebel
Leaders. Her parental home was at Martinsburg in the north-eastem
part of West Virginia, where the Union Generals, Bariks, Fremont
and Shield in 1862 were trying to crush the Rebel General John
ston from marching on toward Washington, and were surprised to
find that their movements were betrayed to the Rebel officers by
some unknown spy. But it was not long before it was discovered
that the same was being carried by a bold, young female named
Bell Boyd, who was at this time a permanent visitor in the Union
lines. She was at once arrested, sent to Washington and after
wards conducted to Baltimore, Md., but General Dicks, for
lack of certain evidence against her, sent her home.
In May of that year she started from her home to visit Rich
mond, Va. While at Westchester, as she passed through the
Union lines, she heard some plans of the Union General Shield,
and she at once hastened to the Rebel General Ashley and con
veyed to him the information, which assisted the Rebel StonewaU
Jackson to plan his brilliant charge upon the Union lines at Fort
Royal. On May 21, 1862, while trying to get more information in
the Union lines, she was captured again and a search showed upon
her person that she had been trusted with a letter for the Con
federate army and made a prisoner. On the first of August, by
the order of the Secretary of War, she was taken to Washington
and confined in the Old Capitol Prison, but was soon afterward
released and sent south and ordered never to be seen again in the
Union lines. After the war she married a southem gentelman
and resided for a time at Fairmount, West Virginia, but now her
residence is unknown to us.

The following is the history of John Boyd and family of
Dundee, Scotland of 1754, who settled at St. John, New Bruns-

HISTORY OF THE BQ-YD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 179
wick about 1790, as furnished to us by Mr. Henry A. Boyd of
Buffalo, N. Y., a descendant of the same.
John Boyd, first, was born in Dundee, Scotland, 1754, and
died in St. John, New Brunswick, Canada, 1818. His father
was William Boyd, a Major in the British Army, part of whose
Military service was in Pennsylvania prior to the War of Inde
pendence. I know nothing further with regard to William Boyd,
except that he had some silver plate -with the Kilmarnock arms.
These, I saw when a boy, but they were all destroyed by fire in
1877. Among these was a large silver salver bearing the KU
mamock arms and a wine cooler, the feet of which were squirrels
standing upright.
John Boyd, first, belonged to the Royal Medical Staff and
served for forty-one years in various parts of the World. In
1785-86 he was with the Royal Army, which occupied New York
and was sent -with the troops accompanying the Loyalists, who
went from New York to Shelbume, Nova Scotia. In 1787 he
was Medical Officer of the Garrison at Fort Edward, N. S., and
afterward resided in St. John, N. B., where he died. He was an
accomplished -violinist, notable for his scientific attainments and
zeal in his profession. His hospitality and kindness to his Brother
Officers are referred to in letters from General Sir Howard
Douglas. He married in September, 1786, Jane Barclay, daughter
of Andrew Barclay, a prominent Loyalist, son of Andrew Bar
clay and Helena Roosevelt (and grandson of the Rev. Thos.
Barclay, first Rector of St. Peter's Church, Albany, N. Y.). Their
children were :
Anna Maria, who married the Hon. Edward J. Jarvis, Chief
Justice of Prince Edward Island; descendants living.
John, who married Albinia Wright, daughter of Col, Henry
Wright and Elizabeth Dumaresq, (from whom the writer is
descended) was bom in Windsor, Nova Scotia, July i, 1792.
After graduating at Kings College, N. S., he studied medicine
and surgery in London under the celebrated surgeons, Alexander
Marcet and Sir Ashley Cooper, took his degree at Edingsburg, was
appointed surgeon extraordinary to the Duke of Kent, afteryvard
retumed to St. John, New Brunswick, where he filled many pub-

180 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
He offices; was for many years surgeon of the Marine Hospital
at St. John, N. B.; President of the St. Andrew's Scottish Society,
and Director of the Bank of New Brunswick. He accumtUated
a considerable fortune, and was highly esteemed because of his
ability and many -virtues.
Edward, married Jane Crondan, was a godson of Prince
Edward, the Duke of Kent, from whom he received his com
mission in the Royal Army. His first service was in the Penin
sula War, where he led a storming party at Badajos, in that ac
tion he was severely wounded; afterward served -with the 29th
Regiment; in 1840 was a Captain in the Royal Staff Corps, and
was Surveyor General for Van Diernens' Land. In 1842 was in
Afghanistan in charge of the Commissary Department. After
the massacre in the Khyber Pass, was among the hostages, who
were taken into Persia. His bravery and good judgment are
mentioned in several accounts of this disastrous affair. Retired
as Lieutenant Colonel of the Royal Staff Corps, and died in 1875,
lea-ving no descendants, his children ha-ving been murdered by
the natives in India.
Mary Caroline married William Jarvis, of St. John, New
Bruns-wick. Their only son, William Munson Jarvis, Esq., is
living in St. John, New Brunswick, and has several ehildren.
Cornelia Jane married Alexander Boyle, a distinguished
Medical Officer in the Royal Army. This line is extinct.
Amelia Henrietta married Captain John Emslie of the Royal
Army, and some years after his death married the Hon. Thomas
Haviland, Colonial Secretary for Prince Edward Island. She
left one daughter, Helen, whose descendants are li-ving in Prince
Edward Island.
James William married Emma Carleton Peters, daughter of
the Hon. Charles J. Peters, Attorney General for the Pro-vince
of New Brunswick; was an Attorney of considerable ability; also
an accompHshed musician; took a very active part in public
affairs, and was Captain in the New Brunswick Regiment of
Artillery. He left two sons, Robert Murray (unmarried) and
Boyle Carleton Barclay, the latter married Sarah H. Adams.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 181
Sarah Florence, their only daughter, married WiUiam Jervis
Starr, and is li-ving near St. John, New Bruns-wick.
Mary Rowe and Isabella Jane, the youngest daughters, died
unmarried. John, the eldest surviving son of the above John Boyd, mar
ried Albinia Wright, daughter of Col. Henry Wright, who was for
many years Collector of Imperial Customs at St. John, N. B.
There chUdren are :
John Edward, bom St. John, N. B., May 14, 1834. He mar
ried, first, Alice, daughter of Douglas Stewar*t, Esq., some years
after her death, married Mary Millicent, daughter of H. E.
Steele, Esq.; was a Civil Engineer by profession and a member
of the Institute of Ci'vil Engineers. He served under several
English Engineers and then retumed to St. John, N. B., where
he was appointed Engineer in charge of construction on the
Railway, running north from St. John; now part of the Inter
colonial RaUway; after completion of that work, was appointed
Superintendent, and later took charge of the construction of the
Railways on Prince Edward Island. From that time until his
death he was in the service of the Canadian Govemment, ha'ving
general supervision of all important Engineering Works through
out the Dominion. "His reputation as an eminent Engineer was
not merely local, but Canadian, from Halifax to Vancouver.
His name was synonomous with great professional ability and
conscientious discharge of duty, and in him the public service of
the Dominion loses an officer, whom it will be found exceedingly
difficult to replace." He left three children, Hilda Mary, who
married Gilbert H. Stevens and Miriam, who married Harold
Rodhan, and John Errol, who married Octavia M. Terry.
Henry Errol was born in St. John, N. B., July i, 1838. After
graduating at Windsor, Nova Scotia, he was associated -with his
brother Edward, and began his profession of Mechanical En
gineering, under the Chief Engineer of the Boston and Maine
R. R. He was a Mechanical Engineer of remarkable ability,
and stood high in his profession as a designer and inventor. Was
one of the founders of St. Stephen's Church, MeKeesport, Pa.
For many years he was Treasurer, and was Senior Warden for

182 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
fourteen years preceding his death. "Was a man of most beauti
ful character and beloved by all who knew him: His counsel
was wise and conservative, and his opinions firm and well ground
ed." He married Susan Henrietta de Burgh, and had a son and
daughter. Henry Augustus, mechanical Engineer and expert,
residing in Buffalo, N. Y., married first, Phoebe Elizabeth Saun
ders, some years after her death he married Mabel Ross Wal-
ford; has four daughters: Albinia Henrietta, Mabel Walford,
Edith de Burgh, Ehzabeth Irene. Albinia Helen married George
D. Russell and has one daughter, Anna Boyd.
Chipman, bom March 6, 1841, in St. John, N. B. Unmarried.
Stanley, bom November 22, 1842. in St. John, N. B. Gradu
ated at Kings CoUege, Windsor, Nova Scotia; practiced law for
several years, and then studied Divinity; was Curate at Windsor,
N. S., afterward Rector at St. Andrews, N. B., and in 1878 re
moved to Bath, England. He married Elizabeth Turberville
Lewellin, but left no children.
Laura, bom September i, 1844, married first, William H.
Scovil, Esq., and some years after his death, Lieutenant Col.
James Wall, of the Royal Artillery. She has one daughter, Dora
Cecil Sco-vil, who married Edward Sylvester WiUiams, Esq., of
Penarth, Wales.
Herbert, bom May 22, 1847. Graduated at Kings College,
Windsor, Nova Scotia; afterward at the Harvard Medical School,
Cambridge, Mass.; studied in the Hospitals at Paris and Lon
don; was appointed Surgeon in the Bengal Army, India. In
1869 was with the 14th Sikhs in several of the Frontier Wars in
India and Affghanistan; was at the taking of AH Musjed and the
subsequent actions through the Khyber Pass; afterward in the
Hazara Campaign. Retired as Lieutenant Colonel, and resides in
London, England ; married Annie Cecelia Daly, daughter of Francis
Dermott Daly, Esq., and has one son, John Errol Moritz, who was
bom May 6, 1881, now Captain in the British Army in India.
Albinia Dora, born November 27, 1850; married the Rev.
Sidney Herbert Nobbs Rawdon, and has four chUdren, Dora
Christian, Lilian Mary, George Herbert Stanley, Rona Albinia.
They reside in the island of Jersey.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 183
All of the family papers and letters were destroyed by fire in
1877, -with the exception of a smaU Bible, which belonged to John
Boyd, first; also a small Bible, which belonged to James William
Boyd. These contain the record of their famUies. Beside these
there are a number of letters and old newspapers. All the above
are in the hands of B. C. Barclay Boyd, Esq., St. John, New
Bruns-wick. WiUiam M. Jarvis, Esq., St. John, New Bruns-wick, has an
embroidered sampler, worked by Jane Barclay, "made in the
ninth year of her age, New York, October, 1777."
Henry A. Boyd, Esq., Buffalo, N. Y., has the dress sword
which belonged to John Boyd, first, and a memorial ring of Alex
ander Boyd, 1626, which was given to "John Boyd by his cousin,
when lea-ving Aberdeen."
Robert Murray Boyd, Esq., St. John, N. B., has the seal
which belonged to John Boyd, first, being the Boyd coat of arms.
Mrs. Vernon Longworth, Charlotteto-wn, Prince Edward
Island, has the wedding ring of Jane Barclay and a large portrait
of Col. Edward Boyd.

The Boyds of Coshocton County, Ohio
Our history of the Boyds famUy of Coshocton County of
Ohio as given to us by Mr. Robert R. Boyd of Manokin, N. D.,
came originally from the Pro-vince of Ulster, Ireland and the
County of Tyrone, while some of them from the County of Done
gal, and were known as the Presbyterian and Methodist Boyds.,
Robert Boyd the ancestor, was a son of WUliam Boyd of
Tyrone, Ireland. He came to Coshocton County about the year
of 191 2. His descendants are now scattered and but few living;
at the above place to-day. One of his noted descendants was:
William M. Boyd, known and called "Border Billy," who died
about 1889. This man was of sterling character as loved' by all
that knew him.- The descendant of WiUiam Boyd, a brother of
Robert were the most numerous. They began to emigrate to Cos
hocton County about 1820 and continued to settle there through
the preceding year, until the whole family arrived, most of them

184 history of the boyd family and its descendants
making their way through Canada. Mr. Robert R. Boyd's
grandfather, Robert Boyd, who was a grandson of William Boyd
of Tyrone, Ireland, was born in Cook's Town of that County in
1795. He landed in Baltimore late in the fall of 1819 or early in
1820. He was one of the eighteen children that came to Ohio
settling here in 1826. Mr. Boyd's father came by the way of
Baltimore from Chambersburg, Pa., where he was bom April
29, 1820 and arrived at Coshocton, O., in 1826 and died in 1880.
To-day his chUdren are scattered to all parts of the Unites States.
The descendants of this William of Tyrone were Presbyterians
of the conservative type. The Methodist Boyds of Coshocton
were of a large family. Robert Boyd, the ancestor was bom
in Ireland in 1765 and left that country in 1820 and came to
Ohio by the way of St. John, New Bruns-wick and from there to
Coshocton in 182 1 or 22. His -wife was Jane Ramsey, and their
family consisted of seven chUdren, several of them had a
large number of descendants. Among their one son to dis
tinction was Daniel, William, Robert and John. Daniel settled
in Athens County, 0., and his famUy was known as the Coshocton
County Boyds, As -with the Athens County Boyds, the descen
dants of William, Robert and John are stUl largely residents of
Coshocton County. At this time there was a Hamilton Boyd,
whose wife was a daughter of the weaver Robert Boyd. Not
much is known about his family. They went prior to i860
to McLean County, 111. Also a Richard Boyd who married
a sister of Daniel, WUliam, Robert and John Boyd. Not much
is known of his people, but it is claimed this branch belongs to
the "Morey Cain Boyd family of Ireland." At this time there
was another Boyd family and among them was Francis, Daniel
and several sisters who came from a Boyd family of Pennsylvania.
John Boyd whose father Robert, that came to Ohio in 182 1, via
New Brunswick, married a sister of Francis and Daniel. Daniel
always remained single. Francis had a family, most of whom
are still in Coshocton, O. These Boyds, except Hamilton were
known and called the Methodist Boyds. All came originally
from Scotland to Ireland during the troublesome times or time
of the persecution in their native land. William Boyd of Tyrone,

history of the BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS

185

Ireland, is said to have been a descendant of Robert Boyd of
Trochny, Scotland, who aided the Earl of Murry in establishing
the school system of Scotland. Thus we close the history of one
of the largest history of Boyds in America.

The f oUo-wing is a list of Post Offices in existence July i , 1 9 1 1 ,
bearing the name of Boyd in the United States, taken from the
United States Official Postal Guide of the above date as follows:

Boyd, Taylor County, Fla.
Boyd, Perry County, Md.
Boyd, Barton County, Kans.
Boyd, Harrison County, Ky.
Boyd, Lac-qui-parle County,
Minn.
Boyd, Carbon County, Mont.
Boyd, Lewis County, N. Y.
Boyd, Beaver County, Okla.
Boyd, Wesco County, Oregon
Boyd, Wise County, Texas
Boyd, Buchanan County, Va.
Boyd, Roane County, W. Va.
Boyd, Chippewa County, Wis.

Boyds, Montgomery County,
Md.
Boyds, Ferry County, Wash.
Boyds Creek, Sevier County,
Tenn.
Boyds MiUs, Wayne County,
Pa.
Boyden, Sioux County, Iowa
Boydston, Gray County, Texas
BoydsvUle, Clay County, Ark.
BoydsvUle, Graves County, Ky.
Boyd's Tavem, Albemarle Co.,
Va.
Boydtown, Mecklenburg Co.,
Va.

Boyd, Weston County, Wyo.
Post Offices discontinued on accotmt of Rural Delivery from
July I, 1907 to July I, 1911:
Boyds, Clayton County, Ala.
Boyds-ville, Fulton County,Mo.
The foUo-wing were once Post Offices by the name of Boyd,
but is to-day not known as such:
Boyds, Screven County, Ga. Boydtown, Crawford County,
Boyds, Chickasaw County, Io. Wis.
Boyds, Lawrence County,Miss. Boyds, Knox County, Tenn.

Boyds Tank, Chambers County,
Ala.
Boyd Lake, Piscataquis County,
Me.

Boyds Landing, Knox County,
Tenn.
Boyds, Adams County, Pa.
Boyds, Barbour County, Ala.

186 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Counties in the United States by the name of Boyd:
Boyd County, Ky.
Boyd County, Neb. Menoken, N. D., April 20, 1912.
W. P. Boyd, Esq.:
Dear Sir: — In my sketch of Coshocton County "Boyds"
please add the following:
"Dr. D. R. Boyd of New York City, recently elected to the
Presidency of the University of New Mexico, is a Coshocton
County "Boyd" and a grandson of "Weaver Robert Boyd."
Very respectfully,
Robert R. Boyd.

PART TWO

CHAPTER I
BoYDs OF Kent, Putnam County, New York
In gi-ving this chapter of the above family of Boyds in America
whose ancestors as far back as his descendants can trace him, found
him first located at the breaking out of the Revolutionary War
in the lower part of Westchester County, N. Y., and after the war
moved his family and settled in what is now kno-wn as the town
ship of Kent, Putnam County, of the same state. This old vet
eran is well kno-wn to-day in history as Captain Ebenezer Boyd
of the Revolutionary War fame, and his descendants now form
one of the largest branches of the Boyd family of America.
This famUy like many of the other branches, are unfortunate
in not being able to trace their lineal lines back to the old country.
The first tradition of the family that has been carried down by
here-say and given, is that of one John Boyd who is said to have
been bom in Scotland about the year of 1700, and was united in
marriage to a lady named Darcus Bennett. Yet through the source
of our information it does not state that they ever emigrated tp
America. Yet it is found by record that there have been several
early Boyds by the name of John, who had settled in the New
England States, whUe among the early settlers there were also the
Bennett family, then quite numerous, and their name has been
given, as a given name to a large number of descendants of this
branch, showing there must have been a lineal line somewhere.
In 1881, while I was preparing the first edition of the Boyd
family, I had the pleasure of corresponding -with Mr. Wm. L.
Blake of Carmel, Putnam County, N. Y., who was author of the
[189I

190 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
History of Putnam County in 1849, and knowing him as being
one of the best posted men on the early history of that region, I
asked him to give me all the information he could in regard to
our ancestor Ebenezer Boyd, who had settled at a place called
after him, as Boyd's Corners, in that County. His reply to my
enquiry was as follows :
"Bennett Boyd, grandson of Ebenezer Boyd and late Judge
of the Old Common Plea Court of that County, informed me that
his ancestors came to this country in the foUo-wing manner:"
"In 1745, at the time of the Stewart Dynastic was taking
place in Scotland, there was then three brothers that came from
Scotland to the city of New York. One of these brothers went from
here to Orange County, N. Y., another brother went to Albany
and was known as Gen. Boyd, and lived to be one hundred and
fourteen years of age, of which no doubt that Judge Boyd may
have seen (which we are unable to leam anything conceming
him) . The other brother soon went into Westchester County,
N. Y., and was ancestor of that family, but he failed to give me
their respective names. If John was one of these brothers above
mentioned or if it was his son, it no doubt -will never be known.
Ebenezer at this time could not have exceeded the age of ten, and
if it was him it must have been of still a later date."
The ancestors of this family of Boyd in Scotland must have
come from a younger son of the family of Kilmamock Boyds, as
the countenance of their descendants and those of our own
family resemble each other closely. If our ancestors belong to
this family, they may have committed some offense against the
Govemment at the time of the Stewart dynastic and came here
as fugitives, and their friends in Scotland keeping their hiding
place a secret, and they the same here, buried with them all
knowledge of their place of concealment. This country at this time
being under the British power, these refugees kept all circum
stances hidden that might lend to betray them to their accusers
and send them back to their native land for trial, which meant
to them death.
As our tradition gives it, John Boyd's family is supposed to
have had two children (if not more) , whose names were John and

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 191
Ebenezer. Ebenezer's brother John is supposed to have been
the brother, instead of it being his uncle who went into Orange
County, N. Y., and from there to Northumberland County, Pa.,
of whom we have given a description in their respective chapter.
We have in our possession the following letters from a ven
erable descendant of the Kent family, who in life took a deep in
terest in the history of his ancestors, and a few years before his
death, made a desperate effort to unravel the history of this branch
which was at one time so prominent in the eastern part of the
State. In the same he found many dark shadows that he was
unable to make bright. We hopesom.e day, there lives may be
given to our readers more fully than we are now able to give.
The writer of these letters, Mr. Charles B. Curtis, for several
years before his death, resided in Rye, N. Y., the late home of
Ebenezer Boyd, and had a valuable collection of the early his
tories of this branch. Rye, N. Y., September 7, 1888.
Mr. WUHam P. Boyd,
Dear Sir: — Ha-ving lately been looking over your History
(1884) of the Boyd family with great interest, but sorry to say
-with great disappointment. I supposed they would trace the
Boyd family back to their original cities, counties and towns,
but I find you have not succeeded in the same entirely. I am
not surprised, as I investigated, to find the difficulties greater
than I had supposed. I will send you some notes I have dis
covered in my investigations that may interest you and in hope
you may be able to give me some light upon the same.
First. The marriage license of Ebenezer Boyd and Sarah
Merritt was issued July 20, 1764 (see sketch of Ebenezer Boyd).
Second. The Boyds of Boston and Portland, (Maine) are given
with their pedigree, a descendant from Kilmamock Boyds in
Chas. H. Brownings history of Americans of Royal descent.
Among same is the name of Judge StiUman Boyd of Natches and
two other Stillmans, also Robert and Ebenezer, three names es
peciaUy are very significant. Can you give to me how the names
of StUlman came into our family? I hereby add that the first of
the Boston named families was born in Kilmamock in 1732 and

192 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
came to America in 1754. Third. Joseph Merritt of the County
of Winchestei (Putnam was then part of Winchester Co.) , bought
lands on record in Winchester County for consideration of £1200
which conveyed by quick claim, 200 acres in rye adjoining the
village of Portchester, dated February 10, 1781. Consideration
of £220 conveys 204 acres on Dutchess County, also the commis
sion of perfection of the estates of persons who had adhered to
the enemies of this state to Ebenezer Boyd February 10, 1785.
£232-16 conveys land finally the property of Joseph Merritt in
Frederickstown, Dutchess County, N. Y., 379 acres. Fourth.
I find that Ebenezer Boyd purchased from the commissioners of
forfeiture between 1781 and 1785, 2,1973^ acres of land including
that of the Merritt's which was situated in Phillipsis and Frederick-
town, now the town of Kent, Putnam County, N. Y. Ebenezer
Boyd where he resided in Fredericktown, Dutchess County and
recorded June 12, 1792, gave letters of testimentery issued to
his wife Sarah Boyd, July 16, 1792, found on record in Dutchess
County Library, A 325, gives the names of all of his children.
Now to me comes the puzzle. Your edition of the Boyd
family of 1884 says Ebenezer Boyd was a son of John and Darcus
Boyd, was perhaps of Bedford,N. Y., and that she, his wife was
Sarah, a daughter of Joseph and Polly Theal Merritt, who was
born in 1740. I have formed an opinion that all of these persons
might be from Rye, N. Y. The names are all familiar here, in at
least are found so, although only one of them (Merritt's) now re
main. Fifth. John Boyd was one of the families of Rye. Be
tween 1678 and 1735 he appeared as purchaser of no less than
fifteen parcels of land in this town. He had a son John Boyd,
but there is no records of the name of their wives or any of their
children. Possibly they may have gone elsewhere after 1735, if
they were alive after that date. The name of Ebenezer Boyd
appears on record once. It was when he was appointed to col
lect debts due from him and others to the township, perhaps for
unpaid taxes on the land rent, etc. Sixth. The Theals were a
prominent family here in the early days. The last of them moved
to Mount Vernon in 1884 or 1885, yet I cannot leam of any Polly
among them. The Merritts are still numerous here. Within a

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 193
circle or a radius of one mile in the northern part of the town are
stUl to be seen four cemeteries, all originally given by and used
for members of that family. Joseph Merritt was a common
name. There must have been five or six of them Hving there in
1750. I have thought it possible that Sarah Merritt may have
descended from Joseph third, son of Joseph second, died in
1754. Joseph second, son of John living 1707-40. John first set
tled 1678-1715. Knowing of no records to support these claims
positively, I am led to believe that the Boyds and Merritts were
from this to-wn by the frequent mingling together of their names.
The fact is plainly sho-wn that John Boyd and John Merritt were
very intimate and closely associated in business. No less than
five or six tracts of land were purchased by them jointly. The
fact is, Joseph Merritt owned 200 acres of land — as I have sta
ted — has annoyed me to locate them here, and the absence of
the original documents, and your work of 1884 fails to clear them
up, and I would be glad to know if you have any information
on these points in addition to what is contained in your book.
You think Ebenezer may have been born in Greensberry, perhaps
you are mislead by the facts that Phillipsburg in Westchester
County is now Greensberry, where as Phillipstown, Dutchess
County is now Kent.
Is there any one with whom you have had correspondence in
Dutchess County or elsewhere, who could give you any informa
tion on the same. There were recently some Merritts in Kent;
have you ever applied to them; could any of the StiUman Boyd
family be of any service and are they still living, or could you
suggest anyone whom I might write to on the subject, which I
would gladly undertake to clear up the same, if possible?
I remain, yours truly, C. B. Curtis.
Fifteen years rolled away. Mr. Curtis still longs to dissolve
the history of his ancestors. In that time he gathered up many
broken threads and stored them away for the incoming descend
ants. After recei-ving some more letters, the preceding one was
received by me from him.

194 history of the boyd family and its descendants
Rye, June 3, 1903.
Mr. WUHam P. Boyd,
Dear Sir : — I have not been able to trace any relationship
between the Boyds of Kilmamock and our family in America;
nor am- I certain that we are of direct Scotch descent. We do
know there were Boyds here of Irish lineage, among some of the
Orange County stock.
G. H. Browning in his first edition of Americans of Royal
descent, published at Philadelphia in 1883, gives the life of James
(eighth Baron) Boyd whose grandson James, son of Robert, was
bom at Kilmamock, May 3, 1732, came to America in 1766 and
married Susannah Coffins and settled at Newberryport, Mass.
His family consisted of the following chUdren: Robert, John,
Ebenezer, etc., which names are found in our family. He had
also a grandson StiUman, who I am informed by one of the family
derived his name from Dr. StiUman, an eminent Baptist Minister
in Boston. Can you give me a history of where our Stillmans
derive their names, as it may be an important clew?
John Boyd of Rye, N. Y., born before March 4, 1709, as I
have written you before,was one of the early settlers of this town,
and bought land here in 1678. He afterward bought several
other pieces of land, some of them jointly -with John Merritt and
also Thomas Merritt, which may suggest the facts that possibly
he may have married a Merritt. This seems to show that it was
a fact. He had a son, John Boyd (second) who was bom before
1689, and diedin 1735. He married before 1714 Lydia, a daughter
of Peter Disbrow. And March 4, 1708 or 1709, a son of John
Boyd transferred land to one John Blosman. He was level
headed, as in 1735 when he conveyed to Lewis Traveler one-half
the right, he says of my honored father, John Boyd, deceased,
certain lands in Rye. It may be his first -wife being dead, he mar
ried for his second, Darcus Bennett.
Ebenezer Boyd may have been a son of the second John
Boyd by his second wife. Records show he was married Septem
ber 28, 1764, to a daughter of Joseph Merril't of Rye. The mar
riage was performed by a minister of the Reform Dutch Church
of Amsterdam, N. Y. The marriage license gives him as a tavern

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 195
keeper of Westchester County and is signed by Joseph Bull as
surety. In 1760 he purchased land in Rye about one mile east
of White Plains. In 1763 William Haskins Smith conveyed to
Ebenezer Boyd of White Plain Tavern, land in North Castle,
Westchester County, N. Y. Before the revolution, Ebenezer
Boyd and Wm. Hill purchased from Robert Morris six hundred
acres in section five, Frederick to-wn (now Kent). In 1781 to
1784, he purchased from the commissioners of forfeiture 2,601
acres in all for £1891 ss 3d. These lands belonging to Rogers
Morris, Joseph Merritt and other adherents of the British
Crown. In 1781 Joseph Merritt with his father-in-law or his
brother-in-law (probably the latter) sold to Ebenezer Boyd
through an attorney, January 10, for £1200, conveyed 200 acres
in Rye. The other, another date, March 15, for a consideration
of £200, conveyed 204 acres in Dutchess County, (now Putnam).
A part of this land is now stUl in possession of descendants of
Joseph Merritt, although no conveyance from Ebenezer Boyd
appears on record, the presumption being that both of their deeds
were made to protect the property from forfeiture. Ebenezer
Boyd's will dated June 12, and proved July 16,1792, named his
-wife and all of his children. "He gives to my son Robert Boyd
t-wice as much as I give to my daughters, also £40 exclusive of
other legacies described, for his extraordinary ser-vice." Robert
was then only twelve years of age.
Robert Boyd -with his wife and two daughters moved from
Fredericktown, now Kent, to Benton, N. Y. Here he purchased
July 24, 181 1 from Horace Crane, 42 acres of land for $471.80,
and erected a dwelling house on the same. This house later be
longed to T. J. Le-wis. He increased this farm to 281 acres.
of which one-half is now owned by myself.
There is no further evidence on record that Ebenezer Boyd
was a son of John Boyd, but it seems, probable that your account
is correct, by the two deeds I have referred to in this letter. It
is plainly shown he lived in Rye, N. Y., for a time at least and
this was his place of residence at the time of his marriage with
Sarah Merritt, a daughter of Joseph Merritt and his -wife (Polly
Theal Merritt), a daughter of Ebenezer Theal, after whom he

196 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
apparently was named, and in whose -will both Joseph and Sarah
mentioned in part. Theal was one of the largest land owners in
Rye. You tell me — which I can easily see — that you have much
valuable matter in manuscript, relating to the Boyd family.
This should be preserved in some safe place for the use of those
who may be in the future interested in it. I venture to suggest
that you might in your life time make provisions for its safety
and future custody. Would you not be willing to so furnish that
when you may have no future use for it all this material, letters,
etc., that you have accumulated in a safe place, where they may
be obtainable to those that may come after you? I know that
the New York Genealogical Society, No. 156 West 58 St., New
York City, would be glad to receive care for and preserve them
and I hope that you might be willing to give them to that Insti
tute at a proper time. I am very yours, C. B. Curtis.
Another letter from the venerable Wm. J. Blake, the author
of the History of Putnam County, whom I have spoken of in the
forepart of this chapter. I feel it to my interest to give same
here as the author was a man who had lived for many years in
this county and had' access to more or less of its early history in
which our family was connected. The letter to me ran as foUows :
Carmel, N. Y., April 30, 1881.
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 12 th inst. has been duly received. I have but
one copy of the History of Putnam County. It is my private
library copy. The back is broken and the leaves are nearly all
loose. Some twelve years ago I advertised for a fair unmutilated
copy, and offered to give $2.00 for it, but no one having a copy
responded to my offer. I do not know where you could get a
copy. The following is all I was able to gather about the Boyd
family. The Boyds are of Scottish descent. The great, great

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 197
grandfather of this family came from Scotland to New York City,
and then from there to Westchester County, N. Y. Ebenezer
Boyd, the grandfather of Bennett and StiUman Boyd came from
Westchester County and settled where StiUman Boyd now lives,
about 1780. The history of this Boyd family was that there was
three brothers who emigrated from Scotland to this country during
the Rebellion of the partisans of the Stewart Dynastic in 1745.
One of them settled at Albany and was kno-wn as General Boyd,
and died at the advanced age of 114 years. Another settled in
the lower part of Westchester County, and was great grandfather
of the family in this Town (Kent). The other brother settled at
New Windsor in Orange County, and are the ancestors of the
Boyd family in that county. Yours truly,
W. J. Blake.
Records have failed to reveal or give any light on this early
subject, we must content ourselves by placing Capt. Eben
ezer Boyd of Revolutionary fame as the progenitor of this
family in this country. If Mr. Blake's theory is correct as to
the time of the famUy comirig here as that of the Stewart Dynastic
of 1745, would make the latter too young according to his mar
riage of 1764, and must be John Boyd, who had married Darcus
Bennett instead of Ebenezer himself, the first early settler here.
Time may reveal to us whom this John Boyd is and who his
family were, as we find several John Boyds settled here about
that time. Ebenezer Boyd, whom the thread of lineal descent
is broken, is supposed to have been born near New Bedford, West
chester County, N. Y., (if not in Scotland) between the year of
1735 and 1740; as to his age, he had maintained a secret never
revealing it to his best friends for reasons which he kept to him
self, and buried all secrets with him. The earliest account of
this remarkable man is taken from his marriage bond, which is
now found on record on page 264 of volume of marriage bonds in
custody of the Regents of the University of the State of New
York, in the State Library at Alban}^, which reads as
follows :

198 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
(Marriage bond of Ebenezer Boyd and Sarah Merritt.)
Know, all men by these Presents, that we, Ebenezer Boyd
of Westchester County, Tanner and Joseph Bull of the City of
New York, shop-keeper, am held firmly bound unto our Sovereign
Lord, George the III, by the Grace of God of Great Britain,
France and Ireland. King, defender of the Faith, etc., in the
sum of Five Hundred Pounds, currency, money of the Pro'vi-
dence of New York, to be paid to his said Majesty or his heirs
and successors; for the which pajmient, well and truly to be made
and done, we do bind ourselves, and each of us, our and each of
our Heirs, Executors and Administrators, and every one of them
firmly by these presents. Sealed with our seal. Dated the 20th
day of July, in the fourth year of his Majesty's Reign. Anno-que
Domini. One thousand seven hundred and sixty-four.
The condition of this obligation is such. That whereas the
above bounden Ebenezer Boyd hath obtained a License of mar
riage for himself of the one part, and Sarah Merritt of West
chester County, spinster of the other party. Now, if it shaU not
appear hereafter, that they or either of them, the said Ebenezer
Boyd and Sarah Merritt have any lawful let or impediment of
fore-contract, affinity or consanguinity to render, they being
joined in the holy bonds of Matrimony, and after their living
together as man and -wife, then this obligation to be void and of
none-effect or else to stand, remain, abide and be in full force and
virtue. gj. , [Ebenezer Boyd,
^ IJoseph Bull.
Sealed and delivered in presence of
Edward Smith.
The first official record of Ebenezer was his connection with
the Revolutionary War. We find his name upon the muster roll
of the country, showing that he was mustered in the Continental
service June 25, 1778 as Captain of Company B, in the 3d Regi
ment of New York Militia. He was under the command of
Brigadier General Lewis Morris; his Colonel was Samuel Drake;
Lieut. Colonel, John Hyatt; first Major, Isaac Pointer; second

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 199
Major, Robert Lang. The old muster roll of Ebenezer, giving
these facts was at one time in the possession of my father, Hiram
Boyd, now deceased. It was borrowed by one of his neighbors
several years ago for the purpose of aiding one of the old Revo
lutionary soldiers belonging tohis Company to obtain a pension,
and being sent to Washington for that purpose, was kept by the
Govemment officials and never retumed to him again. The
breaking out of the Revolutionary War found Ebenezer and family
consisting of six children, residing near the center of Westchester
County, N. Y., upon what was then called the ' ' Neutral Grounds."
These grounds lay between the American and British Army and
was several mUes in extent. All British subjects who were found
-within a certain distance of the American lines, if caught by that
Army, were considered the same as spys and executed and like
wise the samiC toward aU Americans. Between these two lines,
a distance of ten or twelve miles, lay this "Neutral Grounds"
and all persons belonging to either Army if caught within these
grounds were considered as prisoners of war.
This territory at this time being overrun by ' ' Cow Boys ' '
(British Toreys) and "Skinners" as they were called, who com
mitted all sort of crimes; it became unsafe for his family to reside
here any longer, and being a captain in the American Army, made
it more so, they abandoned their home, and he moved his wife and
children within the American line for safety. Here she became chief
cook at Washington's Headquarters, and it is said her duties were
to cook an ox a day.
While in the service to his country, an event transpired,
which has placed his name on record that -will never die. This
little event is an honor to him for the part he took in the capture
of Major John Andre, which has become so familiar to every
school boy. The sketch of this event I have taken from Bol
ton's History of Westchester County, N. Y., Vol. i. Page 207,
Published in 1849 as follows:
' 'At the time when General Arnold was engaged in his treach
erous plot to give up West Point to the British, it became neces
sary for the latter to send an officer to arrange with Arnold for
the delivery of the same. So Major Andre, a daring young

200 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
British officer was selected and sent at once upon board of the
Vulture up the Hudson, to Verplanck's Point. This move being
understood to Arnold, he had dispatched a man named Smith to
meet him at this landing, with proper passports to enable him to
reach his headquarters in safety. Here all night, Arnold and
Andre prepared the business of delivering up West Point to the
British and before they could finish the business, the dawn of
morn appeared, and Andre was compelled to set out on horse
back down the River, on account of the "Vulture" being dis
covered in the moming and obliged to change position. So ac
cordingly in the morning he and Smith proceeded to King's
Ferry. On the way. Smith endeavored to draw his companion
in conversation, but without success, for he was reserved and
thoughtful, while on the contrary Smith accosted several of his
acquaintances on the road and even stopped at a settler's tent
and joined in discussion over a bowl of punch, while Andre walked
his horse slowly along to the Ferry alone, and then waited for
Smith's arrival. "As they passed through the works at Ver
planck's Point in the town of Cortland (Westchester County,
N. Y.), Smith rode to Colonel Li-vingston's tent, whUe Andre
and the servant who attended him (a negro) rode on. To the
Colonel's inquiries. Smith said that he was going up the coimtry
and took charge of a letter for General Arnold and George Clin
ton. He excused himself for stopping by saying, "a Gentleman
waited for him, whose business was urgent." He then soon over
took his charge and they proceeded along until eight or nine
o'clock in the evening, when they were halted by a sentinel of a
scouting or patroling party. This was near Crompond about
eight miles from Verplanck's Point. The duty of this party being
as termed 'out on scout' or looking for Cow Boys or Torey Refu
gees. ' '
The sentinel ordered them to stop, and Smith dismounted
and gave his horse to his servant, and walked forward and inquired
who commanded the party. He was answered, Captain Boyd,
who overheard the conversation and came forward. The Captain
was unusually inquisitive and sternly demanded who he was,
where he belonged and what was his business. Smith answered

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 201
these questions promptly and adding, he had a pass from General
Arnold and desired not to be detained. Captain Boyd being a
man of stem habits was not satisfied but inquired how far he in
tended to go that night, to which Smith made the reply. "As
far as Major Strong's or Colonel Drake's (two officers of Ebenezer's
regiment). But this only increased the embarrassment, for
Captain Boyd soon informed him that Major Strong was not at
home, and Colonel Drake had moved to another part of the
country. Then Captain Boyd said, ' ' I must see your passport,"
and it being dark they went to a house at a short distance to pro
cure a light. Andre at this time began to be a Httle alarmed. and
advanced with reluctance toward the house, till he was encouraged
by Smith, who assured him that the pass of Arnold would pro
tect him, and so it did, for the pass was expressed in positive
terms and in Arnold's o-wn hand writing, of which Captain Boyd
was so familiar -with. There was no reason to doubt its genuine
ness. Captain Boyd was more bland in his manner, but the
ardor of his curiosity was not diminished. He took Smith aside
and begged to be informed of the important business which had
brought him down so near to the British lines, and induced him
and his companion to travel so dangerous a road in the night time,
and as an apology for m^aking so vigorous an inquiry on trying to
discover their business, he manifested a good deal of concern
for their safety, telling them the Cow Boys had recently been out,
and were believed to be far up in the country, and he advised
them by all means net to proceed until morning. Smith pre
varicated as well as he could, saying to Captain Boyd that he and
his fellow traveler whom he called Mr. Anderson, were employed
by General Arnold to procure intelligence, and they expected to
meet a person near White Plains for that purpose, and it was
necessary for them to go forward as expeditiously as possible.
Under these statem.ents. Captain Boyd seemed more anxious than
ever, magnifying the perils to which they should be exposed by
traveling by night, and recommended anew that they should
retum back at once to Andrew Miller, who lived but a little ways
off and where they might lodge. Smith's courage was somewhat
dampened by the representations, and he went and told the tale

202 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
to Andre and counciled with him of the steps they ought to take.
It is possible he had fears of exciting the suspicions of Captain
Boyd, whom he well knew was watching them with a weasil's
eye, and one little word or move, the Captain would pounce upon
them, like a lion upon its prey, if he resisted the Captain's wishes
expressed so eamestly in their behalf. "At this time, Andre as
it may be well assumed was not resting very easy in his present
situation, and was anxious for going on at all events. Smith soon
saw that Andre unheeded his fears and his eloquence unprevailing,
he called for the aid of Captain Boyd and inquired of him which
was the safest road to White Plains. Captain Boyd said he con
sidered both roads perilous, but believed the one through North
Castle the least so, for the lower party of Cow Boys infested the
territory around Tarryto-wn and had lately done much mischief
in that quarter. He then used various arguments to persuade
them from going farther that night, to which Smith listened -with
open ears, and he resolved against the -will of Andre to trespass on
the hospitality of Andreas Miller.
They met -with a welcome reception, but coming so late at
night to a humble dwelling, their atx;ommodations were narrow,
and the two travelers were obliged to sleep in the same bed.
According to Smith's statement, it was a weary and restless night,
for Andre. The burden on his mind was not of a kind to lull them
to repose, and the place of his retreat, was so near the watchful
eye of Captain Boyd, whose voice he expected to hear pronounce
him his prisoner, and a spy, caused him to shudder with fear, as
well as for the fear of the Captain's command, which was scat
tered all through the neighborhood. The mom of September 24,
1780 found Andre up at dawn of day, ordered his servants to
bring his horse, and mounted same, and rode away on the road
toward Pine's- Bridge, which ran near New Castle. About 9
o'clock A. M., when he was riding along, and near his journey's
end and feeling joyfully to think he had reached out of danger,
when he fell in with his captors, John Paulding, Da-vid Williams
and Isaac Van Wart, who took him prisoner and conducted him
to the headquarters of General Washington, where he met his
fatal doom.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 203
At the time of Ebenezer's marriage to Miss Sarah Merritt,
he was -without doubt a tanner by occupation, as we find in' his
marriage bond the same is given as his occupation, but at what
place he was li-ving at that time is not given. His home at this
time was in Westchester County, and being at the time of the
Revolutionary War in the Neutral Grounds, then overrun by Cow
Boys and Torries, made the same unsafe for his family, they flew
to Washington's army for safety. History gives it that this section
of the country was vacated by its settlers, and when the war
closed, that the very main roads running through this section
had gro-wn up -with tall grass and weeds on the account of the
inhabitants fleeing to the protection of Washington's Army.
This is -without doubt the fact that has bothered us in tracing
back our ancestors in Westchester County.
As soon as the war closed in 1780, in that fall or in the spring
of 1 78 1, Ebenezer moved his family to Kent, Putnam County,
N. Y., and settled at a place (which afterwards bore his name,
Boyd's Comers) , where he built a tavem which he kept, connecting
the same (which was custom in those days with a farm carrying
both along at the same time). The old house which he built is
now tom do-wn and a new one built in the place. A part of his
farm, the large meadow part, and also a large part of the farm
adjoining it on the north, is now covered by the damned up waters
of the Groton Reservoir of New York City. After his death,
his property fell into the hands of his oldest son, Ebenezer Boyd,
who transferred at the time of the latter's death to two of his sons,
Ebenezer and StiUman Boyd, and the latter soon afterwards sold
it in 1853 and moved to Jefferson Valley, N. Y. This place that
Ebenezer has the honor of founding, never grew to any size.
I am indebted to William J. Blake, author of the History of Put
nam County, N. Y., who several years ago in a letter to me dated
May 30, 1 88 1, described the same as follows:
"Boyd's Comers is not a vUlage or hamlet. There are four
or five roads that intersect here. A smaU store has been kept
here at different times, and some years ago a post office was es
tablished. Between the former residence of Bennett and StiU
man Boyd (grandsons), a quarter mile from the comer road.

204 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
there was formerly a Union Church, which was owned by the
Baptists and Methodists. A small Episcopal Congregation now
worship near the Comers and that is all that can be said of Boyd's
Comers." As I have already stated, the low meadow part of Ebenezer's
farm is now covered with the waters of the Croton Reservoir.
Upon this sight rested the ' ' Old Cemetery of Kent. ' ' And when
the Water Company took possession of these lands, they pre
tended to remove all bodies buried there to the new cemetery,
whieh took place in 1835. In this cemetery were buried the
remains of Ebenezer and his faithful wife, they having rested
here over forty years, no doubt had become so decayed as to
have been almost impossible to gather them for removal and
now rest with several feet of water above their graves.
The wife of Ebenezer Boyd was Sarah Merritt, a daughter
of Joseph and Polly (Theal) Merritt. She was bom near New
Bedford (as it is supposed), October 29, 1740. Her occupation
at the time of her marriage was as a spinner, who in those days
went from house to house spinning flax and wool, to be made into
garments for the family. She went with her husband to Kent,
Putnam County, N. Y. after the war. Here she lived and died
June 29, 1819, having survived her husband some twenty-seven
years. In regard to the definite age of Ebenezer, it was never
known to his children, as the date of his birth as if to cover some
mystery of the past, he would never tell. Their famUy consisted
of ten children, six boys and four girls as follows:
Generation Second
Ebenezer Boyd, the oldest was bom near New Bedford, West
chester County, N. Y., July i, 1765. He married Louisa Bailey
of Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., in 1785 or 1786, and died there
March 27, 1848. There seems to be somewhat of a dispute in
the date of his birth. The above record is taken from three old
records kept by his brothers and sisters, taken from their father's
Bible some sixty or seventy years ago, and are without doubt
correct. The other one was taken for me by Miss Jennie E. Boyd
of Jefferson Valley, N. Y., a grand-daughter, in 1884 from his

history of the boyd family .and its descendants 205
tombstone in the cemetery at Kent, which read: "Died March
27, 1843, aged eighty-two years, eight months and twenty-six
days," making his birth four years before the marriage of his
rarents. Ebenezer resided with his parents, through his boyhood days,
and went -with his father's family to Washington's Army for
safety, and could not have exceeded the age of twelve years,
then went to Kent -with them in 1780. After his marriage here,
he resided -with his parents, and after his father's death, carried
on the occupation of his father's as hotel keeper in the old Boyd
mansion at Boyd's Comers. Here he resided until he became
aged and decrepit, when his youngest son (StiUman Boyd)
persuaded him to give up the hotel bu.siness and retum to private
life. His last days were filled with misery from a cancer upon his
nose, which destroyed the same and then eat do-wn the poor man's
throat, so he could not swallow, causing him to suffer untold agony
untU he died. Ebenezer was of very fine appearance, kind and
loved by all that knew him. Miss Jennie Boyd, his grand
daughter, in one of her letters to me says. "Her mother always
claimed that he was as fine a man as she ever knew. So kind,
gentle and good; for after her marriage, she and her husband lived
in the same door-yard with him and she never knew him to speak
an unkind word to her.
Lovisa (Bailey) Boyd, (Ebenezer's -wife) died may 12, 1841,
at the age of eighty-one years, six months and three days, a true
and devoted woman whose Hfe has been filled with many noble
deeds among the early settlers of Kent, many of which we would
like to describe if space would permit. Their family consisted
of four children, William D., Bennett, Sarah and StiUman, whom
we will speak more of in the third Generation record.
Susannah Boyd was the oldest daughter of Ebenezer and
Sarah Boyd, and was born near New Bedford, Westchester County,
N. Y., October 11, 1769, and married James Smalley at Kent, Put
nam County, N. Y. (the date we have not) , and died at the same
place February 6, 1845. Of her past life little is known to her des
cendants, and what I have gctthered was from the descendants of
her brother's families, which are very limited. She and her husband

206 history of the boyd family and its descendants
always resided at Kent, where he followed the occupation of
wagon making. In life she was. singular and had a great liking for
pets. One time on a retum visit from her brothers and sisters in
Yates County, N. Y., she had an occasion to pass through Albany,
where she saw a pet monkey, which attracted her attention so much
that she bought him and took him home as a domestic pet. , A
short time afterwards she had a company of her friends from the
country to visit her and desiring to show them the hospitality of
her household, she prepared a pan of nice biscuits and placed
them in an old-fashioned bake pan and set them up before the fire
place to bake. The monkey watched her with an untiring eye,
and when she stepped from the room, he slyly slipped up between
the fire and pan and took out one of the biscuits and glided into one
of the comers of the room and eat it. Then he slipped up and took
out another and when she came into the room, before he had time
to devour the same, he carefully placed the biscuit under him
to hide it from view. She at last happened to glance at her bake-
pan and saw that there had been a thief in her household. She
drove him from the comer and found the remains of the third
biscuit under him. Another day she had placed a large churning
of milk in the chum in her kitchen, she was called to another part
of the house and when she returned she found the monkey stand
ing by the chum grinning and busily churning. She drove
him away and raised the cover and to her dismay found that the
monkey had placed the cat in the chum and nearly drowned it.
Although the monkey caused her much trouble, she kept him as
a member of her household for many years afterwards. They
had one child named Sarah Mariah.
Philip Boyd the second son was bom near New Bedford,
N. Y., May 24, 1771, married Elizabeth Barrett at Kent, Putnam
County, N, Y,, February 7, 1793, died at Conesus, N. Y., May
31, 1823. PhUip was about eight years of age at the time of his parents
going into the army of Washington for safety and was always a
good member of his father's household until his marriage. In
the year of 1800 he removed his family to Newburgh, Orange
County, N. Y. While here in March of 1806, he purchased a

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 207
sloop, called "Eliza," and ran upon the Hudson River between
Newburgh ' ' Then called Cow-Bay, ' ' then to the present city of
New York. He sold this sloop August 7, 1807, as is noted in his
account book now in my possession, also another book in my
possession, are the court records of the different cases tried by him
as a Justice of the Peace for several years between 1807 and 181.5.
When the War of 1812-14 broke otrt, he was placed in com
mand of a company of that place and was commissioned a captain
by Daniel D. Tompkins, then Governor of the State of New
York. The commission is now in possession of my brother Ben
nett R. Boyd of Conesus, N. Y,, and reads as follows:
The People of the State of New York, by Grace of God, free
and independent to (Philip Boyd) greeting. We repose special
trust and confidence as well as your Patriotism, Conduct and
Loyalty, as in valor and readiness to do us good and faithful
service, have appointed and consti-tuted you the said (Philip
Boyd, Captain) of a company in the (14th) Regiment of (Infan
try) of our said State of where the said (Isaac Belknap), Esq.,
is Lieutenant Colonel commanding you therefore to take the said
company into your charge and care as their (Captain) thereof,
and duly to exercise the officers and soldiers of that company in
arms, who are here commanded to obey you as their (Captain),
and you are also to observe and follow such orders and directions
as you shall from time to time receive from our General and com
mander-in-chief of the Military of our said State or any other
superior officers according to the rules and discipline of War in
pursuance of the Trust reposed in you and for so doing this shall
be your commissiom for and during our good pleasure to be signi
fied by our Council of Appointment.
lit testimony whereof, we have caused our
Seal for Military Commission to be hereunto
fixed. Witness, our trusty and well beloved
Daniel D. Tompkins, Esq., Governor of our said
State, General Commandering-in-Chief of all the
Militias and Admirals of the Na-vy of the same,
by and with the advice and consent of our said Council of Ap
pointments, at our City of Albany, the (second) day of (March

208 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
in the year of our Lord, one thousand eight hundred and four
teen), and in the thirty (eight) year of our Independence.
(Daniel D. Tompkins.)
Passed the Secretary's Office |
the (i2th) day of (April 1814)./
(I. RuTSCH Van Rensselaer), Secretary.
•
Upon the back of the commission is the following inscribed
Oath: (I do hereby certify that the within named Philip Boyd has
this day taken and subscribed the Oath required by Law. Orange
County Clerk's Office, 25th day of May 1814.)
Thomas W. Gale, Dept. Clerk.
N. B. — The Commission was a printed blank and filled out
in writing which to distinguish from printed matter, we have
enclosed the same in brackets.
Upon receiving his Commission, he was placed in command
of Newburgh, N. Y., upon the banks of the Hudson River. His
command was made up of men called ' ' Minute Men" or in other
words, those detailed to stay at home and hold themselves in
readiness to march to the field of action at a moment's notice.
The officers of this regiment were obliged to report to Fort Put
nam, a short distance below Newburgh, once every day, to leam
the news brought by messengers from below in regard to the
movement of the enemy, who at this time were blockading New
York. At this time as well as at all other times during the war, Philip
had many applications from persons to be excused from active
service. One day while he was setting in his office at home look
ing out of the -window, he saw a well looking man coming up the
path toward the house upon a couple of crutches, limping along,.
with one foot wrapped up in rags. Knocking at the door, Philip
bid him to_ enter, at the same time placing a chair at his disposal.
He accepted the same, and in setting down he took great care not
to disturb his foot, lest it would create a pain. After a proper
salutation being made, he made known his errand; while at the
same time made known to Philip that he had a very bad foot

history of the boyd family and its descendants 209
and wished to be released from doing military service. His ac
tions caused Philip to mistrust that all was not right and began
to question him in the following language. ' ' What is the matter
-with your foot, ' ' said PhUip. The middle-aged man bent over
and made a few passes -with his hands over the same and exclaimed.
' ' I have had a very bad sore upon my foot; I cannot tell you what
it is, and it pains me terribly" at the same time giving a doleful
moan and still rubbing his foot carefully.
"Let me see your foot" asked Philip.
' ' Oh I could not undo it, for when the air strikes it, it causes
me so much pain, that I cannot bear it, ' ' he replied.
' ' Oh well then, ' ' said Philip sarcastically, ' ' I will not trouble
you to. I -will have to send you to the surgeon of the regiment
and if he will give you a certificate, I will sign it. ' '
The conclusion of Philip's remarks did not strike the young
man tenderly and caused him to become angry. Springing from
his chair, he kicked the rags from his foot, giving at the same time
a terrible oath, bolted out of the door to the merriment of all who
saw him. Being no telegraph or telephones to give waming in those
days, the news was carried by post riders on horses. Two regi
ments had been sent from Albany down toward New York to assist
in keeping the enemy from advancing up the Hudson to attack
Fort Putnam, a strong post in the hands of the Americans, which
was expected every day to be one of the British intentions. .When
these regiments had reached the fort, news came that the British
had abandoned their blockade of the Hudson and saUed away,
and the war had virtually closed. The troops stopping here de
cided to celebrate the event by holding a 'Sham Fight' before
retuming to their native city. In the midst of the fight, the roar
of the cannons shocked Newburgh, some six miles distant up the
river to its very foundations. The inhabitants of that place not
knowing that the British had left New York, but imagining they
had got by the forts at the latter place, had sailed up the river and
were bombarding "Old Fort Put, "as it was then called. This
caused one of the greatest excitement at Newburgh that its in
habitants had ever seen. Women and children ran from house

210 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
to house in deep lamentations. Men dropped their daily toUs
and with heavy and exciting hearts seized their trusty weapons
and made for the scene of action. PhiHp with his comrades bid
farewell to their families for there was no telling whom of the
little bands what would bid farewell to this world and those around
them in the defense of their country. Under these circumstances,
they all set out down the river, and when they had reached about
half way, they met a messenger on horseback bearing the news
that the war was over. With a glad heart they retumed to their
native village and the rest of the day was held as a joyful holiday.
In 1806, through the month of August, September and Octo
ber, the village of Newburgh was visited by a plague caUed ' ' Cold
Fever", which raged mostly among children and swept many to
their graves. This disease had a very sudden nature, which in
appearance resembled the Asiatic Cholera. Physicians were
baffled, nurses could not be had, for in most every family they
had sick ones of their own. Before a physician could be procured,
many died for want of care. In the meantime a young man of
the place was suddenly taken sick and no physician could be
had, wreathing in a terrible agony, his friends knew that if
he did not have immediate relief, he would soon be taken from
them. There was but one hope left for them to do and that was
to call an old doctor (properly called at the present day a ' ' Quack
Doctor ' ') residing in the village, who before now nobody would
employ. He came and was conducted into the room where the
young man lay. He looked at his patient for a moment and sud
denly left the place, but returned again bearing under his arm a
large bundle of wormwood, which he placed in a kettle of vinegar
and placed it over a fire to boU. Soon after the ingredient had
thoroughly mixed, he took some of the same and put it on a red
woolen cloth and placed the same across the young man's bowels.
Scarcely an hour had passed away before the young man was re
lieved of all pain and in a few days was about the village again.
This event spread like wild fire through the vUlage, and for some
time afterwards, this old man and his old gray horse, with wagon
filled with wormwood, could be seen going from door to door,
doing good and from that time on he never lost a case. At the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 211
time of this frightful disease, it entered Philip's famUy and swept
four of his loved ones in as many days to an early grave.
On November 15, 181 5, he and his family bid farewell to
their old home in Newburgh and set out by wagon for a future
home in Yates County, N. Y. Their route from Newburgh was
first through what was then called the "Beech Woods," then
down on the east side of Seneca Lake to Geneva, and from there
to Benton, N. Y. Here in December of the same year, being
dissatisfied they moved to AureHa, Cayuga County, N. Y.
Remaining here untU the sixth day of April, 182 1, when they
left their home at ten o'clock in the forenoon and set out for
Conesus, N. Y., where they arrived on Sunday the fifteenth,
through a hea-vy snow storm, which impeded their progress very
much after lea-ving Canandaigua, N. Y. On his arrival here he
purchased a farm (now owned by the writer and his brother,
B. R. Boyd) of one Captain 0. Moore, where he resided for only
two years or up to the time of his death. The last six weeks of
his life he became deranged and his death was causedby a general
derangement of the whole system of debility, which he was trou
bled -with for several years before he died. His widow was the
daughter of Justice and Mary Barrett, (being cousins before mar
riage), and was bom at New Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y.,
April 6, 1773, and died at Conesus, N. Y. with heart disease.
August 30, 1836. Their last resting place to-day may be seen in
the little cemetery now surrounded by the lands of his grandson,
B. R. Boyd in Conesus, N. Y. Their were nine children namely:
Lewis, Justus, Bennett, Ebenezer, Susannah, Norah, MatUda,
Hiram and Elmer.
Bennett Boyd was the third son of Ebenezer and Sarah
Boyd, bom near New Bedford, N. Y., March 13, 1773, was killed
at Kent, N. Y., April 6, 1789, while playing -with a pistol which
was loaded unknown to him, and accidentaUy discharged, he
receiving the contents of the same through his body, dying in a
few hours afterwards.
Bartholamew was the fourth son of Ebenezer and Sarah Boyd.
Born at the old homestead in Westchester, N. Y., June 20, 1775
and died there July 7, 1777 with some child disease.

212 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Hannah Boyd was the second daughter of Ebenezer and
Sarah Boyd, was also bom at New Bedford, N. Y., September
19, 1777. She married Joseph C. Lewis at Kent, Putnam County,
N. Y., February 9, 1796, dying at Starkey, Yates County, N. Y.,
May 22, 1846. While young she moved -with her parents from
Washington County to the town of Kent, N. Y. in 1780, and re
sided -with her parents until her marriage. In the year of 1804,
in company with her husband, she moved to Bloomsburg, Sullivan
County, N. Y., where they remained until the year of 1810,
then they went to Genoa, Cayuga County, and in the year of
181 2 or 13 to Starkey, the place of her death. Her husband was
bom in Kent, N. Y., March 9, 1774 and died at vStarkey, N. Y.,
April 18, 1848. The life of her husband was that of a farmer
and blacksmith. His younger days were spent in learning his
trade as an apprentice to a man named Carpenter, of whom in
after years was called by nick name ' ' Carpenter Le-wis. ' ' He
owned a large farm in Starkey, and upon the same was his black
smith shop, in which he worked, carrying on at the same time
both branches of business. Their family consisted of ten
children: Addison B., Harry P., Sally, Merritt C, Susan M.,
James M., and Thomas J. (twins), Hiram M., Marinda and
Hannah. Robert Boyd was the fifth son of Ebenezer and Sarah (Mer
ritt) Boyd. He was also bom at the old homestead near New
Bedford, Westchester County, N. Y., September 12, 1779. His
first wife was Anna Randall of Kent, N. Y. ; second -wife Daborah
Hazen of Benton, Yates County and the last wife, Lemira Peck
of Penn Yan, N. Y. He died at Benton, N. Y., April 15, 1853.
The dates of his respective marriage I have been unable to obtain,
as no records giving same could be found among his brother's or
sister's descendants. I paid his old home near Penn Yan, a visit
in 1 88 1 in hope of recovering these lost threads. He resided here
on a farm purchased by him about one-half mile east of the vil
lage. Upon his arrival in Benton from Kent, his circumstances
were such from his unlimited means, he and his -wife were obliged
to live for some time by eating their scant}' meal — for want of a
table — from an old chest, and for a bedstead thev made it of

HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 213
poles with bark strung over them, until they could earn enough
money to buy a new one with.
His first -wife was taken from him by consumption February
12, 1828, aged forty-six years, eleven months and ten days. The
second died of general debUity of system August 4, 1834, aged
fifty-three years, two months and seventeen days, and the last
one of consumption April 16, 1846, aged forty-seven years, two
months and twenty-seven days. Robert in statue was a short,
thick set man of fine appearance, with good habits and moral
persuasion and became a man of wealth. He was kind to the
poor and loved by all that knew him. His grave can be seen in
the little cemetery about a mile north of his residence by the side
of those of his wives. His family was, by his first wife, Anna
Randal and consisted of three children, Celina, Amelia and
Merritt. The third daughter of Ebenezer and Sarah Boyd was named
after her mother, Sarah. She was bom in Kent, Putnam County,
N. Y., October 20, 1781. She married here Sylvanus Frost,
February 27, 1800, and breathed her last at Reading, Schuyler
County, N. Y., March 17, 1847. She resided with her parents
until her marriage and then commenced house-keeping near
there, and soon afterwards moved to Mulberry, Orange County,
N. Y., and from there to Vernon, Sussex County, New Jersey,
then to Stanton, Yates County, N. Y. In 1830 they took up their
residence at Edd\'to-wn same County, and from there to Reading, ,
the place of her death. Her husband by occupation was a car
penter and was born August 7, 1778, and was killed October 17,
1849. To his friends the manner of his death was never known,
and was supposed to have been thrown from a wagon one dark
night while on his way home from the village, as the next morn
ing he was found by the road side with a broken neck. Their
family consisted of nine children: AH, Alanson, Alzada, Hyatt,
Mesinda, Teressa, Harvey, Almeda and Charles M.
Lewis Boyd was the youngest son of Ebenezer and Sarah
Boyd. He was bom at Kent, N. Y., October 3, 1783, and mar
ried Sophia Cushman at the same place in 1807 or 1808 and died
at Lima, Wa.shtenaw County, Mich., December i, 1848.

214 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Lewis Hved with his parents until he was old enough to be
come an apprentice carpenter boy, when he went and served his
term -with Sylvenus Frost, at Vemon, in Sussex County, N. J.
In a few years afterward he retumed to his native place and mar
ried the above lady, who was the daughter of Consider Cushman.
She was born October 6, 1786. After their marriage they moved
to what was called "Butterworth Comers," one mUe from New
burgh, N. Y. Here he followed the occupation of a carpenter,
wagon and fanning mUl maker. At this place he resided through
the War of 181 2-14, of which his son, Harvey Boyd wrote me a
few years before his death and said: ' ' I can remember well, my
father having his uniform on and being called out into service,
locking up his Httle shop before going to join his company in
Captain Butterworth's Artillery in response to a call to go and
defend New York City from the enemy. But procuring a sub
stitute he was relieved from duty." Soon after the above occur
rence, he began to prepare to move his family to what was called
then the "Western World" now known as Western New York
This was in the fall of 18 14, and the journey was performed by
horses and wagons, taking for his route, first going over the moun
tains along' the Hudson River, then to the great bend of the Sus
quehanna, then from there to Ithaca, Thompkins County, N.Y.,
then to the foot of Seneca Lake where Geneva now stands, then
south to Benton, in Ontario County, now Yates County, N. Y.
Here on his arrival he purchased a farm of 100 acres of one Willis
Pierce, and in the spring of 1815 moved upon the same and at the
same time still worked at his trade, carrying on both branches
of business. He was a successful farmer, and in a few years he
added forty-seven acres more, making his farm one hundred
and forty -seven acres. In bringing up his children he taught
them to be useful and to earn their bread by the sweat of their
brow. He resided here until the fall of 1834; when he went to
Michigan (see sketch of Harvey Boyd, his son) to buy land, and
in the spring of 1835 returned, sold out his farm here and then
moved his family there, Lewis was considered in his day a very
fine horseman, and many times gave races with the high bloods of
the country, but seldon was beaten. In statue, he was a man

HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 215
nearly six feet high and of fine proportion. His useful'days were
drawn to a close by taking a severe cold, causing inflammation
of the lungs, of which he soon died. His -wife died July 2, 1855
from a lingering illness caused by a felon. Their children were
Harvey C, Emeline, Phoebe A., Mial, George W., Sarah, Robert,
Mina, Ebenezer, Almina and Adaline.
Phoebe Boyd was the youngest of her father's family, and was
bom in Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., January 2, 1786. Her
first husband was Archibald Crawford, whom she married at
PhUipse, same County, November 9, 1803. Her second husband
was Nathaniel Huson whom she married at Starkey, Yates County,
N. Y., July 17, 1836. She died at Dundee, same County, April
27, 1873. She was the last of her father's family on earth. A
few years before she died — I remember well — a pleasant visit
I made her at her home in Dundee, N. Y. I was at that time
but a mere strappling boy. I found her a woman of a tall and
slim nature and very sprightly in her movements, although four
score years of age, and in a cheerftU mode we passed a few pleasant.
hours away. One of her daughters, Mrs. Hyatt wrote me in.
1 88 1 that her mother when living nearly one-half mile away,
would frequently come to her house on foot, and continued to do
so until -within a few weeks of her death. Her grandson, (Edgar
Hyatt) also wrote me that she at the age of eighty-one years made
a fine shirt by hand and took it to the County Fair at her place
and earned the laurels by first premium. Beside this she did
her o-wn household duties until within two months of her death.
She remained with her parents until her marriage to her first
husband, when they moved to Poughkeepsie, N. Y,, where they
resided until the year of 1809-10, and then moved to Vemon,
Sussex Cotmty, N. Y., and in the year of 1819 to Benton, N. Y.,
traveling the same route taken by her brothers and sisters a few
years before. Here remaining until 1826, when they took up
their residence at MUo, same County, and resided until her first
husband's death, which took place September 19, 1835, while he
was on a visit or journey to the Western Counties of the State.
Mr. Crawford was a native of Carmel, Putnam County, N. Y.,
where he was bom November 10, 1778. By the untimely death

216 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
of this husband, she was left in needy circumstances, with ten
small children upon her hands to support. While laboring under
these difficulties, she moved to what was then called Harpending
Corners, now Dundee, N. Y., and to support herself and little
family commenced keeping boarders that she might properly care
and educate her children. While here she became acquainted
with her second husband, Nathaniel Huson, and at once became
his happy -wife. This husband was born July 22, 1767, and died
at Dundee, N. Y., October 19, 1847, again leaving her a lonely
widow. After his death she bought a small house and lot in the
above village, where she resided until her death. Her last rest
ing place ean be seen in the little cemetery on the hillside above
where she lived, in a burial lot selected by her a short time before
she died, which she would often visit while living. Her child
ren were by her first husband and consisted of five boys and
five girls, whose names were Emeline, Mariah, Charles C, Eben
ezer, Susannah, Lewis P., Nathaniel B., Hannah, Sarah and
George.
Generation Third
Having closed our sketch of Generation Second, which con
sisted of the lives of ten persons who were the source of our branch,
we will now bring to the reader those of the Third Generation,
which has a total record in number of fifty persons in the regular
line of descendants as follows :
The first upon this line is William D,, the oldest son of Eben
ezer and Louisa (Bailey) Boyd who was bom in Kent, Putnam
County, N. Y.,  , 1788. Here he married Harriett Parent
at Somers, Westchester County, N. Y.,  , 1807 and died at
Cold Springs near the same place September 11, 1842. A fuU
record and history I was unable to obtain. He was a noted
physician by occupation, residing first at Somers, until
about the year of 1 810- 11, when they moved to FishkiU,
and then went to Cold Springs, N, Y., the place where he died.
At the time of his death, he was buried in the old cemetery at
Kent, but when the new reservoir of the New York City Water
Works was built, his body was again removed to Cold Springs.

STILLMAN BOYD
Taken January 27, 1886

history of the boyd family and its descendants 219
where his grave can be seen to-day. William was a man of good
disposition, highly esteemed by all who knew him and stood high
in society. His wife was bom in Somers, N. Y., in 1779 and died
at Cold Springs, N. Y., September 13. 1856. The children of
this family con.sisted of six: Ebenezer W,, William, Ebenezer F,,
Cyrus B., Louisa and Charles.
The second son of Ebenezer and Louisa (Bailey) Boyd was
Bennett, who was bom in Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., 
1792. He married Phoebe Kelley at Carmel, same County in
the fall of 1811 and breathed his last at his birth place  1853.
Bennett was a very prominent man in his days, and at
the age of twenty-two enlisted in the War of 1812-14, be
ginning at the commencement, ser-ving through the same until
it closed, although it is not kno-wn to his descendants of being
dra-wn into any particular battle. He bore the title of
Captain and held the same -with honor. Beside his war ser
vice, he was elected the first Judge of the "Old Common Plea
Court" of the County where he lived, for a term of eight suc
cessive years. In 1831 he was sent to the Legislature of the
State of New York for one year which he served with distinction.
In the spring after his marriage, he bought a farm in Kent, and
after retiring from public life devoted the remainder of his days
to farm labor. His wife's record we have not. She was bom
and died in the same county where they lived. Children were
Sarah, Amanda, Polly, Garrett, Eliza and Robert B.
The oldest daughter of Ebenezer and Louisa Boyd was
named Sarah; have no record only that she was bom and died
in Kent, N. Y. StiUman Boyd her brother, wrote me a few years
ago, saying: "She may have been the oldest, second or third
of my father's family I could not say, as she died before I was
bom. ' ' She met her death by being scalded, and was not buried
with the rest of the family, and no doubt her grave was lost.
She was about three years old at the time of her death.
StiUman Boyd was the youngest son of Ebenezer and Louisa
Boyd. He was bom in Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., January
27, 1802, married at Carmel, N, Y., November 15, 1829, Mary
E. Smith, and died at Jefferson Valley, N. Y., April 7, 1890.

220 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
The wife of StiUman was born in Poughkeepsie, N. Y., January
4, 1804. Soon after their marriage, they commenced keeping
house in the same door-yard by the side of his father at Kent,
N. Y. This transpired at the time his father occupied the "Old
Grand-father Boyd Hotel ' ' at that place. After a time he took
the same in his charge for the purpose of releasing his father from
the cares that were fast drawing him to his grave. On carrying
on the hotel business for a few years, he gave up the same and went
upon a farm nearby that he owned before going into the hotel,
carrying it on at the same time. The fall of 1853 he sold the
same and moved his family to Jefferson Valley, N. Y., where he
died. Miss Jennie Boyd speaking of her father to me in a letter
a few years ago said : ' ' Father, the few last years of his life lived
a lazy life, not doing much of anything, his reason was that he
had done enough in his younger days; not to work when he was
getting old. In health he had always been well and strong. He
had scarcely had a pain or even a toothache, and his teeth were
good until a few years before he died, when they became loose
and dropped out." Their family consisted of six children, Mary
A., Emma L., Sarah A., William H., Merritt and Jennie E.
Sarah Maria Smalley, the only child of James and Susannah
(Boyd) Smalley was born in Kent, N. Y., April 25, 1806, married
Orval Frost at New York City, spring of 1837. She died at the
place of her birth June 22, 1847. She went by the name of Sally
Frost and was a large, portly woman. Her husband was born
in Kent, where they first commenced house-keeping. His occu
pation was that of a farmer and hotel-keeper. Upon her death,
from dropsy, he and- her children moved to Yates County,
N. Y. In 1881 I had the pleasure of meeting him at his daugh
ter's, Mrs. Fulton at Stanley, N. Y. and found him a very social
man, but on account of his age was somewhat lost in memory;
yet in appearance was bright and active. Their children were
Susan E. (Infant) and Sarah M.
Tere and Lewis Boyd were the oldest sons of Philip and
Elizabeth (Barrett) Boyd, both of whom were born at Kent, N. Y.
The former December 29, 1793 and died February 22, 1794 of
Child Disease, and the latter April 11, 1795 and was killed at the

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 221
same place November 22, 1796, his death being very singular.
One day a friend of the family caUed to see the baby, took up the
little one in her arms and began to toss him up and down to see
him play. Unthoughtful to his attendant, the little fellow in a
playful mode sprang from her arms, falling upon the floor, injuring
him so that he died a short time afterward.
Justus Boyd the third son of Philip and Elizabeth Boyd, was
bom at Kent, N. Y., September 19, 1796 and was united in mar
riage to Miss Almira Nut at Aurelius, Cayuga County, N. Y.,
September 3, 181 8 and met an untimely death at Silver Creek,
N. Y., June 16, 1838. Justus moved with his father's family
first to Newburgh, N. Y., then to Yates County, then to Aurelius,
N. Y., where he was residing at the time of his marriage, and in
March of 1821 to Conesus, N. Y. and settled in the western part
of the to-wn on what is called "Turkey Hill ' ' and remained there
until the spring of 1823, when he moved his family three miles
south of Mt. Morris, upon what was called the river road, where
he resided untU the spring of 1835, then going from here to How
ell, Livingston County, Mich. His widow was a very fine and
active lady and was bom September 19, 1799. In June of 1838,
three years after going to Michigan, on account of his private
affairs not being settled at Mt. Morris, required his personal at
tention to come to the latter place to adjust them. It was on
the 14th of that morith when he left his beautiful home in Mich
igan by stage for Detroit ; first bidding his family good-bye as they
supposed for a short vacation. On the isth he left Detroit on
board of the Steamboat "George Washington" for Buffalo, N.Y.
On the moming of the i6th, when opposite Silver Creek, N. Y.,
all hands were startled by the cry of fire, "The boat is on fire,"
as it had been discovered that the boiler room was on fire, caused
by oil dripping down on the same, and was beyond the control
of those on board. Now all was confusion on the boat; some
wept, some prayed, others rushed madly through the throng
while the boat was turned toward the shore. All eyes were turned
in that direction, as it seemed to them an age in trying to land her
cargo of human freight in safety. Two miles more and all would
be well. Hush! the proud boat stops, the fire had done its work

222 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
All must now save themselves ; husbands and wives locked them
selves in each other's embrace, and in one moment stood in sus
pended air, the next moment disappearing beneath the dark waves
to rise no more. Thus nearly two hundred persons found a wa
tery grave.
Among these awful scenes, poor Justus was not idle. A
short distance stood a group of some twenty chUdren or more,
who had been abandoned by their awe-stricken parents and left
to their fate. The cries and pleadings of the- little ones touched
the heart of Justus and a couple of other by-standers, whose
names ought to be written in gold, they resolved to save them.
They set themselves at work, as there was no time to be lost, and
tore doors from the cabins and lashed them together in the form
of a raft and placed them upon it with cheering words, teUing
them to keep up good courage, as they would soon be rescued.
They cast them from the burning boat and they were saved.
The fate of Justus was far different than those of his companions,
for instead of meeting a death in the fiery furnace or by drown
ing, it seemed his exit from this world was designed by the Ruler
of all things to take place in a far different manner. By the time
he had succeeded in securing the friendless chUdren a place of
safety, the fire had now encrouched upon the last chance left for
him on the burning boat. Being a very fine swimmer, he now
plunged into the dark blue waters of the lake and set out for shore,
some two miles distant. After s-wimming nearly a mUe, he was
picked up by a boat sent to their rescue and taken to shore, where
he was suddenly thro-wn into a fit of apoplexy and survived only
four hours. His death was in the land of strangers, but not -with
out friends who kindly cared for him, and after his death laid his
body at rest beside the other ill-fated victims in the little Ceme
tery at Silver Creek, N. Y., while at the same time sent the sad
news to his friends and his bereaved family. His family con
sisted of nine children, Le-wis B., John N., Hannah, Norman,
William H., Elizabeth, Henry P., Angeline and WUliam H.
The next five children of Philip and Elizabeth Boyd died
young, and their records are as follows: Bennett Boyd was bom
in Kent, N. Y., April 22, 1798, died at Newburgh with cold fever

HIRAM BOYD

.Taken 1865

JANK (McNINCH) BOYD

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 225
September 20, 1806; the next was Ebenezer, bom at Kent, Sep
tember 5, 1799, died with the same disease at Newburgh, August
30, 1806. The third, a daughter named Susannah, was bom at
Newburgh, November 20, 1801 and died of cold fever at the same
place August 29, 1806. The fourth, a son named Norah, was born
at Newburgh, December 9, 1803, died at the same place May 3,
1804 from some child disease. The fifth, a daughter named Ma
tUda, was bom at Newburgh, September 4, 1806, and died of
cold fever, Sept. 4, 1806.
Hiram Boyd was the seventh son of Philip and Elizabeth
Boyd, and was bom in Newburgh, N. Y., December 18, 1806.
He married Jane McNinch at Conesus, N. Y., November 6, 1836
and died at the latter place April 11, 1892. My father moved
with his father's family from Newburgh, the place of his birth, to
Yates County, N. Y., in the very last days of September or the
first days of October, 1815, and before lea-ving for the Western
New York, they secured their corn and products there. Here
they remained until December of the same year, they again took
their departure for Aurelius, Cayuga Couiity, N. Y. They re
mained here upon a farm his father had purchased, until the
spring of 182 1, when they left their new home there at 10 o'clock
in the forenoon of April 12 and started for Conesus, N. Y. In
this journey my father walked and helped drive a drove of cattle,
while his father drove the team and wagon conveying their house
hold goods. On reaching Geneva, they encountered a heavy snow
storm and were obliged to stop for the night. The next moming
his father -with the family set out ahead, reaching Conesus on
Saturday night. While my father did not reach his destination
until the next moming, and on their arrival, having no wood at
the door, they were obliged Vo go to the woods a short distance
from the house and cut and draw a load to keep them over Sunday.
Here they resided for two years, when his father was taken sick
and died leaving him and a younger brother with his mother to
care for themselves. His mother remained with him and kept
house for him until her death which transpired in 1836.
At the time of his father's death, the lands were new here,
and most of the fine farm he owned at the time of his death was

226 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
covered with heavy timber, which has since disappeared by the
blows of his strong arm and axe. At the time of his death he
carried upon his person many scars from wounds he had received
while engaged in its cultivation in his younger days. At the
death of his mother, he bought of his brothers their share in his
father's e^ate and commenced improving the land, and by great
exertion he laid up a certain sum of money, by which he con
structed his large mansion in 1852. About this time came the
excitement in regard to the building of the Coming and Buffalo
Railroad, now owned by the Erie Railroad Company. The sur
veyors had tried to locate a route, since taken by the Delaware,
Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company through Living
ston County to Buffalo, N. Y. Capital in those days was not so
plenty as in the present, and the route was through a hilly and
very rough country, which at that time was considered as almost
impossible to accomplish, which discouraged the company to know
where to locate the route. My father leaming the difficulty that
had befallen the enterprise, seated himself, and wrote to the com
pany, describing a route from Wayland through the town of
Springwater, Conesus, Livonia to Avon, which he iUustrated to
them so finely, that in a few days the surveyors game along, and
by his aid the route was established. Now there was another
drawback. Money must be had to build the road, and to help
out the enterprise, my father took several thousand dollars of
stock, which in a few years afterwards proved to be worthless
and he lost all he had invested. The road was built and
passed through the center of his farm, cutting it in two parts,
which since then has proved to be more of a nuisance to him
in after years, than the pleasure of buUding it, as he had
anticipated. T^wice in his life he held the office of the Justice of the Peace
of his native town, and when serving in capacity of that office, he
was called upon to unite two couples in marriage and sending
them on the road of life rejoicing. In the fall of 1879, he was
chosen to represent his to^wn as one of the Vice-Presidents at the
Centennial Celebration of Sullivan campaign against the Seneca
Indians in September of 1779. This event took place at Geneseo,

RESIDENCE OF HIRAM BOYD
Built in 1827

* ¦' \ ¦' r' /

LATE RESIDENCE OF HIRAM BOYD. DECEASED
Built in 1852

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 229
Li^vingston County, N. Y., and was largely attended by persons
from aU parts of the state.
My mother was the oldest daughter of James and Jane
(Allen) McNinch, two old pioneers of Livingston County. She
was bom in Richmond, Ontario County, N. Y., August 25, 1808
and died at Conesus, N. Y. -with pneumonia April 17, 1883. She
being a fraU woman weighing only ninety pounds, took a heavy
cold on Tuesday and just one week from the hour she was taken,
she died. Her father was a miller by occupation and he and his
family resided where ever his occupation called him. The health of
my father was always good, although the last few years of his life
was one of lameness, caused by falling on the ice while he was
passing under a railroad bridge over the farm lane of his place.
Other than this injury, he never was under a physician's care.
Their last resting place is in a little cemetery by the side of his
father and mother in the northern part of Conesus. Their family
consisted of three children, whose names were Elizabeth Sarah,
Bennett R., and William P.
The youngest son of PhUip and Elizabeth Boyd was named
Aimer. He was bom in Newburgh, N., Y., October 17, 1808, and
died at Conesus, N. Y., June 21, 1837, from general derangement
of the system. He suffered great agony in the last days of his
life. He was a young man of very mild disposition, kind, gen
erous hearted and loved by all that knew him. A few years be
fore his death he became restless and roamed about as if his mind
would not let him rest. WhUe examining an old account book of
his which I have in my possession, I found the following piece of
poetry and under the same this date, September 17, 1826, which
plainly showed his state of mind. The poetry was thus: —
I am a raking and rambling boy,
I seek my lodging "too and fro. ' '
A rambling boy, I soon shall be,
I forsake my lands and go to sea.
He is btiried beside his parents in Conesus, N. Y.
Addison B. Lewis was the oldest son of Joseph E. and Hannah
(Boyd) Le^wis. He was bom at Kent, N. Y., September 8, 1798.
He married for his first wife Harriett Rich at Eddy town, Yates

230 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
County, N. Y. in 1822, and for his second wife Mary Coywell at
Barrington, same County,  , 18 — , and died at the latter place
October 20, 1875, and his wife at Hammondsport, N. Y., March
27, 1887, aged sixty-four years. Addison in his younger days
resided with his parents and came with them from Kent to Yates
County, and soon after his marriage commenced life upon a
farm in the town of Reading, Schuyler County, N. Y. Here he
remained for fifteen years, and after he succeeded in paying for
his farm, sold same and purchased one at Trumansburg, Tomp
kins County, N. Y., where he moved soon afterwards. Before
coming here to the latter place, they embraced the faith of re
ligion and became united as members of the Christian Church of
Starkey, which was in the year of 183 1 or 32. After residing here
a short time, his first wife (who was the daughter of the late Alfred
Rich of Reading, N. Y., and was bom at Fort Ann, Washington
County, N. Y., February 14, 1805) was taken suddenly sick -with
the inflammation of the bowels and on the 14th day of May, 1843
was taken away, leaving him to moum her loss. At the same
time he had a mortgage upon his farm, and the country being in
a financial derangement, on account of the closing of many rotten
banks, which caused a depression in the produce market, he could
not meet promptly next payments on his farm ; it soon fell under
the hammer, and he was stripped of all the fruits of his former
years and turned out with six small children to find a home for
them in a cold and unfeeling world. While laboring under these
misfortunes and brooding over the same ¦with a sad heart, soon
brought on a disease and for many months was unable to labor,
yet he grouped his faith of hope, and held fast the anchor of life
which brought him safely through the storm. As soon as he was
able, he came back to his native place (Reading, N. Y.) and united
his fortune with his second wife Mary Coywell, with whom he
spent the remainder of his days.
After his second marriage, he commenced life new again,
and with his worthy companion who by industry and economy
succeeded in securing a small farm upon which they resided at
the time of his death. His hopes were that of a christian and the
closing scenes of his life were marked by the abiding evidence of

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 231
his faith and his hopes in Him who gave his life as a ransom for
aU, sooner or later. His last sickness was caused by consumption,
leaving to moum his loss, nine children whose names were Sarah
A., Adaline, Leva, Mary, Da'vid and Joseph by his first wife, and
Morris B., Emma and Frank W. by his second wife.
Harry Lewis the second son of Joseph C. and Hannah (Boyd)
Lewis was bom in Kent, N. Y., June 6, 1802. He married Eliza
Winfield at Starkey, N. Y., March 18, 1826. He came with his
parents when a small lad from his birth place to Yates County,
N. Y. Here after his marriage he commenced house-keeping,
then afterwards moved into Ontario County where he resided a
short time, and then went to Jerusalem, N. Y., and in 1851 to
Trumbull County, Ohio, and in i860 to Grass Lake, Jackson,
Mich. His occupation was that of a blacksmith and at the same
time o^wned a farm carrying on both branches together. His
-wife was bom in Montague, Sussex County, N. J., September 18,
1806. The last letter I received from them was January 10, 1882,
which too well showed that the strong arm that wielded the ham
mer on the gro-wing red iron from the fiery furnace, was fast be
coming palsied -with age. Since then they both have passed away.
Their family consisted of seven children: Maria, William, John,
Emeline, Hannah, Sarah and James.
The next child of Joseph C. and Hannah Lewis was called
Sally Le-wis. She was bom at Frederick, Sullivan County, N.Y.,
June I, 1804. She became acquainted -with and married Joel
CoykendaU at Starkey, Yates County, N. Y., September 23,
1821 and breathed her last at Canadice, Ontario County, N. Y.,
May 7, 1878. Soon after her marriage, she and her husband,
who was bom February 26,1778, moved to Canadice Comers,
N. Y. Here they commenced their union by keeping a hotel in
connection -with a farm of nearly 200 acres, which they bought
and carried on at the same time, which they followed up to the
time of her death. "Aunt Sally" as she was properly called,'
was kno-wn far and near as a very kind and generous woman, and
her tables were always laden with the richest of foods. She was
kind and generous to the poor and always befriending them, if
they had means to pay or not. Her husband though very tall

232 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
and slim in statue, was in his younger day a very strong man.
It is said he often went forth to the woodlands and cut his four
or five cords of four-foot wood per day. He cleared the most of
his lands here of forest when the county was one vast -wilderness,
while his wife conducted the duties of their hotel. He was very
slow in anger, but when once aroused he was like a Sampson, and
those bullies of those days gave him a -wide birth. The last few
years Aunt Sally who was a fleshy woman, was troubled with a
couple of ' ' Wens ' ' upon her neck, which caused her much pain
and -without doubt was the cause of her death. Their last resting
place is in the cemetery one mile east, by the side of a little church,
where her womanly form was so often seen at Sunday service.
Their children were Le-vi, Leah, Hannah, TiUa R., Harvey, Mary
Ann, Hiram J., Celina I.
The fourth son of Joseph C. and Hannah (Boyd) Le-wis was
named Merritt C. Le-wis, and was bom at Bloomingsburg, Sulli
van County, N. Y., June 23, 1806. He married Sarah Coyken
daU at Starkey, N. Y., December 29, 1832. I never knew much
of Merritt's past life, only that he came to Starkey when a small
lad and resided there ever since. He was a farmer by occupation
and his wife was bom there July 8, 1808. His death record I
have not. They had five chUdren: Harlem, Joel, Mary J., Mark
and Dennis.
Susan Melinda Le-wis was the second daughter of Joseph C.
and Hannah Lewis and was bom at Bloomsburgh, N. Y., March
23, 1809. She married James Shannon at Starkey, N. Y., Feb
ruary 18, 1830, and died at Barrington, N.Y., February 12, 1846.
Her death was caused by child-birth and she lived only two hours
after the death of her child. The child lived two days. It
is said she was one of the finest women that ever lived; so kind,
so good and affectionate. Her husband was bom in Yates County,
N. Y., September 15, 1808, and died at Barrington, same county,
March 25, 1878. Her children were Marinda, Le-wis, Henry N.,
Minerva, Martha, John E,, Myron T. and Harvey.
The next two children of Joseph C, and Hannah Lewis were
twins, both being born at Genoa, Cayuga County, N. Y. James
Madison Lewis's birth was April 27, 1811. He married for his

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 233
partner in life Miss Belinda Semans at Starkey, N. Y., October
23, 1833. Both are now dead of which I have no record. He
came to Starkey when he was young and remained there until
after their marriage, when they moved to Benton, same county,
and resided there until May of 1845, when they set out overland
journey to Illinois; accomplishing this journey by team and
emigrant wagon. Most of the way being through a vast wUder
ness. They took with them their pro-visions, and when night
would overtake them they would stop by some running water,
build a fire, cook their scanty meal, roll up in their blankets in
their wagon until daylight and then resume their journey again.
Five years rolled away, they started out again, back the. same
way and settled at MUo, N. Y., upon the east side of Keuka Lake,
about two miles from the present village of Penn Yan, N. Y.
They purchased a farm upon which they resided until their death.
His -wife was a kind-hearted woman and was bom in Kent County
Maryland, August 28, 18 12. Their family consisted of three
children, Clayton, John E. and Robert B.
Thomas Jefferson Lewis the twin brother of the above, was
bom April 27, 1 8 II, as given in his brother James Madison Le-wis's
record. He married Sarah Ann Ayers, a daughter of William
Ayers of Starkey, March — , 1824 and died at Benton, N. Y.,
May 28, 1882. He came with his parents from the place of his
birth to Starkey, Yates County in the year of 181 2, and in the
year of 1835 to Tyrone, N. Y. and in the fall of 1835 back to Star-
key again, remaining here until 1840; moved upon a farm one-
half mile east of Penn Yan village in the town of Benton, N. Y.,
where they resided at the time of their death. He was always a
successful farmer and held several important offices in his county.
His wife was a large, fleshy woman of flne appearance, a
good and kind disposition, died here October 17, 1890. His
daughter Agnes, wrote m,e a short account of his sickness and
death d'ated January 18, 1883 as follows: "Father was taken
with a hard chill April 20. His disease seem.ed to be in his throat
and on his lungs and could not take but little medicine, nor much
food. He lingered for a few weeks in a restless manner, most of
the time requesting to be turned over and have his mouth wet.

234 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
for he had such a fever. He became a mere skeleton, yet was
conscious until the last. He arranged his business and talked
about leaving us. He made his request about the minister he
desired to have preach his funeral sermon; the style of casket he
wished to be buried in, and all other arrangements pertaining to
his funeral." Their children were Charles G., Agnes A., Wilson
A., EH and Frank E.
Hiram Le-wis was the sixth son of Joseph and Hannah (Boyd)
Lewis, was bom in Starkey, N. Y., November lo, 1815, and mar
ried Charlotte J. Merritt at Barrington, same county, December
28, 1840, .and died at Penn Yan, N. Y., June 2, 1877. After their
marriage they purchased a farm a short distance from Penn Yan,
where they always lived and spent their days. His last sickness
was that of Typhoid Fever, being sick about six months before
he died. After his death, his widow moved into this village and
after a long protracted illness of consumption, she quietly passed
to her Maker June i, 1881. Their children were Eugene and
Delzora. Malinda Le-wis the third daughter of Joseph C. and Hannah
(Boyd) Le-wis, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., JtUy 16, 1818. Here she
married Harrison Shannon December 27, 1838 and breathed her
last at Dundee, N. Y., March 4, 1867. After their marriage they
commenced keeping house at Tyrone, Steuben County, N. Y.
and in 1863 moved to Dundee, N. Y. WhUe living in Tyrone,
her husband followed farming as an occupation, but on their re
moval to Dundee became a grain speculator, owning a large ele
vator at that place. He was bom at Starkey, November 28,
18 1 6. Malinda like her sisters was of a mild, kind, social woman,
and at her death was sadly missed by the poor, whom she never
would tum from her doors. Her last days were ended by a tumor.
She had two children, Emmitt and Mary.
The youngest daughter of Joseph C. and Hannah (Boyd)
Lewis was named after her mother and called Hannah. She also
was bom in Starkey, N. Y., May 13, 1823 and married ait the
same place to Joshua Rapalee October i, 1843. After her mar
riage, she and her husband commenced keeping house in Yates
County untU the fifth of May, 1855, when they moved to Ovid,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 235
Clinton County, Mich. On their arrival there they found the
country one vast -wUdemess, filled with -wUd animals of all kinds:
bears, wolves, deer, etc. Her husband was the son of Ezra and
Margaret Rapalee, two old pioneers of Yates County, N. Y. He
was bom at MUo, N. Y., July 12, 1822, and his parental home used
to be near the western shores of the beautiful Seneca Lake, Their
chUdren were Emmitt, Lewis, Viola M., Malinda and Ezra.
The ne}d; descendant was Celina Boyd, daughter of Robert
and Anna (Randall) Boyd, who was bom in Kent, N. Y., June
6, 1803 and died at Benton, Ydtes County, N. Y., July 24, 1828.
Celina is said to have been a young lady of fine appearance and
kind disposition, and her death was caused by consumption of
long standing. She was buried beside her father and mother at
Perm Yan, N. Y. The second daughter was Amelia Boyd, who
was bom at Kent, N. Y., November 4, 1804. She married Sam
uel Fosdick Curtis at Penn Yan, Yates County, N. Y., 
and died at the same place May 13, 1829. ' After her marriage she
and her husband commenced their married life upon a farm near
her native place. Her husband was bom at Weathersfield, Conn,,
September 19, 1799. Her death was caused by consumption.
She left one chUd, Charles B. The youngest son of Robert and
Arma was named Merritt and was bom at Benton, Yates County,
July 16, 1815 and died there November 7, 1839, He was a
young man much loved by all that knew him. His death was also
caused by consumption, and he is buried a;t Penn Yan, N. Y.
AH and Alanson Frost were the sons of Sylvanus and Sarah
(Boyd) Frost. The former was bom at Kent, N. Y., July 14,
1 80 1 and died -with consumption at Vemon, Sussex County, N.J.,
July 12, 1823. The latter Alanson was born at Newburgh, N.Y.,
May 30, 1803 and like his brother died with consumption there
October 20, 1803. Alzada Frost, their oldest daughter was born
in Kent, N. Y., February 11, 1805 and married Hugh Weaver at
Starkey, Yates County, N. Y., February 18, 1838 and died with
a paralytic shock which was so severe, she only survived it for
two or three days at Reading Center, N. Y., July 14, 1842. The
occupation of her husband was that of a carpenter, and soon re
married again after her death. Alzada had two children, Almeda

236 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
and Alzada. Hyatt Frost the third son of Sylvanus and Sarah
(Boyd) Frost was born at Newburgh, N. Y., November 26, 1806.
He also had a paralytic shock and died at Starkey, N. Y., De
cember 22, 1837. The next daughter of Sylvanus and Sarah Frost
was named Mesenda Frost and was born at Vemon, Sussex County,
N. J., August 29, 1808, andmiarried William Willover at Starkey,
N. Y., January 15, 1835. After their marriage they commenced
house-keeping at Tyrone, N. Y., where she has since died. Her
hufeband was a farmer and died on the sixth or seventh of No
vember, 1 87 1, She was an active m.emiber of the Presbyterian
Church of her place, and her death, like that of her older brothers
was consumption, leaving four sons, whose names were -John
A., EH M., Harvey F. and Myron R. The next daughter of
Sylvanus and Sarah Frost was named Teressa, and was born at
Vemon, N. J., July 25, 18 10, married William Ross at Starkey,
N. Y., June 13, 1836. After their marriage she and her husband
commenced life at Horsehead, N. Y , where they remained until
1842, when they purchased a farm and moved to Reading, N. Y.,
where they always resided afterwards. In 1832 she became a
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church of Starkey and after
wards moved by letter to Reading Center, N. Y. Their children
were Augustus and Edward, twins, Hyatt D., Lo'uisa and Sarah.
Harvey Frost was the fourth son of Sylvanus and Sarah Frost.
He was born at Vemon, N. J., May 21, 181 5, died with heart
disease at the same place March 6, 1825, Almeda Frost was the
fourth and youngest daughter of Sylvanus and Sarah Frost ; bom
in Vernon, Sussex County, N. J., April 9, 1818, married Da-vid
Diven at Starkey, N. Y., February 28, 1838, died at Reading,
N. Y., July 21, 1838. Almeda and her husband lived first at
Reading, N. Y., but was of short duration. Four months had
hardly rolled away when she was suddenly attacked -with inflam
mation of the brain and only survived three days. Her husband
was a farmer and after her death was married to a daughter of
Phoebe (Boyd) Huston of whom we will speak more of in the fu
ture. The last or youngest of Sylvanus and Sarah (Boyd) Frost's
family were Charles Merritt Frost, who was bom at Vemon, N.J.,
May II, 1822 and died at the same place October 5, 1823.

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History of the Boyd Family and its Descendants 239
Harvey C. Boyd was the oldest son of Lewis and Sophia
(Cushman) Boyd. He was bom in Bldomisburg, Orange County,
N. Y., March 5, 1809 and married Mercy Peck at Benton, N. Y.,
October 26, 1836, died November 13, 1889 at Sylvan, Washtenaw
County, Mich. Harvey, when he was small came -with his par
ents from Bloom-sburg to what was then called Smith and Butter-
worth Comers, and from there to Benton, N. Y., where he was
li-ving at the date of his marriage. In the fall of 1881, he and his
-wife made us a -visit and while at our home in Conesus, he
-wrote and gave me a sketch of his past life, which is so interest
ing, I feel justified in giving the same to our readers as he wrote it.
It reads as thus : —
' ' The first remarkable event of niy early days was when I
had reached my eighteenth year of age. I was then enrolled in
the New York State Militia, as it was at that time required.
Not being satisfied with my position, I soon enlisted in the Penn
Yan (N. Y.) light -horse cavalry under the command of Captain
Geo. Sherman, in which I served some eight or ten years. While
in the service I rose to the office of Sergeant for good conduct,
and also breveted as Color-Bearer, which was a short time before
I left the state.
"In the faU of 1834, my father, brother and myself resolved
upon a journey to what was called the far west, then a territory,
now the State of Michigan. We left our beautiful home in Ben
ton and took the stage from the little village of Geneva, N. Y.,
in the month of October. The day was quite stormy and con
tinued to be so until we reached the City of Buffalo, when the
weather became cold and pleasant. We eat our supper at what
was called the Farmer's Hotel, and then went out to ascertain
when the first boat would leave for Detroit. We learned it was
the William Mercy and the hour of departure was to be 9 o'clock
P. M. We soon took our baggage and was soon on board, but
found the lake very rough and plenty of sea-sickness among the
passengers. At the proper tim,e the boat cast off her hawser, and
we set sail for Detroit. When off Erie, Pa., one of the boat wheels
became partially disabled and we were obliged to run back to
Port Ebinew for repairs — fourteen miles from Buffalo on the

240 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Canadian side. Here we cast anchor and kept up steam and
passed a quiet Saturday night, with a strong -wind blowing from
the southwest down the lake. Sunday morning came and the
wind had changed to the northwest and became still.
The Captain finding his fuel short, went ashore and bought
some five hundred fence rails and ordered them on board. Mon
day moming came at last, and found many of the passengers
uneasy, when the Captain gave orders to start again, but out a
short distance was obliged to return again. The passengers re
mained quiet for another night and on Tuesday moming set
sail again and arrived at Erie in the afternoon.
Upon our arrival here the Captain found our provisions were
short, he ordered the steward to go on shore and purchase more,
which he did, from the other steamers and boats in the harbor.
At this time the wind rose like a hurricane and we were obliged
to go into the harbor for safety. We soon made tack and sailed
in and came to with our bow off the pier and there made fast.
Here we laid for thirty-six hours before the storm ceased, and by
some other hindrance, we again started and reached Detroit,
lacking one hour less than a week after leaving Buffalo, and in
the meantime only suffered the loss of one meal and that was
caused by the dishes not being able to be kept upon the table
long enough to partake of the same.
We did not stay long in Detroit, but immediately set out for
Washtenaw County in Michigan,, the place of our destination.
We were nine days in reaching Lima (in that county), and then
we soon left there for the southwest comer of Livingston and
northeast comer of Ingham Counties, where we knew of a large
tract of Govemment lands that had not been taken up. When
we reached there, we were not prepared to buy, but soon fell in
under the hospitality of Mr. Rogers, an old acquaintance of
ours and stayed all night. The next moming I was up early
before day-break, ready to go deer hunting, having brought my
trusty rifle all the way from York State for that purpose. Plac
ing the same upon my shoulder I set out with the other hunters.
I had not gone more than one-fourth of a mile, when low I saw a
deer in sight. I soon placed myself in position and as the deer

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 241
came in short range, I raised my rifle and fired. The deer made
one or two bounds, stopped short, looked back as I reloaded
my rifle, and grasping my hunting knife as the noble animal
staggered and fell. I then rushed up and applied the knife to his
throat, and -with the aid of the other hunters drew him to the
traU, and retumed in tiine for breakfast, which to me was a boun
tiful meal. The news soon spread around the household, and the
famUy came -with smiling faces at the thought of a fine piece of
venison, for the noon day meal. As soon as our breakfast was
over, we yoked up the steers and hitched them to a sled and
brought the deer to the house, where we properly dressed it for
the famUy use. After accomplishing this, the hunters and I
started out again in search of more game. We had not gone far
before I saw four ducks coming near, and they lighted in the bend
of a crooked brook, on the banks of which we were standing, and
as they came around the bend, the four were in a straight line
toward me. I quickly grasped my rifle, took aim and flred, kiUing
two, wounding the third, thus making meat plenty for the present.
I spent the rest of the day in land-'vie-wing.
The next day we retumed to Lima and resolved to buy
improve lands. My father bargained for one hundred acres at
that" place, and eighty acres more about two mUes north of the
same, and then retumed our foot-steps toward York State with
the intention of selling there (which was down in Benton, N. Y.)
and retumed back to Michigan and fulfill our contract there.
As soon as we had completed our arrangement at Benton,
I started for Michigan again; I took the stage for Buffalo and
the steamboat for Erie and from there by stage to Sandusky, after
having sent my trunk by the stage and emigrant route, which
ran alternate -with fuU conveyance for fourteen miles. From
Perrysburgh I went by steamboat to Detroit, where I arrived on
the second day of December, and reached Lima again on the fourth
of th^ same month, ha-ving been fourteen days on the road. After
my arrival, I soon filled the contract and settled down for -winter,
as my father's payments came part due the next spring, and the
balance in the fall of 1835, which we met successfully. During
the -winter of 1835 was one of the most exciting times in Michigan

242 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY .AND ITS DESCENDANTS
I ever saw. A difficulty had arose between the Territorial Gov
emment of Michigan and the State of Ohio in regard to the
boundary line between the two ' ' Pro-vinces, ' ' known as the 1 o-
ledo War. Gov. Porter having died July 6, 1834, he was succeed-,^
ed by Stepehen J. Mason, who was secretary under Porter and
Governor in his place. No sooner than this disturbance com
menced, than Mason made a call to sustain our rights. The In
dependent Company was soon mustered into service and sent on
their way to Toledo, while a draft was ordered on the militia
in which I drew a blank. The contest soon ended and with it
many incidents that transpired to the early settlers in what
was called the Toledo War.
In the fall of 1835, after all of my father's famUy had become
settled in Michigan, I resolved upon a tour of inspection of the
south-west, through HUlsdale into Branch County, four mUes
west of Coldwater in search of Government lands. Here I found
some lands that suited me and I located four lots in the Kala
mazoo Land Office and retumed home again. In a few weeks
I went back and located three more lots, making seven in aU and
in 1839 my father sold the whole for $5.75 per acre. Soon after
this sale, my father, myself and three other persons started for
Clinton County, where we located eight more lots of Govemment
lands for "Our Boyd FamUy, "in To-wnship range No. 5 north,
and two west in the Iowa Land Office. As soon as we had ac
complished our undertaking, we retumed home through the
Counties of Shiawassee and Li-vingston. On the fifth day of Oc
tober, 1836, I started for "York State" on a -visit which termi
nated in my marriage to Miss Mercy Peck, the fifth daughter of
Abel Peck of Benton, N. Y. She was bom in Kent, Putnam
Count\-, November 25, 1810 and at the time of our marriage was
residing with her parents at the above place. Five days after
our marriage on October 31, i S3 6, she bid fareweU to her parerits
and we started for our future home in Michigan. We went by
tioT™ tr^'^Tu'f''^ ^^"^ conveyances, arriving at our destina-
house°" el" \ '^•^"'' °^' ''^'''''^' ^^d commenced our first
ter;f cZr %Te TiSf I 'htd? n7f ^ r ^^"^' ^-^-
3 oeiore this 1 had located four lots in Clinton

MERRITT BOYD MERCY (PECK) BOYD
On 100 Years Birthday

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 245
County, where we intended to go, but my health failed me and
we changed our mind. I soon changed my Clinton and Monroe
County lands by trading the Monroe County lands for lumber
and lumber for labor to build us a bam, which proved to
be a valuable investment for us the six years we remained
there. "One of the most noted events of my life was the coming
of use of what was called the 'Wild Cat Money,' which was
worse than no money at all. At this time there came in circu
lation what was called the ' Red Dog Bills of Saint Joe ' and other
ones completely flooding the county with these worthless bills
that caused silver to become scarce; it was almost impossible to
get a silver quarter of a dollar to. prepay the postage upon a letter
at the Post-Office.
"In 1845 I leased my farm in Michigan and moved to the
State of New York. My time here I spent in farming and thresh
ing; seven years of this time we spent upon a farm, one mile
south of Bellona, Yates County. Ha-ving a good price offered
for same, we sold it and moved back to Michigan. Again we
took up our abode near Sylvan, Washtenaw County of that State
and in 1855 or 56 I purchased the farm we now live upon near
Sylvan Center. In the spring of 1857 I was elected to the office
of Justice of the Peace and have held several similar offices since.
I have lived at Sylvan for the past twenty-seven years; the past
fifteen years I have taken no responsibility upon myself, as my
farm has been properly cared for by my sons and the last five
years by my younger son. Homer Boyd.
On the first of September, 1881, Harvey and his wife made
us their last visit. The -wife of Harvey C. Boyd died at Chelsea,
February 19, 191 2, at the good old age of one hundred and two
years. In her hundredth birthday, she was as sprightly as those
of her younger days, and had around her children, Merritt, Dar
win and Homer and her grandchildren to cheer her on in the
roads of this world. They were two very kind-hearted and
pleasant people to associate -with. In statue they were tall and
slim and took the world easy in their old age. Their children
were William D., Orlando A., Merritt and Homer H.

246 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
EmeHne was the oldest daughter of Lewis and Sophia Boyd,
and was born at Newburgh, N. Y., April 14, 1811, and died at
Chelsea, Washtenaw County, Mich., January 25, 1867. She
always remained single and moved with her parents to Michigan.
At the time of her death she was following the occupation of
dressmaking at Chelsea. Her death was caused by jaundice.
She did not survive the disease long and was buried at Lima, in
the same county.
Phoebe Boyd, the next daughter of Lewis and Sophia Boyd,
was bom in Newburgh, N. Y., March 26, 1813, and married
Abel Ketchman at Benton, N. Y., April 13, 1846. Sheleft New
burgh when she was a babe for Benton, and in 1834 or 35 went
to Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich. In the fall of 1835 she came
back to Benton and remained there until the spring of 1836 -with
her uncle Robert Boyd, and her brother Harvey, who was then
living with Robert at Penn Yan, N. Y. Soon afterwards her
brother went to Benton to reside, she went and resided with
him until her marriage. After her marriage she and her husband
moved to Penn Yan, Here they resided for six years, and then
went to Torry the same county, and resided for several years
longer and then retumed to Benton and took up their residence
on a farm. He had been a prosperous merchant in Penn Yan.
He died March 17, 1865. In the year of 1833 oi" 34 became a
member of the Methodist Church of Bellona, N. Y., belonging
to them until she died. They had six children namely : Henry
W., Sophia, Frank, Smith L., Emma C. and Ed-win.
Mial M. Boyd was the second son of Le-wis and Sophia Boyd
and was bom at Benton, N. Y., January 26, 1815. He married
for his first wife Julia Wood, July 4, 1838, who died with kidney
disease at Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich, in 1862. For his
second -wife Fidellia Sturdrant at the above place (who was bom
at Augusta, Oneida County, N. Y., August 10, 1830), May 15,
1863. Mial always resided at Lima, Michigan after going
there with his parents.
George W. Boyd the third son of Le-wis and Sophia Boyd,
was bom in Benton, Yates County, N. Y,, January 8, 1817 and
married Eunice Freeman at Freedom, Mich., October 26, 1843

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 247
and died at Lima, Mich., November 22, 1893, and he at the same
place July 26, 1886. At the age of eighteen, George went from
Benton, N. Y. to Michigan with his parents. Through life he
was a noted farmer and stock raiser at Lima of that state. In
1852 he made a -visit to California with his brother Mina. They
went by the way of New York City, and then took passage upon
one of Commodore Vanderbilt's famous steamer called Prome-
thias, of which we will speak more of in the sketch of his brother.
This proved to have been a successful trip for him, for it increased
his wealth. Instead of coming back, like many others before
him had done — poorer than they went. His home was at Lima,
Michigan. They had one daughter whom they called Lula.
Sarah Boyd was the third daughter of Lewis and Sophia
Boyd. She was also bom at Benton, N. Y., November 13, 1818.
She was married at Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich, to Smith
Hurd, December 13, 1837, and died at Jackson City same state,
July 21, 1875. Sally Hurd as she was properly called, emigrated
¦with her parents to Lima, Mich, in 1835. Her husband was bom
in Ontario County, N. Y., July 2, 1815. In his younger days he
left his birthplace here and went to his father's at Lima, Mich.,
who had gone before him, who kept a hotel and carried on a farm
at the latter place. Here he resided until his marriage. Soon
after this or 1841, Sally Hurd and her husband went to Jackson,
Mich, and kept what was then called the Old Grand River Hotel .
After this they went to Stockbridge, Ingham County, same state
where they purchased a farm, but did not stay long before they
retumed to Jackson, and in 1865 they bought a farm of five hun
dred acres two miles west of that place, which they moved upon
in 1874, and resided there at the time of her death. Her husband
dealt largely in live stock and real estate speculation, and at the
time of his death August 7, 1880 was said to have accumulated
more than one hundred and twenty-five thousand dollars. In
the political field he has been elected to the office of Supervisor
of one of the principal wards of Jackson City for several terms,
and also one term to the Legislature of his state. While residing;
upon their farm, the Old Tremont Hotel of Jackson City, which
he had just sold to his son L. C. Hurd and a son-in-law named

248 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Frank Smith, caught fire and was destroyed -with a total loss to
them. These two young men -with his aid, rebuUt a fine hotel
structure upon the same sight what is called the ' ' Hurd House, ' '
one of the finest hotels in the state, costing more than forty thou
sand dollars. When the same was completed, he moved in with
the two young men and resided there until his death, which was
caused from hemorrhage of the lungs, lea-ving a second wife and
an adopted chUd. By Sarah Boyd, his first -wife there were
four children, William R., Mary A., Sarah J. and L. C. Hurd.
Robert Boyd was the fourth son of Le-wis and Sophia Boyd,
was also bom at Benton, N. Y., December 21, 1820. Here he
married for his first wife Eliza Harris, of which I have no date.
His second •wife was Mary Lefarge, whom he married at Lima,
Mich., November 18, 1853. He resided ¦with his pareiits untU
his marriage, going back there to Michigan in 1835. After his
first marriage he settled upon a farm, but sold the same some time
afterwards. Fortune seemed to have been fated against him,
for whatever he undertook, proved to be unsuccessful. His first
wife died with consumption January 10, 1850. She was an in
valid for two years before she died. By her, he was the father of
one child, Edward H.
Mina Boyd was the fifth son of Le^wis and Sophia Boyd and
his birthplace was at Benton, N. Y., bom March 29, 1823. He
married Rhoda Betts at Palmjrra, Lenawee County, Mich., July
5, 1854. Mina was twelve years of age when his father moved
his family to Michigan in 1835, and is the one who with his
brother George — I have already stated, — in the year of 1852
went to CaHfomia. A sketch of this remarkable journey is as
follows : ' ' George and Mina left their native state by going fir-st
to New York City, here they took passage as I have stated, upon
one Commodore Vanderbilt's famous steamers of that time, called
"Promethias. " When he arrived there he wrote back an ac
count of this trip to a friend; which I ¦will copy in Mina's own
words thus: "We had a rough sea upon our journey. After
leaving New York we went by the Central American or Nicar-
aguaian Route, and from there by steamer to San Francisco,
CaL, making the joumey in thirty-one days and a few hours. In

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 249
a letter to me in 1884 he says : ' ' What time we had in California
was at the mines at a place called Mokelumne Hill in Calvarious
County. This place at this time had a population of about two
thousand souls, but at the present time (1884) I am informed,
does not exceed two hundred. After remaining here a little over
a year, I retumed to my native home (over same route) , accom
plishing the joumey in a little less than twenty-one days, which
took place in 1853." Mina's wife was bom at Palmyra, N. Y.,
October 25, 1825. After his marriage they resided upon the
"Old Homestead" until 1861, when he sold the same and in
April of 1863 moved to St. John, Clinton County, Mich., where
he died. In life he was one of the highest Free Masons of the
state, and his famUy consisted of three children: Willie A., Harri
ett I. and Maggie E.
Ebenezer Boyd the sixth son of Le^wis and Sophia Boyd, was
bom at Benton, N. Y., December 28, 1826, died at Lima, Mich.,
March 4, 1844. His death was caused by Saint Vitus dance, and
the manner of contracting the same is somewhat remarkable. A
short time before he was taken, he was engaged in sawing wood
in the woods -with a cross-cut saw. While engaged at this work,
he knelt do-wn on the damp ground and by so doing, took a severe
cold, which settled all over him and threw him into this disease.
After contracting the same — except in the presence of music — his
form was in a -violent motion, but when in presence of music it so
completely charmed him that he would become calm and quiet.
Almira Boyd the fourth daughter of Lewis and Sophia Boyd,
was bom at the old homestead in Benton, May 22, 1828. She
married Alva Litchfield at Lima, Washtenaw, Mich., March i,
1854. Her husband was also a farmer and stock-raiser, and their
residence was in Webster Township of above county. He was
bom at Brooklyn, Windham County, Conn,, October i, 1834,
and his parents' names were Edward and Amanda (Preston)
Litchfield, two old pioneer settlers of Michigan. Almira is a
faithful member of the Methodist Church of her native place in
Michigan. They had one son named Lewis A.
Adaline Boyd the youngest daughter of Lewis and Sophia
Boyd, was bom at Benton, N. Y., December 16, 1830, died at

250 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Jackson, Mich., October 12, 1864. During her last sickness,
which was- caused by consumption, she was residing with her
sister at Lima, Mich., and was buried at that place.
Emeline Cra-wford the oldest daughter of Archibald and
Phoebe (Boyd) Cra-wford, was bom at Phillips, Putnam County,
N. Y., November 4, 1804. She married Cephias Brown of Ben
ton, Yates County, N. Y,, November 4, 1823 and died at- Cold-
water, Mich., February 15, 1880. She and her husband lived
first in Yates County, N. Y. and went to Coldwater, Mich, in
1835 and took up Govemment lands and resided there until their
death. Her husband was bom in 1800, and was killed August
10, 1865 by falling from the roof of a bam that he was working on.
Her last days were ended by congestion of the lungs. They had
the following children: Mary A., Coleman C, Sarah L. arid S.
Alma. Mariah Crawford the second daughter of Archibald and
Phoebe (Boyd) Crawford, was also bom at Phillips, N. Y., No
vember 6, 1806. She married John Rogers at Buffalo, N. Y.,
October 18, 1842 and died at Napherville, Du Page County, IU.,
November 21, 1848. The history of her past life we know but a
little of. A short time before her marriage, she went to Buffalo
and from there to Napherville, 111. Her husband was a farmer,
and was bom at Pittsburgh, Pa,, 1800, and died at Kidder, Cald
well County, Mo., June 11, 1870. Their family consisted of one
child, Julia R.
Charles Coleman Cra-wford the oldest son of Archibald and
Phoebe Crawford, was bom at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., January 26,
1809. He married for his first wife Julia Frost at Penn Yan,
N. Y., May 28, 1832, and for his second Lucretia Spencer, which
we have no date. He died at Newton, Trui-nball County, Ohio,
April 3, 1844. The marriage of Charles by his first wife proved
to have been an unhappy one, both being young, domestic diffi
culties soon rose between them, which proved their days were not
destined to be partners through life, and they soon separated,
each going his or her own way. Sometime after this separation, she
married a man by the name of Hastings and lived at Chicago, IU.,
and in 1884 was living near that city. Charles soon afterward

SUSANNAH (CRAWFORD) COLE
Born 1813. Died 1883

LINNIE H, D. COLE, JULIA P.
HATTIE M (COLE) KELLOW,

(COLE) RAND,
SUSAN M. COLE

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 253
married his second -wife, who after his death married his brother
Nathaniel, who -will be spoken of in his historical sketch. This
union proved to be a happy one, but of short duration, for he was
soon caUed to his Heavenly home from Ohio. It is not known to
his friends that he had any children by the first -wife, but by the
second, one child, George B.
Ebenezer Crawford the second son of Archibald and Phoebe
Boyd, was bom at Vemon, Sussex County, N. J., April 30, 1811,
died at the same place July 22, 1813.
Susannah Crawford the third daughter of Archibald and
Phoebe (Boyd) Crawford, was bom at Vemon, N. J., July 22,
1813, married Samuel Mathew Cole at Penn Yan, N. Y., De
cember 24, 1834, died at Cresco, Iowa, February 23, 1883.
After their marriage they went to Warren, Pa., and then re
tumed back to Penn Yan, N. Y., and then to Napherville, 111.,
then emigrated to New Oregon, Iowa, where they arrived July
7, 1854 and soon afterwards purchased a farm near Cresco in the
same county, where she died. The deceased was one of the very
first settlers of that county, and was closely connected with its
early history. She lived a true Christian life and was loved by
aU that knew her. Her funeral services were held February 27,
at the M. E. Church of which she was a member, and her last
resting place is now in the New Oregon cemetery. Her family
consisted of eight children: Harriett M., Ezra M., Mary E., Julia
P., Charles M., Susan M., Linnie H. and Lewis M.
Le-wis B. Crawford the third son of Archibald and Phoebe
Boyd, was bom at Vernon, N. J., May 16, 1816, married Mary
Barney at Wheeler's, Steuben County, N. Y., September 14,
1843, and died at the same place March 25, 1856. He came to
Yates County with his parents and after their marriage moved to
Wheeler, N. Y., where they were residing at the time of his death.
They had no children.
Nathaniel B. Crawford the fourth son of Archibald and
Phoebe Boyd, was also bom at Vemon, N. J., February 3, 1819,
married for his first -wife Lucretia (Spencer) Crawford at Newton,
Trumball County, Ohio, February 3, 1845. For his second -wife,
Clarissa Dennison at Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich., August 

254 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
1866. He moved from Yates County, N. Y. in 1843, and took up
a residence at a place called Price's. Mills, Ohio, where he followed
the occupation of cabinet maker. In 1850 he went to Newton
FaUs (same state) and entered in co-partnership -with a firm by
the name of Cra-wford, Green and Shakespear, Cabinet Makers,
Builders and Contractors. This firm was dissolved in 1854,
when he went into business of Groceries, Forwarding and Commis
sion Agent at the same place, which he followed until he left the
state. In 1855 he moved to Dowagiac, Cass County, Mich.,
where he purchased a farm and worked at his trade. In the spring
of 1 86 1 he took up his residence in the village. In 1866 he again
moved upon a farm near that place where he resided in 1884, and
his Post-Office address in 1884 was Glenwood, Mich. While at
Price's Mills, Ohio, he held the office of Justice of the Peace for
one year. In 1884 he held the office of Past Grand Master of
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of his state, an order which
he had joined in 1858. His first wife was the widow of his brother
Charles. She died September 7, 1865 after a short sickness of two
weeks from dysentery, which was raging fearfully in Dowagiac
at that time. Nathaniel and Jay his son, had it at the same time,
but soon recovered. His second wife was the widow of the late
John Griffin of the above place. By his first -wife, he was
the father of four chUdren: Charles C, Alma, Jay B. and
Phoebe M. By the second wife three: Lewis R., Myrtle D. and
LUHan M.
Hannah Cra-wford the fourth daughter of Archibald and
Phoebe Crawford, was born in Benton, Yates County, N. Y.,
December 21, 1821, married David Diven at Starkey, N. Y.,
June 9, 1842, died -with consumption at Watkins, N. Y., February
18, 1878. At the time of her marriage, she was residing -with her
mother's famUy. She and her husband then went to Reading,
N. Y., and in 1872 moved to Watkins, where she died. Her
husband was bom at Reading, N. Y., November 28, 181 7, where
he died after a short Ulness from typhoid fever May 15, 1858.
Their occupation was farming, and owned one hundred and sixty
acres at that place. They had two chUdren, WiUiam N. and
Mary E.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 255
Sarah Crawford was the youngest daughter of Archibald and
Phoebe Boyd, and was bom in Benton, N. Y., September i8,
1824. She married Uriah Hyatt at Starkey, August 29, 1845.
She and her husband lived with her uncle John Staffin. Soon
afterwards they moved to Benton, N. Y., where they resided for
twelve years. They then went to Reading, N. Y. and remained
two years, and then to Dundee, same county, where they were
residing at the time of his death. May 28, 1878, of kidney disease,
which he had been troubled -with for nearly a year, not being con
fined to his bed until about two weeks before his death. He was
bom at Starkey, N. Y., January i, 1823. She was li-ving in 1884
at Dundee, N. Y. and her family consisted of five chUdren: Char
lotte A., Eugene, Bellnette, Freddie and Edgar H.
George Cra-wford the youngest son of Archibald and Phoebe
Crawford, was bom at MUo, N. Y., April 21, 1821, married Eliza
Hyslop at Vienna, Grundy County, IU., December 24, 1857.
The only history I could get of George's past life, was ob
tained from his -wife in 1881 — then Mrs. Eliza Dix of Mazon, 111. —
and she gave it as follows : After our marriage, we resided first
at Morris, 111. for one year and then moved to Michigan. In 1861
we went back to Morris again. Here my husband and I were
obliged to separate on account of his intemperance, and in April
of 1872, I moved to Mazon, ten miles south of Morris, where I
supported myself and children by keeping house for a gentleman
who had lost his wife. In 1875 I obtained a divorce from Mr.
Cra-wford and married this gentleman — whose name was William
Dix — and in him found a devoted huisband and a good home for
myself and children, and through whose aid I have given them a
good education.
I was unable in 1 884 to leam anything about Geroge through
his relations, then I wrote to this lady and through her kindness
and in one of her letters', she says when he left Morris, he told his
friends that he was going to Michigan. Some two years ago
(1880) it was reported here that he was dead, but since then it
has been contradicted. It was not known to his friends at that
time where he was, for some of them have written to me since,
asking me if I could tell them where he was or what became of

256 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
him. By the letters I have received from Mrs. Dix, denotes she
has found a good home for herself and children. By this union
they had two children, Inez M. and Louis H.

Generation Fourth
The fourth generation of this family consisted of forty -nine
persons. Many of these records are taken from the records given
me in 1884, and are not complete. Some have married since, and
others have died. I will give them as I have their history at hand.
The first in rotation is Ebenezer W. Boyd the oldest son of
William and Harriett (Parent) Boyd, who was bom at Somers,
Westchester County, N. Y., 1808 and died May 15, 1811. It was
claimed the place of his death was Conesus, N. Y., which I am
convinced is wrong. My father came to Conesus in 182 1, and
never knew of such a child being buried here. The first death
in the. town was in 1810, when the country was one vast -wilder
ness. Taking the record of his brother WiUiam, who was born
in Westchester County only seven months before his death, and
Ebenezer F., who was bom fourteen months afterwards, his death
shows too plainly that this must be a mistake.
William Boyd the second son of WUliam and Harriett Boyd,
was born at the same place September 11, 18 10. Married Harriett
Weed at Binghamton, N. Y. (no record), and died at New Orleans,
Louisiana. They had no chUdren.
Ebenezer F. was the third son of WUliam and Harriett Boyd.
He was born at FishkiU, N. Y., July 6, 1812. He married Caro
line Colwell and died at Cold Springs, Putnam County, N. Y.,
December 21, 1839. By profession he was a physician and a
prominent man at Cold Springs, where he lived. He died young
and left one son Charles Boyd, who was born in 1836 and was
supposed to be living in some part of Western New York.
The next son of William and Harriett Boyd was Cyrus B.
Boyd, who also was born at FishkiU, N. Y., September 14, 1814.
He married Ann PhiUips at the same place September i, 1836,
and died at Cold Springs, N. Y., January 29, 1879. A very little
information I have of Gyms. They had five children (all dead)

history of the boyd family and its DESCENDANTS 257
as follows: First, Sarah the oldest daughter, bom June 27, 1837
and died at New York City Sept. 25, 1861. Second, Harriett,
born March i, 1840, died at the same place September 18, 1859.
Third, Lizzie, bom March, 1843, married WUliam Winters at
New York City, September  , 1867, died at the same place
May 21, 1871. Fourth, Henrietta bom September 24, 1844,
died at New York City, October 4, 1861. Fifth, Emma, born
March 25, 1846 and died at New York City June 27, 1867. All
these children's birth place was at FishkiU, N. Y.
Louise Boyd was the only daughter of WUliam and Harriett
Boyd, and was bom at FishkiU, N. Y., May 29, 1817, married
Frederick Rumph at Cold Springs, Putnam County, N. Y., July
3, 1844. She always resided at Cold Springs, N. Y., and the
native place of her husband was in Switzerland. They had four
children as follows: First, Margaret, born April 3, 1845. Sec
ond, WiUiam, bom May 7, 1850. Third, Charles, bom October
11, 1852 and died June 20, 1854, and fourth, Harriett Louise, bom
June 6, 1857 and died at her birthplace March 22, 1858. Their
children were all bom at Cold Springs, N. Y.
Charles Boyd the youngest son of William and Harriett Boyd,
was also bom at FishkiU, Dutchess County, N. Y., May 18, 1820.
He married Isabella Smith at New York City April 20, 1850 and
died at Cold Springs, N. Y., October 11, 1880. His -wife was bom
at HamUton, Scotland, Februarj'^ 9, 1822, and their home after
their marriage was alt Cold Springs, N. Y., and their famUy con
sisted of four chUdren, bom at that place as follows : First, Will
iam, bom December 25, 1855 and died December i, 1856. Sec
ond, James S., bom March 4, 1857, married Minnie A. Lloyd at.
Cold Springs, June i, 1881. Third, Charles S., bom September
18, 1861 and Thomas S., bom October 26, 1864.
Sarah Boyd was the oldest daughter of Bennett and Phoebe
(Kelley) Boyd. She was born at Kent, Putnam County, N. Y.,
January 14, 1847 and married Richard Hopper at Putnam Valley
same county,  , 1858, died at Phillipstown, N. Y.,  1862.
Their occupation was that of a farmer and hotel keeper in Kent,
where they died. In statue they were very fleshy persons and
their united weight is said to have been 4943^ pounds, varying

258 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
only \i pound between them. The date of her husband's birth
or death I have not. She died of dropsy and -without doubt he
died of the same disease, of which such fleshy persons are more or
less subjected to. They had no children to moum their loss.
Amanda Boyd was the second daughter of Bennett and
Phoebe Boyd, and was bom at Kent, N. Y., July 4, 1813, and was
married to Seth W. Barrett at the same place in the fall of 1831.
Soon after their marriage, her husband and her took up their
residence at Carmel, N. Y., where they remained untU the year
of 1833, when they moved to Steuben County, N. Y. and pur
chased and kept a hotel about one mile from the present vUlage
of Hammondsport, until the year of 1852, when they moved into
that village, where she was residing in 1884. Her husband was
bom in Putnam County, N. Y., September, — , 1808 and died at
Hammondsport on Saturday moming, September 6, 1880, and is
buried in the cemetery at North Urbana, N. Y. Their famUy
consisted of two children, EmUy who was bom at Carmel, N. Y.,
October 10, 1836 and married A. H. Eggleston at Hammonds
port, N. Y., February 3, 1858. In February of 1874 he took a
severe cold and breathed his last on the fourth day of March. In
1884 she resided still at Hammondsport, N. Y. Her chUdren
were Nellie, bom January 22, i860, John, bom October 20, 1862
and died April 20, 1866 and Bell, bom July 17, 1869, and Bell
Eggleston, born July 17, 1869. The second daughter of Seth and
Amanda Barrett was called Louisa. She also was bom at Ham
mondsport, N. Y., March 4, 1838 and was married to W. M.
Powers, a well known physician of that place, October 15, 1856.
Died of consumption at the same place September 17, 1868. They
had one child whom they named Frederick, bom October 20, i860.
Mary the third daughter of Bennett and Phoebe Boyd, was
bom in Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., March 8, 1815, married
Joseph Haight at the same place April 9, 1839, To this lady
(who was -called Polly by her friends) is entitled to many thanks
for her kindness in answering the many letters I wrote her in 1884
for information in regard to her father's family and others. She
and her husband commenced housekeeping at Kent, where they
resided untU 1870, when they moved to Carmel, N. Y., and were

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 259
StUl residing there in 1884. Her husband was bom at Stanford-
-ville, Dutchess County, N. Y., September 5, 181 1 and took up
his residence in Kent in April of 1833, where he foUowed farm
ing for an occupation. Their family consisted of flve children,
all bom in Kent as foUows: First, Frank D. the oldest, bom
January 14, 1841. Second, Garrett B., bom July 23, 1843 and
the last (I knew of him, he held the position of cashier for the firm
of D. H. Alpine & Co., New York City). Third, Bennett R.,
bom July 5, 1846. Fourth, Sarah A., bom July 8, 1849; and fifth,
Carrie B., bom January 8, 1855 and married Eugene Hopkin of
the same place,  ,1877. Her husband was bom in Kent, N. Y.,
January 8, 1845 and moved to Carmel, N. Y. in 1869. They in
1884 had one child Louis, bom at Carmel, January 31, 1881.
Garrett Boyd was the oldest son of Bennett and Phoebe
Boyd, was bom in Kent, N. Y., October 13, 1817 and married
at Newburgh, N. Y., Carrie Felter in 1844, died at New York City
February i, 1865. His occupation was that of a merchant. He
first resided at Newburgh, N. Y., then moved to Milwaukee,
Wis., and then back to New York City. His -wife was bom
December 21, 1821, and resided in 1884 at No. 33 East 21st St.,
New York City. Their children were: Theron B. Boyd, bom
at Newburgh, N. Y., May 10, 1845 and Mary K. Boyd, bom
at MUwaukee, Wis., September 23, 1856. Both of these children
in 1884 were residing in New York City.
Eliza Boyd the fourth daughter of Bennett and Phoebe Boyd,
was bom at Kent, N. Y., September 6, 1819. She married Chas.
Kelsey at the same place in 1843. The husband of Eliza was a
minister of the Methodist Episcopal faith. He was bom at
Afford, Mass., March 25, and died on September 21, 1886 at
Mount Vemon, N. Y., after a short sickness. In his early days
he was reared in the Presbyterian faith, but at the age of twenty-
two he united with the New York Methodist Episcopal Confer
ence, and at the age of twenty-four received a local minister's li
cense and was admitted to that conference at the age of twenty-
six years, or in 1843. He graduated to full membership and full
order in the ministry in the regular course of time. At the di-
-vision of the Conference in 1848, was assigned to membership in

260 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the New York, East Conference, where he labored -without in
terruption for a period of thirty-four years, until his sickness com
pelled him to relinquish the same in 1874. In life he was a faith
ful, kind and sympathizing pastor, a safe counselor, and was
missed by all that knew him. In 1884 his wife was still residing
at Mount Vernon, N. Y. They had three children as follows:
First, Sarah E., bom at Durham, Green County, N. Y. in 1845,
and died at the same place in 1847. Second, Sarah Eliza, bom
at Stafford, Fulton County, N. Y., June 10, 1848, died of con
sumption at Mount Vernon, N. Y., December 24, 1877. Third,
Charles B., born at Farmington, Hartford County, Conn., No
vember, 1850, married Carrie Terrie of Rochester in 1876. In
1884 found him a noted physician and resided at No. 48 East
30th St., New York City.
Robert B. Boyd the youngest son of Bennett and Phoebe
Boyd, was bom in Kent, N. Y., in 1830, married to Elizabeth
(James) Whitehead at Milwaukee, Wis. in April of 1866, and for
his second -wife Jennie A. Mead at the same place in March of
187 1. Robert in 1857 went west and took up his residence at
Milwaukee, Wis. After a short time here, he married his first
wife, whose maiden name was Ehzabeth Janes, who at the age
of fourteen m.arried her first husband, Mr. Whitehead, and went
with him from Toronto, Canada, the place of her birth to Mil
waukee, soon after their marriage, and was residing there at the
time of her husband's death. After her marriage to Robert,
they stUl resided there until 1870, when she was suddenly taken
from him by death, turning a happy life into woe. Soon after
the death of Robert's first wife, he married his second and in 1884
was foUo-wing the occupation of insurance agent for the Con
cordia Fire Insurance Company, with offices at No. 296 Water
St., of that city. By his second -wife he had one chUd in 1884,
named Gaylord R. Boyd, bom in Milwaukee, Wis., February,
1874. Mary Boyd the oldest daughter of StiUman and Mary E.
(Smith) Boyd, was born at Kent, Putnam County, N. Y., August
15, 1830, married SUas C. Whitney at Jefferson Valley, West
chester County, N. Y., May 29, 1872; died at Yorktown, N. Y.,

EMMA L. (BOYD) TRAVIS
Taken in 1886

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 263
September lo, 1894. Her husband's occupation was that of a
farmer, aiid at the time of their marriage was a -widower -with
four children and lived at Yorktown, N. Y.
Emma the second daughter of StiUman and Mary E. Boyd,
was bom at Kent, N, Y., March 27, 1832. She married for her
first husband, Benjamin Travis at Jefferson VaUey, N. Y., No
vember 28, 1854, and for her second husband, Joseph Travis
at the same place May 29, 1872. Emma's husbands were bro
thers and both by occupation were farmers and resided at Jeffer
son Valley, N. Y. The first husband died of consumption, of
which we have no date, and the second died at 3 o'clock, P. M.,
August 12, 1880. By her first husband she had two children,
namely: Frankie S. Tra-vis, bom at Jefferson Valley, N. Y.,
November 25, 1856, and married Henry Miller at Carmel, N. Y.,
June 28, 1880, who was a physician. They had one child in 1880,
who died at Jefferson Valley, N. Y., August 12, 1881, and the
second child was Charles P. Travis, born at the same place Octo
ber 10, 1858.
Sarah A. Boyd the third daughter of StiUman and Mary E.
Boyd, was bom at Kent, N. Y., February 29, 1835. She married
Harrison Travis at Jefferson Valley, N. Y., October 6, 1856. He
was also a farmer, and lived one mile west of Carmel, N. Y. Their
chUd was named StiUman H. Travis, who was bom at Carmel,
N. Y., September 28, 1867.
WiUiam H. and Merritt Boyd were the only sons of StiUman
and Mary E. Boyd, and both were born at Kent, N. Y., the former
September 25, 1837 and the latter March 21, 1840. Both died
of membraneous croup, William October 20 and Merritt October
26, 1843. Jennie E. Boyd the youngest daughter of StiUman and Mary
E. Boyd, was also bom at Kent, N. Y., December 3, 1842. In
1884, whUe we were preparing our first edition of the Boyd Family,
she took a deep interest and helped us greatly in gathering records
and so forth in Westchester and Putnam Counties of New York
State. She at that time was single, living with her parents. A
few years afterwards she -visited us at our home in Conesus, and
we found her a very pleasant and sociable woman.

264 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Susan E. Frost was the oldest daughter of Orville and Sarah
M. (Smalley) Frost. She was bom at Kent, Putnam County,
N. Y., November 22, 1840. Her first husband was Geo. W.
Bigelow, whom she married at Dundee, N. Y., December 26,
1858. The second husband was George F. Losey, who she mar
ried at Altay, Schuyler County, N. Y., January 3, 1872. Her
first husband was a farmer and for three years they resided at
Barrington, N. Y., and then sold their farm on account of his
poor health, and bought a hotel at Altay, N. Y., residing there
(except one year at Weston, same county) until he died of con
sumption October 5, 1870. Her second husband was an engineer
in a mill at Altay at the time of their marriage, they then moved
to Michigan where they remained for four years and then moved
back to Tyrone, N. Y., where they resided in 1884. By her first
husband she had three children. First, Orville, born at Barring
ton, N. Y., June i, 1859, died at the same place January 29,
1859. Second and third children were twins, Claude and Clyde,
bom at Altay, N. Y., September 11, 1866. Claude died here of
consumption December 29, 1879. The second husband's chUdren
were Minnie Altha Losey, bom at Evergreen, Ontario County,
N. Y., November 25, 1877. The next child of Orville and Sarah
M. Frost, was bom at Kent, N. Y., about the year of 1844 or 45,
died at the same place soon after its birth.
Sarah M. Boyd the youngest daughter of OrvUle and Sarah
M. Boyd, was bom at Kent, N. Y., June 9, 1847, married James
Fulton at Penn Yan, N. Y., May 27, 1874 at the time of her
mother's death, Sarah was about six weeks old. She was taken
to Penn Yan, where she had resided up to the time of her mar
riage. She became a member of the Methodist Church at Altay
in 1865 or 66, and united with the Presbyterian Church at Seneca ,
N. Y., 1874. Her husband was an old soldier in the Southem
Rebellion. He enlisted in August of 1862, and was in the battle
of Harper's Ferry, Antietam, Gettysburg, Martin's Ford, Bris-
tow Station, Auburn and Wilderness. At the battle of Gettys
burg, he was wounded in the foot, and at Wilderness in the leg,
and taken prisoner and sent to Gordonville and to Libby Prison
for six months. They resided in 1884 at Stanley, N. Y., where

BENNETT ROBERT BOYD

ELIZABETH (JEROME) BOYD
Died 1902

MATILDA (CAMPBELL) BOYD

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 267
he held a position as mail route agent upon the Northern Central
Railroad between Canadaigua and Elmira, N. Y. Their family
then consisted of one child, Anna M., bom at Stanley, N. Y.,
November 25, 1877.
Lewis Bennett Boyd the oldest son of Justus and Almira
(Nut) Boyd, was born at Springport, Cayuga County, N. Y.,
April 8, 1820 and married Charity Cook at Cohoctoh, Livingston
County, Mich., September 7, 1842. Le-wis after his birth, went
with his parents to Mount Morris, N. Y., then to Michigan in
1835, and located upon a farm after his marriage near Fowler-
-vUle in that state. In January of 1881 his wife, who was born
February 19, 1824, was taken suddenly ill with putrid ery
sipelas on Thursday and died on Saturday following, leaving her
husband and the foUo-wing children to moum her loss. First,
Justus F., who was bom at Cohoctah, Mich., August 4, 1843.
He married Janet M. Bates, a daughter of the late Governor
Bates of Michigan, May 5, 1868, at Travis City, where he was re
siding and in the employ of his father-in-law in a land office at
the time of his marriage. In 1881 he had two children, Morgan
T., born at Travis City, Mich., November — , 1874, and died at the
same place in 1875. The second son of Le-wis and Charity (Cook)
Boyd, was named Jered Boyd. He also was born at Cohoctah,
Mich., February 9, 1848, and married Harriett Ne-wman at By
ron, Shiawasse County, Mich., September 24, 1873. In 1884
was li-ving -with his father upon a farm near Fowlerville, same
state, and had two chUdren. First, Le-wis B., bom at Cohoctah,
Mich., June 3, 187 1. Second, son Justus F., bom at the same
place June 19, 1873. John N. Boyd was the name of the second
son of Justus and Almira Boyd. He wasbom in Conesus, N. Y.,
March 5, 1822, and married Lucinda HoUoway at Cohoctah,
Michigan in 1858. He went to Michigan in 1835, and in 1884
was living upon a farm of his own near Fowlerville, in that state.
His -wife was bom in New York State July i, 1827. Before going
west she lived for a time with her parents in Livonia, N. Y. They
had no children.
Hannah was the oldest daughter of Justus and Almira Boyd,
and was born at Mount Morris, N. Y., November 19-, 1823, died

268 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
at Howell, Livingston County, Mich., March 9, 1872. She was
always single and her days were ended by consumption.
The third son of Justus and Almira Boyd was named Norman
Boyd. He was bom at Mount Morris, N. Y., October 21, 1825,
and married Rhoda E. Scofield at Cohoctah, Mich., December 8,
1847, and she died at the same place JtUy 3, 1889. He emigrated
to Michigan in 1835, and owned a farm at that place. His wife
was born September 6, 1824. They had no children.
The next son of Justus and Almira Boyd was William H.
Boyd, who was also born at Mount Morris, N. Y., July 4, 1828.
He married Matilda Curtis at Handy, Livingston County, Mich.,
December 27, 1864. He also was a farmer and his -wife was bom
July 3, 1839. Their children are Bertram K., born at Cohoctah,
Mich., December 28, 1867, and Kate Bell Boyd, bom at the same
place August 14, 1874.
Elizabeth Boyd was the second daughter of Justus and Al
mira Boyd. She was bom at Mount Morris, N. Y., March 6,
1830, and married Lyman H. Dean, a Methodist Episcopal min
ister of the Detroit Conference of the State of Michigan at Co
hoctah, Livingston County, Mich., August 25, 1857. They had
no children. Henry P. Boyd was the nex*t son of Justus and Almira Boyd.
His birth place was at Mount Morris, N. Y., March 16, 1832.
His vrife was Elizabeth Briggs, who he married at Cohoctah,
Mich., October 19, 1862. She was born in 1843. They had no
children, and in 1884 resided at Cohoctah, Mich.
Angeline the youngest daughter of Justus and Almira Boyd,
was born at Mount Morris, May 23, 1834. She was always
single, and in 1884 resided at Howell, Mich.
William Henry Boyd was the youngest son of Justus and
Almira Boyd, and was bom at Howell, Li-vingston County, Mich.,
September 26, 1836, died at the same place of dysentery, August
17, 1839. Elizabeth Sarah Boyd the only daughter of Hiram and
Jane (McNinch) Boyd, was bom at Conesus, Livingston Co., N. Y.,
October 3, 1837, and died at the same place February 12, 1840.
The death of my sister was caused by brain fever. At first she

MARY JANE (BOYD) STEVENS
Died 1S95

PAUL BOYD STEVENS

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 271
was taken with inflammation of the lungs, and for six days before
she died, she became unconscious and did not know those who
was taking care of her. There was one remarkable incident con
nected -with her death, which always dwelt in my father's and
mother's memory. One evening, a few days before she died,
they were sitting along beside her cradle in which she laid asleep,
when there came from beneath the cradle three distinct raps, in
quick succession, as if some person had struck the floor with a
hea-yy hammer, and then all was still. These raps were so loud
that they could be distinctly heard all over the house, yet the noise
disturbed her not. From that hour, my mother gave up all hope
of her recovery. Just three weeks from that night she passed
away to her Heavenly home, and her grave to-day can be seen
in the little cemetery that was surrounded by the lands of her
father. Bennett Robert Boyd was the oldest son of Hiram and Jane
Boyd. He was bom at Conesus, N. Y., February 24, 1841. He
married for his first wife Ehzabeth Jerome, at the same place,
July I, 1866. For a second wife Matilda Campbell at Conesus,
June 17, 1908. Thepast occupation of my brother has been that of
a farmer, and for a time engaged in selling agricultural imple
ments, and one of the proprietors of the well kno^wn Boyd &
Kuder Steam Cider Mill Co., situated in the northern part of
his native to^wn. In the War of the Southem Rebellion, he was
one of the twenty-six drafted men, but by good fortune, the to-wn
raised her number by substitutes and none had to go. His first
wife was the daughter of John and Mary (Bridges) Jerome. She
^^s bom near Lakeville, N. Y., Novem.ber 30, 1846, and died at
Conesus of diphtheria after a short illness, July 19, 1902. His
second wife was the daughter of Jonah and Mary (Bretenburg)
Campbell of Conesus, and was bom at the samiC place September
13, 1868. Bennett's family by his first wife consisted of one child,
nam.ed Mary Jane, who was born in Conesus, N. Y., August 24,,
1870. Married Jessie Stevens at Conesus, N. Y., December 28,
1892, died at the same place of consumption August 3, 1895,
leaving one son Paul B. Stevens, who was born at Conesus, N. Y.,
January 28, 1894; now resides with his grandfather B. R. Boyd.

27,2 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
William Philip Boyd the youngest son of Hiram and Jane
(McNinch) Boyd, and the author of this work, was bom at the
¦'Old Boyd Homestead" in Conesus, March 26, 1849. Here he
married Mary Roach Allen, the second daughter of Mathew and
Mary Ann (Thorpe) Allen, two old pioneerfe of Conesus, Septem
ber 28, 1870, To the readers of this book, giving the history of
the differentBoyd families of the Old and New World, many may
look for a lengthy biographical sketch of his past life, as weU
as the writer of this book. He hopes you will not be disappointed
when you know the same is prepared and published not by a col
lege educated man, but by one who has seen oiUy a common
school education found in the Rural District's of the State of New
York, and who has spent his younger days as a farmer boy upon
a farm. In 1884, he published from his o-wn amateur presses, his
first edition of his History of the Boyd Family and descendants
of that date, consisting of only one hundred and sixty copies, which
has since becom.e so scarce as to command a big price in the book
market. The great demand for the same has encouraged him to
produce this, his second edition. In 1886 he issued from the
same press, a history of his native town, also a book of merit to
those whose former homes were in the town of Conesus, N. Y.
His first printing adventurefe were in January of 1875, when he
opened the first Job Printing office in Conesus, his native home,
and in the spring of that year printed the first town meeting
ticket that was ever printed in the to-wn, and served his to-wn
people in this capacity for several years. His printing presses
of a roatry power and were of his own make. But since 1890,
he retired from the printing business.
After his marriage, his -wife and he took up their residence upon
the old farm of his father's until the thirteenth day of May, 1907,
when they accepted positions from the State as officers in the New
York State Agricultural and Industrial School at Industry, twelve
miles from Rochester, in Monroe County, N, Y. Here they re-
nained until the faU of 1909, when the health of his wife faUed, and
she was obliged to resign her position, and in the spring of 19 10
retumed to her old homestead in Conesus, where she now resides,
and he still remains as one of the head carpenters of that institution.

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FAMILY GROUP
WILLIAM P. AND MARY R. (ALLEN) BOYD
VICTOR H, AND EMILY (LEACH) BOYD
BEATRICE BOYD
HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 275
Mary R. Boyd, his wife, was born in Conesus, June 22, 1850.
ler younger days were spent upon a farm along the shores of the
beautiful Conesus Lake, and going to a district school at the head
of the lake. A few years before her m.arriage, she spent teaching
at the district school of her native town -with good success, and
to-day has many cherished friends that surround her.
The famUy of William and Mary Boyd consisted only of one
son Victor Hiram Boyd, who was born at Conesus, N. Y., March
21, 1878, married Mrs. Emily (Leach) Porter of Honeoye Flats,
N. Y., December 24, 1903, who was the daughter of Mark S. and
EUen (Crooks) Leach of West Bloomfield, N. Y., and was born
there July 11, 1874, and a -widow at the time of her last marriage.
Victor's boyhood days were spent going to school near his home,
and then to the Livonia High School, where he graduated June,
1895. He taught his first school at Sonyea, N. Y., in 1895 and '96;
then at Lima, N. Y., in 1896 and '97 ; then he entered the Normal
School at Geneseo, N. Y., and graduated from the same Febru
ary 6, 1900. Then he taught at Fowler-ville, N. Y., 1900-01;
Conesus 1902-03; Honeoye Flats, N. Y., 1903-1906; Wyoming
Academy at Wyoming 1906 and '07, and then moved to Roches
ter, N.Y., and entered Rochester University and graduated from
there in June, 1910, and in the spring of 1911 accepted the Prin-
cipalship of Akron High School, where he now resides. His
famUy consists of one daughter, a kind-hearted child named
Beatrice, bom to them December 27, 1904.
Sarah Ann Lewis the oldest daughter of Addison and Harriett
(Rich) Lewis, was bom at Starkey, Yates County, N. Y., Novem
ber 9, 1823. She was united in marriage to George Demund at
Ulysses, Tompkins County, N. Y., March 4, 1841, died at
Reading, Schuyler County, N. Y., July 9, 1851, of scrofula con
sumption. Her husband's occupation was that of a farmer and their
family consisted of four children. First, Francis M., who was
bom at Hector, Tompkins County, N. Y., July 18, 1842. He
married Jennie Hatfield at Reading, N. Y., September 17, 1866.
Francis, like many others of our devoted heroes, spent one year
in the Southem Rebellion, and was under Gen. Sherman in his

276 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
famous march to the sea. After his discharge, he came home and
took up his residence at Reading, N. Y., where they were residing
in 1884. They had two children, Sarah E., born at Reading, N.Y.,
December 13, 1868, and Edward M., bom at the same place
February 15, 1874. Second, Harriett Demund the oldest daugh
ter of George and Sarah Demund, was bom in Michigan, July
14, 1845, married J. B. Huntley at Reading, N. Y., January 16,
1861 and died at Dix, same county, January 25, 1875. Her hus
band was a farmer at Dix, N. Y., and after her death, he moved
their family to Reading, N. Y. They had two children, Lewis
C. and Minnie. The former was bom at Dix, N. Y., May 30,
1863 and the latter at the same place June 21, 1865. Third child
was Eliza A. Demund, bom at Reading, N. Y., March 16, 1848
and married Alpha MiUer at the same place February 14, 1869.
Her husband was taken sick and died the 2 2d of March, 1881,
leaving her a widow without any family. In 1884 was living at
Elmira, N. Y. The fourth child of George Demund was named
Henry L. Demund, and was bom at Reading, N. Y., May 26, 1851.
In the same county at Watkins, he married Emma House, Sep
tember 23, 1875.
Adaline Lewis was the second daughter of Addison and
Harriett Lewis, and was bom at Starkey, N. Y., December 28,
1864. She married Edward Eddy at Dix, N. Y., December 19,
1 86 1. She and her husband's life we know but a little of. They
had two chUdren, Mary L., who was bom at Dix, N. Y., Septem
ber 15, 1865, and Seymour, bom at the same place July 2, 1873.
Liva Lewis the third daughter of Addison B. and Harriett
Lewis, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., July 7, 1828, married Jere
miah Raplee at Dundee, N. Y., November 14, 1875. They had
no children, and their home was near Himrods, N. Y., in 1884.
Mary Lewis the fourth daughter of Addison and Harriett
Lewis, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., September i, 1830. She mar
ried January i, 1853 Azariah Finch at the same place, and in 1884
were farmers living in Yates County, N. Y. Their famUy con
sisted of two chUdren, Levera, born at Starkey, N. Y., June 3,
1853 and married Frederick Humiston, whose occupation was
that of a broom maker at Watkins, N. Y. Died Febmary 15,

VICTOR HIRAM BOYD

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 279
1879; had two children, Herbert A., bom at Starkey, N. Y., June
19, 1879 and Finch L. Humiston, born at Elmira, N. Y., March
25, 1881, and Charles, who was born at Starkey, N. Y., March
5,1865. Da-vid Le-wis the oldest son of Addison and Harriett Lewis,
whom we know but little of, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., July i,
1838, and married Mary Spink, and their children were Eliza
beth, Carrie, Frederick, Minnie and Addie, of whom we have no
record. Joseph M. Le-wis the second son of Addison and Harriett
Le-wis, was bom at Ulysses, Tompkins County, N. Y., January
17, 1 84 1, married for his first wife Mary J. Ganung at Canadice,
N. Y.,  , and for his second, Mrs. Mary (Lansing) Baker,
who was bom at Cazeno-via, N. Y., November 15, 1847 and they
were married at Livonia, June 20, 1888. He died at Livonia,
N. Y., October 31, 1908. Joseph soon after his first marriage,
moved to Livonia Station, N. Y., and opened a livery stable and
carried on a prosperous business. The summer months he was
principaUy engaged in carrying passengers to and from the Cone
sus Lake and Hemlock Lake. A few years afterward, he bought
a farm in Livonia and resided upon the same, but on account of
poor health, he soon moved into the vUlage, where he was residing
at the time of his death. His first wife's residence was at Cana
dice at the time of their marriage, and was born there September
2, 1842 and died at Livonia,  , 18 — . His second wife was a
-widow, whose husband died a few years before their marriage at
Livonia, N. Y. They had no children.
Morris Lewis the oldest son of Addison by his second wife
Mary (Cogwell) Lewis, was bom at Hurd's Corners, Schuyler
County, N. Y., November 8, 1846, died at Barrington, Yates
County, N. Y., of congestion of the brain, June 18, 1854.
Emma Lewis the second daughter of Addison and Mary
Le-wis, was bom at Hurd's Corner, N. Y., April i, 1848, married
Charles A. Smith at' Barrington, N. Y., December 28, 1868.
Emma at the age of two years moved -with her parents from the
place of her birth to Barrington, N. Y., where she resided at the
time of her marriage. In 1869 they moved to what was then called

280 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Mount Washington, Schuyler County, N. Y., where they pur
chased a farm and resided on the same until in April of 1880, when
they took up their residence in Hammondsport, N. Y., and be
came engaged in the grape culture. Her husband died at this
place after an illness of two years, at the age of sixty-five years.
She now resides with her children and grandchUdren at Ham
mondsport and Waverly, N. Y. Their family consisted of two
sons and one adopted daughter a foUows: First, the oldest son
is named Ed-win C. Smith, bom at Barrington, N. Y., December
15, 1870, married Miss Bertha J. Ferrow at Addison, N. Y.,
August I, 1900. By occupation he is an attorney at Addison,
N. Y. He is now district-attorney of Steuben County, N. Y.,
by being first appointed to fill the place for one year, then being
elected to succeed himself for three years longer. The second
son's name is Frank A. Smith, bom at Mount Washington, N.Y.,
September 9, 1873, married Miss Alice Mantle at Addison, N. Y.,
December 21, 19 10; now resides at Hammondsport, N. Y. The
adopted daughter was named Jennie M. Smith, and is now the
-wife of F. W. Keeler of Waverly, N. Y., where she was married
April 17, 1909.
Frank Le-wis the youngest son of Addison and Mary Le-wis,
was bom at Barrington, Yates County, N. Y., April 26,' 1850.
Married Josephine Heminway at Starkey, the same county, Au
gust 27, 1871. After their marriage, they resided at Dundee, N. Y.;
where his wife died of consumption in 1880, and he soon after
wards moved to HomellsvUle, N. Y. and took up the occupa
tion of a fireman upon the Erie Railroad, between that place
and Susquehanna, Pa. They had two children in 1884, named
Emma Gertrude, bom at Starkey, N. Y., August 9, 1872, and an
infant son bom and died at the same place, that we have no
record of.
Mariah Lewis was the oldest daughter of Harry and Eliza
(Windfield) Le-wis, and was bom at Starkey, N. Y., October 3,
1825, and married Elisha D. Cole at Jerusalem, same county,
April 15, 1846. She and her husband went from the place of
their marriage to Ohio and then to Clinton, Iowa, where they
first followed farming and then railroading. He was bom at

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 281
Rochester, N. Y., September 19, 1819, and died at Clinton, Iowa,
June 2, 1877, lea-ving one child WUliam R. Cole, who was born
at Benton, N. Y., July i, 1852. His occupation in 1884 was
raUroading. WUliam W. Lewis the oldest son of Harry and Eliza -Lewis,
was bom at Starkey, N. Y., January 15, 1828, married Margaret
Willett at Jerusalem, N. Y., in January of 1849, died at Weaver-
¦vUle, California, June 30, i860. William had the misfortune of
losing his -wife soon after their marriage, which transpired at
Jerusalem, N. Y., February 19, 1850. Soon after her death he
went to Ohio for a short time, and then he took a drove of cattle
by overland route to California. From here soon went to the
mines, where he remained until about two months before his
death. His disease was inflammatory rheumatism; not feeling
well when he was taken, he concluded to go to Weaverville, in
the same state until he should become better. Here the disease
went to his heart and in a few days died, leaving one child Ettie
Le-wis, who was bom at Jerusalem, N. Y., February 15, 1850, and
who narried George M. Curtis at Clinton, Iowa, September 4,
1872. She went from the place of her birth to the far west in her
younger days, where she became acquainted -with her husband,
who was bom at Oxford, Chenango County, N. Y., April i, 1844,
and went west in his youth. In 1884 he was one of the partners
of the firm known as Curtis Brothers & Co., manufacturers of
sash, doors, blinds, mouldings, etc., at Clinton, Iowa, where he
had followed the business for the past fifteen years. They had
two chUdren, Lewis W., who was bom at Clinton, Iowa, August
23, 1878 and an infant, bom at the same place April 5, 1880, and
died of whooping-cough at Sparty, Wis., August 7, of the same
year. John Lewis the second son of Harry and Eliza Lewis, was
bom at Starkey, N, Y., September 19, 1829. For his -wife he,
married Sarah Crouthers at Jerusalem, same county, February
II, 1851. Most of John's lifetime was spent at Penn Yan, N.Y.,
wherein 1880 he purchased large real estate of Robert Bonnar,
proprietor of the New York Ledger, who held a mortgage upon
the same, given to him by Leon Le-wis, a noted writer for that

282 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
paper for the amount of $21,000, which he purchased for a little
over $7,000, consisting of very fine buildings, and of the finest
sites in that village. They had two children, Mary, who was
born at Benton, October 23, 1856, who married R. F. Scofield, a
cigar manufacturer at" Penn Yan, N. Y., in September, 1878, and
Ida B. Lewis, who was born at the same place July 22, 1865.
Emeline Lewis the second daughter of Harry and Eliza Lewis,
was born at Canadice, N. Y., February 27, 1833, married Simeon
Haynes at Camden, Larien County, Ohio, April 2, 1854. In 1884
she was living at St. John, Michigan and had four children.
First, Martin R., born at Camden, Ohio, August, 1857. Second,
Mary E., bom at the same place August, of 1859. Third,'Frank,
who was bom at Grass Lake, Michigan, July 17, 1861. Fourth,
Harriett Haynes, bom at Camden, Ohio, July, 1865.
Hannah J. Lewis the third daughter of Harry and Eliza
Lewis, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., February 25, 1839, married
Frank Campbell at Napoleon, Jackson County, Mich., December
13, 1853, Hannah and her husband commenced their married
life at Camden, Ohio, where they resided for eighteen years, and
then moved to Clarksville, same state for four years more, and
in 1880 purchased a farm near Rochester, Ohio, where in 1884
was still living. Their family consisted of seven children as fol
lows: First, Clara A. Campbell, born at Camden, December
29, 1859, married T. T. Holcomb at the same place February
22, 1877, and after their marriage went to Iowa to live and had
two children, Marion bom October 29, 1879, and Frank bom
October 25, 1880 in Iowa. Second, Eliza J., born at the same
place January 18, 1861 and died August 26, 1861. Third, Henry
A., born at Camden, Ohio, November 18, 1863.- Fourth, Sarah
the third daughter, bom at Camden, Ohio, February, 1865.
Fifth, Hannah J,, bom at Camden, Ohio, May 21, 1870. Sixth,
Inez J., born at Camden, Ohio, September 27, 1875. Seventh,
Francis M., bom at ClarksviUe, Huron County, Ohio, March 4,
1879. Sarah A. Lewis the fourth daughter of Harry and Eliza
Lewis, was born at Jerusalem, Yates County, N. Y., October 23,
1843, and was united in marriage to A. E. Flickinger at Grass

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 283
Lake, Jackson County, Mich., April 5, 1865. When at the age
of seventeen she -took up the duties of school teaching until her
marriage, when she and her husband went to Ohio and resided
there for four years, and then went to St. John, Mich, until 1873,
when they came back to Ohio and lived at a place called Chicago
Junction, where he followed the occupation of carpenter. Their
chUdren were Issie L,, who was born at New London, Ohio,
February 7, 1867; Ettie E., the second daughter bom at St. John,
Clinton County, Mich., May 15, 1871, and Ed-win Eli, who was
bom at Chicago, Ohio, June 19, 1879.
James Le-wis was the youngest son of Harry and Eliza Lewis's
family. He was also bom at Jerusalem, N. Y., September 2,
1845. He married Sarah Salesburgh at Grass Lake, Mich., in
June of 1862. In 1884 they resided at Jackson, Mich, and his
-wife was an English lady, bom in England. Their children were
John B,, bom at Albion, Mich, in March of 1867, and the second
son Edward M., bom at Battle Creek, Mich., September 3, 1875.
Their youngest child Claude F., was also born at Battle Creek,
the same state in September of 1878.
Levi CoykendaU the oldest son of Joel and Sally (Lewis) Coy
kendaU, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., July 14, 1823, married
Francine Hoppough at Canadice, Ontario County, N. Y., 
17, 1842. Le-vi 's younger days were spent with his parents at
Canadice, N. Y. After their marriage they resided here a few
years, then moved to Hemlock Lake, a few miles distant, and
resided upon her father's place and then purchased a farm upon
what is called Bald .Hill, where she died May 7, 1903. They had
three children, Elizabeth H., who was bom at Canadice, Novem
ber 5, 1862, and married Hiram Swan at the same place (no date).
Soon after their marriage, the oil excitement broke out in Penn
sylvania; Elizabeth and. her husband sold out their property in
Canadice and went there to live, but fortune failed to favor them,
and they were obliged to return to the home of their birth again.
After a few years here, they moved to Mumford, N. Y., and now
are at Caledonia, N. Y. They had two children, Fannie, bom at
Canadice, N. Y., August 17, 1869, and is now the wife of Mr.
PuUeybank of that place. The other child of Elizabeth was

284 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
named Charles, and was bom at Canadice, September i8, 1875,
and died there April 2, 1877. The second chUd of Levi was Fora
Fayette, who was bom at Canadice, October 20, 1849, and mar
ried for his first wife Eliza McCrossen at the same place (we have
no date). For his second wife Bertha Sharpsteen, and died upon
Bald HiU, Canadice, N. Y., October 4, 1896. He was a farmer
and thresherman, and had two chUdren, Carrie, who was bom at
Canadice, N. Y., August i, 1875, and married Piatt Blank (no
date), and Harry, who was born at the same place April 20, 1878
and married a Miss Trescott at Livonia, N. Y.
Ella CoykendaU the youngest daughter, was bom in Cana
dice, June 30, 1851. She married Evelyn Huff at the above place,
December 22, 1872. Died in Canadice. The home of EUa and
her husband was in the eastern part of the Canadice Township,
where was bom two chUdren, whose names were Ola, bom March
24, 1874, and married Earl Adams of Honeoye Falls, N. Y., and
Fayette, who was bom July 30, 1877.
Leah CoykendaU the oldest daughter of Joel and Sally Coy
kendaU, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., February 10, 1825, mar
ried for her husband Frederick D. Hoppough at the same place,
 17, 1842, and died at the place of her birth August 30, 1896.
Their occupation was farmers, living most of their lives a half
mile south of Canadice Comers. The last few years of his life
were one of misery, from inflammatory rheumatism, which ended
his useful days October 29, 1876, aged fifty-two years. They had
a family of eight children all bom in Canadice, N. Y., as follows:
First, John P., born November 26, 1843, married PhUa A. Coy
kendaU at Geneseo, N. Y., Februay 22, 1865, who had three
children (in 1884) named Ida B., born at Canadice, February 11,
1868; Carrie May, born at the same place April 20, 1877 and died
here December 25, 1880, and Murry HUl Hoppough, bom in Can
adice, November 2, 1870, Second, Margery, the oldest daughter
ofFrederick and Leah Hoppough, was born December 29, 1845
and died at the same place June 26, 1846. Third, Emery W., bom
June 18, 1847, married Sarah Bailey at Springwater, N. Y., July
5, 1869, They had in (1884) three chUdren, Alta E., bom in
Springwater, N. Y., April 19, 1870; Minnie E., born at Canadice,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 285
N. Y., April 19, 1870, and Estella DeU, bom at East Bloomfield,
N. Y., July 22, 1874. Fourth, Mary Ellen Hoppough, bom
August 12, 1851, married Heland Hicks of Canadice, N. Y., Oc
tober 20, 1872. They resided in Canadice for a time and then
moved to Honeoye Flats. They were farmers. Here he died
 , and their children were J. Levina Hicks, bom at
Canadice, July 29, 1874, and died at Canadice, N. Y., 

and Ruth Hicks, bom at the same place May 12, 1876, and mar
ried  , and lived at Rochester, N. Y. Fifth, Sarah
Marinda Hoppough, the third daughter, was bom July 22,
1855, and died at the same place with croup October 20, 1856.
Sixth and seventh daughters were twins and named Adalaide and
Adaline Hoppough and were bom December 24, 1858. Adalaide
died of diphtheria at the same place January 4, 1859. The former
married  Shoe at Wayland, N. Y.,  , and died there
 . Eighth was Le-wis Hoppough, who was born in March
of 1859 and married at Canadice, Delia Ingham in March, 1883.
They resided the few years upon the shores of Canadice Lake.
Hannah M. CoykendaU the second daughter of Joel and Sally
CoykendaU, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., June 22, 1827, married
John Windfield at the same place December 16, 1847. They
commenced their married life at Canadice, N. Y., where they
resided until January of i860, when they went and bought a farm
near Leoni, Mich. Her husband was born in Starkey, N. Y.,
February 7, 1826 and came to Ontario County a short time before
their marriage. In 1884 they had seven children, all bom at
Canadice, except the last one as follows: Sarah M., bom March
22, 1849, died at the above place of whooping-cough March 24,
1852. Second, Harrison J., bom March 12, 1852, died also at
Canadice of whooping-cough March 18, 1852. Third, Mary J.,
the second daughter, bom May 29, 1853, married B. S. Towle at
Leoni, Jackson County, Mich., July 5, 1876. Mary and her
husband went soon after their marriage to Beloit, Wis., where he
in 1884 was a prosperous merchant and had two children, Essie
M. and Willis P The former was bom at Leoni, Mich., Sep
tember 5, 1877, and the latter at Beloit, Wis., January 22, 1881.
Fourth, John M., bom at Canadice, N. Y,, November 30, 1855,

286 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
married at Parma, Jackson County, Mich., December 13, 1877,
Lavina Crittenden, and was residing in 1884 at Leoni, Mich.
Their family consisted of one child named Ida May Windfield,
bom at Leoni, Mich., August 24, 1878. Fifth, Herbert E.
Windfield was bom January 2, 1858, and married Mary J. Price
at Napoleon, Mich., November 7, 1878. We had no further
record of Herbert in 1884, only they resided at Jamestown, Da
kota. Sixth, Wilber J. Windfield the fourth son of John N. and
Hannah Windfield, was bom March 6, 1859, and was kUled at
Leoni, Mich, in February, 1878. At the time of his death, he
was assisting in cutting down a large tree, and as it fell, a limb
flew back striking him on the head, that injured him so, that he
only lived two hours after the accident. Seventh, the youngest
son was named Asa L. Windfleld. He was bom at Leoni, Mich.,
July 28, 1861.
Zilla R. CoykendaU the third daughter of Joel and Sally
CoykendaU, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., August 22, 1-829, mar
ried Asa Hartson at Scottsville, N. Y., March 4, 1849. She and
her husband commenced their married life upon a farm at Li
vonia, N. Y. Soon afterwards bought another farm and moved
upon the same, one mile south of Canadice Comers, where she
died. Her husband also died here. She had three children
namely: Alice B., bom at Livonia, August 23, 1852 and married
John M. Hicks at Springwater, N. Y., March 28, 1875, and died
of consumption at Canadice, N. Y., June 30, 1875. The second
child was Emma J., who was bom at Canadice, N. Y., September
13, 1854, married Frank Doolittle at Honeoye FaUs, N. Y., July
4, 1872. They are farmers, and reside in Canadice, N. Y. In
1884 their family consisted of two children, Arthur H. and Jennie.
The former was bom at Canadice, N. Y., May 12, 1873, and the
latter at the same place May 8, 1877. The third daughter,
Annetta, was bom at Canadice, December 13, 1862, married
Frank Ingham at Springwater, N. Y.,  , and died at the
latter place  , 1903.
Harvey CoykendaU the second son of Joel and SaUy Coyken
daU, was bom in Canadice, N. Y., July 10, 1833, married Phoebe
Windfleld at Jackson City, Mich., June 18, 1867. He was re-

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 287
siding -with his parents at Canadice, N. Y., at the breaking out
of the Southem Rebellion, when he enlisted in the 104th New
York State Volunteers, and was assigned to the Ambulance Corps,
to which that regiment belonged; and served honorably through
the war. He soon afterwards went to Michigan and purchased
a farm near Jackson City, where he was residing in 1884. They
had there two children, Jane and Frank. The former was bom
at Jackson, Mich., July 5, 1868, and the latter at the same place
February 18, 1874.
Mary Ann CoykendaU the fourth daughter of Joel and Sally
CoykendaU, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., November 9, 1836,
married Bradford Hoppough at Honeoye, N. Y., September 26,
1859. They commenced their first housekeeping upon a farm
o-wned by her husband in Canadice, and from here they went near
Rochester, N. Y., and then to Henrietta, N. Y., where they now
reside. Their family consisted of two chUdren, Florence and Roy.
The former was bom at Canadice, N. Y.. February 5, i860,
and married John Sherman at Henrietta, N. Y., November 29,
1882 and now resides in Rochester. The latter was bom at
Henrietta, N. Y., September 10, 1880, and now lives at Henri
etta, N. Y.
Hiram Joseph CoykendaU the youngest son of Joel and Sally
CoykendaU, was born at Canadice, N. Y., October 26, 1840, died
at Cape Girardeau, Mo., March 6, 1862. When Hiram was a
young man he went west, and at the breaking out of the Southem
Rebellion, enlisted in Company K., 7th Illinois Cavalry, under
the command of Captain H. C. Nelson. Soon after his enlist-
m.ent, his regiment was ordered to Camp Cape Girardeau, Mo.,
where he was soon taken with black measles and died and was
buried at that place. There was a singular incident connected
with his death that was related to me by his mother a short time
before her death. When he left home going west, he left behind
him a large dog which he thought a great deal of. This dog was
accustomed to sleep beside his bed at night. The night Hiram
died, the dog walked the floor of the chamber all night long, they
did all they could to pacify him and when the family would scold
him, he would look pitiful up to them as if he -wished to speak to

288 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
them, and then would resume his walking again. When mom
ing came, he came down stairs, and placing his feet upon one of
the window sills, looked out, gave a low, pitiful howl and went to
the other side of the room and laid doAvn and remained there
through the day, refusing to be comforted. His mother knew too
well the meaning of this omen, and in a few days there came by
mail a letter from his captain, bearing the message of his death.
Celina Jane CoykendaU the youngest daughter of Joel and
Sally CoykendaU, was bom at Canadice, N. Y., October 15, 1848,
died of consumption at that place December 26, 1866. She was
a very tall, slender girl of a good and kind disposition.
Harlem Lewis was the oldest son of Merritt and Sarah (Coy
kendaU) Lewis, and was bom at Starkey, N. Y., October 15,
1833, and married Mary Jane Rapalee at MUo, N. Y., October
II, 1857. We knew but a little of his family, only that he was a
farmer and had two children, Edward and Ed-win. The former
was bom at Jerusalem, N. Y.,  , 1859, and the latter at
Starkey, same county. May 16, 1869.
Joel Le-wis the second son of Merritt and Sarah Le-wis, was
bom at Starkey, N. Y., December 24, 1835, married Melisa Van
Gordon at Barrington, same county, February 11, 1859. After
living upon a farm at Barrington a few years, they moved to
Wayne, N. Y., where his brother was keeping a hotel in 1884.
His family consisted of two children, George who was bom at
Jerusalem, N. Y., December 27, 1862, and Ida bom at Jerusa
lem, February 14, 1865.
Mary Jane Lewis the only daughter of Merritt and Sarah
Lewis, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., August 11, 1837. She mar
ried at the same place Nelson Hall, February 2, 1859. They
were farmers and always resided in the Town of Starkey, near
the present viUage of Dundee, N. Y., in 1884, She was very kind
in assisting in sending me records of the descendants of her
father's family. Her family consisted of four children namely:
Fremont A,, bom at Jerusalem, Yates County, N. Y., September
28, i860. Ida A., bom at the same place January 8, 1863, and
married Horace W. Beyea at Milo Center, N. Y., December 11,
1 88 1. Sarah the second daughter, was bom at the same place

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 289
December 23, 1865, and Mary Agnes, was born at Starkey, N.Y.,
November 16, 1870.
Mark Lewis the third son of Merritt and Sarah Lewis, was
born at Starkey, N. Y-, September 6, 1839, died at the same
place February 20, 1844.
Dennis the youngest son of Merritt and Sarah Lewis, was
bom at Starkey, N. Y., February 11, 1841, and was married to
Millie CoykendaU at the same place in 1865. In 1884 they re
sided at Wayne, N. Y., and was a partner with his brother in a
hotel at that place.
Marinda Shannon was the oldest daughter of James and
Susan M. (Lewis) Shannon, and was born at Starkey, December
16, i860. She married January 6, 1848, James Losser at Penn
Yan, N. Y. Several years ago, they emigrated to Michigan and
settled near Ovid of that state, where they were living in 1884.
They had then one child named Sillias L. Losser, who was born
at Starkey, N. Y,, May 26, 1850.
Lewis Shannon the oldest son of James and Sarah M. Lewis,
was also bom at Starkey, N. Y., July 14, 1832. He married
Caroline Windfield at HomellsvUle, N. Y., November 23, 1854.
Le-wis at the age of twenty learned the carpenter trade, and after
their marriage moved to Jackson, Mich., and in 1884 he owned
and carried on the Gorget Butchery establishment at that place.
They had then four children namely: First, Susan L., bom at
HomeUs-viUe, N. Y., January 4, 1857. Second, Mary E., born
at the same place May 30, 1859. Third, Huldah T., born at Dun
dee, N. Y., January 9, 1861, and fourth, D. L. Shannon, born at
Michigan Center, Mich., September 25, 1869.
Henry N. Shannon the second son of James and Susan M.
Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., November 23, 1834. He
married Matilda 'W. Kelsey at Central City, Colo., March 19,
1862. The life of Henry Shannon I have taken from a letter
written me dated July 22, 1882. I will give the same in his own
words, he says: "I am a native of New York State, was raised
upon a farm and received a common school education. At the
age of twenty I went to Wisconsin, and for five years engaged in
various pursuits. In 1859 I went to Kansas for one year, then to

290 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Colorado and located at Central City, where I engaged in mining
with success, for five years more, then moved into the valley and
engaged in farming and stock raising; spent the year of 1870 at
the mines, moved in 1878 to Denver City, where I am engaged
in real estate business." The wife of Henry N., was bom in
Cumberland County, N. J., September i, 1840. They had no
children there, except an adopted child, whom they called Chas.
B. Redus Shannon, bom at Denver, Colo., December 27, 1879.
Minerva Shannon the second daughter of James and Susan
M. Shannon, was bom at Tyrone, Steuben County, N. Y., Octo
ber 23, 1836, married Michael Meisner at Himrods, N. Y., AprU
17, 1853. On April, 1882, I received the following letter, which
interested me so much, I published the same in my former edition
of the Boyd FamUy and Descendants of 1884. Itis a well written
sketch of her past life, and trials and tribulations of a person's
life in this world. For the benefit of my readers, I wUl reproduce
the same here.
Dear Cousin: — Yours of March 28 has been received and
the contents noted, of which I hasten to reply. The information
it gave me, afforded to me as much pleasure as it would to have
received a small fortune. I did not have any reason of knowing'
that a family by the name of Boyd, relatives of mine, existed.
When I was quite young, I heard of the death of Uncle Robert
Boyd, and a faint recollection of something being mentioned of
an old house-keeper, in his will, but never knew he had any de
scendants, I have often -wished that I could know something of
the genealogy of my famUy. My mother died when her chUdren
were quite young. My father remarried a lady, whom the rela
tives were not friendly -with, and consequently, we had but little
opportunity to leam anything conceming my grandfather or my
father, or my mother's father, or my mother's antecedents.
As I have no talent in writing history — in fact, I disHke the
pen — but -will give you some outline and you may shape it as
you wish, and as I say, I do not like the pen, but I love the skies,
fields, gardens, meadows, flocks and herds, and Hke the chUd,
whose "fostered parents are God and nature." 'Tis said" that
birth place is secondary parentage" and transmits character.

MINERVA (SHANNON) MEISNER
Taken Dec. 25, 1S77

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 293
New York State is a grand old state, and I love to think of my
advent into the world so high upon one of its hills — "God's
Mountains" in Tyrone, N. Y., October 23, 1836. My parents
moved from there to Yates County, N. Y., in 1838, where my
mother died February 12, 1846, lea-ving a family of seven chUdren.
I was the fourth child, and nine years of age at the time of her
death. My father soon married a lady, who to us was not very
prepossessing in her ways. She soon informed us "that chUdren
were more expensive than profit. ' ' 'Twas then our happy child
hood days ended of what should have been the greatest and fresh
est spot in life memory, was then blighted. Had I been less
sensitive and more independent, and spent my time in healthful
thoughts and study, instead of murmuring and repenting over
my misfortune, I should have had a better education, and capable
of doing more good in this world. But life is made up of failures
and mistakes, the very greatest failure that has caused me much
sorrow, is my education.
After our marriage, or in October of 1854, we moved to El
mira, N. Y., and in November we emigrated to what was then
called the "far off west," and settled in the little village of Co
lumbus, Wis. Here in i860 I became a member of the Methodist
Episcopal Church and remained here for twenty-three years.
In August of 1861, my hu-sband, who was bom in Warren
County, N. J., August 8, 1828, enlisted in the War of the Southern
Rebellion and was commissioned second Lieutenant in the 7th
Wisconsin Infantry, and -with his regiment sent to Washington,
D. C, where he remained until the fall of 1862. On the 12th day
of April of that year, I received the news that my husband was
dangerously ill at Washington. As soon as I received the news, I
immediately started for that place. Yet I carried a great burden
of anxiety upon my mind, on the account of the war, and the
sadness of our little girl (Carrie, who died April 10, 1862) and
with the care of my baby, only three months old, I was prostrated
with weakness, and was obliged to stop at my father-in-law's,
on my way through Yates County, N. Y., where I remained for
two weeks, and then proceeded to Washington and found my
husband convalescent, who at once resigned his commission and

294 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
with me we retumed to Columbus again in October of that year.
As soon as my husband recovered his health, he was offered a
captain's commission, which he accepted and raised a company
of cavalry, and joined the 4th regiment of Wisconsin cavalry,
then stationed at Baton Rouge, La. In the summer of 1885, his
health again failed him, and he retumed home on a furlough, and
in the fall he was mustered out of service with a broken constitu
tion, never to enjoy good health again.
In the spring of 1866 my husband purchased a livery stable at
Columbus, which soon became distasteful to us, and a ruinous
place for boys. So in the fall of 1879 'we sold the same, and in Sep
tember of that year, my husband, myself and family, started upon
a journey by overland route for Nebraska and settled upon a
prairie farm in Salem of that state. Upon our farm there -were
no improvements, not even a stone, stick or shrub, that would
shelter a chick. We found shelter for the -winter and as spring
opened, we built a farm house and moved into it. We then buUt
us a bam and set out a timber lot, and now have several hundred
fruit trees and ornamental trees gro-wing, and to look out upon
the groves and orchards, as they are putting out their green foli
age, I almost imagine it to resemble the Garden of Eden. It
has been an Eden to us for the last four years; has been the happi
est years of my life, as I have spent them here on this farm, where
I have loved to watch everj^hing that grows. There is something
beautiful, grand and inspiring about "Pioneer Life," if we have
only planted the trees and broken the sod, we have done some
good in this world. Although I' have loved my old home, the
land of my birth, yet I love the far west better. The people of
the State of New York are measured by the abundance of things
they possessed. The western people measure persons by their
moral words. * * * *
From your affectionate cousin,
Mrs, Minerva Meisner.
Crete, Neb,, April 5, 1882.

On Dec. 20, 1906, she was strickened with paralysis and
has been confined in hospital at Crete. Five months after

HISTORY OF THE BOYD F.A.MILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 295
taken, her husband was also stricken with same disease and in
six months breathed his last.
In 1884 they had an adopted daughter, whom they had
named Delia Meisner, who was bom February 12, 1864, and was
six years old at the time she went to live -with them ; beside three
children bom to them as follows: Carrie S., bom at Columbus,
Wis., February 26, 1856, died at the same place of scarlet fever
April 10, 1862. Second, ELsworth, bom at the same place January
26, 1862, and Frank M., also bom at Columbus, December 10,
1863. Martha Shannon the third daughter of James and Susan
M. Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., January 24, 1839, and
was united to George Smith in marriage at Dundee, N. Y., 
1858, died at San Francisco, CaL, November 16, 1859. Her
death was a sad one, for soon after their marriage her and her
husband went to San Francisco to live. On the night of Novem
ber 16, 1859 was the eventful night of the great fire of that city.
At this time they were living on one of the fated streets, and as
soon as the fire reached them they were compelled to flee from
place to place for a spot of safety. While in the midst of this
great turmoil and excitement and exposure, while in the street,
she was taken violently sfck, and for want of care and comforts of
life she lived but a few hours and died amidst these fearful scenes,
-with no one except her husband to comfort and care for her.
John E. Shannon the third son of James and Susan M. Shan
non, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., August 31, 1841, married Addie
McGuire at Oakdale, Neb., 1866. John Emory Shannon resided
in Yates County until the breaking out of the War of 1 861, when
he enlisted in the service of his country at Elmiira in July of that
year and served for four years. While in the service, he was
taken prisoner by the Rebels, and was confined nine months in
Libbey Prison. Here he suffered all the cruelties, hardships and
horrors of prison life, and at the time of his release he had almost
become an idiot. His form was a mere skeleton; so weak, that
he was almost unable to move. Soon after his release, he went
to Oakdale, Neb., where in 1884 he was a herdman and farmer.
They had two children, whose record or names we have not.

296 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Myron T. Shannon the fourth son of James and Susan M.
(Lewis) Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., July 17, 1843, died
at Denver City, Colo., of which we have no date. At the age of
sixteen he enlisted in the army in which he served for four years.
In one of the battles he was wounded by the concussion of a can
non-ball, and died after suffering from the same for five years.
At the time of his death, he was residing with his brother Henry
at Denver City, Colo.
Harry Shannon the youngest son of James and Susan M.
Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., February 10, 1846, and
died at the same place February 12, 1846, just two hours before
the death of his mother took place.
Clayton Lewis the oldest son of James M. and Bolinda (Se
mans) Le-wis, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., October 21, 1834. At
this place he married Nancy A. Taylor in March, 1863. After
their marriage they first commenced keeping house at Torrey,
N. Y. in what was kno-wn as the ' ' Old Jemina Wilkenson House ' '
once the home of the noted society called ' ' The Friends. ' ' They
resided here for one year and then purchased a farm near this
place and stayed on the same for five years. In 1871 they emi
grated to ShepardsvUle, Mich., where his -wife was suddenly
taken sick and died at Ovid, the same state, September 10, 1882.
She was the daughter of Philip Taylor of Dresden, N. Y., and was
born at that place July i, 1834. After her death, her remains
were brought back to Penn Yan, N. Y. They had no children.
John E. Lewis the second son of James M. and Bolinda Lewis,
was born at Starkey, N, Y,, February 14, 1836. In 1884 John
was still single. In 1865 he held the appointment in the 3d Audi
tor's Office in the United States Treasury Department at Wash
ington, D. C, where he remained for eleven years. In 1876 he
returned home again and bought the interest of his brothers in
his father's. old fami near Keuka Lake, and was still residing there
at the time of his father's death.
Robert B. Lewis the youngest son of James M. and Bolinda
Lewis, was bom at Benton, N. Y,, October 11, 1844, married at
Penn Yan, N. Y., November 3, 1868, Mary J. Hayes of that place.
At the breaking out of the Southern Rebellion he enlisted on De-

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 297
cember 20, 1863 in Company L., 14th Regiment New York Heavy
ArtiUery for three years, or during the war. He was under the
command of Captain Chas. H. Houghton, and was engaged with
his regiment in the memorial battle of Petersburgh and other
engagements through the war. For gallantry at the battle of
Petersburgh, he was promoted to the rank of Corporal and was
mustered out of service at Washington, D. C, August 26, 1865.
After retuming home, and his marriage to the above lady, he
moved upon a farm at Bluff Point on Keuka Lake, where they
resided for three years and then moved into the village of Penn
Yan, N. Y., where they were residing in 1884. They then had
two chUdren, Maud, who was bom at Penn Yan, N. Y., February
2, 187 1. and an infant,  , bom at the same place August
— , 1881. Charles G. Lewis the oldest son of Thomas J. and Sarah Ann
Le-wis, was bom at Tyrone, Steuben County, N. Y., October 5,
1835, married Emma J. Morgan at Canadice, N. Y., December
4, 1866, died at Penn Yan, N. Y. At the breaking out of the
Southem Rebellion in 1861, he enlisted in Company E, 23d
Regiment, New York Infantry, under the command of Colonel
Huffman and Captain Dingelday. He remained with his regi
ment until 1863, when he was taken with typhoid fever and
sent home and discharged. In the summer of 1863, he rein-
listed in 33d New York Battery and served honorably through
the war. On retuming home, he went to Canadice, N. Y. to re
side. Here he formed acquaintance with Miss Morgan, a daughter
of John Morgan of that place, whom he married and remained here
a short time and then bought a place at Benton, N. Y., where
his -wife died February 11, 1877. He died in Penn Yan, 1911.
They had two children, Hattie A. and George W. The former
was born at Canadice, December 31, 1867, and the latter at
Benton, Yates County, N, Y., December 31, 1867.
Agnes A. Lewis the only daughter of Thomas J. and Sarah
Ann Lewis, was bom at Tyrone, Steuben County, N. Y,, March
9, 1837. Agnes has always remained single and resided with her
parents until their death, upon a farm at Benton, N. Y. Died in
the viUage of Penn Yan, N. Y., in 191 1.

298 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Wilson A. Lewis the second son of Thomas J. and Sarah Ann
Lewis, was born at Tyrone, N. Y., June 15, died at the camp of
the Union Army at Knoxville, Tenn., November 29, 1863. Wil
son when he became of age, went to Manchester, Mich., where
in August of 1862, he enlisted in Company B., 20th Regiment of
Infantry of that state, under the Qommand of Captain Allen of
that place. His regiment went first to Petersburgh, Va., where
he came near losing his life by the bursting of a shell in that en
gagement, which came so close that it singed his hair, but he kept
on with his regiment and helped to take the place. From here
he was sent with his regiment to Knoxville, Tenn., and was en
gaged for several days in hard-fought battles. After this they
were employed in building entrenchments, and as they were at
work, the Rebels came upon them from the opposite side, which
compelled him with his companions to rush on to battle. His
captain soon saw by his countenance that he was unfit for duty
and ordered him on the sick list and sent him back. This was the
last seen of him alive, and when some of his comrades went to his
tent, they found him dead in his blanket. His death was caused
by over exertion and exposure, dying without a single hand to
smooth his dying head, and his last resting place is by the
side of his comrades, who had gone before him at KnoxvUle,
Tenn, Eli Lewis the third son of Thomas J. and Sarah Ann Le-wis,
was bom at Benton, N. Y., October 7, 1840, married Sarah C.
Washburn at Gorham, Ontario County, N. Y., December 31,
1873. He remained at home until the War of 1861, and at that
time, being an orderly Sergeant in the New York State Militia, in
which his company was ordered to Elmira, N. Y. for one hundred
days to guard Rebel prisoners, also at the same time in the duty
of his office, sent south, as guard of "Bounty Jumpers. ' ' While
upon one of these trips, he was offered $500 by one of these men
if he would tum his back long enough to allow him a chance to
escape. But, being loyal to his country, he refused the offer with
scorn and landed his charge safely in Washington, D. C. After
his marriage he bought a farm in Benton, where he was residing
in 1884, They had no children.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 299
Frank E. Le-wis the youngest son of Thomas J, and Sarah
Ann Le-wis, was bom at Benton, N. Y., November 8, 1848, mar
ried Mary H. Washbum at Canandaigua, N. Y., September 19,
1866; died at Benton, N. Y., August 22, 1874. Frank and his
wife soon after their marriage, went and lived and worked his
father-in-law's farm at Reed's Comers, N. Y., but soon after
retumed to Benton and lived with his o-wn father's famUy, where
he was residing at the time of his death, which was caused by
spinal fever. He was taken on the 19th of the month, and the
disease was so rapid, that on the 2 2d he breathed his last. Since
his death his -widow "has remarried, and I am told now lives at
Trumansburg, N. Y. They had no children.
Eugene Le-wis the only son of Hiram M. and Charlotte J.
(Merritt) Le-wis, was bom at Milo, Yates County, N. Y., No
vember 29, 1851. He married at this place, September 6, 1874,
Georgiana Owens. His occupation in 1881 was a successful
farmer, living in the to-wn of Milo, N. Y.
Delzora Lewis the only daughter of Hiram M. and Charlotte
Le-wis, was also bom in Starkey, May 10, 1854, died at the same
place of diphtheria, June 19, 1864.
Emmet Shannon the only son of Harrison and Marinda
(Le-wis) Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., June 24, 1845, and
died at Tyrone, N. Y., December 6, 1845.
Mary Shannon the only daughter of Harrison and Marinda
Shannon, was bom at Starkey, N. Y., December 19, 1856. She
married Spencer R. Harpending at Dundee, N. Y., October' 21,
1870. Mary and her husband resides at Dundee, N. Y., where
he was bom November 7, 1846. In 1881 he was following the
occupation of merchant. They have had two children, an infant, a
son who was bom at Dundee, N. Y., May 14, 1876 and died there
May 1 6 of the same year, and Harry S. , bom at the same place Feb
ruary 26, 1878 and died of congestion of the lungs, March 13, 1880.
Emmet and Lewis Rapalee were children of Joshua and
Hannah Rapalee, both bom at MUo, Yates County, N. Y. The
former was bom August 29, 1845, and died February 25, 1854,
and the latter October 28, 1848, and died February 24, 1854.
Their death was caused by scarlet fever.

300 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Viola M. Rapalee was the oldest daughter of Joshua and
Hannah Rapalee, and was born at Milo, N. Y., May 6, 1851,
married Emmet Burgess at St. John's, Clinton County, Mich.,
February 20, 1867, In 1884 they resided at MUo, Mich., where
her husband was head sawyer in a mill at that place. They, then
had four children, Emma May Burgess, born at Ovid, Mich., Au
gust 3, 1870, Ezra R., bom at the same place, August 29,
1872 and died March 14, 1884. The second son an infant, was
born February 5, 1877 and died April, 1877, and Lula, bom No
vember 16, 1880. Marinda Rapalee the second daughter of
Joshua and Hannah Rapalee, was born at Milo, N. Y., May 26,
1853. She married for her husband J. V. FtUkerson at Ovid,
Mich., December 8, 1870. Marinda's husband in 1884 was
a lumber dealer at Ovid, Mich. They then had six children
named Lillie, Ruth, Jessie, and Infant (t-wins) and also two other
who were t-wins, whose records I have not, and faUed to obtain
at the publication of my former History of the Boyd Family.
Ezra Rapalee the third son of Joshua and Hannah Lewis
Rapalee, was bom at Ovid, Mich., August 29, 1858 died at the
same place of lung disease June 4, 1861.
Chas. B. Curtis was the only son of Samuel F. and Amelia
Boyd Curtis. He was bom at Penn Yan, N. Y., September 24,
1827, married for his first -wife Hannah Augusta Adams at North-
field, Cayuga County, N. Y., October 26, 1865. For his second
wife Isabell Douglass at New York City, August 26, 1876, died
at Rye, N. Y,, the date we have not. The younger days of
Charles were spent in school at Penn Yan, N. Y. until he was old
enough to enter Hamilton College of the State of New York,
where he graduated, and on leaving the same was honored by
having conferred upon him the degree of arts. He then retumed
to his old home at Penn Yan and began the study of law and
finished the same at Chicago, 111,, where he was admitted to the
bar in 1850. At the breaking out of the War of 1861, he entered
the army and served as Captain in the 5 7th Regiment, New York
Volunteers, but resigned his commission and retumed home in
1863 and took up the occupation of commission merchant at
New York City. His first wife was the daughter of Darious

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCEND.4NTS 301
Adams of North-ville, N. Y. She died at tihat place of child
birth February 14, 1867. His second wife, a daughter of Andrew
E. Douglass of New York City. In the last days of Charles
life, he took a deep interest in trying to trace back his ancestors
in this country. We have given you his investigations and let
ters to me, the beginning of this chapter. He was the father of
one child by his first wife, an infant bom at Northfield, N. Y. in
Febmary, 1867, and died at its birth; and three children by the
second, whose names are Elliott Douglass Curtis, bom at Rye,
N.Y., September 7, 1877. Charles Boyd Curtis, borriat New York
City, December 6, 1878, and a daughter named Isabelle Wood-
bridge Curtis, bom at Newport, R. I., August 4, 1880.
Almeda Weaver the oldest daughter of Hugh and Alzada
(Frost) Weaver, was born at Reading, N. Y., July 14, 1842, mar
ried L. B. Kjuox at Havana, same county, February 16, 1862.
Almeda's husband's occupation is that of a miller, and they in
1884 resided at Havana, N. Y.
Alzada Weaver the second daughter of Hugh and Alzada
Frost, was born at Havana, N. Y., of which we have no date.
She was single in 1884 and resided with her sister at Havana,
N. Y., following dress-making for an occupation.
John Willover the oldest son of WUliam and Mesenda (Frost)
WUlover, was bom at Tyrone, Schuyler County, N. Y., Sep
tember 26, 1835, married Ida Norton at Hinsdale, N. Y. (no date).
In 1884 was a lumber dealer at Salamanca, N. Y. They had
no children. Eli M. Willover the second son of William and Mesenda
Willover, was bom at Tyrone, N. Y., January 26, 1837; married
at Altay, N. Y., Emma Lettell, October 30, 1866. They were
living upon a farm in 1884, near Altay, N. Y. They had two
children at that time, whose names were Mary E. and Blanche
Willover, both bom at Altay, N. Y. ; the former October 24, 1868
and the latter September i, 1872.
Harvey F. Willover the third son of William and Mesenda
Willover, was born at Tyrone, N. Y., November 5, 1839, married
Sarah Jane Dusinbessie at South Bradford, N. Y., February 22,
1863. After their marriage they first settled at Altay, N. Y.,

302 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
then to Montesee, N. Y., where in 1884 was engaged in farming.
In 1864 he enhsted at Bath, N. Y. in Company H., i8th Regiment
of New York State Volunteers for one year, and was mustered
into the United States service at Elmira, N. Y., September 14,
1864 and assigned to the 2d Brigade and 5th Army 'Corps, and
was mustered out of service neai: Washington, D. C, May 30,
1865, and while in service he participated in the battle of Hatch's
Run, Boydtown, Plank Road, Gravelly Run and Five Forks, and
served in them all -with honor. They had one child, whom they
called Louie F. Willover, who was bom at Senora, Steuben County,
N. Y., Febmary 15, 1864.
Myron Willover the fourth son of William and Mesenda
Willover, was bom at Tyrone, N. Y., June 13, 1842, married
Eliza Mclntire-at the same place April 8, 1872; died of consump
tion at Wayne, N. Y., May 9, 1872. No children.
Edward S. and Augustus Ross were twins, sons of William
and Terressa (Frost) Ross and were born at Elmira, N. Y., Octo
ber 3, I S3 6, where the latter died in infancy. Edward's home is
near Reading. N. Y.
Hyatt C. Ross the third son of William and Terressa Ross,
was bom at Starkey, N. Y., July 16, 1840, married Ellen Archer
at the same place February 3, 1869. Soon after their marriage,
they went west for one summer and then retumed back to their
native place, where they were residing in 1884.
Louise Ross the oldest daughter of William and Terressa
Ross, was born at Reading, N. Y., April 9, 1846. She was single
and living at the above place in 1881.
Sarah Ross the youngest daughter of William and Terressa
Ross, was born at Reading Center, N. Y., August 22, 1847, and
married C. M. Sawyer at the same place November 30, 1864.
She died at Dundee, N. Y., November 13, 1873. After their
marriage they resided with her parents at Starkey, N. Y. But
domestic difficulties soon afterwards arose between them and
they separated, and to support herself she followed the occupa
tion of dress-making until she died. Her death was quite sud
denly. She was taken suddenly on Saturday at noon with spinal
maengetus, and died the following Wednesday morning, ending

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 303
her days once fUled with sunshine and loved by all that
knew her.
WUliam D. Boyd the oldest son of Harvey C. and Merey
(Peck) Boyd, was bom at Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich.,
August 8, 1838. Married Sarah A. Warner at the same place June
27, 1866. After their marriage, commenced their married life
upon a farm near Sylvan Center; soon afterwards sold the same
and purchased a saw mill in the southem part of the town, and
after o-wning this property for a short time, exchanged it for
property at Carson City, Mich. He was elected to the office of
to-wn treasurer, once or twice, and also a prominent member in
the Masonic Order. His -wife was the daughter of Rev. Jerved
Warner, a Methodist clergyman, by whom in 1884 he had two
children, Charles J. and Elba H. The former was bom at Sylvan,
Mich., October 10, 1868, and the latter at the same place No
vember I, 1870.
Orlando A. Boyd the second son of Harvey C. and Mercy
Boyd, was bom at Lima, Mich., October 2, 1841. He always
remained single and died at Chelsea, Mich., December 18, 1900.
Merritt Boyd the third son of Harvey C. and Mercy Boyd,
was bom at Lima, Mich., October 19, 1844, married Mary L.
Glover at the same place February 27, 1873, died at Chelsea,
May 6, 18 10. His early days were spent at home until 1861,
when he and his brother Orlando, purchased a hotel at Sylvan
Center, and shortly afterwards a grist mill at the same place,
whUe they carried on both branches at the same time. A short
time afterwards, they took their younger brother Homer, in with
them and added the mercantile business to their firm, and at the
same time carried on their father's farm. This partnership ex
isted for about seven years, when they dissolved the firm, and
Merritt went to Francisco (same state), and bought grain for
two years longer, and then moved to Grass Lake, Mich, and be
came one of the firm of Boyd, Branch & Newfany in the mer
cantile business for three years longer, and then dissolved part
nership and entered into the mUl business one mile north of that
place. His wife was a widow lady before their marriage, and a
daughter of Lorren Grover. In 1884 they were the parents of

304 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
three chUdren. First, Lewis G., born at Sylvan, Mich., March
2 2, 1874 and died at Grass Lake, Mich, of diphtheria January
25, 1879, Second, Edith May Boyd, bom at Grass Lake, Mich.,
March 16, 1880, married Joseph A. Cavanaugh May 14, 1907.
They have one child, Dorotha Marie Cavanaugh, born August
16, 1908. Third, Warren Cushman Boyd, who was born at Lake
Mills, Jackson County, Mich., November 19, 1881, married Enid
Marie Phelps at Battle Creek, Mich,, October 19, 191 1. Fourth,,
John Howard Boyd (no record).
Homer C. Boyd the youngest son of Harvey C. and Mercy
Boyd, was bom at Benton, Yates County, N. Y., Sptember i,
1849, married Loretta Russel at Sylvan, Mich., June 27, 1877.
Homer soon after dissolving partnership with his brothers, moved
home and lived with his parents. His wife was a daughter of
a widow lady of Schoharie County, N. Y., and at the time of his
first acquaintance -with her was on a visit to Michigan. In 1884
they had no children.
Henry Walter Ketcham the oldest son of Abel and Phoebe
Ann Boyd Ketcham, was born at Penn Yan, N. Y,, April 11,
1847, married Rhoda Stewart at Elmira, N, Y., January i, 1874.
In 1884 they were living upon a farm at Benton, N. Y., and had
one chUd named Walter A., born at Benton, N. Y., April 6, 1875.
Sophia Ketcham the oldest daughter of Abel and Phoebe
Ann Ketcham, was born at Penn Yan, N. Y., AprU 16, 1848.
She died at the same place July, 191 1. She was also single and
Hved with her mother in 1884 at Benton, N. Y.
Frank Ketcham the second son of Abel and Phoebe Ann
Ketcham, was bom at Penn Yan, N.Y., February 4, 1850. He also
in 1884 was still single and lived with his mother at Benton, N. Y.
Smith Lewis Ketcham the third son of Abel and Phoebe Ann
Ketcham was born at Penn Yan, N. Y., July 8, 1S51, died at Ben
ton, N, Y., May 4, 1852.
Emma Celina and Edwin Ketcham were the youngest son and
daughter of Abel and Phoebe Ann Ketcham. The former was
born February 10, 1853, and the latter April 11, 1856 at Torry,
N. Y., and in 1884 was single and Hving with their mother at
Benton, N. Y.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 305
Lula Boyd the only child of Geo. W. and Eunice (Freem.an)
Boyd, was born at Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich., May 21,
1857, married Forrest Buchanan at the same place October 15,
1879. Her husband and her reside upon the farm of her father's,
where he died September 22, 1880. She is a great favorite among
her friends. Her family consisted of three children. First,
Mabel S., bom at Lima, Washtenaw County, Mich., September
19, 1880, married Horace Lambert at Billings, Montana, Novem
ber 26, 1902, and died here November 17, 1905, having no chil
dren. Her husband o-wned a ranch sixty mUes east of National
Park on Rosebud River. Her body was sent to Chelsea, Mich.
for burial. Second, Anna P. Buchanan, bom at Lima, Washte
naw County, Mich, (we have no date); married Thomas Taylor
of New York, October 3, 1903, a traveling salesman for James
Elliott & Co., New York, for twelve years, now a resident of Lon
don, England. Third, Luella I. Buchanan (no date of birth),
married Jacob J. Lamb of Detroit, Mich., June 7, 1905. They
lived at Pontiac, Mich., where her husband is connected with the
Pontiac Garment Co. They have one child named Eunice Mar-
cellaLamb, born March 6, 1908. Lula Boyd Buchanan remained
a -widow until her children grew up, and in 1905 married for her
second husband Robert Glinn, of Chelsea, Mich., and now lives
in Bradentown, Florida.
William B. Hurd the oldest son of John S. and Sarah (Boyd)
Hurd, was bom at Lima Center, Mich., November 21, 1830. He
was united in marriage to Mary Weston at Blackman, Mich.,
February 11, 1873. William when young attended the union
school at Jackson and obtained a fine education. When the War
of 1 86 1 broke out, he enhsted in the ist Michigan Infantry for
three months, and when his time expired, became a member of
the 17th United States Infantry under the title of Sergeant.
Soon after this, for gallant service on the field, he was promoted
to 2d Lieutenant, then soon afterwards rose to the ist, and from
that to Captain of his Company (H) of the same regiment. While
in service he was taken prisoner at Petersburgh, Va., and then
sent to Libbey Prison at Richmond, Va, Here after suffering all
the depredations and cruel treatment of a barberous enemy, was

306 HISTORY OF TIIE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
at last released and once more retumed home. In 1884 he held
the position of one of the Vice-Presidents of the Reform Club
and a high member of the Knights of Pythias of his native place.
At the above date he resided with his wife — ^who was bom in
Wisconsin, February 2, 1853 — upon a 500-acre farm two miles
west of Jackson, Mich. Their family consisted then of five child
ren namely: Sherman Smith Hurd, bom at Blackman, Mich.,
November 17, 1874. Second, Frank, bom at the above place
August I, 1876. Third, Edna, bom here August 17, 1878.
Fourth, Mamie, born at the above place November 9, 1879 and
died at the place of her birth of diphtheria, AprU 19, 1881, and the
fifth, Sarah Louisa Hurd, bom at Blackman, Mich., April 3, 1881.
Mary Adaline Hurd the oldest daughter of John S. and
Sarah Boyd, was bom at Lima, Mich., July 16, 1841, and mar
ried Frank L. Smith at Jackson, Mich., August 14, 1862. Mary's
husband in 1884 was a partner with her brother (L. C. Hurd), as
proprietors of what was then called the Hurd House in Jackson,
Mich. They were also li-ving in the old hotel called the "Old
Tremont ' ' house of that place, when it bumed. To them it was
a great loss. When the War of 1861 broke out, he enlisted and
served as quarter-master of one of the Michigan Regiments, but
was not called into active service. Afterwards he was a member
of the Legislature of his native state. His -wife in 1881 was a
member of the Congregational Church of Jackson, where they
lived. Their family consisted of three daughters, who were all
bom at Jackson, Mich., and their names were Florence, bom
Febmary 7, 1866; Irene Hurd Smith, bom April 18, 1868; and
Georgiana, bom November 12, 1870.
Sarah J. Hurd the second daughter of John S. and Sarah
Hurd, was bom at Lima, Mich., October 12, 1843, and married
Robert E. Emmons at Jackson, Mich., June 3, 1868. Her hus
band, who in 1884 was a merchant and contractor at Jackson,
Mich., was born at Kalamazoo, of the same state December 20,
1 84 1, and at the later date was residing at Jackson, Mich. Their
famUy consisted of J. S. Emmons, born at Marshall MUls, Mich.,
April 5, 1869; Walter P., bom at Jackson, Mich., May 31, 1871;
and Robert O., born at the same place July i, 1874.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 307
L. C. Hurd the youngest son of John S. and Sarah Hurd, was
born at Jackson, Mich., April i8, 1845. In 1884 he was still single
and was one of the proprietois of the Hurd House of that place.
Edward H. Boyd the only son of Robert and Eliza (Harris)
Boyd, was bom at Lima, Mich., April 10, 1848. He married
Agnes Young at Jackson, Mich,, November 9, 1881, and at that
time was foUo-wing the occupation of a barber at Chelsea, Mich,
WiUie Allen Boyd the oldest son of Mina and Rhoda (Betts)
Boyd, was bom at Lima, Mich., April 28, 1858; died at the same
place May 4, 1858.
Harriett Irene Boyd the youngest daughter of Mina and
Rhoda Boyd, was born at Lima, Mich., July 15, i860. In 1884
she was residing with her parents at St. John's, Mich.
Maggie Eliza Boyd the youngest daughter of Mina and
Rhoda Boyd, was bom at St. John's, Mich., January 27, 1864,
died at the same place November 9, 1870.
Lewis Albert Litchfield the only son of Alva P. and Almira
(Boyd) Litchfield, was bom at Webster, Mich,, November 27,
1854. He was residing in 1884 with his parents at the place of
his birth. Mary A, Brown the oldest daughter of Cephias and Emeline
(Cra-wford) Brown, and was bom at Benton, N. Y. in 1824 or 25.
Married Harry K. Booth at Dundee, same county, September
1843 or 44; died at Hainesville, Lake County, IU., January 19,
1851. We have but a little history of Mary's past life. Her
death was caused by consumption. They had three chUdren,
Flora Booth, who was bom at Eddytown, N. Y. in 1845 and mar
ried Frank Gage; Mary Booth, who was bom at Hainesville, 111,
and married L. R. Daniels at Coldwater, Mich,, and died at the
same place, of which we have no date. Her husband was a phy
sician and they had three children namely: Gertrude, Freddie
and Zoula, all born at Coldwater, Mich., of which we have no
dates, Freddie died at the same place in 1870 and his sister
Zoula, September 4, 1873.
Sarah A. Booth the youngest daughter of Harry and Mary
Booth, was bom at Hainesville, 111., February 2, 1851, married
M. F. Daniels at Coldwater, Mich., no date. Her husband was

308 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
an attorney -at-law, residence unkno-wn to us in 1884; had two
children, Bertie and Grace, who were bom at Coldwater, Mich,,
and died at that place.
Coleman C. Brown the only son of Cephias and Emily Brown,
was bom at Benton, N. Y., June 20, 1856, married Sarah Calkins
at Coldwater, Mich., September 5, 1855. In 1884 he assisted us
greatly in complying our former history of the Boyd Families, by
furnishing us records of his mother's famUy. At that time he
was living at Coldwater, Mich., and had four children whose
names were Louie E. Brown, born at Coldwater, Mich., July 22,
1 8 5 6 and married Ira Harris of that place October 12, 1879. Jessie
M. Brown, bom at Italy HiU, Yates Co., N. Y., 1875. AUie
G. Brown was bom at the same place March 15, 1858 and died
there January 30, 1873, and Nettie E. Bro-wn, who was bom at
Coldwater, Mich., June 19, 1872 and died there JtUy 24, 1874.
Sarah L. Brown the second daughter of Cephias and Emelia
Brown, was bom in Benton, Yates County, N. Y., March 29,
1828, married Herman M. Loomis at Jerusalem, N.Y., AprU 11,
1847 and died at Coldwater, Mich., July 21, 1854. Her death was
caused by consumption, and her past history we know but a Httle of.
They had one child named Frank, bom at Italy HiU, N.Y., in 1848.
S. Alma Brown the youngest daughter of Cephias and Emily
Brown, was born at Benton, N. Y,, AprU 22, 1830, married Carlos
Dunham at Coldwater, Mich., February 27, 1857 and died at the
same place June 21, 1869. We have no further history of her,
except she had a son whom they called Eddie, who was bom at
Coldwater, Mich,, September 10, 1857 and died at that place
March 25, 1858.
Julia R. Rodgers the only chUd of John and Maria (Craw
ford) Rodgers, was bom at Napherville, IU., July 13, 1844, married
Jewett Benedict at Freemont, same state, November 13, 1865.
Her husband by occupation was in 1884 a farmer, and was born
at Sugar HiU, N. Y., June 10, 1843. At that time they were the
parents of three children as follows: L. Horace Benedict, born
at Kidder, Mo., September 16, 1867; Millie May Benedict, bom
at Dundee, N. Y., January 9, 1871; and Fernwood Benedict, born
at the same place November 15, 1876.

EZRA MUNSON COLE

MARGARET LOUISA (DUFF) COLE

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 311
George B. Cra-wford the only son of Charles C. and Lucretia
(Spencer) Cra-wford, was born at Price's Mills, Trumball County,
Ohio, September 19, 1842. He married Ehzabeth Shingledecker
at Kalamazoo, Mich., January 28, 1868. George emigrated from
the place of his birth to Dowagiac, Mich, in 1865. On the 8th of
August of 1862, he bid farewell to his friends and became a mem
ber of Company A, 19th Michigan Infantry, and with the same
marched to the field of battle in behalf of his country's freedom.
He was one of the heroes in Sherman's grand march to the sea,
and while on the way was wounded, while at Thompson Station,
Tenn., March 5, 1863 and again March 16, 1865 at Averysbor-
ough, N. C, and mustered out of service at the close of the war
and followed farming for an occupation near Dowagiac, Mich.,
where he was residing in 1 884. He was elected three times to office
and appointed once to the treasureship of La Grange Township,
Mich., and in 1884 was a member of the Independent Order of Odd
Fellows, which he had joined October i, 1866, and then held the
position of Past Grand Master. George assisted me much inrecords:
of his father's f amUy in 1 884. At that time they had two children,,
Ward Edgar Cra-wford, bom March 28, 1869, and William Henry
Cra-wford, bom March 17, 1873, at La Grange, Cass County, Mich.
Harriett Maria Cole the oldest daughter of Samuel M. and
Susannah (Cra-wford) Cole, who was bom at Warren, Pa., Octo
ber 7, 1836, married Joseph Charles Kellow at Cresco, Iowa,.
August 29, 1877. In 1884 Harriett and her husband resided at
Jamesto-wn, Iowa where he owned a farm and followed the same
for an occupation. In 1865 or 66 I had the pleasure of meeting
her at Penn Yan, N. Y. I must say I found her a very social and
kind lady. Soon afterwards she retumed home to Iowa and
commenced teaching school on what was called the ' ' Norwegian
settlement" in the northern part of the state. The time must
have been very dull and lonesome to her while living there.
She wrote me soon afterwards that for many weeks she did not
see a single person who could speak the English language, and at
one time it was nearly two months before she saw one of her kin
dred friends, and that was another lady who happened to be
teaching near by in 1884. They had no children.

312 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Ezra Munson Cole the oldest son of Samuel M. and Susannah
(Crawford) Cole, was born at Napersville, Du Page County, la.,
April II, 1839; married Margaret Louisa Duff at New Oregon, la.,
December 13, 1865, Ezra was in the Civil War of 1861 for four
years, and in now a farmer at Cresco, la. Their family consisted
of six children namely: First, Helen Fanny, bom at New Oregon,
la., March 22, 1867, married WUliam Hurd at Ord, Neb., Decem
ber 14, 1885, They have one son Lloyd Cole, bom March 7,
1902. Second, Standly Duff Cole, bom at New Oregon, la.,
February i, 1869, died at the same place August 5, 1869. Third,
Bertha Louise Cole, bom at Vemon Springs, la., February 9,
1870, married Herbert Mason at Ord, Neb., December 20, 1904.
They had two children, Edward Ezra, bom February 10, 1906
and Margaret Elizabeth, born February 3, 191 1. Fourth, Eliza
beth Cole, born at Cresco, la., November 8, 1872. Fifth, Ed
ward Le-wis Cole, bom at New Oregon, la., November 13, 1875.
Sixth, Fanny Mariah Cole, bom at New Oregon, la., December
15, 1877, married Electus Pritchard at Minneapolis, Minn., De
cember 13, 1902. Her husband is an engineer by occupation at
the above place. They have two chUdren, Ezra Charles, bom
December 21, 1903 and Grace Margaret, bom January 16, 1906.
Mary Elizabeth the second daughter of Samuel M. and
Susannah Cole, was born at Naperville, la., January 30, 1841,
died at the same place March i, 1841.
Julia Phoebe Cole the third daughter of Samuel M. and Su
sannah (Cra-wford) Cole, was bom at Naperville, IU., April 27,
1842, married Henry Clay Rand at Prairie-du-Chien, Wis'., Octo
ber 16, 1872. Her husband was an artist and mechanic, and hers
that of a cloak and dress maker, and a favorite in her household.
They have one daughter named Mildred (Cole) Rand, who was
born at Waverly, la., February 16, 1881 ; who graduated from the
Cresco High School in 1899. She is stUl single and follows the
occupation of a milliner and resides at home.
Charles Milton Cole the second son of Samuel M. and Su
sannah Crawford Cole, was bom at Naperville, Du Page County,
111., January 10, 1846, married Augusta MatUda HUke at Cresco,
Howard County, la., March 14, 1880; died at New Oregon, la.,

HENRY CLAY RAND MILDRED COLE RAND
JULIA PHOEBE (COLE) RAND

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 315
April. 12, 1905, Charles by trade was a painter. They had three
children. Alma, MUfrid and Fred. E.
Susan Maria Cole the fourth daughter of Samuel M. and
Susannah Cole, was bom at Naperville, IU., December 12,
1849. In 1884 she was still single and dress-maker at
Waverly, la.
Linnie Hannah David Cole the fifth daughter of Samuel and
M. Susannah (Crawford) Cole, was bom at Naperville, Du Page
County, IU., February 3, 1853, died at New Oregon, la., July 22,
1 90 1. When she was about one year old, she was taken from the
place of her birth be her parents to Howard County, la. In life
she was a successful teacher in the schools of the above state for
nearly .six years. Early in April of the year she was taken sick
and breathed her last on her mother's birth day of that year.
She belonged to the Congregational Church of that place for more
than twenty-five years, and is buried in the cemetery by the side
of her mother at New Oregon, la.
Le-wis M. Cole the youngest son of Samuel M. and Susannah
(Cra-wford) Cole, was bom at New Oregon, la., November 17,
1855, married and has one child Alta bom at Cresco, la., August
19, 1898. Charles Coleman Crawford the oldest son of Nathaniel B.
and Lucretia (Spencer) Cra-wford, was bom at Price's Tavem,
Trumball County, Ohio, January 16, 1846, was kiUed at YeUow
Tavern, Va., May 11, 1846. The history of Charles's death was
given us by his brother George B. Cra-wford in a letter dated
February 6, 1882 as follows: "My brother Charles C. Craw
ford was a member of Company M., ist Michigan Cavalry. He
enlisted at the time when he was but a few days over eighteen
years of age, and went at once -with his regiment to the front.
The time of his enlistment was in February of 1864, and at the
time when the old members of that regiment were reinlisting as
veterans, after they had served their term of three years. At the
time of his death, he was with his regiment at a place caUed
"Yellow Tavem," a few miles from Richmond, Va. His com
pany in advancing toward the enemy, came to the top of a hill,
when a buUet from one of the Rebel guns hit him directly in the

316 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
miOuth, killing him instantly. His body was buried upon the
battle field and afterwards removed to the National Cemetery,
where it now lies and will be taken care of by the Govem
ment. ' '
Alma F. Crawford the oldest daughter of Nathaniel B. and
Lucretia (Spencer) Cra-wford, was bom at Price's MiUs, Ohio,
April I, 1848. She married George F. Barker at Dowaigac, Cass
County, Mich., August 19, 1866. Alma and her husband soon
after their marriage moved from' Dowagiac to Pleasantown,
Mich. On their arrival here they found the country a vast wil
derness, with but a few pioneers to keep company with them.
Here deprived of all the privileges of a cultivated country and in
a rude log cabin surrounded on all sides by the sturdy oaks of
the forest, surrounded by the panthers and wolves to keep them
awake at night, they commenced the first days of their married
life never by them to be forgotten. Here in these early days, her
husband took an active part in the organization of the to-wnship
and building of school roads. After residing here untU 187 1, they
moved into an adjoining to-wn of Springdale and stayed there
until 1877 and then went back to Pleasantown, and remained
until 1879, when they moved to Benzonia, same state, where they
were residing in 1884. Their children were Erie Grant Barker,
bom at Pleasantown, Mich., November 10, 1868, and died at the
same place August 16, 1870. Orlean Earl Barker was born at
the same place July 13, 1871. Jake Boyd Barker who was bom
at Springdale, Mich., November 16, 1875, and Israel Putnam
Barker, born at Benzonia, Mich., Juty 28, 1881.
Jay Boyd Cra-wford the second son of Nathaniel B. and Lu
cretia (Spencer) Crawford, was born at Price's MUl, Trumball
County, Ohio, February i, 1850, married Eva J. Hunter at Balti
more, Md., November 4, 1880. He went -with his father's family
to Michigan in 1855, and there attended school and then entered
the high school at Dowaigac, the same state, from which he gradu
ated in 1866 and entered a store at the same place as a clerk,
where he worked a large portion of his time until April of 1874,
when he went to Boston, Mass. and studied law and was admitted
to the bar at this place July 6, 1875, and continued to practice

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 317
until the spring of 1881, when he was taken -with a severe attack
of hemorrhage of the lungs and was obliged to leave the city and
retum to his native land, Michigan. While at Boston he held
the office of Justice of the Peace for five years. In 1857 he be
came a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and in
1884 held the entitled honor of Grand Master. He also was a
member of the Knights of Pjrthias, and held at the above
date Past-Chancellor, and has held the office of the Post of Grand
Preceptor of Massachusetts. In the fall of 1880 he wrote a his
torical work entitled "The Credit Moblier of America," which
at that time was causing an extended excitement among the
American people and made a large sale of his books, which were
highly appreciated by the people of this country. In 1884 he was
engaged upon another historical work. of a much larger sphere,
the subject being unknown to us. They had one child, Jay Wil
son Cra-wford, bom at Baltimore, Md., September 8, 1881.
Phoebe Maria Crawford the second daughter of Nathaniel
B. and Lucretia Crawford, was bom at Ne-wton FaUs, Ohio,
August 16, 1852, married for her first husband Frank M. Struble
at La Grange, Mich., July 21, 1872, and for her second husband
Hugh P. Garrett at the same place in October of 1876. Phoebe
in 1855 went with her parents from the place of her birth to Cass
County, Mich., where she resided until 1866 and then went to
reside .-with her grandmother Phoebe Huston, at Dundee, N. Y.
and remained for two years and went back to her former home in
Michigan. After remaining here for a few years with her father,
she went to live with an aunt (Emelia Brown) where she was
living at the time of her first marriage. This marriage proved
to have been an unhappy one, for some domestic difficulties arose
between them and they separated. In 1876 she obtained a di
vorce and married Mr. Garrett, who was born at Miami Town
ship, Montgomery County, Ohio, October 26, 1830. A short time
after her marriage to her second husband, they moved within two
miles of Geneva, Neb., in Madison Township, Sec. 19, south-west
quarter and six miles from Fremont Station upon the B.M.R.R.,
which was their nearest station where they followed farming for
an occupation. By her first husband she had one child called

318 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Florence Violet Struble, bom at Volina, Mich., November i8,
1873, and by the second husband two children, whose names
were Charles Winfield Garrett, born January 12, 1877 and Ralph
Finley Garrett, bom September 24, 1889 at La Grange, Cass
County, Mich,
Le-wis RoUin Crawford the oldest son of Nathaniel B. and
Clarissa (Griffin) Crawford, was bom at Wayne, Mich., January
30, 1868. Myrtle Dell and Lillian May Crawford, the two daughters
of Nathaniel B. and Clarissa Cra-wford, were bom at Wayne,
Mich., the former December 2, 1871 and the latter AprU 19, 1875.
William N. Diven the oldest son of David C. and Hannah
(Cra-wford) Diven, was bom at Reading, N. Y., July 14, 1845.
She married Frank Bennett at the same place December 16, 1868.
After their marriage they went to WeUsburgh, N. Y. and kept a
hotel for a short time and then retumed to Readirig, foUo-wing
the same occupation until 1876 or 77, when they went to Elmira,
N. Y., where he in 1882 was engaged as street car conductor.
Mary Diven the only daughter of David C. and Hannah
Diven, was bom at Reading, N, Y., August 4, 1849, died of con
sumption at Watkins, N, Y., June 11, 1873.
Charlotte A. Hyatt the oldest daughter of Uriah and Sarah
(Crawford) Hyatt, was bom at Dundee, N. Y., June 24, 1846,
and in 1882 was still living -with her mother at the above
place. Eugene Hyatt the oldest son of Uriah and Sarah Hyatt, was
born at Dundee, N, Y., October 28, 1850. In 1882 he was also
residing at the place of his birth.
Bellnetta Hyatt the second daughter of Uriah and Sarah
Hyatt, was born at Dundee, N. Y., March 14, 1856, died at the
same place of diphtheria May 23, 1863.
Freddie Hyatt the second son of Uriah and Sarah Hyatt, was
born at Dundee, N. Y., July 24, 1862 and also died of diphtheria
at the same place April 27, 1863.
Edgar H. Hyatt the youngest son of Uriah and Sarah Hyatt,
was born at Dundee, N. Y., September 24, 1864, He is now
married and has children. We have no records.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 319
Inez M, Crawford the only daughter of George A. and Eliza
(Hyslop) Cra-wford, was bom at Batavia Township, Branch
County, Mich,, Mareh i, 1861. In 1882 she was living with her
mother and step-father at Mazon, IU. In 1879 she became a
teacher in the public schools until her health failed her and she
¦was obliged to resign her position and take up music for a li-ving.
Louis H. Crawford the only son of George A. and Eliza
Cra-wford, was bom. at Morris, Grundy County, IU., September
22, 1862, died at Mazon, 111., September 4, 1881. Louis stood
very high in character and his death was commented upon quite
largely in the papers of his native place, of which copies of the same
were sent to me at that time.
In dra-wing to a close our chapter, we will say that we have
given a history of every descendant of the Kent Branch of the
Boyd FamUies from Ebenezer Boyd the progenator, of the same
do-wn to 1884, numbering 457 persons. Many of them were,
single then, and since then have families, and some have died
which will not be found in this book. What we have given is
from the records of our former histories of this family; and for
the time and expense of compiling for the last twenty-six years,
we have cut out as our work is a Historical Book instead of a
Genealogical work like the other work of 1884. While we do this
we try to make the same more interesting to them who are not
represented and not members of our respected families, by adding
a large amount of historical matter pertaining to them. We have
received since then, matter that is not found in our former edition;
To gather in the records for the past twenty-six years would be
a tedious task, as many of these descendants we neither know
their address, or where they are living at the present day, and
would require a vast amount of correspondence to obtain them.

CHAPTER II
History of the Boyds of Salem, N. Y.
Salem, in Washington County, New York, like the other
towns along the Hudson River, was at an early day the home of
several families of the Boyds, when they emigrated here from
the old Ireland and Scotland homes of their ancestors of that
country. Among the early settlers was the family of Robert
Boyd, whose descendants form this Chapter of the book as
furnished us by the Hon. Robert K. Boyd, ex-councilman of
Eau Claire, Wis., as follows:
Robert Boyd their ancestor, was bom in the northern part
of Ireland in 1745. He emigrated to America -with his -wife and
family at about the close of the War of the Revolution. At this
time there were a large company of Scotch-Irish emigrants under
the leadership of a Presb}rterian minister, the Rev. Thomas Clark
(the first minister of the town of Salem, N. Y.), set sail for this
country, and along -with them came Robert and his family, and
took up their first home in America here. The records show he
was kiUed by an accident, December 7, 1783, leaving his wife
with four children whose names were Robert, Joseph, John and
WiUiam. Robert's wife is said to have survived him many years
and died aged in the forepart of the nineteenth century. This
lady is claimed by her descendants to be one of great bravery, so
prominent among the Boyds families. One instant of this kind
is given of her, that on one evening as she was sitting in her hum
ble home (probably a log house), she was startled with horror to
see a panther come to her door and enter her docile, with flash- [321]

322 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
ing eyes and voracious look he advanced toward her. Quick as
thought would let her, she seized a burning brand from the log
fire-place and waved it in front of the desperate animal, which so
quickly frightened the beast that he rushed from her household
and she was saved.
Robert the oldest son of Robert, was bom in Salem, N. Y.,
April 7, 1780. While a young man he went and lived in Otsego
County, N. Y., and finally settled in Byron, Genesee County,
N. Y. in 1822, and died here March 18, 1828, leaving one son
(James) and three daughters. Two of these daughters died in
1 840. One of them married a man named Morse, died leaving four
children, and the other died unmarried. Their -widow was li-ving
in 1882 with R. W. Boyd a nephew at Attica, N. Y. James the
son, was bom in Salem, N. Y., February 16, 1809 and came to
the Genesee county, same state with his father in 1822. He
spent the remainder of his days here and died at his home in Pem
broke, March 4, 1872, leaving two sons, Robert W., bom June
2, 1837 and James P., bom March, 1841, both being bom in Byron
of that county. Robert resided here in Genesee county until
1880, when he moved to Attica, N. Y., following the profession of
a mail route agent on the Erie Railroad until his death September
21, 1895. His children were:
Ella M. Boyd was bom June 20, 1867 at Medina, N. Y., who
is the wife of Peter M. Bower and resides in Attica. Their
daughter Rachel, who was born April. 22, 1896, is now in high
school. James P., the other son of James, was in 1882 a resident of
Michigan, where he went in 1870 and was a traveling agent for
the large dry goods house of Charles Root & Co., of Detroit. In
1882 he had a daughter then fifteen years of age.
Joseph Boyd the second son of Robert Boyd (we have but
a little record of him) was born in Salem, N. Y., and in after years
resided in Steuben County, N. Y., where he died, lea-ving four
sons: John R., Isaac D,, David and Joseph, John R. the oldest
son, left a son- named Randolph, and Isaac D,, a son named Wil-
lard. They are supposed both to be living some where in the far
west, where they went in early life.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 323
John Boyd the third son of Robert Boyd, was bom in Ire
land in 1778 or 1782. His record we know nothing of; may have
died unm^arried.
WUliam Boyd the youngest son of Robert, and the only one
bom in America, was born in Salem, Washington County, N. Y.
in 1784, soon after the death of his father. In the War of 1812,
he served his country in what was caUed the McFarland's Com
pany, New York State Militia. For his first wife he married
a lady whose name was  Younglove,. and for his . second
wife, Mrs. Mary J. (Eaton) Hartwell, at or near Hamiponds-
port, Steuben County, N. Y. William when young, was very
prosperous financially, but lost all of his wealth in later years
by becoming a bondsman to a dishonest, defaulting tax collector.
He was a man of strong character and sterling principles, but
was never a successful money maker. He was always unsus
picious of others, believing all men to be honest and upright, and
he was ready to aid others -with his earthly sa-vings, when manj^
times he was imposed upon by pretendent friends who had no
more respect for him but to bunco him in their dealings. In 1852
he went from Addison, N. Y., to Illinois in McHenry County
and in 1856 he emigrated from Illinois to St. Charles, Minn.,
where he lived until his death in the year 1864. By his
first -wife he -was the father of four sons, whose names
are John, William A., Thomas and Mathew S. By the
second wife his children were Emily H., -James, Isaac D.'and
Robert K.
John the eldest son of William Boyd, was born at Salem, N. Y. ,
September 6, 1809, was married to Clarissa B. Smith, a talented
young woman of Purtian desiient on February 20, 1841. Their
children were: First, Franklin, bom in Illinois, December 26J
1841 and died in the U. S. Army near Memphis, Tenn., June 22,
1863. Second, Emily Louisa, bom in Illinois, August 26, 1844
and died at St. Charles, Minn., Febmary 22, 1866. Third,
William Henry, bom in Illinois, February 4, 1846, now a resident
of St. Charles, Minn. Fourth, Harriet Augusta, born in Illinois,
May 9, 1848 and died at_St, Charles, Minn., February 28, 1870.
Fifth, Adaline M., born May 6, 1851, died November 27, 1851.

324 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Sixth, Charles Albert, born in Illinois, May 6, 1853, now a phy
sician li-ving in Scott's Bluff, Neb.
WiUiam H., son of John Boyd, was married to EUa Maynard
at Saratoga, Minn., November 29, 1877. They have one daughter
Hattie May, bom at Saratoga, Minn., November 4, 1884; now a
teacher in the high school at St. Charles, Minn.
William H. Boyd was a successful and influential farmer,
but is now retired and living in St. Charles. Harriet A., daughter
of John Boyd, was married to Wesley C. Randall in 1865 and
died at St. Charles in February, 1870, leaving a daughter Eva,
bom in September, 1867, and a son Kathem K., who took the
name of his foster-father Brainard, and now resides in Durand,
Wis., being engaged in banking. He was married to Mary E.
Kohr October 23, 1892, and his family consists of George Vaughn,
born March 30, 1894; Carroll Keith, born March 28, 1897; Do-
cela Maria, bom May 16, 1899; and Katherine M., bom No
vember 16, 1909.
Dr. Charles A. Boyd, son of John Boyd, was married to
Hettie Putnam of Stockton, Minn.  They have two
sons, Frank, a physician, practicing in Omaha, Neb., and Ralph,
a hardware merchant of the same place. Dr. Charles A. Boyd is
a graduate of Rush Medical College ; has had a large practice and
is an influential man in his profession.
The descendants of William Boyd are nearly aU above the
medium height of good physique, healthy and long lived and
proverbially exempt from chronic ailments or physical defects.
William A. Boyd the second son of WiUiam Boyd by his first
wife, was born in Salem, Washington County, N. Y., September
18, 1818. WhUe a young man he lived in Steuben County, N.Y.,
later he moved to Michigan and from there to Du Page County,
111. Where he was a prominent settler of that state, and a
prosperous and influential farmer. He was married twice, but
had no children and died at Aurora, 111.
Thomas Boyd the third son of WiUiam by his first wife, was
bom at Salem, Washington County, N. Y,, May i, 1821. He
was married to Louisa Kenyon at Naperville, IU., June 26, 1867.

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 325
His death was caused by an accident at the latter place August
27, 1880. He also like his brother William, was a pioneer settler
of Illinois, coming there when all around Chicago was a wilder
ness and the city was scarcely more than a -village. His family
consisted of one child named Mabel, who was born at Naper
ville, 111., October 3, 1869, and was married to G. W. Ferry at the
same place, where she resides, having a family of four children:
Irvin B., bom May — , 1896; Lillis, bom October — , 1899; Elmer,
bom in August, 1905; and Lorin, bom December — , 1909.
Mathew S. Boyd the fourth or youngest son of William Boyd,
by his first -wife, was bom at Salem, Washington County, N. Y.,
May 25, 1824; was married to Amanda J. Minium in Illinois on
April 26, 1852. In 1864 with his wife and three children he moved
to Minnesota where his wife died in- the Town of Saratoga. For
his second wife he married a -widow named Esther Stowell, De
cember 18, 1875. She survives him and is now livingin St. Charles
Minn. He died .in St. Charles on July 2, 1909. His children
by his first wife were as foUows :
First, ArvUla, born in Illinois, October 28, 1853 and married
at Dover, Minn, to Samuel Edwards. They reside at Groton,
S. D. with their four children, Arthur S., Clarence V., Pearl M.,
a teacher and elocutionist and Roy S. Second, George, born in
Illinois, December 17, 1855 now a fanner and dealer in live stock
in Revillo, S. D. He was married to Adelia Mehin and had two
chUdren, John and Robert. Third, May E., born in Illinois,
April 3, 1862 and married to AJmon Adams, by whom she had a
son, Casca 0., bom at St. Charles, September 3, 1889, and residing
at Roosevelt, Minn. Her second husband's name is Allen H.
Minium, with whom she resides in Roosevelt, Minn.
Emily H., daughter of William Boyd by his second marriage,
was bom in Hammondsport, N. Y,, September 14, 1837; was
married to Frederick V. Whiton, July 3, 1858, who died in the
year 1903. Mrs. Whiton resides in Bradford, Penn. Her chil
dren were Camilla E., bom July 27, 1859 and died December 23,
1899; Mary S., bom January 30, 1865, married to L. L. Ball
February 16, 1886, and now resides in Bradford, Penn. Mrs.
Ball's children are Avery E., bom May 5, 1896, died February

326 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
27, 1901. Harlon W., born De^mber 2, 1898 and Wendell L.,
born June 25, 1904. '^-"J; - -
James Boyd, eldest son of WiUiam: '.-.Boyd by his second
marriage, was born in Steuben County, N. Y., June 24, 1839 and
died unmarried October 6, 1881.
Isaac D., son of William Boyd, was bom in Steuben County,
N. Y., November 27, 1843, moved to Illinois with his parents in
1853, and to Minnesota in 1856. While only a boy, he developed
unusual discretion and judgment in business, and it was largely
due to his untiring industry and ability that his parents in their
later years were able to enjoy the home which through adversity
had been denied them in their native state and which they had
sought for in what was then the far west. He has been successful
and is now retired, li-ving with his family at ^, Charles, Minn.
He served as a soldier in the Ci-vil War; was married to Ida Rus
sell in the year 1874, who is still living. Their chUdren are as
follows: George H,, bom March 19, 1875, dro-wned at Chatfield,
Minn., July 4, 1894. Emily A., bom May 24, 1877, graduate of
the Winona State Normal School, now a teacher in Montana.
Robert R., born August 4, 1879, a graduate of the University of
Minnesota, now a mining engineer in Globe, Ariz. Clinton, bom
January 20, 1883, now engaged in farming at Midvale, Idaho.
Ida May, bom March 19, 1887, now living -with her parents at
St. Charles. Robeih; K. Boyd, youngest son of William Boyd, was bom
at Addison, N. Y., April 24, 1845. Ii^ May, 1873 he was
married at Chippewa Falls, Wis., to Bertha Dettloff , who died
in 1880. By this marriage two sons died in infancy and one
(Donald) survived. Donald Boyd was bom in Eau Claire, Wis.,
November 20, 1876, was a soldier in the Spanish War. He is
now a dealer in land, a surveyor, an expert in land titles, and a
skilled accountant, and now resides with his family in Eau Claire,
Wis. He was married to Grace E. Crandall in June, 1905; has
an adopted son Harold, born in 1902, and a daughter Bertha M.,
born AprU i, 1907. Robert K. Boyd's .second marriage was to
Miss May Smith in November, 1882. By this marriage he has
one son Percy, born October 14, 1886 — a graduate of the Uni-

ROBERT K. BOYD

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 329
versify of California in the course of mining engineering, and at
the time of the earthquake and fire was a patrolman in San Fran
cisco. Percy Boyd has had some experience in his profession in
the copper mines of Arizona, but is now connected with a land
and irrigating company in the State of Washington. In phy
sique and in .taste for adventure he inherits many of the char
acteristics of his father.

ROBERT K. BOYD
From a picture taken in January, 1863.
Recovering from wounds received in battle ¦with Indians at Birch Coolie, Minn.
Age between 17 and 18
Robert K. Boyd has a natural pride in ha-ving led an active
life mixed with hardship and adventure. The foUo-wing notes
are compiled from a copy of his autobiography, the original
being in fUe in the archives of the Grand Army post of which he
is a member as foUows:
"He is the youngest son of WUliam Boyd of Salem, N.Y., who
himself was the youngest son of Robert Boyd, who came from
Ireland. He was bom at Addison, N. Y., April 24, 1845. At
the "age of eight he moved with his parents to McHenry County,
IU., and at eleven in 1856 moved to Minnesota, being four weeks
on the road with ox teams. His father settled near St. Charles
and being advanced in years, the three sons, James, Isaac and
Robert, experienced more than their share of the hardships of
frontier life. Robert's school life varied from nothing at all to
a few weeks each -winter up to the age of seventeen. It was easy
for him to leam arithmetic, but he had no taste for other studies,
and often after studying hard, his mind would be a blank when in

330 HISTORY or THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
the class. He could however in a slow way of his own study
things out, and what he once learned he never forgot.
He had a streak of the original savage in his nature, for he
liked to be alone in the woods and had no desire for the graces of
a higher Hfe. He liked poetry however, expecially of the romantic
or sentimental kind, or relating to the adventures of half wild
people. His dream of the future was to live in a shanty in the
wild country, hunt, fish and trap for a living and be an uncouth
hero. In 1861, when others feared a long war, he was afraid it
would be ovet before he could see his share of it, and this feeling
grew stronger that summer when a young man came home from
the battle of Bull Run wounded in the arm. To his mind there
was no jewel so bright as an honorable scar, yet at that time he
little dreamed that during the next year he would wear a surplus
of that kind of jewelry. In 1862 he thought of battles all day
and dreamed of them at night, and one day in June, after a
bam raising, his parents and friends looked for him in vain, for
Hke many others of that time, he had run away to join the army.
He left home without a cent and walked all night, mostly through
a wild country, with -only the stars to guide him. He went down
into the rocky gorge of the Whitewater River in almost total
darkness, forded the roaring stream and climbed to the higher
ground at least 300 feet above, and kept on his course, arriving in
Wabashaw the next afternoon, having walked fifty miles -without
food. From this place he stole a ride by steamboat to Lake
City and walked to Red Wing, where he enlisted in Company
"F" of the 6th Minnesota Infantry. After a few days he went
with three other young men who had just enlisted, to St. Paul,
their fare to this point being paid by their captain and they were
expected to walk to Fort Snelling, five miles farther on, but they
learned that at the Fort it would cost them ten cents each to
cross the ferry, while if they went by river the steamboat fare
was no more. Out of seventj^-five cents earned at Red Wing, he
had thirty cents left, and his companions were each thirty cents
poorer than himself. He gave away his money to the others who
neededitmore,for he was willing to take chances on adventures.
At the worst, he could jump overboard and swim ashore, and this

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 331
was exactly what he did do when the boatman in forcible terms
demanded his fare and chased him from the gang plank to the
upper deck, whUe the boat was at the Fort SneUing landing.
He was at Fort Snelling with other recruits during July and
part of August, leaming what he was compelled to do, of the
duties of a soldier, driUing -with the worthless Belgian musket,
part of Fremont's unwise purchase of European arms.
On August 19th, a half-breed courier rode his foaming horse
through the streets of St. Paul to the residence of Governor Ram
sey, bringing a despatch from Major Galbraith, the Indian agent,
that all the Sioux Indians of Minnesota were on the war path,
murdering the white people of the frontier. Robert and his com
rades were up all night, dra-wing clothing and handling goods and
supplies, and in the moming went on board a small steamboat
thickly crowded, and making its way to the west, toward the seat
of trouble. At Belle Plaine they disembarked and marched to
St. Peter, where they first tried their guns which had been issued
to them on the way. These guns, known as the Austrian rifie,
were found to be worthless. The officers refused to take their
men into danger with such weapons, and this caused several days
of delay waiting for better arms.
After obtaining the Springfield rifle — a serviceable gun of
American make^ — ^they marched to Fort Ridgley, burying several
bodies of murdered settlers, and passing the sites of many bumed
buildings. They relieved Fort Ridgley where the small garrison
had been in a state of siege for ten days, and had defended them
selves and many refugees in two hard battles. The roofs of the
buildings were covered -with earth as a protection from the fire
arrows of the Indians.
For several days they stayed here and he admired the horse
manship of the half-breed scouts. To get better acquainted with
the wild people, he stole sugar and crackers from the mess tent
to make friends with the half-breed boys, and leam what he could
of their language.
On August 31st, he was detailed to go into the enemy's coun
try with a force of about one hundred and fifty men to bury the
dead and gain information, all but one of the party being strangers

332 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
to him. They buried twenty-three soldiers at the battle-ground
of Redwood Ferry, besides many settlers, he being one of the
burial party of twenty men.
As the bodies had lain two weeks, the work was hard and
repulsive, and some good men gave out and quit, but Robert,
priding himself on having no nerves and no emotions, and to give
the impression that he never became tired, took the hardest and
most disagreeable part of the work.
That evening in camp the commander, Captain Grant beck
oned to him and told him he had been watching him that day and
would speak to his captain about him. He was slow to under
stand and thought he was to be reprimanded and the blood came
hot to his face, but when the officer told him he had sho-wn great
fortitude in a hard place and that he -wished he had more such men,
it reached a tender spot in his nature, for he felt it to be the first
real compliment that he had ever received. Little did either of
them dream of what was in store for them at the next camp
ground, that he would be disabled for life and his whole future
changed by the events of a single day, or that his commander
would go do-wn in history with a cloud upon his name as being to
blame for a great disaster. This was Captain H. P. Grant, who
was in command of the expedition, but as an adviser he was ac
companied by Major Joseph R. Brown, a former Indian agent
and trader, who proved to be utterly ignorant of what the Indians
would do in time of war.
On the evening of the second day, and after burying more
than eighty bodies, they camped on the prairie near a valley
known as Birch Coolie, and there Major Bro-wn's ad-vice made
no preparation for a possible attack.
At day-break on September 2, the battle commenced, and
Robert was desperately wounded in the first part of the fight.
For more than thirty hours the battle continued. The small force
being surrounded by many times their nmnber of Indians, -with
no protection except such earthworks as could be made during
the battle. During all this time he lay bleeding in five places,
with only one swallow of water and a small piece of raw cabbage,
this being his share of all there was to divide. He lay in a tent

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 333
in which there were more than one hundred bullet holes, and during
the battle saw the bodies of men pushed onto the low earthworks
to stop bullets. Up to this time the battle of Birch Coolie was
the hardest ever fought -with Indians, being before the Custer
massacre and before the battle of General Forsythe -with the Chey-
ennes under the Chief Roman Nose. During the battle the sur
geon removed a bullet from the back part of his shoulder, which
had come through from the frorit, broken the collar bone, passed
through the shoulder blade and lodged in a mass of broken bones.
When he was a boy at home it had been his pride that he would
not flinch from pain, and in school he had let the others push a pin
or the point of a knife into his arm and pretend that it did not
hurt. He thought of this now, for the time had come which would
show how much of this was real fortitude and how much had been
only boyish vanity. This was after having suffered many hours
from the loss of blood and from hunger and thirst, but he lay on
the ground, every nerve and muscle relaxed, not even taking a
deeper breath and let the sutgeon cut into the flesh and pull the
bullet out from among the splintered bones, a part of his shoulder
blade. When the surgeon asked him if it did not hurt, he ans
wered carelessly, "yes, a little." A volley of bullets cracking
through the tent stopped the discussion and compelled all parties
to lie flat to the ground, to escape them. Many times after the
battle, while this wound was being dressed and pieces of bone were
pulled out of the flesh, which was tom and bleeding, although
sometimes he had everything tum dark before his eyes, he never
aUowed himself to ffinch from the pain. He has held to this all
his life and never allowed himself to give way to pain or discom
fort of any kind.
In the night time, one of the half-breed scouts volunteered to
ride through the lines of the Indians and go to Fort Ridgley for
help, but before he could start, another voUey of bullets killed the
last good horse. Before the battle closed, out of their little band,
thirteen lay dead, ten mortally wounded and more than flfty
others totally disabled.
It was nearly noon on the second day that an Indian came in
sight and announced to his comrades that they must all go west.

334 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
that a great many white men were coming. Before it was in
terpreted by the half-breeds, Robert understood its meaning, for
the last words were wah see choo (white man) otah do (a great
many), for like many others he had leamed a few words of the
language. When the troops came up, he staggered to his feet
just able to stand. . His cheek was torn open by a large buUet, so
that one's thumb could easily be laid in the wound; a bullet was
lodged in his thigh, the bones of his shoulder crushed, and his
right hand and arm hanging useless, black and gorged -with blood.
As he walked in front of his comrades, no one knew him until
he asked it they had ever seen him before, when one of his chums
exclaimed: "It is Bob Boyd," They all thought he could not
live, and when they asked him what he did in the battle, he
shocked them by saying ' 'that he stopped a few bullets from doing
any further damage. ' ' He was not suffering much pain at the
time, and his vitality was such that he was inclined to make light
of his wounds. He was taken to the hospital at Fort Ridgley
and later to Fort Snelling, and was honorably discharged on ac
count of his wounds, in March, 1863.
In August, 1864 he again enlisted in Company H. of the nth
Minnesota, and served until the close of the war. At the time of
enlistment, his shoulder was still lame and the wound was not
healed, but he got past the examining surgeon by a scheme which
was well planned, but perhaps not exactly honest. He cut the
button off from the collar of his flannel shirt and sewed it up -with
strong thread. The surgeon was in a great hurry, and as the
applicant for military honors unbuttoned his wristbands and the
lower buttons in front, and to his apparent surprise, found that
the garment would not come open at the neck, the surgeon said,
' ' never mind ' ' and examined him with his shirt on. Afterward he
marched many a weary mile with the weight of his knapsack, gun
and all his accoutrements entirely en his left shoulder, for to ease
what little conscience he was possessed of, he had pledged himself
to never give up or fail in his duties on account of his lame shoulder.
During his second term of service, he guarded trains from
Nashville to Chattanooga, and was afterwards stationed at north
ern Tennessee, guarding the railroad against guerillas, but was

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 335
greatly disappointed in not being -with Sherman on the great
march. Early in 1865 he was within hearing of the battle of
NashviUe, but was compeUed to stay at his post, and so missed
a chance to be in a great battle against the South.
During the -winter after the war, he spent what Httle money
he had saved in going to a commercial school, but afterwards
faUed to get employment in any kind of business. It was hard
for him to get acquainted with men of influence, being ignorant
of the manners and customs of business men, and he saw nothing
ahead of him but a life of hard, manual labor. He worked on a
farm, but even the jar of riding or walking on rough ground would
affect his wounded shoulder and arm so that he could not work.
At tim^es he hoed com -with his left hand with a strap around his
arm at the elbow to help in holding the hoe, and felt well paid
when he earned half a man's wages. His pension was only six
doUars a month, and this did not go far when prices were high on
everything, except the farmer's work and what he had to sell.
In the faU of 1867 by studying nights, he was able to teach school,
and felt like a Wall Street broker when he earned twenty-flve
doUars a month during the next winter.
In 1868 he went to Wisconsin and worked at a saw mill for
three seasons, teaching school two winters, but this was not to
his taste and he thought it was not his right work. In 1871 he
worked about a month in the office of the County Treasurer at
Chippewa Falls, Wis., but was so slow in learning the duties of
his position that his employer was not satisfled. He then went
to Eau Claire and worked for a man who was writing a set of ab
stract books, making up the titles of land. He had only to -write
what was dictated, and in this way suited the employer who did
not want a m.an who could learn about the business itself. After
this he worked for three years in a real estate office at a fair sal
ary. In 1875 he made a set of indexes of the land records of the
county, and afterward engaged in looking over wild timber land
and dealing in real estate. This has been his occupation up to the
year 1910, when he was elected to the office of Councilman of the
City of Eau Claire, under the commission form of government,
his first public office. In business he had been fairly successful.

336 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
giving his two sons a much better start in life than he had for
himself, and laying up all he thinks he will need for the future.
Although he has always suffered from his wounds, he has never
regretted his experience in the Indian War, and would be glad if
he had more hardships, dangers and adventures to look back to.
He is now (191 1) sixty -six years of age, and has never been
sick, although he has never tried to avoid exposure. He has
always enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping in a -wUd country,
can still walk all day, carry a heavy pack and camp alone in the
woods in any weather, except the very coldest. Although he
never tries to keep dry in the woods, he has never taken cold from
being wet, nor suffered from rheumatism, lameness or disability
of any kind except from his wounds. He is somewhat above the
medium size, fairly strong and of wonderful endurance, and at
this time if it were necessary, would not hesitate to swim a river
of ice cold water.
He believes that his great endurance and freedom from sick
ness is largely due to the fact that he has always lived as near to
nature as possible, cultivated every element of strength and en
durance, and has never weakened his powers or perverted his
faculties by the use of drugs, tobacco or stimulants of any kind.
He has enjoyed the work of .surveying and examining land in a
wild country, and his best recreation is in camping, hunting or
fishing, entirely away from all signs of civUization. Although
he has friends among all classes of people, he has never cared for
society, as the term is u,sually understood. His dealings have
been mostly with the poorer people of the frontier, and he sees
the world largely from their standpoint. When he meets them,
they are at once his friends and he would quit the company of a
college professor to talk with a baclcwood's hunter or land looker,
an Indian or a half-breed.
The author feels justified in publishing the foregoing sketch
of the life of Robert K. Boyd from the fact that his advice and
assistance have been of great benefit in the preparation of this
work. It is hoped that his name will be honored not only by his
own kindred, but by the descendants of every branch of the Boyd
Family as one who is 'well worthy of the name he bears.

CHAPTER III
History of the Boyds of Middletown, N. Y.
(i) — Robert Boyd, whose birthplace is unkno-wn, is supposed
to have been bom in Scotland or Ireland. It is known that he
came from the north of Ireland to Philadelphia, Pa., before the
Revolutionary War. From there he went to Washington County,
N. Y., and at the latter place lost his wife and all his children,
except one daughter (who married Aaron McNeal). In 1776 or
1777 he removed to Little Britain, Orange County, N. Y., where
he married Sarah Hunter, -widow of Robert Hunter, who was a
Miss Lyons before her first marriage. He died in 1786, leaving
two CHILDREN
(2) — John, (3) — Alexander.
Generation Second
(2) — ^John Boyd the eldest son of Robert and Sarah (Hunter)
Boyd, was bom at New Windsor, Orange County, N. Y., in 1779;
died in New York City in i8i4or 1815, leaving a -widow and four
chUdren, whose names were Alexander, George W., Clara and
Eliza Jane. Alexander was a barber and George a physician.
Both died unmarried. Clara married a Doors (Dawes). She
left two chUdren. Her famUy were noted for personal beauty.
Nothing has been leamed of the children, and it is presumed this
famUy has become extinct. No record of EHza Jane.
(3) — Alexander Boyd the second son of Robert and Sarah
(Hunter) Boyd, was bom at Little Britain, Orange County, N. Y.,
[337I

338 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
May IO, 1782; married Mary Seybolt at Mount Hope, Orange
County, N. Y. in 1806; died at Hamptonburgh, Orange County,
N. Y., December 29, 1869.
Alexander's birthplace was about six miles from the village
cf New Windsor. His mother married for her third husband
Thomas Marshall of the town of Minisink, Orange County, N. Y.,
and Alexander accompanied his mother to that place. His step
father had purchased a farm of Judge Wickham in 1796 for twenty
shiUings an acre. After staying there a short time, Alexander
retumed to Little Britain and lived with David McCutcheon,
later he went to Salem, Washington County, N. Y., and made
his home with Aaron McNeal, who had married his half-sister,
and commenced to leam the wheel-wright trade. About this
time he had the pleasure of hearing Dr. Alexander Proudfit preach,
for whom he cherished a high regard ever afterward. From Salem
he went to a place then called Nine Pardners, Dutchess County,
N. Y., to complete his trade. He did not stay here long, going
to Deerpark, Orange County, N. Y., where he finished leaming
his trade with Abraham Taylor. At the end of three years he
took up his residence with John Seybert (evidently John Sey
bolt) , a year later went to New York, where he worked at 'his trade
for six months, came back and made his home -with Frederick
Seybolt for three years, turning and making wheels. Here in
the summer of 1806 he married Mary, a daughter of the above
gentleman, and in April, 1807, moved to Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y,, buying a farm of sixty-one acres from Benjamin Youngs,
paying at the rate of fifteen dollars per acre. He had at this time
about $500. He paid $300 at the signing of the contract, and
agreed to pay $200 a year until all should be paid. He then
added forty acres purchased of his step-father, and twelve acres
bought of George Cook, and a wood-lot from Gen. Wickham^.
In 1823 he sold the whole tract to Erie Coleman, for less than
$4,000, and the same year bought a farm in Hamptonburgh,
Orange County, N. Y,, at the rate of $37.50 per acre. Here he
resided until his death in 1869.
Alexander was awakened to the importance of religion by
seeing Daniel Still die. For weeks he was greatly excited.

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 339
"Though your sins be as scarlet," etc., rang continually in his
mind and would not let him rest until he had settled the question
of a personal profession of religion. He joined the Presbyterian
Church at Westtown, some mUes distant from his home in 1809,
and was soon elected and ordained an elder. Later he transferred
his membership to the church at Ridgebury, because it was nearer.
Upon his removal to Hamptonburgh, he was made an elder
there, and to the close of his life forty -six years later, was a ruling
elder and an active and infiuential Christian. He was buried at
Neelyto-wn in the vicinity. His funeral services were conducted
by his pastor. Rev. S. C. Hepburn, who took for his text Job v.,
26: "Thou shalt come to they grave in a full age, like a shock of
com cometh in its season." CHILDREN
(4)— Keturah A. (5)— Sarah J. (6)— Frederick S. (7)—
John N. (8) — Abigal E. (9) — David R. (10) — Mary M.
(11) — Charlotte A. (12) — ^Alexander P. (13) — George H.
Generation Third
(4) — Keturah Ann Boyd the oldest daughter of Alexander
and Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was born at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., May, 1807; married Gabriel Horton at the same place
March 8, 1828; died at Middleto-wn, Orange County, N. Y., in
1871, leaving one son, Charles H. She was a widow many years.
CHILDREN
(14) — Charles H. Horton.
(5) — Sarah Jane Boyd the second daughter of Alexander and
Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was born at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., August 13, 1809; married Ahial Decker, January 4, 1832;
died February 19, 1895. Mr. Decker died November 10, 1889.
For twenty-five years of their married life, .they farmed it
near Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y., then came to Hamp
tonburgh, and the last years of their lives owned a farm and occu
pied it near Walden, Orange County, N. Y., within sight of the
Post Office known as AUard's Corners, N. Y. Their family con
sisted of nine children.

340 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
CHILDREN
(15)— Marietta. (16)— B. Franklin. (17)— Gabriel H. (18)
— Alexander B. (19) — James A. (20) — David H. (21) — Ahial.
(22) — Sarah A. (23) — A. Amelia.
(6) — Frederick Seybolt Boyd the oldest son of Alexander
and Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., November 30, 1811 ; married Joanna Jackson at New York
City, January 8, 1835; died March 3, 1896.
Frederick's married life was spent in New York. He was a
man of fine appearance and commanding presence. He earned
the title of Colonel for activity as a volunteer during the riots.
Two children, Mary Anna and Louise Fredericka, survived their
parents. CHILDREN
(24) — George Frederick. (25) — Mary Anna. (26) — Ellen
Bartolette. (27) — Louise Fredericka. (28) — Josephine.
(29) — Charles Horton,
(7) — John Newton Boyd, second son of Alexander and Mar}'
(Seybolt) Boyd, was born at Minisink, Orange County, N. Y.,
July 19, 1 814; married Mary Jane Millspaugh at Scotchto-wn,
same county, November 18, 1840; died at Circleville, same county,
April 14, 1874.
John Newton Boyd early entertained eamest religious con
victions, and determined to study for the ministry. He prepared
for college at Montgomery Academy, entered the Junior Class
at Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., in 1835; graduated two
years later with honor, and as a member of the Phi Beta Kappa
.Society; was graduated from the Theological Seminary, in 1840,
and soon thereafter ordained to the ministry by the Presbytery
of Hudson. He was married in the fall of that year, and accepted
a call to Hempstead, Rockland County, N. Y. While residing
there the Asiatic cholera raged with great fatality in New York
City and Hempstead, thirty miles distant, did not escape its
ravages. The epidemic attacked a family across the street from
the parsonage, and almost every case proved fatal. Notwith
standing the risk, and the fright of the community, Mr. Boyd

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 341
fearlessly attended the stricken family alone. He came through
the ordeal unharmed. After eleven years of successful labor in
this field he resigned and took up his abode in Middletown.
About this time there was a moveinent inaugurated to found a
Presbyterian Church of the Old School faith, the church then of
that denomination belonging to the New School branch. To
this new society Rev. Mr. Boyd preached; the services being held
in Gothic Hall. From this new organization has sprung the
Westminster Presbyertian Church of Middleto-wn, a strong and
prosperous society. In June, 1852, he accepted a call to Liberty,
N. Y., in 1858 accepted a call to the church at White Deer, Ly
coming County, Pa., and in November, 1867, accepted a call to
Circle-vUle, Orange County, N. Y., to be near his relatives and
those of his wife. Two years later heart disease developed, but
he .struggled hard to maintain his place in the pulpit until he
should complete thirty years in the ministry, which he did in 1870
when he resigned. He built him a house at Circleville, died there,
and there he was buried.
John Ne-wton Boyd was a remarkable man. Like all others
of his famUy he was of a cheerful nature, enjoyed a joke, laughed
-with appropriate jesture, and enjoyed the companionship of
friends. Gifted -with fine social qualities he was always popular
with the people, whether they attended his church or not. He
was a financier, settling the estate of his brother-in-law, Gabriel
Horton, of which he was executor, -with remarkable abUity. His
salary was always moderate, yet he accumulated a moderate
competence with which to educate his children, and always left
a congregation better off financially than when he assumed the
pastorate. He was eamest and practical in his chosen calling,
as shown by the large number of conversions which everywhere
attended his ministry.
His widow survived him many years. Mary Jane Mills
paugh was born January 10, 1816. Her whole Hfe was one of
unselfishness and devotion to others. Of devout religious par
ents she continually lived in the fear of the Lord, as free from sin
as any human life could be. Her influence was manifested in
her children and grand-children, and by them she was idolized.

342 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
In her nineties she occupied a dentist's chair for the pre
servation of her teeth. Her faculties were unimpaired to the
last and up to her final illness she read evenings. Notwithstand
ing her many earlier sicknesses, the closing years of her life were
marked by physical and mental vigor. On January 14, 1908,
the blessed soul was called to its reward. Ninety-two years and
four days were her appointed time on earth, and although her whole
life was a testimony to God, evidenced a fear to meet her Maker.
In these later days of modem ideas and new beliefs regarding
salvation, we may leam the lesson of a just God from her long
life and following her example can press forward without a doubt
towards a full and free redemption through the blood of the Lamb.
Her earthly body lies beside that of her companion in the Circle
ville Presbyterian cemetery near the church they both loves so
well. CHILDREN
(30)— Samuel M. (31)— Mary S.
(8) — Abigail Eliza Boyd, third daughter of Alexander and
Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., September 19, 1816; married Nelson Crist at Hampton
burgh, same county, March 29, 1843; died September, 1858.
CHILDREN
(32) — Theodore.
(9) — David Robinson Boyd, third son of Alexander and Mary
(Seybolt) Boyd, was born at Minisink, Orange County, N. Y.,
June, 1819; married Frances Amelia Jackson at Middletown,
same county, October 8, 1844; died at same place May 4, 1881.
The following cHpping is from the Middleto-wn DaUy Press,
published by his son and his partner, John W. Slauson:
"The subject of this sketch died at the residence of his
brother-in-law, Wm. Stewart, in this place, Wednesday evening,
of heart disease, aged sixty-one years. The deceased, who has
resided in New York for a number of years, came to this -village
about three weeks ago, suffering from an affection of the heart,
but was not considered dangerously ill. He died very suddenly.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 343
"Mr. Boyd was bom in the to-wn of Minisink, in the year
1 819, and removed with his family to the town of Hamptonburgh
shortly after his birth, in which town he spent his early days.
His vocation was that of a druggist, a business he followed through
out life -with the exception of a few years spent in mining opera
tions in California. Of late years he has been a drug broker in
New York. He was a man of very genial disposition, quiet and
unobtrusive, but always cheerful and companionable." His wife
died in 1895. CHILDREN
(33)— Charles J.
(10) — Mary MatUda Boyd, fourth daughter of Alexander
and Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., Febmary 22, 182 1. To the sorrow of her family she be
came insane in 1847, and was committed to the Insane Asylum
at Brattleboro, Vermont, where she died at an advanced age.
(11) — Charlotte Amanda Boyd, fifth daughter of Alexander
and Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., July 9, 1823; married John J. Green at Hamptonburgh,
same county, September 15, 1847; died August 25, 1910. Her
married life was spent on a farm at Hempstead, Rockland County,
N.Y. CHILDREN
(34) — Charles H. (35) — George B.
(12) — ^Alexander Proudfit Boyd, fourth son of Alexander and
Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,,
N. Y., September 30, 1825; married Mattie Chapman in Cali
fornia, March 28, 1876; died at HolHster, Gal., April 5, 1896.
CHILDREN
(36) — Grace Nelson.
(13) — George Horton Boyd, yotmgest son of Alexander and
Mary (Seybolt) Boyd, was bom at Minisink, Orange County,
N. Y., June 29, 1829; married Augusta A. Gurnee at Hampton
burgh, same county, October 21, 1858. Living on a farm in the
same town, near the Post Office named Crystal Run, with his
good wife, the neighborhood being known as Mount Joy. This

344 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
hill must have been named in anticipation of "Uncle George"
locating here, as he is so full of humor and happiness as to create
sunshine in the darkest hour. Optimistic to the highest degree
a wealthy resident of Middletown was heard to remark that he
would give all his wealth to possess such a nature. He is a fa
miliar figure on the streets of Middletown. He is the last of his
generation. CHILDREN
(37)— Hattie G. Generation Fourth
(14) — Charles H. Horton, only child of Gabriel and Keturah
Ann (Boyd) Horton, was born at Minisink, Orange County, N.Y.,
April 4, 1832; married Hannah Wheeler in Middleto-wn, same
county, February 20, 1858; died in London, England, March
28, 1908. CHILDREN
(38)— Gabriel W.
(15) — Marietta Decker, oldest daughter of Ahial and Sarah
Jane (Boyd) Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan County,
N. Y,, November 4, 1832 ; died at the same place October 21, 1846.
(16) — B. Franklin Decker, oldest son of Ahial and Sarah
Jane (Boyd) Decker, was bom at MonticeUo, SuUivan County,
N. Y., August 29, 1834; married Mary King at Chester, Orange
County, N. Y., February 24, 1870; died at Campbell Hall, same
county, where he was following the mercantUe business. May 10,
1881. Franklin was a gallant volunteer in the Civil War of 1861.
His death was the result of pneumonia,
CHILDREN
(39) — Howard L. (40) — Emma J. (41) — Frances A,
(17) — Gabriel Horton Decker, second son of Ahial and Sarah
Jane (Boyd) Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan County,
N. Y., June 23, 1836; died at same place from heart disease May
IS, 1853- (18) — Alexander Boyd Decker, third son of Ahial and Sarah
Jane (Bo)'d) Decker, was born at Monticello, Sullivan County,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 345
N. Y., May i, 1838; married Emma K. Fisher at Atchison, Kan.,
February 2, 187 1; died August 27, 1910. Left no children.
(19) — James Adams Decker, fourth son of Ahial and Sarah
Jane (Boyd) Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan County,
N. Y., March 29, 1840; married Fannie M. Howell at Florida,
Orange County, N. Y., October 22, 1879.
He was an honorable soldier in the Ci-vil War. Is now a
prosperous banker at Menomonie, Wis.
CHILDREN
(42) — Max Howell. (43) — Delia. (44) — Fannie Masters.
(20) — Da-vid H. Decker, fifth son of Ahial and Sarah Jane
(Boyd) Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y.,
January 23, 1842; married Martha E. McLean at Nichols, Tioga
County, N. Y., October 20, 1875. They have no children.
He resides at Waupaca, Wis., and is a physician, also editor
of one of the newspapers of that place,
(21) — ^Ahial Decker, sixth son of Ahial and Sarah Jane (Boyd)
Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan County, N. Y., April
23, 1844; unmarried.
(22) — Sarah Amanda Decker, second daughter of Ahial and
Sarah Jane (Boyd) Decker, was born at Monticello, Sullivan
County, N. Y., February 12, 1847; died at Campbell Hall, Orange
County, October 30, 1863.
(23) — ^Anna Amelia Decker, youngest daughter of Ahial and
Sarah Jane (Boyd) Decker, was bom at Monticello, Sullivan
County, N. Y., September 16, 1849; married William V. Vail at
Montomery, Orange County, N. Y., October 19, 1895. Resides
at Montgomery. They have no children.
(24) — George Frederick Boyd, eldest son of Frederick S,
and Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York Git}'- 
 ; died in infancy.
(25) — Mary Anna Boyd, eldest daughter of Frederick S.
and Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York City

married James Barber, of Englewood, N. J., August 10,
1863. After the death of her husband she removed to New York.
(26) — EUen Bartolette Boyd, second daughter of Frederick

346 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
S. and Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York City —
 ; died in infancy.
(27) — Louise Fredericka Boyd, third daughter of Frederick
S. and Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York City —
 ; married Samuel Millspaugh Boyd, April 15, 1890.
She alternates her residence between Middletown and New York
City. She has no children of her own, but has been very gracious
to her step-children.
(28) — Josephine Boyd, youngest daughter of Frederick S.
and Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York City 
 ; died in infancy.
(29) — Charles Horton Boyd, younger son of Frederick S. and
Joanna (Jackson) Boyd, was bom in New York City  ;
died in infancy.
(30) — Samuel Millspaugh Boyd, only son of Rev. John N.
and Mary Jane (Millspaugh) Boyd, was born at Hempstead,
Rockland County, N. Y., November 16, 1841; married Mary
0. Irwin at Middletown, Orange County, N. Y., December 18,
1867; second Louise Fredericka Boyd April 15, 1890; died July
12, 1902, suddenly of rheumatism of the heart. Buried at Wood-
lawn Cemetery, N. Y., Plot No. 2143, grave 9.
Samuel, at the age of ten, was sent to the Rockland Institute
at Nyack, N. Y., there being no school in the vicinity of his home.
Eight months later he contracted scarlet fever and was obliged
to return home, his sister and many of the neighbors also taking
the disease. In the Providence of God none died. Accompanying
his parents to Liberty, he attended for several years the Normal
Institute at that place; at the age of fifteen he was clerking in the
general store of Clement & Messiter. Going with his parents to
Deer Valley, Pa., and here commenced the study of Latin and
Greek under the teachings of Rev. W. W. Howard, principal of
the Academy at Jersey Shore, Pa. In August, i860, he entered
the Freshman Class in the CoUege of New Jersey, located at
Princeton. He joined the "American Whig Society." At the
end of his Junior year he was chosen Junior Orator for the Annual
Comir.encemient. He graduated with honor in 1864. Leaving
college he accepted an invitation to make his home with a cousin

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 347
residing in Middletown, N. Y., where he began the study of law
with the late Charles C. McQuoid, was admitted to the bar in
1866, and began the practice of law at that place.
Samuel M. Boyd, having an aptitude and taste for editorial
work, his father-in-law, a man of means, purchased a half interest
in the Middletown Mercury, a weekly newspaper of excellent
standing upholding the doctrines of the Democratic party, and
Samuel became the editor, giving up the law. In the spring of
1868, the other half-interest was bought. Samuel was happy
and contented in this vocation and built the paper up to one
of great influence. Unfortunately, in the spring of 187 1, his
father-in-law became flnancially embarrassed and to help him
Samuel sold the paper and gave his father-in-law half the
proceeds. Samuel had invented in 1870 a system by which he supplied
other newspapers with ready-set reading matter from stereotype
plates. These met with great favor. This was the beginning of
the business which has now grown to such large outputs by the
Am.erican Press Association and other large houses. The sub
ject of this sketch has the honor of being the founder of this
enterprise. In March, 1890, he was elected Mayor of Middletown, being
the first Mayor to be elected by the people after the village be
came a city. The city was supposed to be good for 500 majority
in those days for the Republicans, His majortiy was over 200.
His record as Mayor was creditable, and being a forceful and con
vincing speaker, he was frequently called upon to address public
and political meetings.
As Master of Hoffman Lodge, No. 412, Free and Accepted
Masons, his proficiency and courtesy was best acknowledged by
repeated re-elections. To this day the Masons of Middleto-wn
refer to his administrations with pride and admiration. His
well-worn Ritual and Past-Master's jewel, as well as an elegant
chair presented to him by the Lodge, are cherished possessions of
his family. He possessed the Boyd humor and his company was
always welcome.-

348 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
CHILDREN
(49) — AHce Anna. (50) — ^John Irwin. (51) — Irwin H.
(52) — Frederick N.
(31) — Mary Seybolt Boyd, only daughter of Rev. John N.
and Mary Jane (Millspaugh) Boyd, was bom at Hempstead,
Rockland County, N. Y., July 15, 1850; married Dwight Wayne
Berry March 16, 1882; his death occurred November 14, 1897;
married William Wirt Bailey November 21, 1908.
Mr. Berry was elected Mayor of Middletown in March,
1896, and died in office. Mr. Bailey was a friend of her girlhood
days. They reside in Middletown, N. Y. There were no chU
dren born by either marriage. She reflects the goodness of her
noble parents.
Mary Ann Boyd, oldest daughter of Frederick S. and Joanna
(Jackson) Boyd, was born in New York City; married James
Barber at Englewood, N, J., Aug. 10, 1863; after the death of
her husband she removed to New York City.
CHILDREN
(45) — Lillian. (46) — Frederick. (47) — Josephine. (48) —
William. (32) — Theodore Jackson Crist, only child of Nelson and
Abigal Eliza (Boyd), was bom at Hamptonburgh, Orange County,
N. Y,, April 22, 1844; married Cecelia J. Mapes February 4, 1869.
He resides at Goshen, N. Y. CHILDREN
(S3)— Mary B. (54)— Grant. (55)— Clara L. (56)— George
W. (57)— Abigail B. (58)— Sarah M, (59)— Raymond H.
(33) — Charles Jackson Boyd, only child of David R. and
Frances A. (Jackson) Boyd, was born in the City of New York
February 19, 1847; married Mary E. Conkling June 11, 1873.
Charles J. at the age of fifteen entered the office of the Whig
Press at Middletown-, Orange County, and served an apprentice
ship of four years; afterward he graduated from Wallkill Academy,
and then from Eastman's Business College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y.
He then clerked it in an insurance office in Newburgh, N. Y.
Returning to Middletown he became a partner in the insurance

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 349
firm of Selah R. Corwin & Co. In the month of December, x88o,
he purchased an interest in the Middleto-wn Daily and Semi-
Weekly Press, and put in twenty-five years in editorial pursuits.
He sold his newspaper interest in February, 1906, and is now en
gaged again in the insurance business.
He has long been one of Middletown's leading citizens. As
editor his forceful pen often shaped the policies of his party and
city. Republican in politics, he served the vUlage of Middle-
town as VUlage Clerk for seven years, and later represented his
ward in the Orange County Board of Supervisors for seventeen
years, being Chairman of the Board of 1892, 1894 and 1895. He
was named without his knowledge by Gov. Morton to a place on
the newly consitituted State Commission of Prisons, serving six
years. He was an intimiate friend of Hon. Thomas C. Piatt for
many years.
His long service in Civic affairs has miade him an encyclopedia
on County and Murucipal govemment. His appointment as a
Republican by a Democratic Mayor to the Board of Water Com
missioners of his city in 1910, best shows his worth as regards
Civic Affairs. CHILDREN
(60)— Ada S. (61)— Helen A.
(34) — Charles H. Green, elder son of John J. and Charlotte
Amanda (Boyd) Green, was bom at Pomona, N. Y., September
19,-1849; married EUa Jones January 7, 1874; died June 23, 1907.
CHILDREN
(62) — Charles. (63) — Emma E.
(35) — George Boyd Green, younger son of John J. and Char
lotte Amanda (Boyd) Green, was born at Pomona, N. Y., June
30, 1865; married- Nellie Gesner August 16, 1898. Now resides
at Pomona, N. Y. CHILDREN
(64)— Charlotte A.
(36) — Grace Nelson Boyd, only chUd of Alexander P. and
Mattie (Chapman) Boyd, was bom at HolHster, CaHfomia, Feb
ruary 2, 1877.

350 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
(37) — Hattie Gurnee Boyd, only child of George H. and Au
gusta A. (Gurnee) Boyd, was born at Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., June 2, 1864; married Homer Maxwell Green, March 9, 1898.
CHILDREN
(65)— Harriet A. (66)— Helen G.
Generation Fifth
(38) — Gabriel Wheeler Horton, only child of Charles H. and
Hannah (Wheeler) Horton, was born at Middleto-wn, Orange
County, N. Y., March 26, 1859; married Marion B. G. Clark
December 2, 1888. Resides in London, Eng.
children
(67)— Hannah W.
(39) — Howard Lincoln Decker, only son of B. Franklin and
Mary L. (King) Decker, was born at Campbell Hall, Orange Coun
ty, N. Y., June 21, 1864; died January — , 1908.
(40) — Emma Jane Decker, oldest daughter of B. Franklin
and Mary L. (King) Decker, was born at Campbell Hall, Orange
County, N. Y., July 10, 1874; married Melvin R. Wilkin April
7, 1897; died June 24, 1903. No children.
(41) — Frances Amelia Decker, youngest daughter of B.
Franklin and Mary L. (King) Decker, was bom at Chester,
Orange County, N, Y., August 17, 1881; married Alfred Roe
April 3, 1902. children
(68) — Alfred Russel. (69) — Francis Jesse.
(42) — Max Howell Decker, only son of James Adams and
Fannie M. (Howell) Decker, was bom at Nenomonie, Wis., Janu
ary 2, 1883. Resides at Chicago, IU., unmarried.
(43) — Delia Decker, elder daughter of James Adams and
Fannie M. (Howell) Decker, was born at Menomonie, Wis., June
28, 1888. Teaching at Hudson, Wis., unmarried.
(44) — Fannie Masters Decker, younger daughter of James
Adams and Fannie M. (Howell) Decker, was born at Menomonie,
Wis., April I, 1895.

history of the BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCEND.^NTS 351
(45) — LUHan Barber, elder daughter of James and Mary
Anna (Boyd) Barber, was born at New York,  , i8 — ;
married William Taylor June 6, 1893. No chUdren.
(46) — Frederick Barber, elder son of James and Mary Anna
(Boyd) Barber, was bom at New York  , 18 — ; died
December 12, 1905.
(47) — Josephine Barber, younger daughter of James and
Mary Anna (Boyd) Barber, was bom at New York  ;
married Norman Hall November 26, 1907; one child named
Norman Barber Hall, bom at Williamsport, Pa., March 15, 191 2.
(48) — William Barber, younger son of James and Mary Anna
(Boyd) Barber, was born at New York  ; married Star-
ella Starit December 29, 1896; one child.
(70) — Dorothy.
(49) — Alice Anna Boyd, only daughter of Samuel M. and
Mary 0. (Ir-win) Boyd, was born at Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., August 8, 1868; died September 3, 1868.
(50) — John Irwin Boyd, oldest son of Samuel M. and Mary
O. (Irwin) Boyd, was bom at Middletown, Orange County, N.Y.,
August 8, 1868; died August 23, 1868.
CHILDREN
(51) — Irwin Horton Boyd, second son of Samuel M. and
Mary 0. (Irwin) Boyd, was bom at Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., March 26, 1870; married S. Elizabeth Smith at Goshen,
N. Y., June 21, 1898. No children.
Irwin is medical Examiner for the Pennsylvania Railroad
and resides at Oil City, Pa. His religious ancestry is manifested
by his prominence in church and Y. M. C. A. work.
(52) — Frederick Newton Boyd, third son of Samuel M. and
Mary 0. (Irwin) Boyd, was bom at Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., April 3, 1872; married Grace C. Adams at Middletown,
N. Y., September 5, 1895.
Frederick is connected with the Middletown Savings Bank.
For many years he held a confidential position with the late
E. H. Harriman, railroad magnate, having charge of the Union
Pacific interests.

352 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
CHILDREN
(71) — George A.
(53) — Mary Belle Crist, eldest daughter of Theodore and
Cecelia (Mapes) Crist, was born November 18, 1869; married
Frank M. Cox, of Middletown, April 26, 1893; died July 10, 1898.
CHILDREN
(72) — Marion. (73) — Herbert.
(54) — Grant Crist, eldest son of Theodore and Cecelia
(Mapes) Crist, was born April 6, 1871; died December 21, 1875.
(55) — Clara Louise Crist, second daughter of Theodore and
Cecelia (Mapes) Crist, was born March 11, 1873; married William
L. Dickerson June 30, 1908, Resides in Middletown, N. Y.
CHILDREN
(74) — Louise.
(56) — George Washington Crist, second son of Theodore and
Cecelia (Mapes) Crist, was born February 22, 1875; married
Sarah A. Hewitt June 23, 1909. CHII DREN
(75)- Edith.
(57) — ^Abigail Bo.yd Crist, youngest daughter of Theodore
and CeceHa (Mapes) Crist, was bom April 23, 1877; not
married. (58) — Frank Mapes Crist, third son of Theodore J. and Ce
celia (Mapes) Crist, was bom July 21, 1879; married Emilie B.
Mortimer September 27, 1905. CHILDREN
(76)— Clifford Crist. (77)— Beatrice C.
(59) — Raymond Horton Crist, youngest .son of Theodore J.
and Cecelia (Mapes) Crist, was born May 21, 1884; not married.
(60) — Ada Stewart Boyd, elder daughter of Charles J. and
Mary E. (ConkHng) Boyd, was bom at Middletown, Orange
County, N. Y., January 21, 1880; married Charles A. Ljmian at
same place November 7, 1906.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 353
CHILDREN
(78)— Ruth Isabelle.
(61) — Helen Ames Boyd, younger daughter of Charles J. and
Mary E. (Conkling) Boyd, was bom at Middletown, Orange
County, N. Y., December 9, 1891.
(62) — Charles Green, only son of Charles H. and Ella (Jones)
Green, was bom July 5, 1876; died July 31, 1899.
(63) — Emma E. Green, elder daughter of Charles H. and
Ella (Jones) Green, was bom October 18, 1874; died January 29,
1876. (64) — Charlotte A. Green, oiUy child of George and Nellie
(Gesner) Green, was bom July 8, 1899; died August 8, 1899.
(65) — Harriet Augusta Boyd Green, elder daughter of Homer
MaxweU and Hattie Gurnee (Boyd) Green, was born March 31,
1902. (66) — Helen Gurnee Green, ypunger daughter of Homer
MaxweU and Hattie Gurnee (Boyd) Green, was bom November
20, 1904. Generation Sixth
(67) — Hannah Wheeler Horton, only child of Gabriel Wheeler
and Marion B. G. (Clark) Horton, was bom December 29, 1889.
(68) — ^Alfred Russel Roe, eldest son of Alfred Roe and
Frances (Decker) Roe, was bom January 31, 1905.
(69) — Francis Jesse Roe, youngest son of Alfred and Frances
(Decker) Roe, was bom October 23, 1909.
(70) — Dorothy Barber,  daughter of William and
Starella (Strait) Barber, was bom July 16, 1899.
. (71) — George Adams Boyd, only child of Frederick N. and
Grace C. (Adams) Boyd, was born at Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., October 4, 1898.
George is the last male child in direct descent, and upon him
rests the responsibility of the perpetuation of this branch of the
Boyd FamUy. '
(72) — Marion Cox, only daughter of Frank M. and Mary
Belle (Crist) Cox, was born ar Middletown, Orange County,
N. Y., January 25, 1894; died July 3, 1898.

354 history qf the boyd family and its descendants
(73)^ — Herbert Cox, orUy son of Frank M. and Mary Belle
(Crist) Cox, was bom at Middleto-wn, Orange County, N. Y.,
August 28, 1895; died July 7, 1898.
(74) — Louise Dickerson, only child of WiUiam L. and Clara
Louise (Crist) Dickerson, was bom at Montgomery, Orange
County, N. Y., July i, 1909.
(75) — Edith Crist, only child of George W. and Sarah A.
(Hewitt) Crist, was bom at ¦  , May 10, 1910.
(76) — CHfford Crist, only son of Frank M. and Emilie B.
(Mortimer) Crist, was bom at ¦  — , August 5, 1906.
(77) — Beatrice Cecelia Crist, only daughter of Frank M. and
Emilie B. (Mortimer) Crist, was bom at  , December
26, 1909. (78) — Ruth Isabelle L5m:ian,  daughter of Charles A.
and Ada S. (Boyd) Lyman, was bom at Middletown, Orange
County, N. Y., October 16, 1908.

CHAPTER IV
Boyds of New Windsor, New York
While I was engaged in 1881 compiling a Genealogical
History of my branch of the Boyd family from the records I had
in my possession, I became confused, perplexed and disappointed
in tracing the early history of my ancestors and their emigration
to the United States, and more so of the two brothers of Ebenezer
(which tradition had given) of settling in Albany and Orange
-County, New York, the history of whom I was unable to obtain.
I wrote to Mr. StUlman Boyd of Jefferson Valley, being then one
of the oldest members of our branch and always having resided
near the former home of our ancestor (Ebenezer Boyd of Kent,
New York), if he could not enlighten us upon this subject. He
being unable to do so, made me a reply by sending me the following
letter he had received a few years previous from a descendant of
the above family as follows :
StiUman Boyd, Esq.:
Dear Sir: — A History of Putnam County, by WUliam J.
Blake, Esq., has accidentally fallen into my hands, in which it
is stated that your family emigrated from Scotland, during the
rebellion of the partizans of the "Stewart Dynastic" of 1745, and
that there were three .brothers, one of them settled at Albany and
was known as General Boyd. Another settled in the lower part
of Westchester County and was grandfather of the Boyds of
Kent, New York. The third settled at New Windsor, Orange
County, New York, and was ancestor of the Boyd family in that
county. [355]

356 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
This statement interested me by reason of its connection
with my own family history, which I have by tradition as
follows :
Samuel Boyd emigrated from County Down, northern part
of Ireland, to the city of New York, early in the last century,
where he lived and died an old bachelor, leaving a large estate.
About 1750, his three brothers, Robert, James and Nathaniel,
came over and settled in Little Britain, in the township of New
Windsor, New York. Robert had a son Robert, who owned the
old iron works near the mouth of the creek, between Newburg
and New Windsor Landing. He was a Major in the Revolution,
and afterwards removed to the city of New York, and inherited
the estate of Samuel and left six sons: Samuel, Robert,
John, Elias, Nathaniel and George. James, the third brother,
was my great-grandfather. His family Bible, brought into
Belfast, August 9, 1757, gives a record of his children. The sons
were Samuel and Robert by his first wife, and James, David and
Nathaniel by the second. Most of them remained in New
Windsor and vicinity. He died in 1801, and was buried in Little
Britain church yard. His only son, James, removed to this place,
about 1794, died here in 1849, aged seventy-eight, leaving John
(myself), Samuel of Brooklyn, New York, and Louis of this
place. The fourth brother — Nathaniel, had sixteen children whose
descendants are many in America and Poughkeepsie, New York.
I have taken some pains in investigating the genealogy of our
family, and have been perplexed with finding names of Boyds on
gravestones at Little Britain and Newburg and in the Surrogate
records, whieh I could not trace to any stock of which I had
any knowledge. The statement referred to in the history of
Putnam County, explains in some measure what I could not
before understand. I now -write you "Sir" as one of the persons
named, now living in the County of Kent, to inquire whether
you or any of your connection can give me a more detailed out
line of your family and particulars of the Orange County branch,
and was there any relationship, kno-wn to exist, between the two
families, for yours are stated to have come directly from Scotland.

HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 357
Ours came from the North of Ireland, but were of Scotch lineage,
and had retained their connection with Scotland by their marriage
there. If any of your connection is posted upon the matter of your
genealogy, I would be glad to hear from them about it.
Very respectfully yours,
John Boyd,
Secretary of State of Connecticut.
Upon the receipt of the above letter from our cousin, I became
anxious to learn whom the writer was and more in regard to his
family that seemed to be so near connected to my o-wn. After
writing several letters and nearly nine months of time rolled away,
and about to give up all hopes of hearing from him, I received
a letter from his daughter. Miss Ellen W. Boyd of Albany, New
York, stating her father had been called to his etemal home on the
first day of December, 1881, three days before my last letter had
reached them. From this time on Miss Boyd kindly aided me
in giving what information she was able to give, and our associa
tions between the two families living so near each other have
given the impression that they were closely connected. Tradition
says the Kent branch (my o-wn) came over in the year of 1745,
theirs in 1750. Yet each may vary a few years and they may all
have come together.

Historical Part

The history of this family in the "Old World" to our knowl
edge is very limited. Through the kindness of Miss Ellen W.
Boyd and to Mr. Francis Boyd of Boston, Massachusetts, who
allowed me the perusal of correspondence between him and Mr.
John Boyd through the year of 1856 and 1857 while writing my
first edition of the Bo/d family in 1884, and to Mrs. Julia B.
Ward, Pleasant Valley, New York, and to Mr. N. T. Boyd, Warp-
pinger Falls, New York, the latter having taken a deep interest in
compiling records and sending them to me in the Fall of 1908,

358 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
of his grandfather Nathaniel Boyd's descendants, shows that the
knowledge of the early history of their family of Boyds is very
perplexing. This family went from Scotland to the northern part of
Ireland in the latter part of the seventeenth or the fore part of
the eighteenth century and settled in the County of Down. The
name of the ancestor who left his native land and went hither is
not known to the present generation. But, to the present genera
tions of descendants of the family, it is known to consist of four
brothers and one sister, whose names were Samuel, Robert, James,
Nathaniel and Mary. Samuel the oldest, came over to New York
city early in the eighteenth century, and finding this country a
free place of rest from the hardships and religious wars of the Old
World, aided and induced his brothers and sister to come here and
settle. They all remained in New York city for a short time,
then went up the Hudson River, and made a permanent home at
New Windsor, Orange County, New York. They were all married,
¦ except Samuel, and had large famUies, which showed them to
have been advanced in years of life. Among these, the descend
ants of Robert seemed to have been the most singular. For says
one correspondent to me, that a few years ago, he tried to trace
out the history of Robert and his descendants. But as soon as
some of them found out that their grandfather was a blacksmith,
it seemed to scandalize them to such extent that they refused to
give any more information on the subject.
The following is a very good descriptive letter of the family by
Mrs. Julia B. Ward, a descendant of Nathaniel Boyd to Mr. John
Boyd, a descendant of Robert Boyd, then living at Winsted,
Connecticut, thus: Pleasant Valley, 1852.
Mr. John Boyd,
Dear Sir: — It is now one year since the death of my father
David Boyd, who died May 10, 185 1. He was the youngest of
his father's family, I have heard him relate in his last years
much of his family history. My brothers and sisters have desig
nated and requested me to acknowledge the receipt of your letter

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 359
of the 19th inst., and to write and give you what little information
we possessed in answer to your inquiries. We much regret you
never have visited our father and learned from him facts which
he had obtained from other relatives to his pedigree, but like
yourself, was unable to trace them to the period of the arrival of
his ancestors in America.
I think he never knew the cause of their leaving their native
land, nor the names of the parents of the five, who came from
Ireland, or the name of the town or city in which they lived. The
family was originally Scottish, and resided in the Southern part
of Scotland (perhaps Ayeshire) but on account of religious per
secutions, they left their homes and found an asylum in County
Down, Ireland, and embarked at Belfast for America.
I never heard my father speak of Samuel or Mary. Prob
ably they did not live long after the arrival of the family in this
country. Robert, James and Nathaniel, I have heard him often
mention,as from whom the family bearing our name had descended.
Among Robert's descendants (beside those you mentioned) was a
physician in New York city, and Geo. Boyd an Episcopal minister
of Philadelphia, and among James' descendants, I have heard him
class yourself and others_, whom I do not remember.
Nathaniel was married in Ireland (as my grandfather John,
who was bom March 24, 1746, was only eight years of age when
he arrived in America). By his first -wife he had Jane, known
afterwards as Jane Butler, who was born in 1744, and whose de
scendants are now living in Ohio.
John, my grandfather lived for sometime in Orange County,
New York. He afterwards removed to Amenia, N. Y., where he
died. Samuel, James and Mary (who married William Bradner) ,
Nathaniel and Martha. By his second wife Martha Monsel (or
Monel) he had Martha (manied a Holman), Jane, Elizabeth,
Nathaniel, Mary (married Tompson and settled in Esopus, New
York, and her children still reside there). Charles, Hannah
(married Alexander), James, Robert W., Alexander, Nathaniel
married for his third wife Jane Johnson, and died at my grand
father's in Little Britain, at an advanced age. John my grand
father had a daughter Mary, who married Barnum. Nathaniel

360 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
a Conrad, Samuel, Margaret who married a Winegar ; John, James,
Elizabeth (married WiUiam Reeder) , Robert, Gilbert and David,
all of whom are now dead, except my uncle Samuel upon whom
you have mentioned of having called. Mr. William Reeder who
married Aunt Elizabeth, is still living at or near Little Britain.
My father never knew as far as I know of any means of trac
ing back his pedigree to the first of their arrival here.
The family ancestors adhered to the articles of faith adopted
by the Presbyterian church, which is a direct proof of their
Scottish origin. It would be gratifying to us to trace our ances
tory back to KUmamock line, if that is our origin and if our rela
tionship to that branch of the family residing in Maine could be
shown satisfactory. We may yet obtain from them the means
of tracing it. I am sorry it is not in my power to give you more
information upon the subject. But, if in your researches, you
should leam anything of interest to us, would confer a great favor
by communicating it. Your letter has aroused in us an interest
we should perhaps have never felt and will lead us to collect what
information we can respecting it. My mother (now the second
wife) Clarissa Lewis, is still li-ving in Poughkeepsie, together with
my brother John G. Boyd, and my sister Mary E. Willsie. I am
now residing with my husband Alson Ward in Pleasant Valley,
New York. I am very respectfully yours,
Julia P. Ward.
Genealogical Part
The ancestors of this branch in the Old Country we have but
little knowledge of. There is no doubt that they went from Scot
land to Ireland about the year of 1700, and settled in the Northern
part of that country and was called Scotch-Seceders. Coming
from the church of Scotland and went there to avoid the persecu
tions of their religious views at home. The record of the family
shows that there were five chUdren, named Samuel, Robert,
James, Nathaniel and Mary, who came to America, and from
them I shall have to give the f oUovring descendants down :

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 361
Samuel Boyd, the oldest of the above brothers was born (as
we have stated before) in the Old Country, and is supposed to
have come to New York city about the year of 1740. While here
he sent means back to his brothers and sister, with words of en
couragement and aided them to come over a few years afterwards.
With good success he accumulated a large fortune while in New
York city, and at the time of his death (having never married)
he -willed his property to one of his nephews, the only son of his
Brother Robert Boyd.
Robert Boyd, the second Brother was born in the county of
Down, Ireland. He came to New York city about 1755-6. From
there he went to New Windsor, Orange County, New York, and
settled near the mouth of Quassatch Creek, which empties into
the Hudson River, about a mile below Newburgh, New York.
There is little known of Robert except he had two children — Rob
ert and Mary and without doubt, died near New Windsor, New
York, and was buried there. His son Robert was born in the
County of Down, Ireland in the year 1734. He married a Miss
Smith at New Windsor, of which we have no date, and died October
29, 1804, age seventy, as appears on his monument in Little
Britain church yard. He erected the iron and scythe works
situated upon the creek, one mile below Newburgh. He is the
one who inherited the estate of his uncle Samuel and moved to
New York city in 1800, where he held the office of sheriff. The
famUy of Robert consisted of six children namely :
First, Samuel who was bom in New Windsor, Orange County,
New York (no date of birth), married first, Eliza Pearson of New
Jersey, February 16, 1793. Second, Anna Maria Bayard, Sep
tember 24, 181 2. He resided in New York city and was an
Attomey-at-Law. His family consisted of Mary, Agustus, Robert,
James, Kent, Johiij Eleanor, Samuel (a physician in Brooklyn) and
Edward, by his first wife. And by the second wife Elizabeth
Bayard, Anna Maria, and Isabella Graham.
Second, John the second son of Robert, we have no date of
his birth, marriage, etc. He married a lady named Orr, at Ogdens-
burgh. New York. His family consisted of Robert R. Brooklyn,

362 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Hannah wife of  — Atwater. Eleanor (single) and George,
who resides at Ogdensburgh, New York.
Third, Jenet, the wife of Rev. James Schoinegeozir, Agnes
Boyd, -wife of Dr. Baltus Van Kleck. Elias Boyd (died a bachelor) ,
George Boyd an Episcopal minister of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania;
the other children of Robert we have no record of.
Mary Boyd, only daughter of Robert of the first generation
in America was bom in the County of Down, Ireland, about 1 740.
She married a gentleman named  Harris at New Windsor,
Orange County, New York. We have no further record.
James Boyd the third brother who came to New York, and
is ancestor of that branch, was bom in the County of Down, Ire
land, about the year of 1705. His first wife was Sarah 
whom he married about 1732, second wife Mary  ?
about the year of 1753 or 54. Died at New Windsor, New York
of which we have no date. James' first wife must have died in
Ireland about 1750, for soon after his marriage to his second
-wife, he left for America, for records show that he set sail from
Belfast, Ireland, August 9, 1753. While upon the journey over
the dark blue waters of the ocean, they had a daughter born, who
was afterwards christened "Sea Born Agnes." Soon after land
ing in New York, he went to New Windsor, the home of his other
brother and made this his future home. It has been found by
the discovery of his f amUy Bible in Western New York , that he was
the father of eleven children, five by his first wife and six by the
second namely, which is taken from my history of this family in
1884. First. The oldest son Samuel was bom at the old homestead
m Ireland in 1 73 1 . . His first wife was Elizabeth McDoel whom he
married at New Windsor, N. Y., about 1767. For his second wife
Mary Lyons of the same place; we have no date. He died at
Little Britain, same county. May 27, 1801. On comparing re
cords it seems that Samuel -visited America, some four years
earlier than his father, or about the year of 1752. He then re
turned to Ireland, came back with his father in 1754, took up his
residence in Little Britain, where he lived and died. He served
with distinction through the French war, but hired a substitute in

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 363
the Revolution. His first -wife was the daughter of Mathew Mc
Doel and was bom in the County of Down, Ireland in 1747. She
died at Little Britain, N. Y., August 25, 1775. The second wife
died at same place in 181 2. His children were Elizabeth, James,
Mathew and John, all by his first wife as follows: Elizabeth was
bom at Little Britain, N. Y., in 1769. Married Benjamin Jen
kins September 10, 1791. He was bom at Scituate Pl3miouth,
Mass. October 15, 1765 and died June 18, 1853. He leamed
the scythe maker trade of Col. Robert Orr, at Bridgewater, Mass.
From this place he came to New Windsor, N. Y., as foreman of
the scythe works erected by Col. Robert Orr, then from here to
Torrington, and in 1792 to Winsted, Conn. In company with
Mr. James Boyd in 1795 he erected a .double house and lived in
the same untU 1796 when he erected for his own use the Winsted
Hotel. In 181 2 he erected a scythe shop and carried on business
until 1816. In 1818 he moved his family to Wayne County, Pa.,
and began a new country life in an unbroken forest upon the
Lackawanna River, four mUes from Honesdale. Here he made a
new home, built a scythe shop and saw mill, before the first project
ions of the Hudson and Delaware Canal and Railroad visited this
region and before Honesdale was thought of. This railroad was
located through the lands he cleared and the pleasant village of,
Prompton grew up around him. Here he lived to a good old age,
the pioneer of a region he had entered at the age of 52, His
family consisted of eleven children, all bom at Winsted, Conn,,
except the oldest who was bom at Torrington, Conn., as follows:
First, Ehzabeth bom October 5, 1792, married Horace Kent
at Boston, Mass., and died October 24, 1820. Second, Susan
B. bom April 25, 1794, married at Winsted, Conn, in 1813.
Died here in 1814. Had one son James Dwight, supposed to be
living in 1884. Third, Benjamin, the oldest son was bom De
cember 6, 1796. Married Mary Kent October 4, 1820. Fourth,
Samuel B. bom December 4, 1798. First wife was Elizabeth
Buck, and second wife Mary Jane Buckland. Fifth, Lional B.
born 1799, died same place in 1807. Sixth, Louisa B. born 1801.
Married first, Arab Bartlet, second, Jacob Davis. Seventh,
Edward, bom 1804. (Batchelor). Died 1854. Eighth,

364 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Mariah, bom 1806, married Ralph Case. Ninth, John B., bom
1808, married Jane Greely. Tenth, Henrietta, bom 1810,
married Luman Hubbell at Winsted, Conn., October 7, 1837, who
had married for his first wife Jane Munro Boyd, the daughter of
James and Mary Boyd. Henrietta had one son, Luman StiU
man Hubbell, born at Winsted, May 24, 1844. In 1884 resided
near Mankate, Minn., married. Eleventh, MarettaB., bom 1812,
married Benjamin Jenkins, died in 1842.
James Boyd, the second son of Samuel and Elizabeth Boyd,
was born at Little Britain, Orange County, N. Y., November 15,
1770. Married first Mary Munro at Torringford, Conn., December
23, 1795- Second, Jane Munro half sister of his first wife, at
Bridgewater, Mass., Jun^ 8, 1822. Died at Winsted, Conn.,
February i, 1849. James went to Winsted, Conn., from New
Windsor, N. Y., -with his brother-in-law and partner (Mr. Jen
kins), in 1792, having previously leamed from him the scythe
maker's trade at New Windsor, N. Y. He Hved at first in a
small house that stood on the west side of North -Main Street,
which was built by him and Mr. Jenkins in 1795, and occupied by
both of them until 1802, then he built and moved in a house on
the east side of Main Street, in the west vUlage opposite Main
Street. In 1803 he dissolved partnership with Mr. Jenkins, taking
for his share the joint property of the firm in west Winsted vil
lage. In 1808 he built a forage and saw mill on the stream oppo
site the Clark house now owned by the New England Pen Com
pany, In 1822 he erected a drafting and forging shop in the rear
of the Beardsley house, and in 1828 rebuilt the upper forge on the
Lake stream above Hurbbert's present Iron Works, and in
18 1 6 the Old Iron Store on Main Street,
James was a man of indomitable energy. Few men ever did
more hard work and thoroughly managed a large business than
he did, until he passed the prime of his life. Frugal and temperate
in all of his habits, with a spirit of kind disposition and benevo
lence. No wandering out-cast, however degraded he may have
been, was ever turned away from his door without food and lodg
ing when needed. With a good eommon education he possessed
a strong discriminating mind and studious habits. Trained in

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 365
the faith of the Scotch Seceders, he made the Bible his constant
study and committed the same to memory.
His first -wife was the daughter of Alexander and — (Mcintosh)
Munro from Inverness, Scotland. She was bom in Boston Mass.
March lo, 1771, and died at Winsted, Conn., September 2, 1821.
His second wife was the daughter of Alexander (Hutchinson)
Munro and was born at Bridgewater, Mass., June 8, 1788, and died
at Winsted, Conn., December 9, 1852. His family consisted
of nine children by his first wife and four by his second, namely:
First, Nancy was bom at Winsted, Conn., May 27, 1797. She
married at this place Lucius Clark, January — 1819. Her hus
band was bom at Wately, Mass., August 22, 1790, and died at
Winsted, Conn., December 28, 1863. He came from Massa
chusetts to Winsted with his father in 1807 and was engaged in
Mercantile business until 1818, when he moved to Monroe
County, N. Y., and went into business at Carthage, a place situ
ated at the foot of Genesee Falls. In 1824 he retumed to Win
sted and then in company with Samuel Boyd opened a store
and remained there until he went to Massachusetts in 1834. In
1 84 1 he retumed to Winsted and purchased a clock factory in
the east village untU 1845, when he purchased largely in real es
tate on the flats between east and west vUlage. He was an up
right and correct man of business qualiflcations. They had
eight chUdren namely: First, Caroline Clark, born in Roch
ester, N. Y., May 4, 1822, died at same place in 1822. Second,
Frederick Boyd Clark bom in Rochester, N. Y., December 11,
1823, died same place in 1825. Third, Lucius Hubbard Clark
born at Winsted, Conn., September 25, 1825, died here in 1850.
Fourth, Mary Munro Clark born at Winsted, Conn., May 24,
1827, married H. B. Alvoid, (no more record). Fifth, Thomas
Montague Clark, bom at Winsted, Januray 4, 1830, married
first Julia CatUine Freeman at CoUinsville, Conn., May 6, 1839.
second, married Julia Van Sickle at Ovid, N. Y., December —
1878. His first wife died November — 1877, by whom he had
ten children: Carri'e, LucUis, Munro, Thomas, (died in infancy),
Harry C, Caroline F. Boyd, Fanny, Jessie and Nancy, all bom
in CoUinsville, Conn. Sixth, Edward Clark born at Winsted,

366 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Conn., April 15, 1832, married Susan Holmes same place De
cember 10, 1854 (no more record). Seventh, Martha Clark bom
at Springfield, Mass., in 1834 (now dead). Eighth, Susan Clark
born at Freeding Hills, Mass., July 10, 1838, married Rev. Mal
com McGregor Dana at Norwich, Conn. — a minister of the Con
gregational Church. They moved to St. Paul, Minn, in 1878.
John Boyd who was twin son of James and Mary (Munro)
Boyd, was born at New Windsor, N. Y., March 17, 1779, married
first, Emily Webster Beers at Winsted, Conn,, May 17, 183 1;
second wife, Jerusha (Rockwell) Hinsdale at same place Decem
ber 15, 1843, died at this place December i, 1881 Mr. Boyd is
the person whom I have referred to in this Chapter as writer of
the letter and of whom I labored so long in 1881 to discover the
author of, as -my last letter reached his family a few days after
his death. His first wife was the daughter of Elias and Jerusha
(Fitch) Beers, and was born in New Hampshire March, 1809, and
died at Winsted, Conn., November 25, 1842. Second wife was
the daughter of Solomon and Sarah (McEwen) Rockwell and the
widow of Theodore Hinsdale and was bom March 28, 1803. His
younger days were spent at home until he was old enough to be
sent to a grammar school at Hartford, Conn. Here in the year
of 181 7 or 18, while boarding in the family of the Rev. Flint of
the Scotch Church, he commemorated his name to the American
people. Coming in one day from school he noticed upon the work-
stand of Mrs. Bissell, mother-in-law of Mr. Flint, a dingy piece
of parchment covered on one side -with black letters. In answer
to inquiries of Mr. Boyd, she said ha-ving an occasion to use some
paste-board, I sent to Mrs. Wyleys — our neighbor — and she
sent me this. Mr. Boyd proposed to procure her a piece of paste
board in exchange for the parchment, which was accepted. Six
or eight years rolled away before Mr. Boyd thoroughly examined
the parchment with care, and soon learned its contents. It proved
to be a portion of the duplicate Charter which Capt. Joseph
Wadsworth had secured from the hands of Sir Edmund Andros,
on the eventful night, October 31, 1687, when the light was
suddenly extinguished in the old Hartford meeting-house, where
the Assembly had met, and hid in the "Old Charter Oak." The

HON. JOHN BOYD
Born 1799. Died iS8r

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 369
original Charter now hanging in the Secretary 's office is engrossed
upon three skins or parchment. The duplicate was upon two,
(not having so much ornamentation) and, what was rescued by Mr.
Boyd was a part, about three-fourths of the second skin, and this
is now in the possession of the "Connecticut Historical Society,"
where he placed it some years ago.
Mr. Boyd graduated from Yale College in 1 821, and in the
summer of 1881 was with his class in its Sixtieth Anniversary,
nine members being present. After his graduation he studied
law and was admitted to the bar in 1825. He was elected to the
general assembly from Winchester, Conn., in 1820 and 1832 and
a Senator from the fifteenth district of Connecticut in 1853.
County Commissioner of Litchfield County in 1848. In 1849
and 1850 Town Clerk of Winchester. For twenty-six years was
Judge of Probate, and from the same district for fifteen years, until
disqualified -with age in 1869. Was Secretary of State for 1859-60
and 61. He was identified -with the Anti-Slavery in the early
days qf the Anti-Slavery Agitation, and was several times a can
didate for Governor on the ticket of that party. In 1827 he
commenced business with his father as an Iron Manufacturer
in Winsted under the firm of James Boyd & Son, taking the place
of his twin brother who died in 1826, and continued in business
with his father until he died in 1850, then resumed the whole
business tUl 1853, when he retired, as his official duties occupied
most of his time. His life was a life of sterling integrity, good
sense, and sturdy adherance to the cause of doing right to those
who knew him. Much better illustration is found of him in our
former edition of the Boyd family in 1881, which for want of space
had been left out. His famUy consisted of three children by his
first -wife. First, Ellen Wright Boyd who was bom at Winstead,
Conn., September 8, 1833. In 1884 she was stUl single and then
held the Preceptress of St. Agnes School, Albany, N. Y. To her
we are indebted for much of valuable history in our former edition
of 1884. Second, James Alexander Boyd, bom in Winstead,
Conn., November 12, 1835, "^i^d at the same place October 5,
1837. Third, Emily Beers Boyd bom at Winstead, Conn., June
23, 1842, died at same place October 16, 1858.

370 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Third, James Munro Boyd, twin son of James and Mary
(Munro) Boyd, was born at New Windsor,. N. Y., March 17,
1799. Through his younger days he was associated -with his
father in the manufacturing and trade in the Iron Industry. He
was a great reader, social and warm-hearted young man and died
un -married at Winsted, Conn., August 28, 1826.
Fourth, Eliza Boyd, second daughter of James and Mary,
(Munro) Boyd, born at New Windsor, N. Y., March 18, 1801
(died same place) April i, 1801.
Fifth, Samuel Boyd, third son of James and Mary (Munro)
I'oyd, was born in Winsted, Conn., June 24, 1804, married
Sylvia Coe at same place September 20, 1825. The wife of
Samuel was a daughter of Jonathan and Charlotte (Spencer)
Coe and was bom August. 12, 1806. In 1832 he erected the
Clifton MUl Works, now owned by the Winsted Hoe Company,
manufacturing shovels, hoes and carpenter tools for two or three
years, and then sold out to the Clifton Mill Company. In 1833
was appointed Custom-house appraiser at New Orleans, La. In
1850 he became a commission merchant in hardware in New
York City, and in i860 was appointed Custom-house appraiser
at the latter place. In 1881 .resides in Brooklyn, N. Y. His
family consisted of five children, namely: First, James Munro
Boyd, born at Winsted, Conn., September 28, 1826, drowned at
the same place June 10, 1829. Second; Marianne Boyd, bom in
Winsted, Conn. July 31, 1828, married Henry Bascom Keen,
(son of Robert and Pheobe (Page) Keen, who was bom at Pitts
burgh, Pa., July 18, 1825) at New Orleans, La., August 28, 1850,
he died at New York, December, — . 1868 Her family consisted
of five children. First, Robert Lewis Keen, bom in Brooklyn,
N, Y., August 23, 1851, Second, Henry, bom at same place
January 9, 1854. Third, James Munro, same place July 16,
1856. Fourth, Herbert Foss and Nellie Keen, which we have
no record of.
Third, Sarah Jane Boyd, born in Winsted, Conn., June
10, 1 83 1, married Thomas Howe Bird at Brooklyn, N. Y., Sep
tember 30, 1853. His birth place Boston. Fourth, Robert
Munro Boyd, born in Winsted, Conn., August 12, 1832, married

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 371
Kate Bald-win Grain at Bloomfield, N. J., November lo, 1859
a daughter of Mathew and Susan (Baldwin) Grain. In 1881
resided at Mount Clair, N. J., and had three children: Susan,
Robert and Bertha, who were born in New Jersey. Fifth, Alice
Isabel Boyd was bom in New Orleans, La., June 26, 1845, mar
ried Rev. Nelson Willard at Mount Clair, N. J., May 11, 1869.
He was for many years the Pastor of the First Presbyterian
Church of Syracuse, N. Y. They have one child. Earnest Boyd
Willard, who was bom December 11, 1870. Sixth, Eliza, daughter
of James and Mary (Munro) Boyd, bom in Winsted, Conn.,
June 25, 1804, died at same place September 10, 1821. Seventh,
Mary Boyd, fourth daughter of James and Mary (Munro) Boyd,
bom at Winsted, Conn., August 11, 1807, died at same place
August 30, 1821. Eighth, Jane (Munro) Boyd, fifth daughter of
James and Mary (Munro) Boyd married at Winsted, Conn.,
June 22, 1831 Luman Hubbell and died there January 8, 1836.
Her husband after her death married her cousin, Henrietta Jen
kins, of whom I have given a history of. Her family consisted of
tfvo children : first, Andrew Lyman Hubbell was born at Winsted,
Conn,, March 5, 1834, married Martha Woodworth at Great
Barrington, Mass., September 10, 1857. She was bom April
15, 1836. Second, James Boyd Hubbell was born in Winsted,
Conn., March 18, 1836, married Kate Amelia Tew, September
9, 1858. She was born December 17, 1836. They had five
children, first, Louis Boyd Hubbell, born July 5, 1859. Second,
Grace Hubbell bom July 11, 1861. Third, Henrietta May
Hubbell bom May 11, 1862. Fourth, James Boyd Hubbell bom
December 22, 1866. Fifth, Andrew Lyman Hubbell bom Octo
ber 8, 1870.
Ninth, Susan Boyd, youngest daughter of James and Mary
(Munro) Boyd was bom at Winsted, Conn., March 9, 181 5,
married Elijah Phelps Grant at the same place September 7,
1836. Her husband was a son of Elijah and Elizabeth Grant.
He graduated at Yale CoUege in 1830 and then after their mar
riage went to Canton, 0., where he was a banker and lawyer
until he died. She had seven children, which were all born at
Canton, 0. In 1881 she resided in Omaha, Neb. Children

372 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
were: First, Ehzabeth Grant, born May 21, 1 841, married Thomas
J. Harford, Omaha, Neb., May 18, 1858. Second, Susan Grant,
bom January 8, 1841, died at Canton, 0., July 19, 1841. Third,
Mary Grant, bom September 12, 1842, (married no record).
Fourth, Chas. Fourier Grant, born August 12, 1844, died at Can
ton, 0., May 25, 1845. Fifth, Jane Grant, bom November 27,
1846. Sixth, Martha Grant, born April 30, 1849, died at Canton,
0., June 27, 1859. Seventh, James Boyd Grant, bom November
10, 1853. Children of James and Jane (Munro) Boyd, his second wife,
were as follows : First, Alexander Munro Boyd, bom in Winsted,
Conn., July 2, 1823, died at same place Jurie 12, 1824. Second,
Janet Boyd, born at same place May 16, 1825, died there AprU
12, 18 — . Third, Elizabeth Boyd, bom at Winsted, Conn.,
October 23, 1827, married Stephen H. Hubbard at same place
June I, 1859. Her husband was the managing editor of the
Hartford Covnant for several years. Fourth, Lewis Boyd, bom
at Winsted, Conn., August 15, 1831, married Helen A. Peck in
Fairfield County, Conn., November 6, 1862, died at New Bruns
wick, N. J., the date of which we have not. His occupation was
that of a manufacturer. His first business was the manufacture
of planters' hoes at Winsted from 1852 to i860. Then
to New York and to New Bruns-wick, N. J., and here
entered into the manufacturing of Mason Fruit Jars until
he died. His wife was an adopted child and went by the name
of Helen Annetta Wooster, while her parental parents were
Edward and Mary Ann Peck and was bom in Winstead, Conn.,
April 18, 1840. They had five children, (record of 1884) namely:
First, Anna born in New York. June 30, 1864, died at same place
July 2, 1864. Second, still born son in Brooklyn, JtUy 6, 1865.
Third, Ralph Booth, born in Brooklyn, June 4, 1866. Fourth,
Louis Roland, born December 10, 1867, died August 17, 1870.
Fifth, James Hubbell, bom Brooklyn, November 13, 1869,
died August 17, 1870. Mathew and John Boyd two young
est sons of Samuel and Elizabeth (McDoel) Boyd we have
no record, only that they died young at New Wind
sor, N. Y.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 373
Sarah Boyd the oldest daughter of James and Sarah Boyd,
was bom in the County of Down, Ireland, August 13, 1738. Her
history we have not; no doubt she remained in the Old World
and may have died young.
Robert Boyd, second son of James and Sarah Boyd, was born
in County of Do-wn, Ireland, January 10, 1740. Came to this
country with his parents and married Jane Smith at New Wind
sor, N, Y. His history we have not, only he had ten children as
follows: First, Sarah. Second, Thomas, who married Hulda
Mills at New Windsor, N. Y., January i, 1794, and lived at Little
Britain, same County. Third, Robert, who lived at Mont
gomery, N. Y. Fourth, Francis. Fifth, James. Sixth, Hannah.
Seventh, John, who resided in 1881 at Canandaigua, N. Y. Eighth,
Mary, the -wife of James Waugh of Newburgh, N. Y. Ninth,
Samuel. Tenth, Charles.
Mary Boyd, second daughter of James and Sarah Boyd, bom
in the County of Down, Ireland, March 28, 1742. She afterwards
married and settled in Scotland and her history is not known to
descendants on this side of the Ocean.
Jean Boyd, the third daughter of James and Sarah Boyd,
was bom in County of Down, Ireland, January 20, 1749, came to
America and married Mr. Soper at Esopus, Ulster County, N. Y.
No more record.
Sea Born Agnes Boyd, the oldest daughter of James, by
second wife Mary Boyd, was bom upon the Ocean September
23, 1756. After coming to America she married Richard Hudson
at Newburgh, N. Y., we have no further record.
James Boyd, the oldest son of James and Mary Boyd, we
have no date of his birth, as it was tom from the old Bible of his
father of 1756. ' When he became of age, he moved to Phelps,
N. Y., where he died in 1830.
Elizabeth Boyd, the second daughter of James and Mary
Boyd, was bom in New, Windsor, N. Y., February (the balance
tom out of the Bible), married Isaac Belknap of Newburgh, N.Y.,
who was an officer in the Revolution.
David Boyd, the second son of James and Mary Boyd, was
born at New Windsor, N. Y. (balance tom out of Bible), married

374 HISTORY QF TBE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Sarah Humphrey at Phelps, Ontario County, N. Y., died at same
place in 1802. We have no history of him except that he moved.
from the place of his birth in 1780 or 1781 and had a family of
six chUdren as follows: First, James, bom in Phelps, N. Y. in
1790, married first Urena Rodgers and for his second wife, Eliza
beth PuUen, both at this place, which we have no date. He had
two children by his first wife namely: John, who lives in Penn
sylvania, and Harwood who died June 9, 1858. Second, David
Boyd, who was also born at Phelps, N, Y. (no date), married Ann
Ringer and their family consisted of Jane, John, Isabella R.,
Robert C, Sarah and Chas. David. Third, Eliza Jane, born at
Phelps, N. Y., in 1792, married Harwood Bannister (no more
record). Fourth, Mariah Boyd, bom at Phelps, N. Y., in 1800,
(no record). Fifth, Hugh Boyd, born at Phelps, N. Y., in 1796.
His first wife was Elvira Swift, and the second Sarah Pullen (no
records). His family consisted of one child named Henry, by
his first -wife who was born in 1834 and Mary E. born in 1837,
James P. 1839, Caroline M. 1841 and Cordelia in 1843. Sixth,
Oliver Boyd, bom in Phelps, N. Y.,in 1802, married first Anna
Hurd, and then Elizabeth Manley for his second. His famUy
consisted of two children, Eliza and Henry by his first wife.
Nathaniel Boyd
The fourth brother that came to America -with his other
brothers that we have mentioned, was also bom in the County of
Down, Ireland, in the fore part of the eighteenth century. He
married for his first wife Margaret Beck, for his second, Martha
Monsel and for the third, Jane Johnson, of whom the latter is not
known to descendants. The descendants of Nathaniel are nu
merous, as he was the respected father of seven children by his
first wife, and nine by his second, namely: John, Samuel, James,
Mary, Jane, Nathaniel and Martha. By his second -wife, Jane,
Elizabeth, Nathaniel, Mary, Charles, Hannah, Jane, Robert and
Nathaniel. For want of space in this history of the family we
will have to confirm ourselves to a Historical History instead of
a Genelogical one of the family. Therefore, will give the following
copy of a letter we received of Mr. N. T, Boyd of Warppingers

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 375
Falls, N. Y., to us October 27, 1908, who has taken a very deep
interest in the representation of his branch to us at our request
as foUows : Warppingers Falls, N.Y., Oct. 27, 1908.
Mr. Wm. P. Boyd:
The early historical sketch as you have it outlined and re
corded in your history of the Boyd Family and Descendants, of
1884, and such infoi-mation as furnished by the late John Boyd
and his daughter Miss Ellen W. Boyd, are the most complete and
authentic that I know of or am possessed, in regard to Robert
and his brother James, Nathaniel and their sister Mary, who
settled at New Windsor, Orange County, N. Y. and Little Bri
tain, near the mouth of Quassatch Creek, which empties into the
Hudson River about a mile below Newburgh, N. Y., in 1738.
This is the first starting point of our branch of the family in this
country from the County of Do-wn, Ireland. In a history of
Newburgh, N. Y., published in 1891, there is amap of the Winter
Cantonment of the American army and its vicinity for 1783, ¦
showing the Boyd residence and referring to Robert Boyd the
Revolutionary gun maker whose factory stood on the above
creek. While in one of the Colonial Histories of State of New
York, the correspondencies between the Boyd and the Military
and State officials of the period are given, showing the integ
rity and business-like bearing of those gentlemen. Some years
ago there was on exhibition at Washington's Headquarters at
Newburgh, a partition for a road or highway .improvement
with the signatures of Robert, Nathaniel and som.e other m.em-
bers of our families. Nathaniel was miarried in Ireland, doubt
less in the County of Down, as he embarked at Belfast for
America with his family. His first wife was known as Margaret
Beck and the second as Margaret Monsel. But as to the last
marriage whether it took place in Ireland or America is not
known, but doubtless in America, and his third wife was Jane
Johnson. He lived and died at Little Britain at an old age,
leaving a large family like his brother Jam.es.
John Boyd, the third child and oldest son of Nathaniel by
his first -wife was born in the County of Down, Ireland, March

376 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
24, 1746, and came to America with his parents at the age of eight
years (1754). In later years he retumed to Amenia Union and
owned a large track of land at the time of his death, which
took place August 17, 181 7. There is no doubt that he received
a proportion of his father-in-law's estate. His -wife died October
5, 1820. His name appears with 300 other persons on the Roll
of Honor during the Revolutionary War. In the records of the
New York State he was known as a Lieutenant in Capt. Colby
Chamberlain's Company in the sixth Dutchess County Regi
ment, March 20, 1778, and later as Captain in the fifth Dutchess
County Regiment under Col. Wm: Humphrey. In faith he was
a Presbyterian and was connected with the Church at Amenia,
N. Y. Among his fellow men he was a man highly esteemed
and trusted. Frequently he acted as messenger and financially
at Poughkeepsie, N. Y. His family consisted of eleven chUdren,
many of them died in early life. His youngest son David was
bom in Amenia, Dutchess County, N. Y., May 21, 1795. He
remained at his native place with the exception of a few years
which he passed in Little Britain until he was 17, attending the
best schools of the day, and then he went to Brooklyn, N. Y., to
learn the tanners' trade -with his brother James, who was already
located. Later he removed to Poughkeepsie and entered the
yards and employment of Mr. John Gary, remaining with him
for several years perfecting his knowledge of the trade. After
remaining with Mr. Gary for a time, that gentleman removed his
business to Troy, N. Y. It was then that Mr. Boyd met his -wife
whose maiden name was Rhoda Bettis, a sister-in-law of Mr.
Gary and married her April 27, 181 7. She was bom at Foster,
R. I., June 10, 1792, and died at Poughkeepsie, February 12, 1836.
Soon after this he retumed to Poughkeepsie and commenced busi
ness for himself at the old yard. He opened a leather and finding
store on Main Street. Some years afterwards he erected for
himself a larger and more extensive tannery in another location
of the city. His worth and integrity as a citizen can not be over
estimated, for he was connected with the bank of Poughkeepsie
as director for sixteen years. In reHgious views he was a Scotch
Presbyterian and served many years as a trustee of that church.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 377
In masonry he was connected with Solomon Lodge, No. 6 as
secretary and treasurer. He was a member of Fire Engine Com
pany Protection, No. i in 1821. On the tenth day of May, 1851,
he breathed his last, leaving three children by his first wife as
follows: First, Mary Eliza, who was the wife of Abraham Wilt-
see. Second, John Gary. Third, Julia, who was the wife of
Alson Ward. His second wife died April 11, 1856, leaving no
children.. After his death his business fell into the hands of his
son and son-in-law, under the firm of Boyd and Wiltsee.
John Boyd, the only son of David Boyd was born in Pough
keepsie, February 12, 1825. Fortunately he had good advantages
in his youth by being given a fine, business education. He be
came engaged -with his father in business life, beginning as an
apprentice and succeeding his father in his twenty-sixth year.
September 9, 1852, he united his destiny by marrying Miss
Pheobe E. Trowbridge, a daughter of Stephen B. and Eliza (Con-
klin) Trowbridge, both branches tracing their lineage back to
English descendants. This firm of Boyd and Wiltsee continued
in business at the same place for over twenty-five years. Mr.
Boyd was a gentlemian of gentle disposition, always making
friends and retaining them through life. The year of 1847 found
him a member of the Howard Hose Company, No. 2, and for
thirty years he was an active and interested trustee in the Presby
terian Church of his native place. Was connected with the
Poughkeepsie National Bank as director for twenty-two years,
and in that time was its President and Vice-President; was also
a member of the Water Board of that city, having the honor con
ferred upon him as President for years, as well aS' 1/rustee of the
Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery. His death occurred April 6, 1886,
being the father of three children, thus : First, Nathan T. Second,
Henry S., who died in infancy and Frederick.
Nathan T. Boyd, the oldest son of the above John, was bom
in Poughkeepsie, April 17,1856. In his younger days he attended
one of the best schools in that city until he entered as book-keeper
in the First National Bank in 1875. Three years later he ac
cepted a like position in the store of his uncle, known as the
Messrs. Trowbridge & Co., and a short time spent in the service

378 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
of the Illinois Central Railroad Co. of Illinois. On February i>
1888, this firm dissolved and he entered as oneof the successors
under the name of Kirby DeBois & Boyd. In 1896 he retired
from active life and removed to Yonkers, N. Y., and managed
his interest in New York City. On the death of his mother-in-
law, he removed to Warppingers Falls, N. Y., where he has since
resided. Here he retained his membership in the Amrita Club,
and in the Phoenix Hose Company, No. i (acting as treasurer)
for full term of five years. Also now a veteran of the Veteran
Firemen Association of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and a member of
the Dutchess County Society of New York. His wife was Alice
M. White, daughter of Charles D. and Mary (Haynes) White,
whose ancestors are traced back to the Ma3rflower, whom he mar
ried October 24, 1889. His brother Frederick J. Boyd, the
youngest son of his father's household, was bom in Poughkeepsie,
March 18, 1868. He was educated at Bisbee's School and East
man Business College. In 1888 he entered the office of Adriance
Piatt & Company after three years clerkship he entered the office
of a smelting and refining company in New York and shortly
afterwards was sent as their agent to St. Louis, Mo., and to have
charge of the affairs of this company at that place. He was a
member of the National Guards and received an honorable dis
charge from the State of New York, November 3, 1894. While
in St. Louis he was connected with a Battery Company during
the Spanish War and in 1898 was sent to Porto Rico and was at
Ponce when peace was declared. On his retum he entered the
employ of a large mining company and made his headquarters
at San Lois Postose, Durango, Agnascalients and Sombrerete,
Later he entered the office of the Waters-Pierce Oil Company in
the City of Mexico, Mexico, as manager and auditor. Now he
is engaged in the grocery business at Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico,
the firm being known as Boyd & Smith. He married here a Bartda
Solane at El Paso, Texas, May 10, 1906. She was bom August
24, 1877 at Muleros, State of Durango, Mexico and was the
daughter of Juan and Refugio (Rodriguez) Solans. Their family
consisted of two sons: First, David, born May 21, 1906 at the
City of Mexico and second, Stephen T. Boyd, bom November

JOHN AND MARY (TOOKER) BOYD
Died 1868 and 1869

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 381
28, 1909 at Guadalajara, JaHsco, Mexico. Mary who came with
her brothers to America (we know nothing about her, except
that she was bom in the County of Do-wn, Ireland, and settled
at New Windsor, N. Y. Here she married a man named Waugh,
but who her descendants are to-day is not known, if she had
any, or when she died. Samuel Boyd
Samuel Boyd the second son of Nathaniel and Margaret
(Beck) Boyd was bom in the County of Down, Ireland, June 7,
1754 according to an old Bible record now in the possession of
some of his descendants bearing the date of 1789. He married
Mahetable Tuthill at Goshen, Orange County where he afterward
lived about the year 1783 or 1784. She was born August i, 1757
and died October 23, 1851. He died in the town of Mount Hope
August 12, 1 83 1. After a time he resided at Mount Hope where
he btdlt a house in the -wilderness. By this union they had seven
chUdren whose names were: Joshua, Mary, John, Mahetable,
Margaret, Keturah and Freigift, whose records are as follows:
Generation Second
Joshua the oldest son of Samuel and Mahetable Boyd was
bom in the town of Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., March 10,
1785, married Dorcas Sarah Dickinson, and (no record),
died at Newburgh, November 3, 1875. His -wife was born
July — 1790, and died at Newburgh, N. Y., December 15, 1881.
The occupation of Joshua was that of a minister of the Dutch
Reform Denomination. His first pastorship was at Roxbury and
Middleto-wn, N. Y., in 1826-7. Herkimer, N. Y. and FaUsburgh,
N. Y. 1827. Rotterdam first time in 1828-1836 and second
time 1836-1840. Middleburgh in 1840-1842. Germantown,
N. Y., 1842-49. Also at Hudson and Newburgh, N. Y. at a
later date. They had no children.
Mary the oldest daughter of Samuel and Mahetable Boyd,
was bom in the town of Mount Hope, M. Y. , May 17,1787, married
Daniel FuUerton in the town of Mount Hope, and for her second

382 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
husband Isaac Miller Prince in the town of Mount Hope. By
her first husband she had one child named Malinda.
John Boyd the second son of Samuel and Mahetable Boyd,
was born in the town of Mount Hope, Orange County, N. Y.,
March 17, 1789, He married Mary Tooker at  and died
in the town of Mount Hope, November 3, 1868, His wife died
in the town of Mount Hope, March 2, 1869. In life John was an
industrious pioneer, having cleared a large farm from the original
forest, and lived to see the same conducted on modern lines with
farm machinery . In order to increase his income he hauled lumber
during the winter and drove a market wagon once or t-wice weekly
¦during the summer months, carrying farm produce to Newburgh,
N. Y., a distance of thirty miles, which was his nearest point of
shipment until the Erie Railroad was constructed about the year
of 1846-7. While on his retum trip he would bring merchandise
to the different stores along his route. He also was identified
with the Presbyterian Church at Mount Hope, holding the po
sition as one of its officers and elders. His famih' consisted of
ten children, whose names were John Harry, Daniel Tooker,
Martha Ann, Nathaniel Tuthill, Mary, Samuel, Elsie Dorcas,
Harriet, David and Sylvester Swezy. Mahetable Boyd the se
cond daughter of Samuel and Mahetable Boyd was bom in the
town of Mount Hope, N. Y., August 8, 1790, married Salem Gold
smith and died at Otisville, N. Y., June 12, 1875. Her husband
was born at  and died at  . They had no
children. Margaret Boyd the third daughter of Samuel and Ma
hetable Boyd was born in the town of Mount Hope, May 9, 1793,
and died unmarried at Otisville, N. Y., March 12, 1870.
Keturah Boyd the fourth daughter of Samuel and Mahetable
Boyd was born in the town of Mount Hope,N.Y., February 26, 1796,
and married John Ayres in the town of Mallhill, Orange County,
N. Y., December 18, 181 7 and died in same place October 28,
.1840. Her husband was bom at  October 18, 1796 and
died in the town of Mallhill, March 2, 1864. By occupation they
were farmers and their family consisted of nine children namely:
Martha Jane, David, Mahetable, Ann, Samuel, Charles, Harriet,
Jesse, Dorcas Sarah and Fanny E. Freigift Tuthill Boyd the

DANIEL TOOKER BOYD
Born 1817. Died 1892

ESTHER (DICKS) BOYD
Born 1822. Died 1886

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 385
third son of Samuel and Mahetable Boyd was born in the to-wn
of Mount Hope, Orange County, N. Y., August 12, 1797, married
Lucretia Tompkins at  probably about 1845, and died
at Franklin Forks, Pa.,  1880. The history of his
family and descendants to us is quite meager. He resided at
Franklin Forks, Pa. They had five children whose names were:
Joshua, Carolina, John Tuthill, Mary Elizabeth and Francis M.
Generation Third
Malinda FuUerton the only daughter of Daniel FuUerton
and Mary (Boyd) FuUerton was bom in the town of Mount
Hope, N. Y., September 22, 1810, married Daniel P. Quackinbush
in the same to-wn September 26, 1829. Her husband was bom at
New York City, January 16, 1805, and died at Otisville, N. Y.,
January 25, 1883. Her death took place at Otis-ville, N. Y.,
March 29, 1883. They had eleven chUdren. Lorenzo, Mary
Jane, Isaac L., Hannah Aim, Daniel W., Malinda Elizabeth,
Margaret Eliza, Avery GUbert, Emily Carolina, Esther Angelica
and Mary Rice. John Harvey Boyd the oldest son of John and
Mary (Tooker) Boyd was bom in the town of Mount Hope,
October 19, 181 5, and married Cyntha Penny for his first wife at
Mount Hope, December 1837, who was bom in the town of
Mount Hope and died in the same town April 24, 1850. For his
second -wife, Sarah Aim Tooker at Mount Hope, N, Y., about
1853. His early life was in the town of Mount Hope, N. Y., in
the occupation of a farmer and mechanic. During the year of
1863 he moved -with his famUy to the State of Wisconsin where
he enlisted in the Civil War in Company H, 36th Wisconsin Vol
unteers. A short time after entering the service of his country
including several battles he was taken sick and died at CampbeU's
Hospital at Washington, March 30, 1865. By his first wife he
was the father of five children : Frances Jeannette, Myra, Horace
Tooker, Martha Adelia and Orange John, and by the seond wife
.four: Barton Emmet, Matilla LUHan, Wm. Harvey and ValneyB.
Daniel Tooker Boyd, second son of John and Mary (Tooker)
Boyd was bom in the town of Mount Hope, N. Y., March 28,
1817, married Esther Dicks in the town of WaUkill, N. Y., April

386 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
4, 1844, and died at Middletown, N. Y., July 30, 1892. His
occupation in life was that of a farmer, owning a large farm near
Mount Hope which he sold prior to his moving to Middletown.
Daniel possessed a very genial temperament wh'ch to him made
many warm friendships when the village of Mount Hope was a
prospering village of Orange County. There was a large church
society here, and in this he was one of the leading spirits, giving
much of his time and help to the church. His wife was a most
estimable woman also, and a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy
Dicks of the town of Wallkill, N. Y., who was born at the latter
place November 21, 1822 and died at Middletown, N. Y., March
14, 1886. Their famUy consisted of four children; Samuel
Jerome, George Lewis, Robert Terry and Mary Alida.
Martha Ann Boyd the oldest daughter of John and Mary
(Tooker) Boyd was born at Mount Hope, N. Y., March 11, 1819,
married John Kortright Penney, M. D., at Newburgh, N. Y., 
 , and died at East Saginaw, Mich., January 2, 1857. For

a time she and her husband Hved at Hudson, N. Y., where her
husband followed his profession while conducting a dru,g store
and in 1856 moved to East Saginaw, Mich. Their famUy con
sisted of three children: Theodore A., Carolina and Sarah
Dorcas. Mary Boyd the second daughter of John and Mary (Tooker)
Boyd was bom near Mount Hope, N. Y., April 8, 1823, and became
the second wife of her brother-in-law John Kortright Penney,
whom she married near Mount Hope, Orange County, N. Y., —
 , and died at East Saginaw, Mich., July 3, 1862, having
no children. Nathaniel TuthUl Boyd the third son of John and Mary
(Tooker) Boyd was born at Mount Hope, N. Y., December 29,
1820, died at same place November 19, 1824.
Samuel Boyd the fourth son of John and Mar}' (Tooker)
Boyd was born at Mount Hope, N. Y., Febmary 10, 1825 and died
at the same place October 16, 1846.
Elsie Dorcas Boyd the third daughter of John and Mary
(Tooker) Boyd was born at Mount Hope, N. Y., December 15,
1826 and died at the same place January 4, 1850.

SAMUEL J. AND ROBERT TERRY BOYD

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 389
Harriet Boyd the fourth daughter of John and Mary (Tooker)
Boyd was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., October 29, 1828 died at
the same place September 11, 1829.
Da-vid Boyd the fifth son of John and Mary (Tooker) Boyd
was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., July 11, 1830, and died at the
same place September 16, 1830.
Sylvester Swezy Boyd the youngest son of John and Mary
(Tooker) Boyd was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., February 16,
1832, died at same place December 7, 1833.
Martha Jane Ayres the oldest daughter of John and Keturah
(Boyd) Ayres was bom at  January 23, 18 19, married
John J. Scheimerhom at Schenectady, N. Y.,  and died
at same place March 13, 1888. We have no further record ex
cept that she had three children, Sarah Elizabeth, John Jacob
and Angelica Keturah.
Da-vid Ayres the oldest son of John and Keturah (Boyd)
Ayres was bom near Middletown, N. Y., August 27, 1820, mar
ried at Middletown, N. Y. Ellen Sayers, where he lived in early
life and then they moved to FootviUe, Wis., where she died July
14, 1895. They had two children named Charles and George,
both of whom are dead, we have no further record.
Mehetible Ann Ayres the second daughter of John and Ke
turah (Boyd) Ayres was bom at Middletown, N. Y., June 23,
1822, married John Kirby at Middletown, N. Y., February 20,
1847. Her husband's occupation was that of a carpenter. She
died at Slate Hill, N. Y., March 24, 1906. They had five children
Keturah Arm, Martha Jane, Jesse Winfield, Fannie Elizabeth
and Sarah Wisner.
Samuel Ayers the second son of John and Keturah (Boyd)
Ayres was bom in the town of WaUkill, N. Y., September 26,
1824, married Mary Hulse in the same town September 18, 1850,
who was bom in the town of Wallkill, December 15, 1826 and died
in the same town January 10, 1896. Samuel died in Middleto-wn,
N. Y., February 4, 1903. In life he was a prominent groceryman,
in which business he was very successful, starting in his younger
days as a clerk and then on his own account until he sold the same
to his oldest son a short time before he died. His family consisted

390 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
of four children: Rensellaer Hulse, Frank Boyd, Mary Louise
and Henry Martin.
Charles Ayres the third son of John and Keturah (Boyd)
Ayres was born in the town of WallkUl, N. Y., December 7, 1826,
married Fanny Antoinette Davis of the same town February 7,
1867 and died near Middletown, N. Y., March' 11, 1892. His
wife was a daughter of .Isaac and Salley C. (Htdse) Davis and was
born at  October 23, 1843. By occupation he was a
shoemaker and by this union had four children: Frederick, Mary
Antoinette, John and Clarence.
Harriet the third daughter of John and Keturah (Boyd)
Ayres was born in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., July 15, 1829 and
died at the same place July 28, 1829.
Jesse Ayres the fourth son of John and Keturah (Boyd)
Ayres was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., March 16, 1831,
married Adaline Gordon at  , and died at Middletown,
N. Y., December 25, 1896, where he had been employed as a
railroad machinist for a number of years. Their children were
George, Arabell and Nellie.
Dorcas Sarah Ayres the fourth daughter of John and Keturah
(Boyd) Ayres was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., August i,
1833, married Enos Mapes Smith near Middletown, N, Y., Febru
ary 19, 1858 and died at Middletown, N. Y., July 26, 191 1. Her
husband was born March 16, 1833 and died June 10 1901. They
resided near Middletown, N. Y., andhad seven chUdren: Alice E.,
J. Edward, Emma J., Mary F,, Henry C, Minnie L. and Ida J.
Fannie E. Ayres the youngest daughter of John and Keturah
(Boyd) Ayres was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., July i,
1835 and died at Middletown, N. Y., January 30, 1888.
Joshua Boyd the oldest son of Freigift TuthUl and Lu
cretia (Tompkins) Boyd was bom in the town of Mount Hope,
N. Y.,  , married Sarah Kirby at Middletown, N. Y.,
 and died at Montiour, Pa., November 21, 19 10. His
early life was spent at Mount Hope, N. Y., and later moved to
Franklin Forks, Susquehanna County, Pa,, where he conducted
a general country store. His family consisted of two children,
Annie Bell and Augusta.

AVERY G. QUACKENBUSH

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 393
Carolina Boyd the oldest daughter of Freigift TuthUl and
Lucretia (Tompkins) Boyd was bom in the town of Mount Hope,
N. Y., married William Burrows and has no children.
John TuthUl Boyd the second son of Freigift Tuthill and
Lucretia (Tompkins) Boyd was bom in the to-wn of Mount Hope,
N. Y., married Francis A, Parker who died at Rutherford, N. J.,
 1903- His early life was spent on a farm and afterwards
became a travelling merchant in Eastern Pennsylvania, and later
had a store at Harlem and Brooklyn, New York. They had no
chUdren Mary Elizabeth Boyd the second daughter of Freigift Tut
hill and Lucretia (Tompkins) Boyd was bom at  —
married Lyman Smith. They have one son, Le-wis.
Francis M. Boyd the youngest daughter of Freigift Tuthill
(Tompkins) Boyd was bom in the town of Mount Hope, N. Y.
She resided a number of years with her uncle. Rev. Joshua Boyd
at Newburgh, N. Y. Now resides at Binghamton, N. Y.
Generation Fourth
Lorenzo Quackenbush the oldest son of Daniel P. and Ma
linda (FuUerton) Quackenbush was bom in the town of Mount
Hope, N. Y., November 8, 1830 and died at the same place
September 27, 1833
Mary Jane Quackenbush the oldest daughter of Daniel P.
and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush was bom in the town of
Mount Hope, N. Y., Orange County, July 27, 1833 and died at
the same place September 7, 1834.
Isaac L. Quackenbush the second son of David P. and Ma
linda (FuUerton) Quackenbush was born at Finchville, in the town
of Mount Hope, N. Y., February 26, 1835, and married EmeHne
Decker at Port Jervis, Orange County, N. Y. -By occupation
he was a harness maker. They had two children, Lillian who
married WiUis Whitner of Saffemes, N. Y., and Harry A. who
married LiUian Hendershott of Germanto-wn, N. Y. They have
one child, Willis.
Hannah Ann Quackenbush the second daughter of Daniel
P. and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush and bom in the to-wn of

394 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Mount Hope, N. Y., September 30, 1837, married James Albert
Lancaster of Jersey City, N. J., April 23, 1858 and died at Otis
ville, N Y., April 14, 1864. She had three chUdren: George
Albert, Charies P. and EUa Mary.
Daniel W, Quackenbush the third son of Daniel P. and Ma
linda (FuUerton) Quackenbush was born in the town of Mount
Hope, N. Y., June 20, 1840, died at the same place July 14, 1840.
Malinda Elizabeth Quackenbush the third daughter of Daniel
P. and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush, was bom at the town of
Mount Hope, N. Y., September i, 1842, married W B, Jacobus
of Mount Clare, N. Y,, June 16, 1874. Have two sons, Herbert
Hall and Clarence WUlard.
Margaret Eliza Quackenbush the fourth daughter of Daniel
P. and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush, was bom in the town of
Mount Hope, N. Y., Jmy 17, 1844, married George Stratton of
ThompsonvUle, Sullivan County, N. Y., December 28, 1870 and
died at Chester, N. Y., July 3, 191 1. They had one daughter,
Lena Irene.
Avery Gilbert Quackenbush the fourth son of Daniel P. and
Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush, was bom at Finchville, town
of Mount Hope, N. Y., February 2, 1847. Avery for over forty
years has been connected with the Erie Railroad Company, being
one of its most faithful and reliable employees. He now resides
at Otisville with his two .sisters.
Erilly Caroline Quackenbush the fifth daughter of Daniel
P, and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush, was born at OtisvUle,
N. Y., (where she now resides) October 12, 1849.
Esther Angleica Quackenbush the sixth daughter "of Daniel
P. and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush, was bom at OtisvUle,
N. Y., (where she now resides) July 7, 1852.
Mary Rice Quackenbush the seventh daughter of Daniel
P. and Malinda (FuUerton) Quackenbush , wasbom at Otisville,
N. Y., June 12, 1855, married Samuel Shorter of Middletown,
N. Y., October 3, 1883. They had four children namely: Nellie
M,, Ida Mae, Bert and Harry.
Francis Janetta Boyd the oldest daughter of John H. and
Cynthia (Penney) Boyd was bom near Mount Hope, N. Y.,

VALNEY B, BOYD BARTON EMMET BOYD WM, HARVEY BOYD
SARAH ANN (TOOKER) BOYD MATILDA LILLIAN' (BOYD) CHILLEY

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 397
October 13, 1838, married Sidney Van Auken of Montrose, Pa.,
October 27, 1859 and died at Oswego, N. Y., September 5, 1877.
Her husband at the time of the Civil War of 1861, was a member
of Company in 151st, Pennsylvania Volunteers, regime ent of In
fantry. They had four children whose names were: Olive T,,
Minnie A., Lucy E. and Maud L.
Myra Boyd the second daughter of John Harvey and Cyn
thia (Penney) Boyd was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., 
married Walter Jenners of Forest Lake, Pa., July  1858.
They lived for several years at Brackneyville, Pa. and now re
side at Binghamton, N. Y. They had three children, Ella L.,
Charles H. and Orphee A.
Horace Tooker Boyd, the oldest son of John Harvey and
Cynthia (Penney) Boyd, was bom in the town of Mount Hope,
N. Y., December i, 1844, married Fanny Harding of Middle-
town, N. Y.,  , died at the above place May i, 1872.
He was a soldier in the war of 1861. Their family consisted of
several children, who with the -wife are all dead and the family
has become extinct.
Martha Adelia Boyd the third daughter of John Harvey and
Cynthia (Penney) Boyd, was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., 
1849, married Charles Blanchard Goodnough of Binghamton,
N. Y., November 26, 1866, and died at the latter place February
22, 1882. Her husband at the time of their marriage was one of
the faculty in Lowell's Commercial College at that place. They
had no children.
Orange John Boyd the youngest son of John Harvey and
Cynthia (Penney) Boyd, was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y. He
spent his early life at the place of his birth, and in 1863 moved
with his parents to the State of Wisconsin and later to New
Buffalo, North Dakota, where he now lives.
Barton Emimiit Boyd the oldest son of John Harvey and
Sarah Ann (Tooker) Boyd was bom at Brooklyn Center, Pa,,
January 6, 1855, married Tabitha Louise Fox at Smithland,
Iowa, July 14, 1879. During the year of 1863 with his parents
he went to Wisconsin, and at the age of sixteen he obtained em
ployment in a dry goods store at Sioux City, Iowa. For the

398 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
next twenty-five j'ears he was engaged in the mercantile busi
ness at Smithland and Mobile, Iowa. While at the latter place,
he held the office of Postmaster for twelve years. In July of
1903 he moved with his family from Morilli, Iowa, to Willow-
nook Farm near Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, where he is now
extensively engaged in stock raising. In religious life his family
are identified with the Congregational Church. They have six
children: Ethelyn Rita, Mary Lillian, Beatrice Evelyn, Wm.
Emmet, Zerma Grace and Barton Lewis Raymond.
Matilla Lillian Boyd the oldest daughter of John Harvej'
and Sarah Ann (Tooker) Boyd, was born at Forest Lake, Pa.,
November 8, 1857, married Herbert H. Cilley at Westfield,
Iowa, April 25, 1885. Her husband is a prominent physician
and surgeon at Akron, Iowa. They have four children whose
names are, George, Emmet Orin, Chester Carlton and Herbert
Arthur. William Harvey Boyd the second son of John Harvey and
Sarah Ann (Tooker) Boyd, was born in Wayne County, Pa.,
October 5, i860, married Laura M. ¦ShuU at Rutland, La Salle
County, 111., August 12, 1886. He has been employed as well
as having an interest in the Plymouth Milling Company for
nearly twenty-five years at Lee Mars, Iowa. They have become
the parents of four children: Harvey Austin, Gerdena Louise,
Harold Romain Martin and Mary Eda.
Volney Beckner Boyd the third son of John Harvey and
Sarah Ann (Tooker) Boyd, was born at  , Wisconsin,
August 2. 1863, married Lucy M, Gibson at Westfield, Iowa,
February 2, 1889. His occupation is that of a farmer and their
family consists of seven ehildren: Roy Barton, Herbert William,
Esther Ann, Lester Austin, Robin Volney, Cecil Clair and Frank
H. Samuel Jerome Boyd the oldest son of Daniel Tooker and
Esther (Dicks) Boyd, was born in the town of Mount Hope,
N. Y., January 5, 1847, married Hannah Eugenia Knight, a ,
daughter of James M. and Lydia (Thorn) Knight in the town of
Wallkill, Orange County, N. Y., December 7, 1870. His wife
was born near Middletown, N. Y., June 23, 1848. Samuel by

SAMUEL JEROME BOYD

HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 401
occupation is a farmer, except for a few years when he was in
the hardware trade at Middletown, N. Y., and for a time em
ployed by the board of water commissioners in the same city.
In the -winter of 1910-11, Mr. Boyd paid me a visit at my home
in Conesus. Meeting as strangers I found in him a genial and a
social person to visit -with. To him is due great praise in assist
ing me in compiling the records of his branch and securing twenty-
two names to help us out in publishing the same. His family
consisted of three chUdren, whose names are: Charles Luther,
Grace Alena and Florence Ruth.
George Le-wis Boyd the second son of Daniel Tooker and
Esther (Dicks) Boyd, was bom in the town of Warragonda,
Orange County, N. Y., March 9, 1850. He was a graduate of
Mount Hope, N. Y. School and attended Lowell's Commercial
College at Binghamton, N.. Y., and died March 17, 1870, soon
after retuming from school, and was missed by all that knew
him. Robert Terry Boyd the third son of Daniel Tooker and
Esther (Dicks) Boyd, was bom in the town of Warragonda, N,.Y.,
February 21, 1852, married Augusta Belle Robertson at the
above place November 12, 1873. Robert's occupation un-til 1870,
was that of a farmer. He then went to Jersey City, N. J., and
engaged in the milk and cream business and followed the same
for nearly forty years. During the latter part of the year 1909,
his health faUed him and he retired form business. His family
consisted of two sons, William and Frank Robertson Boyd.
Mary Alida Boyd only daughter of Daniel Tooker and Es
ther (Dicks) Boyd, was bom at Mount Hope, April 8, 1856,
married Elting DuBoice France at Middleto-wn, N. Y., De
cember 26, 1883. Their famUy consisted of two daughters, Ethel
Mary and AHce McNish.
Theodore A. Penney the oldest son of John Kortright and
Martha Ann (Boyd) Penney. He was engaged for a time as
druggist in his father's store at Hudson, N. Y., and later from
the State of Michigan joined a regiment and served in the War
of 1 86 1. Was taken prisoner and for a time was confined in
Libbey Prison at Richmond, Va. He came home and married

402 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
 . They have one child named John. Our record is

limited. He died previous to 1870.
CaroHne Penney the oldest daughter of John Kortright and
Martha Ann (Boyd) Penney was bom at  , married
Lorenzo WiUiam Frain at HartweU-viUe, Mich., (no record).
They reside at Dutton, Oklahoma. They have four chUdren:
Charles Seymour, M. Theodora, Florence Nightingale and Octa-
rious Lorenzo.
Sarah Dorcas Penney the second daughter of John Kort
right and Martha Ann (Boyd) Penney, was bom (no record),
married Arthur D. Hughes at Grand Lodge, Mich., (no record).
Mr. Hughes was at one time State Senator. They had two
chUdren: Mabel Low, who married Frederick V. Henderick,
M. D., at Boston, Mass., September — , 1911, and Harold Arthur.
Keturah Ann Kirby the oldest daughter of John and Ma-
hitable (Ayres) Kirby was bom near Middletown, N. Y., Octo
ber 8, 1848, died at State HUl, N. Y., August 25, 1865.
Martha Jane Kirby the second daughter of John and Ma-
hitable (Ayres) Kirby was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., Septem
ber 25, 1 85 1, married Sidney B. Kirby of  Iowa, August
— , 1887. The occupation of her husband was that of an expert
machinist and died at Middleto-wn, N. Y., December 27, 1902
No children. Jesse Winfield Kirby the oldest son of John and Mahitable
(Ayres) Kirby, was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y., April 19, 1855,
died at Slate HiU, N, Y., May 7, 1879. Single.
Fannie Elizabeth Kirb}' the third daughter of John and
Mahitable (Ayres) Kirby, was bom at Mount Hope, N. Y.,
March 15, i860, married John G. Taylor of Slate HiU, N. Y.,
January 25, 1882. Their residence was at Newton, N.J., but
returned to Slate Hill, N. Y., where they now reside. They had
two children: Mattee Kirby and Lena Boyd.
Sarah Wisner Kirby the fourth daughter of John and Ma
hitable (Ayres) Kirby, was born at Slate HUl, N, Y., August
14, 1862, married WiUiam W. Bacon of Chester, N, Y., ¦  .
Her husband has been for nearly thirty years in the employ of
the Erie Railroad Company and now is a- prominent citizen at

ROBERT T. BOYD

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 405
Harriman, N. Y., Orange County. Their family consists of one
son : WUliam Kirby Bacon.
Rensellaer H. Ayres the oldest son of Samuel and Mary
(Hulse) Ayres, was born at Middletwon, N. Y., February 17,
1852, married for his first wife Caroline E, Miller at  ,
February 13, 1882, who died at Middletown, N. Y., January 21,
1886. For his second wife he married Mary Ida Miller at 
January 31, 1888. By occupation he was a groceryman. They
had no children.
Frank Boyd Ayres the second son of Samuel and Mary (Hulse)
Ayres, was born at Middletown, N. Y., May 24, 1858, married
Dolly Smith Jackson near Goshen, Orange County, N. Y., June
18, 1884. His wife was born at the same place November 17,
i860. She died at Middletown, June, 22, 1898. His occupa
tion for more than twenty-five years was that of a Hardware
merchant at his native place. Their family consisted of three
chUdren: Roberta Jackson, Marguerite Wilson and Gladys
Doritha. Mary Louise Ayres the only daughter of Samuel and Mary
(Hulse) Ayres, was bom at Middletown, N. Y., .June 28, 1863.
She still resides at Middletown, N. Y.
Henry Martin Ayres the third son of Samuel and Mary
(Hulse) Ayres, was bom at Middletown, N. Y., October 17, i860,
died at the same place November 19, 1881.
Frederick Ayres the oldest son of Charles and Fanny (Davis)
Ayres was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., April 23, 1869,
married Nora Sanford at Middletown, N. Y., September 19,
1888. . Mr. Ayres' occupation is that of a plumber. No chUdren.
Mary Antoinette Ayres the oldest daughter of Charles and
Fanny Antoinette (Davis) Ayres was born at Middletown, N. Y.,
July 17, 1 87 1, married Robert Todd at  , November 17,
1 89 1. Her husband is connected with Springfield Gas Light
Company of Springfield, Mass, where they reside. They have
one child: a son named Charles Davis Todd.
John Ayres the second son of Charles and Fanny (Davis)
Ayres, was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., November 27,
1872, married Josephine Gertrude Horton at Middletown, N.Y.,

406 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
October lo, 1894. Her husband's occupation is that of superin
tendent of the Orange County Telephone Company of Middle-
town, N. Y., where they reside. They have two children, Jennie
May and Josephine Isabella.
Clarence Ayres the third son of Charles and Fanny (Davis)
Ayres, was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., November 27,
1875, married Anna CoUoton at  , February 17, 1898.
Mr. Ayres is superintendent of the Warwick Valley Telephone
Company of Orange County, N. Y., and resides at that place.
They have two children; Francis May and Clara B.
Alice E. Smith the oldest daughter of Enos M and Dorcas
S. (Ayres) Smith, was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., No
vember 21, i860, married George F. Overton at  , January
13, 1886. Their family consisted of five children: Grace May,
Pearl M., Edith B., Frank Roy and Clarence.
J. Edward Smith the oldest son of Enos M. and Dorcus S.
(Ayres) Smith, was born in the town of Wallkill, N Y. April 3,
1863, married Ida K. Lee near Middletown, N. Y., June 12, 1895.
Edward by occupation is a hardware merchant of the firm of
Ayres & Galloway of Middleto-wn, N. Y. They have two
children: whose names are Ralph Lee and Margaret Elizabeth.
Emma J. Smith the second daughter of Enos M. and Dorcus
S. (Ayres) Smith, was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., May
28, 1865. Mary F. Smith the third daughter of Enos M. and Dorcus
S. (Ayres) Smith, was born in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., Janu
ary 12, 1867, married David Decker at  , June 20, 1898.
They have two children: Charles Edgar and Roy Lester.
Henry E. Smith the second son of Enos M. and Dorcus S.
(Ayres) Smith, was born in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., Septem
ber 20, 1870, married Ada Miller at  , March 10, 1898.
They have one child named Leonard.
Minnie L. Smith the fourth daughter of Enos M. and Dor
cus S. (Ayres) Smith, was bom in the town of Wallkill, N. Y.,
November 20, 1873, married Judson James at  , June 15,
1898. Her husband is a missionary in India. They have two
sons : WiUiam and Russell Wiles.

FRANK BOYD AYRES

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 409
Ida J. Smith the fifth daughter of Enos M. and Dorcus S.
(Ayres) Smith, was born in the town of Wallkill, N. Y., May 30,
1875, married Ulysses Winnie at  , November 28, 1906.
They have one daughter named Gladys Estella.
Annie Belle Boyd the oldest daughter of Joshua and Sarah
(Kirby) Boyd, was bom at Franklyn Forks, Pa.,  ,
married William Titsworth of Montrose. Pa. — For several years
her husband has been an attorney at Montrose, Pa., and we are
informed he is mayor of the town. They have one daughter,
caUed Dorothy.
Augusta Boyd the second daughter of Joshua and Sarah
(Kirby) Boyd, was born at Franklyn Forks, Pa.,  ,
married William Wilson of Mount Vernon, N. Y., 
Her husband was for several years one of the faculty in Wood's
Commercial College at New York. They have one son by the
name of Donald Boyd Wilson.
Generations Five and Six
Lillian Quackenbush the only daughter of Isaac L. and Eme-
lein (Decker) Quackenbush, was bom at Port Jervis, Orange
County, N. Y.,  , married Willis Whitner of Suffemes,
N.Y.
Harry A. Quackenbush the only son of Isaac L. and EmeHne
(Decker) Quackenbush, was born at Port Jer-vis, N. Y., September
— , 1872, married Lillian Hendershot at Germanto-wn, Orange
County, N. Y. .They have one child named Willis, who was
bom at Germantown, N. Y.
George Albert Lancaster the oldest son of James Albert and
Hannah Ann (Quackenbush) Lancaster, was bom at Jersey City,
N. J., October 2, i860, married May Tillotson at West Brook-
viUe, N. Y. They have one daughter named Myrtle Caroline,
who was bom at Harriman, Orange County, N. Y., September
II, 1891. Charles P. Lancaster the youngest son of James Albert and
Haimah Ann (Quackenbush) Lancaster, was bom at Jersey City,
N. J.,  , married first Margaret Henderson of New York,
June — , 1890, who died at Port Jervis, N. Y., July 3, 1892. For

410 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
his second wife Adelia Yoman of Middletown, N. Y., They
have one child by the name of Kenneth Avery, who was bom
at Middletown, N.Y
Ella May Lancaster the only daughter of James Albert and
Hannah Ann (Quackenbush) Lancaster was bom at Jersey City
N. J.,  , and now resides at Chester, Orange County, N.Y.
Herbert Hall Jacobus the oldest son of W. B. and Malinda
Elizabeth (Quackenbush) Jacobus, was bom at Mont Clair,
N. J., October 3, 1875, married Anna Spear at Newark. N. J.,
and has one child named Dorothea Elizabeth, who was bom at
Mount Clair, N. J.
Clarence Willard Jacobus the youngest son of W. B. and
Malinda Elizabeth (Quackenbush) Jacobus, was bom at Mount
Clair, N. J., January 3, 1868, married Ethel Harrington at South-
wick, Mass.,  . Have one child, Freda EUen, bom at
Springfield, Mass.
Lena Stratton the only daughter of George and Margaret
Eliza Quackenbush, was born at ThompsonvUle, Sullivan County,
N. Y,, November 19, 1872 and died at Otisville, N. Y., December
6, 1893. Children of Samuel and Mary Rice (Quackenbush) Shorter,
were all born at Middletown, N, Y., as follows: First, Nellie
M. who was bom July 18, 1884, married John Gaynor of Nyack,
N. Y., January 30, 1910. They have one daughter, bom at the
above place February 7, 191 1. Second, Ida Mae bom JtUy 8,
1886. Third, Bert bom July 8, 1888. Fourth, Harry bom
November — , 1895.
Children of Sidney and Francis Janette (Boyd) Van Huben,
all born at Montrose, Pa., as follows: First, Olive E. bom Octo
ber II, 1861, married Dewing at Clayville, N. Y.,  .
They have two daughters, no more record. Second, Minnie A.
born July 27, 1864, married for her first husband  Allen
and had one daughter named Lula. For her second husband,
Fred K. Braga. They have one daughter named Ruth, born at
Middletown, N.Y. Third, Lucy E. bom June 27, 1873 and died
May 26, 1875. Fourth, Maud L. born January 2, 1867, now fives
at Seneca FaUs, N. Y.

CHARLES LUTHER BOYD

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 413
Children of Walter and Myra (Boyd) Jenners, all born at
Forest Lake, Pa. First, Ella L. bom  , 1S59. Second,
Charles H. born November 7, 1861. Third, Orphee A. born
March 24, 1866.
ChUdren of Horace Tooker and Fanny (Harding) Boyd, of
which there were several we have no record of. All of them are
now dead.
Children of Barton Emmit and Tabitha Louise (Fox) Boyd,
as foUows: First, Ethelyn Reta Boyd bom at Smithland, Iowa,
October 16, 1880, married John E. Robt. Meredith of New York
City, February 5, 1907. Her husband lost his life at sea in the
above year. Ethelyn is a graduate from Moville, Iowa, High
School and later from the State Normal School at Cedar Falls,
Iowa, and also from the University of South Dakota, at Ver-
miUion of that State. They had one son named Chas. Wm. Robt.
Boyd Meredith bom at Spokane, "Wash., March 24, 1908. Their
home is now at Wetaskwin, Alberta, Canada. Second, Mary
LUHan Boyd bom at Smithland, Iowa, June 22, 1882, died at the
same place August 8, 1882. Third, Beatrice, Evelyn Boyd born
at Moville, Iowa, September 24, 1883, married Henry A. Lee at
Wetask-win, Alberta, Canada, September 2, 1908. She was a
graduate from Mo-ville, Iowa, High School and later attended
'Whitman College at Walla Walla, Washington State. Now lives
at Alberta, Canda. Fourth, William Emmit Boyd the oldest son
was bom at Moville, Iowa, March 24, 1885. He graduated from
the high school at Moville and later learned the harness maker's
trade and now resides at Killam, Alberta, Canada. Fifth, Zer-
mah Grace Boyd the fourth daughter, was born at Moville, Iowa,
September 21, 1888, married Oscar E. Lee of Ohiton, Alberta,
Canada May 24, 1908. She attended school at first at Mo-ville,
Iowa and later at Brunate Hall, Sopkane, Wash. At the time of
their marriage, her husband was a merchant at the above place,
but since they have removed to Vancouver, B. C. They have
one daughter Julia Louise, bom at  , July 22, 1909. Sixth,
Barton Lewis Raymond Boyd the second son was born at
Moville, Iowa, June 21, 1899 and died at same place June 29,
1899.

414 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Children of Herbert H. and Matilla LUHan (Boyd) Cilley,
are as follows: First, George the oldest son was born at West-
field, Iowa, February i8, 1886, married Irene M. Mace of Medical
Lake, Washington, August 26, 1908. They have two chUdren,
one bom at Akron Iowa, whose name is Margaret Lillian, born
July 14, 1909 and a babe bom May 7, 1911 at Blanchard, Idaho,
whose name we have not. Second, Emmet Or-'n Boyd bom at
Westfield, Iowa, October 29, 1888. Third, Chester Carleton
Boyd born at Akron, Iowa, February 14, 1896. Fourth, Herbert
Arthur Boyd bom at Akron, Iowa, January 7, 1898.
Children of William Harvey and Laura M. (ShuU) Boyd, all
bom at Lee Mars, Iowa, are as follows: First, Harvey Aust'n
Boyd bom May 23, 1887. Now a mail clerk in the City of Lee
Mars, Iowa. Second, Gerdina Louise Boyd born May 29, 1889,
died at same place July — , 1889. Third, Harold Romain Boyd
bom March 21, 1892. Fourth, Mary Eda Boyd bom May 29,
1898. Children of Volney Beckner and Lucy M. (Gibson) Boyd, all
born at Akron, Iowa, except the oldest, Roy Barton, whose birth
place was Westfield, same state. First, Roy Barton Boyd bom
at Westfield, Iowa, November 3, 1889, married Florence Thorpe
of Miller, South Dakota, October 29, 1910 Second, Herbert
WUHam Boyd bom April 20, 1891, died in 1891, age nine months.
Third and fourth, Esther Ann and Lester Austin Boyd twins,
were bom September 15, 1893. Fifth. Robert Volney Boyd born
March 12, 1898. Sixth, Cecil Clare Boyd bom January 7,1901.
Seventh, Frank H. Boyd bom November 21, 1907, died January
1908. Children of Samuel Jerome and Hannah Eugenia (Knight)
Boyd are namely: First, Charles Luther Boyd the oldest son
born near Mount Hope, N. Y., November 2, 187 1, married M.
Elizabeth the oldest daughter of Wilkin and Amelia (Mapes)
Carpenter at Middletown, N. Y., April 25, 1899. Charles' early
life was spent upon a farm with his father. For a time he at
tended the Middletown High School and soon after became en
gaged in the stationary business. In January of 1897 he accepted
a position as clerk in the Merchant's Nationa! Bank at the latter

FRANK ROBERTSON BOYD, M. D.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 417
place, later he was promoted to the position of cashier. His
famUy consists of one daughter named Florence Hazel born at
Middletown, N. Y., January 7, 1904. Second, Grace Alma Boyd
the oldest daughter was bom in the to-wn of Wallkill, N. Y., June
22, 1877. Third, Florence Ruth Boyd the youngest daughter
was bom in the town of WallkUl, N. Y., September 13, 1890.
She was a graduate from the Middleto-wn N. Y., High School in
class of 1908, and is now foUo-wing the vocation of teaching.
ChUdren of Robert Terry and Augusta Bell (Robertson)
Boyd. First, WiUiam bom at Jersey City, N. J., January 13,
1875, died at same place March 21, 1875. Second, Frank Ro
bertson Boyd bom at Jersey City, N. J., September 11, 1877. He
graduated from the High School in Jersey City in 1896; the New
York University in 1902. He graduated and reqeived an appoint
ment on the staff in Belle-vue Hospital for two years and then
commenced practice as a Physician at 359 Lenox Ave., New York
City where he has an extensive practice.
Children of Elting DuBoice and Mary Alida (Boyd) France.
First, Ethel Mary France bom at Middleto-wn, N. Y., January
13, 1886. Second, Alice McNish France bom at Middletown,
N. Y., September 20, 1893, died at the same place June 11, 1896.
John, the only son of Theodore and — — (no more record)
Penney, children of Lorenzo William and Caroline (Penney)
Frain. The record of place and birth we have not. Their names
are as follows: First, Charles Seymour., married Estella Munroe
at Largusbugh, Mich, (no record) They now live in New-
York City and have one child named Madaline. Second, M.
Theodora lives in New York City. Third, Florence Nightingale
married Hector J. Hayes of Muir. Mich., and now lives in Detroit.
They have one daughter named Esther. Fourth, Octavious
Lorenzo married Carribal Cook of Lansing, Mich. They have
one daughter named Eulalia. They now reside in Dutton,
Oklahoma. ChUdren of Arthur D. and Sarah Dorcas (Penney) Hughes.
First, Mabel Low who lives in Boston and is assistant to the
Pastor of the Pilgrim Church in Dorchester, Mass. Second,
Harold Arthur, who resides at Los Angeles, Gal.

418 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Mattie Kirby Taylor the oldest daughter of John E. and
Fanny Elizabeth (Kirby) Taylor was bom at Ne-wtown, N. J.,
December 15, 1883 and died at the same place November 14,
1894. She was a very bright young lady of musical talent. Her
sister Lena Boyd Taylor was bom at State Hill, N. Y., April 12,
1885. She graduated from the Normal School at South Lan
caster, Mass. in June of 1908 and now follows the occupation of
teaching. William Kirby Bacon only son of William W. and Sarah
Wisner (Kirby) Bacon was bom at Chester, N. Y., May 13, 1894.
He expects to graduate soon from South Lancaster, Mass. High
School. Children of Frank Boyd and Dolly Smith (Jackson) Ayres.
First, Roberta Jackson Ayres was bom at Middletown, N. Y.,
July 5, 1886, married Frank Webster, M. D., of the above place
April — , 1 91 1. They now reside at Pine Bush, Orange County,
N. Y. Second, Margaret Wilson Ayres was bom at Middletown,
N. Y., August 15, 1889. She is a graduate of the Middletown
High School of 1908 and a singer of note. Third, Gladys Dorothy
Ayres the youngest was also bom at Middleto-wn, N. Y., June
I, 1898. Charles Da-vis Todd the son of Robert and Mary Antoinette
(Ayres) Todd was bom at Middleto-wn, N. Y., November 3, 1892.
ChUdren of John and Josephine Gertmde (Horton) Ayres.
First, Jennie May Ayres was bom at Middleto-wn, N. Y., May 14,
1895. Second, Josephine IsabeUa Ayres was bom at same place
February 22, 1902.
Children of Clarence and Anna (CoUoton) Ayres. First,
Frank Francis May Ayres was born at Middleto-wn, N. Y., De
cember 28, 1898. Second, Clara B, Ayres was bom at Newburgh,
N. Y., July 9, 1903, died August i, 1904.
Grace May, Pearl M., Edith B., Frank Roy and Clarence
Smith are children of George and Alice (Smith) Overton of which
we have no record.
Ralph Lee and Margaret Elizabeth are children of J. Edward
and Ida K. (Lee) Smith. We have no record.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 419
Charles Edgar and Roy Lester are children of Dewitt and
Mary F. (Smith) Decker. No record.
Leonard the only son of Henry E. and Ada (Miller) Smith.
We have no record.
WUber and Russel Miles, children of Judson and Minnie L.
(Smith) James. No record.
Gladys Estella the daughter of Ulysses and Ida I. (Smith)
Winnie. No record.

CHRISTOPHER WHITAKER
1793-18S1

PARTHENIA (BOYD) WHITAKER
1794-1883

NATHANIEL GRIFFING
1794-1889

SUSAN (BOYD) GRIPPING
1802-189S

CHAPTER V
History of the Boyds of Albany, N. Y.
John Boyd, the emigrant ancestor and founder of one of the
Albany, New York, families of that name, was born in the
North of Ireland in 1725 of Scotch parentage. There is a well-
founded belief that he was one of the Kilmarnock family
of Boyd, descended from a branch that settled in Antrim
County, Ireland. Many family characteristics and traditions
testify to this, also the fact that he used as his seal the coat of
arms of the KUmamock Boyds, his descendants continuing the
use of the same to the present tirtie. Shortly after John Boyd
emigrated from Ireland, another famUy of Boyds came directly
from Scotland to Albany, and they found themselves to be own
cousins. However, the distinction remained of Scotch Boyds
and Irish Boyds.
The data in the following sketch was taken from family
Bible records, old letters, newspaper clippings and MunseU's
Annals of Albany, and is authentic :
In the spring of 1762, John Boyd, with his wife Ann Logan
and three children, came to Albany, New York, where he became
a prosperous merchant. He resided in Albany until 1793, when,
as it appears on the Session Records of the First Presbyterian
church, of which he was an elder, he removed to the country,
meaning Johnstown, New York. There he established a saw
mill in partnership with John Rogers, his brother-in-law, and
there he died, July 6, 1799, age seventy-four years. Ann Logan
his wife was bom 1739, married 1757, was also of Scotch descent. [42 il

422 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
She had a brother James Logan who settled in the Champlain
country of New York State, who died 1784, and a sister Agnes
Logan ,who accompanied the emigration to America, having married
John Rogers the day of their sailing in the spring of 1762. Ann
Logan Boyd, after the death of her husband, returned to Albany,
resided with her daughter Nancy Boyd McHench" until her death,
February 9, 18 15. She was buried at Johnstown by the side of
her husband. Nine (9) children were born to John and Ann Boyd;
a daughter and eight sons. The only daughter Nancy or Agnes,
was born February 26, 1760, married at Albany, May 11, 1786,
Peter McHench, and died February, 185 1. They had five chUdren —
we have the record of only one — William McHench, who mar
ried his cousin Margaret Boyd, daughter of David and Margaret
(Maxwell) Boyd, and had seven children, of these only one married
— David Boyd McHench, whose wife was Elizabeth Dillon. They
had one daughter Laura, who married Franklin Janes and had
one son, David McHench Janes who died September 17, 1899,
aged seventeen years.
John Logan Boyd, or John, Jr., as he was usually called,
the eldest son was born October 8, 1758 in Ireland. He grew to
manhood in Albany, then settled in Ballston now Charlton,
Saratoga County, New York, where he was a mUlwright and far
mer. He was the first supervisor of Charlton in 1791; later
a justice of the peace ; and was therefore of good standing and
repute. In politics, he was undoubtedly a moderate Royalist
or "Tory," was once arrested on suspicion by the Commis
sioner of Conspiracies of Albany County and his father was one
of his bondsmen in the sum of .£200. He was driven from home
however, by Burgoyne's approach and -with his neighbors peti
tioned the authorities for better miHtary protection. He married
Anna Northrop, March 25, 1779. They had twelve chUdren, ten
of whom were born in Charlton, one Mary or Polly in Stockbridge,
Massachusetts, in 1782, and the youngest child bom in Newark,
near Niagara, Ontario, Canada, to which place the famUy removed
about 1799, where they probably died and were buried. Polly
Boyd, born 1782, married John Laird, a farmer and carpenter of
Charlton, New York, prior to 1798, when they removed to

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 423
Onondaga County, New York. Their first child was born 1804.
Hon. John L. Boyd, son of John and Anna Northrop, moved to Cin-
cinnatus, Cortland County, New York, in 1811. He represented
his county in the State Legislature in 1828. Another son of John
.and Anna was well kno-wninAlbany, as Thomas Boyd, the hatter.
James Boyd the second son of John and Ann, was born
February 2, 1762, in Antrim, Ireland, and was an infant in
arms when his parents anived in Albany. When seventeen years
old, he became a soldier in the Revolutionary War, serving as
private under Colonel P. P. Schuyler, in the 3rd Albany Co.
MUitia, from October 28, 1779 to November 4, 1781. After the
¦Revolution, he settled in Schenectady and became a well known
public man and prosperous farmer. He was for fourteen years
in succession, supervisor of the town of Schenectady, held various
other offices of trust, was twice elected, 1811, 1812, a member of
the state Legislature, in which he voted for the building of the Erie
Canal, which was at that time considered a -wUd project, never
to be realized. When quite advanced in years, he was obliged
to part with his fine farm at Glenville on the Mohawk, because he ¦
had endorsed notes for a friend, which he eventually had to pay,
and with his family moved to Warren County, N. Y., where in the
Fourteenth Township, he established a saw mill. He afterwards
removed to Albany, and held the position of weigh master
of the Erie Canal. lie died February 2, 1839, aged seventy-seven
years. He married January 16, 1783, Alida Conde, born June
16, 1763, and died August 4, 1838, daughter of Jesse and Parthenia
Ogden Conde, of Charlton, Saratoga County. Her grandfather
Adam Cond6 was High constable of Albany in 1725 and was
killed in the Buel-Kendall Indian Massacre in 1 748, at Schenectady.
His wife Catherine De Graaf, bom November 30, 1736, was
daughter of Jesse and Altie (Hennion) Ackerman of New York,
and granddaughter of Claas Andries De Graaf, who was born
1628, in Holland, and one of the early settlers of Schenectady,
New York. James and Alida Boyd had two sons and seven
daughters and many hundred descendants.
John Boyd, the eldest son of James and Alida, was born at
Schenectad}', February 12, 1786, and died at Milroy, Indiana,

424 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
January 21, 1887, nearly one hundred and one years old. When
twenty-one, he was chosen Captain of militia in the war of 1812.
His company with the Regiment was called to Sacketts Harbor;
while enroute he was chosen Adjutant General, and served in that
capacity during the war. At the close, he retumed to work on
the farm, at the earnest desire of his father, giving up his own
ambition to serve in the regular army, for which service he had
special ability and fitness. He went -with his family to Warren
County, where he held the agency of several townships, also the
agency of the Thurman and Gilcrist estates and again exhibited
all the qualities of a leader. In 1820, he moved to Indiana and
settled in Rush County; cleared a large farm, a part of which is
now included in the city of Rush ville. After RushvUle had
encroached upon his homestead, he moved to Milroy, a small
town seven miles south, to be near his children. To the
very end of his one hundred and one years, he retained his facul
ties in a wonderful way and died peacefully sitting in his chair
talking with friends. It is said of him, that he never was sick a
day in his life, and when quite advanced in life rode all the way
from RushvUle to Schenectady on horseback, retuming the same
way. On February 12, 1886, the people of Rush County, Indi
ana, celebrated the centennial birthday of Captain John Boyd,
with a grand procession, headed by a band of music, assembling
at the largest church, where appropriate addresses were made
and ending with a banquet. The people flocked in numbers to
see a man who had lived one hundred years. Captain John Boyd,
married at Schenectady, Maria Vedder and had eight children:
first, Eveliza, April, 1816, married Mr. Springer; had Jackson and
George Springer and Maria, who married Mr. McCartey and had
daughters Nettie and Jennie McCartey. Second, James, February
II, 1818. Third, Anna Maria, 1821. Fourth, John, 1823, died
1843. Fifth, Alida, February 14, 1826, who married Mr. Parsons
and had John and Daniel Parsons and Catherine, who married
Mr. MarkweU. Sixth, Charles, 1828, died 1832. Eighth,
Wilmot, 1833, died 1855. Seventh, Jesse Conde, January 22,
1830, married Lucinda Innis, March 4, 1852 and had nine chil
dren as foUows: First, William Marshall Boyd, November 11,

ELCY (NOBLE) BOYD
Died 1872

JESSE CONDE BOYD
Born 1803. Died 1891

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MARY J. BOYD EASTON MARGARET A. BOYD FERRIS
CHARLES LANSING BOYD ROBERT BOYD
ALIDA BOYD BURTON
JAMES BOYD
HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 427
1854, who by wife Amanda, had Chase and Horatio, twin, Ernest,
Jessie May, and Clare Paul Boyd. Second, Alexander Henry
Boyd, August 15, 1855, married Sidney C. Stewart and had
Harry A. 1884 and NelHe Maud Boyd, 1894. Third, Laura
Ellen, 1858, died 1882. Fourth, Emma Irene Boyd, 1862, died
1890, married William Gruell and had Orien and Sarah Gruell.
Fifth, James Sidney Boyd, 1864. Sixth, John Franklin Boyd,
February 24, i860, who by wife Laura, had Mazie Agnes, and
Mary Dean Boyd. Seventh, Charles Elbert Boyd, 1866-1877.
Eighth, Frederick B. Boyd, December 21, 1873, who married Jessie
Anna Robinson and had Charles Frederick Boyd, born May 27,
1896. Ninth, Christina Boyd, September 8, 1869.
Jesse Conde Boyd, the second son of James and Alida was
bom at Schenectady, June 5, 1803, and there spent his youth,
When a young man he went to Johnsburgh, Warren County, and
engaged in making lumber with his father. In 183 1, he moved
to Albany, where he was Weigh Master on the Erie Canal and for
nine years a lumber dealer. About 1850, he removed to Chicago,
Illinois, oneof the pioneers of the place. He subsequently resided
on a farm at Dixon and later at Aurora, Illinois. Shortly after
the death of his wife at Aurora, July 7, 1872, he returned to
Chicago, to live with his sons, Robert and Charles L. Boyd. In
1889, he exchanged some property in Chicago for a place at
Montague, Michigan, and at the age of eighty-four years, became
once more a farmer, to him the "ideal life." He died June 6,
1 89 1 , aged eighty-eight years, was buried in Graceland Cemetery , at
Chicago, Illinois. He married at Johnsburgh, New York, January
15, 1824, Elcy Noble, daughter of Edward and Mary (Leach)
Noble. To them were born twelve children, of these six lived to
marry and have descendants, namely: First, Alida Boyd, born
January 25, 1826, married Hiram Burton of Albany, and had
Elcy Noble Burton, who married Herman H. Mund, Phila
delphia, Pennsylvania; Florence and Herbert Burton unmarried.
Hiram and Alida Burton were among the pioneer settlers of Den
ver, Colorado , in i860. Alida Boyd Burton, is now living (191 1)
in Denver, in her eighty-sixth year, in perfect health, with a
bright active mind; she was able to witness the unveiling of a

428 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
monument dedicated to the Pioneersof Colorado, on June 24, 1911.
Second, Mary J. Boyd, second child of Jesse and Elcy, bom August
9, 1827, married Charles Patterson Easton of Albany, January
26, 1847. For thirty-eight years Mr. Easton was one of the lead
ing lumber merchants of the city, and actively engaged in promot
ing the public school system. Mary Boyd Easton died October
30, 1903, in her seventy-seventh year. Of the nine chUdren bom
of this marriage, five are living. First, WUliam Easton, married
CaroHne A. Newton, and had Helen N. and Mary Boyd Easton.
Second, Edward Easton, who married Sarah F. Jones and had
Charles P.; Edith; Edward, Jr.; Mary Boyd; Roland J.; Elcy
Noble; Arthur Boyd; Robert P.; William 2nd; Lillian Alice;
Conde PhUip, and Adrian Noble Easton. Third, Alice Easton,
who married Arthur W. Pray of Boston, Massachusetts, no chil
dren. Fourth, Frederick Easton, who married Mary Young, had
one daughter Alice. Fifth, I. B. Easton, lumber dealer, N. Y. City,
married Marion B. Ramsdell. Third, Margaret A. Boyd, third,
¦child of Jesse and Elcy, born December 22, 1828, married Thomas
R. Ferris of Albany, a manufacturer of furniture, picture frames and
mirrors; they had David Ferris, now residing at Syracuse, New
York, who married Elizabeth Ramsey, no children. Jesse B.;
Thomas R., Jr. ; and Charles Ferris, died unmarried. Edward M.,
manied Julia Pratt, no children. Mary Ferris married Edward
Tice of Albany, and had Fred; Grace; Alice; Caroline and Elsie
Tice. Grace Ferris married W. B. Moore, of Sjrracuse, New
York, had Elcy and Harriet Moore. Howard Ferris married
Augusta Kane, has Mary and Edward Ferris residing in Albany.
Margaret Boyd Ferris in her eighty-third year, now residing with
her daughter at Syracuse, New York.
Fourth, James Boyd the eldest son of Jesse and Elcy, was
born at Albany, June 22, 1831, died at Springfield, Massachusetts,
1905, He was one of the early bankers and brokers of Chicago.
Shortly after the war, he went to New York city where he was
for forty years a member of the Stock Exchange. It has been
the lot of few to have passed through more exciting and history
making epochs than James Boyd. That he did so with unblem
ished character and a high record for upright dealings, all know

CATHERINS (BOYD) VIELE
Born 1789. Died 1867

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 431
who are familiar with the history of the New York Stock Exchange.
He was an enthusiastic Sunday School worker and every Sunday
found him in his place as leader of a Mission School attended by
several hundred pupils. He married at Chicago, Sarah Lock,
and had six children: William L., who married Kittle Mills, had
one son Kenneth Mills Boyd. Mary Elcy, Mell Lois, and James
who died young. Jesse, the twin of James, married and has a son
James. James Van Wagner, M. D., married Mabel Smith, has
Muriel and Bruce Boyd, now living at Springfield, Massachusetts.
Fifth, Robert Boyd, son of Jesse and Elcy, born at Albany, July
13, 1 84 1, since his early youth has been a resident of Chicago,
and in the banking business. He is now connected with the
Illinois Savings and Trust Company Bank, in the safety deposit
department. He married first, Celia Stow at Chicago and had
Robert, Jr., who died while a student at Cornell, and William Stow
Boyd. He manied second, Helen Pitcher and had Alexander
Boyd, who married Louise Barber. All reside at Hinsdale
Illinois. Sixth, Charles Lansing Boyd, son of Jesse and Elcy, born
at Albany, May ii, 1843, spent his life in Chicago, and has been
actively connected with the business enterprise of the city. He
married Mulvina Lock, had one son and four daughters: James
Boyd, manied and now living at New Orleans, Louisana; Emma
Lock Boyd, mamied John Mairs Gilcrist, has two children; Elcy
Noble Boyd married James Edward Moore, has a son James E.
Moore. Hannah Lock Boyd died 1884 and Marjory Boyd.
Catherine Boyd, the eldest of the seven daughters of James
and Alida Conde Boyd was born at Schenectady, November 17,
1784, married Jacob Viele of same place, who was bom October
18, 1775 and died at Elmira, March 4, 1850. She died at Troy,
Pennsylvania, December 8, 1867. After her marriage she resided
in Schenectady, New York, until the year of 1833, when they
moved to Bath, New York, and from their to Elmira in 1840, and
after her husband's death in 1851, took up her residence at Troy,
Pennsylvania. Their family consisted of fourteen children all
bom in Schenectady, New York, as follows: First, Philip Viele,
who was bom September 2, 1804, and died at Salamanca, New

432 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
York, December 5, 1884; second, James Boyd Viele, who was
bom May 30, 1810, died in Boulder, Colorado in 1904; third,
Rachel Viele, who died at the age of 20 years; fourth, John Veile,
fifth, Clarissa Ann Viele, bom January 5, 181 2, died at Bath,
New York, November 10, 1880; sixth, Comelis Viele, bom in
1816, and died at Elmira, New York, January, 1850; seventh,
Catherine Viele, bom November 16, 1818, died at Bath, New
York, January 20, 1903 (she was Mrs. Jas. Hunter); eighth,
Maria Viele; ninth, Alexander Viele, bom in July,  and
died at Hannible, Mo.; tenth,. Jacob J. Viele, bom April 22, 1825,
died at Troy, Pennsylvania, December 8, 1870; eleventh, Deborah
Viele (Mrs. Chas. N. Grohs) was bom October 11, 1827, died at
Troy, Pennsylvania, June 23, 1898. She has a daughter Mrs.
Frederic H. Hoffman of Troy, Pennsylvania; twelfth, GUes Fonda
Viele, bom March i, 1829, died at Troy, Pennsylvania; thirteenth,
Rachel Viele (Mrs. Jacob Anque) bom May 20, 1830, died at
Troy, Pennsylvania, October 26, 1883; fourteenth, Jessie Viele
died at the age of three years. Ann Boyd, the second daugther
bom in Schenectady, 1792, married Charles Vedder also of
Schenectady and died at New Orleans, La., March 1830, leaving
a son James and a daughter Catherine Vedder.
Parthenia Boyd, the third daughter bom November 29, '
1794, at Schenectady, married February 18, 1813, Christopher
Whitaker, bom in Dutchess county, New York, November 29,
1793. Their entire married life was spent in Johnsburg, Warren
County where all their nine children were bom, namely: First,
Abram, July 5, 1814, manied Matilda Hays, 1847, and had
Parthenia E.; second, James bom February 9, 1816, married
Anna Shefield 1842, had John Boyd 1850, Albert Conde, 1852
and Harriet A., 1859; third, John bom 1820, died 1825; fourth,
Charles Brown, December 11, 182 1, married Abigail Richards
Graves 1835, he died at Elgin, Illinois, June 6, 1877, their chUdren:
Leslie C, Herbert L., Clara; Adele married Garrett DUlenback,
now in the dmg business at Albany. Edith M. and Annie B.
Whitaker; fifth, David, September 7, 1823, married Samantha
Ferris, had Philip A. and Fred Whitaker; Sixth, Catherine, 1826 ;
seventh, Robert, 1828 ; eighth, AHda, 1831 ; all died immarried;

HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 433
ninth, Nancy McHench 'Whitaker, 1832, who married Rev.
I. J. Hoag, and died November, 1902.
Wilmot Boyd, the fourth daughter born at Schenectady,
December 29, 1796, died at Detroit, Michigan, March 20, 1877
in her eighty-first year, manied Charles Taylor Bro-wn of Charlton,
Saratoga County. They had five children: First, Nathan
HolHster, bom May 10, 1815, married Amanda Hall, March,
1840 and died February 20, 1884. Their children were four:
Catherine Taylor, 1841; Esther, 1843, li-ving at Detroit, 1910;
Lydia Barclay, 1845 and Charles Hall Brown, July 5, 1849, who
married Georgiana Newcomb, December 4, 1867, they had three
sons: First, Charles F., 1868, who married Caroline King, had
daughter Georgiana Brown; second, George HolHster, 1870,
manied Mabel L. Pollock, have daughter Madeline Brown; third,
Herbert Stanley Bro-wn, 1872.
Second, James Alexander bom October 13, 18 17, died May
21, 1882, married Naomi Loomis Bancroft in 1848, had Frank
WUmot, 1855, died 1893, married Frances Marjory Bagley, had
Marjory Wilmot and Dorothy Frank Bro-wn. Van Vechten
Brown, son of James and Naomi, born 1869, died 1871. Other
children of Wilmot Boyd and Charles Taylor Brown, were Anson,
1 8 16; Esther, 182 1; and Alida Ann, 1824, all died unmarried.
A few years after the death of their father in 1830, the family
removed from Charlton, New York to Detroit, Michigan, where
the sons, Nathan HoUister Bro-wn and James Alexander Bro-wn
became prominent physicians.
Margaret Boyd, the fifth daughter of James and Alida,
bom October 25, 1800, at Schenectady, married, 1818, Fredrick
Nicholas Clute, son of Susan Switz and Nicholas Clute, bom 1800,
died 1879. Margaret his -wife died June 4, 1878 in her seventy-
eighth year. Their children: First, Susan, 1820 married Jere
miah Spohn; second, Alida, 1822, married John F. Spohn and had
Charles Clute Spohn, bom 1857, who by wife Amelia had Fred
erick N. and Howard E. Spohn; third, Abraham S. 1824-1829;
fourth, Wilmot Boyd Clute, married Levi Fralick, had Margaret
M. Fralick, 1853; fifth, Anna C. Clute, 1830, manied James
Rikers; sixth, Nancy L., 1832-1859; seventh, Harriet Amelia,

434 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
1835, married George H. Cond6, and removed to Milwaukee,
Wis., and eighth, James Boyd Clute, 1840, died 1862.
Susan Boyd, the sixth daughter, bom at Schenectady, De
cember 18, 1801, manied, July 20, 1823, Nathaniel Griffing of
Thurman, Warren County, New York. She went as a bride to
the Griffing homestead, lived there for seventy-two years and
there died August 11, 1895 in the ninety-fourth year of her age.
Their children were: first, Stephen Boyd, bom June 12, 1830,
died November 24, 1907, married Fannie Bro-wn of Chicago,
June, 1859, had Helen E., who married Louis K. HUdebrand and
had Helen May, Clement Alvin; M'liss Louise, and Edwin
Francis HUdebrand. Residing at Hinsdale, lUinois, Clement
Alvin married Helen R. Childs, they have one son, Frank Childs
HUdebrand and reside atRiverton, Nebraska. George Cameron,
eldest son of Stephen B. Griffing, bom 1861, married Adeline G.
McSpadden, had Emma H. and Helen Griffing. He married
second Nina Bro-wn, lives at Clark, South Dakota; Edward Vin
cent, second son of Stephen B. Griffing, 1864, died 1889 at Clark,
South Dakota. Second, James Griffing bom 1832, died 1834;
third, Helen Grifl&ng, bom April 12, 1836, died June 25, 1891,
married April 26, 1856, Frederick R. Osborne, had five children:
Frederick Stodard, 1865; Henry Griffing, 1867, and Charles
Boyd, 1869, died young. Isabella the eldest daughter, married
Orley Hazleton, had Alice Hazleton who married Rev. Augustus
Hayward Lane of Saratoga Springs. Susan Boyd Osborne, the
second daughter married Rae Sims of Glen FaUs, New York, no
children. Fourth, Elizabeth GriflSng, bom July 28, 1839, married
Andrew J. Taylor of Glen Falls, New York. Fifth, Henry
Griffing, bom July 28, 1839, tvrin of Elizabeth. He is unmarried,
living at Warrensburgh, New York, very highly regarded. He
is a leading man of Warren County in business and politics,
very active and prominent in the Episcopal church.
Nancy McHench Boyd, the seventh daughter of James and
AHda, born at Schenectady, November 5, 1807, died at Mil
waukee, Wisconsin, May 18, 1883, age seventy-six years, married
Jessie Martin Van Slyke of Schenectady, had two children : James
Boyd, who died young and Harriet M. Van Slyke, December 17,

HENRY GRIPPING

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 437
1842, married at Milwaukee, September 6, 1864, Alfred Levi
Gary, (lawyer), their children: Robert John, 1868; Walter, 1871;
Haniet Sophia, 1873, who married in 1901, Charles L. Jones;
and Irving Boyd Gary 1875. ,
Alexander Boyd, third son of John and Ann Logan Boyd,
was bom at Albany, September 14, 1764, and died at Middle
burgh, Schoharie County, New York, in 1854, age ninety years.
In Middleburgh, where he spent his life, he was an extensive
farmer, much esteemed and respected by all classes. He was
noted for charitable deeds, especially kind to his slaves of whom
he o-wned a large number. In 18 13, he received the nomination
for Congress from the Whig party in Schoharie County, and
although the county was strongly Deniocratic, he was elected
by an overwhelming majority. He was a deacon in the Dutch
Reformed church for many years and Sunday always found him
in church no matter what the weather. It is said of him that he
walked the whole distance from Middleburgh to Albany when he
was eighty-four years old. He married Elizabeth Becker, the
daughter of Peter, and had thirteen children.
First, John, bom July 29, 1784, married Kate Van Epps,
settled at Laurens, Otsego County, New York, no children. Sec
ond, Helen, bom December 10, 1785, on October i, 1809 married
James Van Gaasbeek, M. D., had seven children as follows: Eliza
C. Van Gaasbeek, August 4, 181 1, married in i836,EHjah Parson;
Deborah Van Gaasbeek, September 14, 1812, died unmanied.
Margaret Van Gaasbeek, August 4, 1814, manied in 1840, Israel
Larkin. Alexander Boyd Van Gaasbeek, bom April 11, 1816,
died January 15, 191 1 in his ninety-fifth year, manied February
20, 1851, Antoinette H. Keller and had Amos C. Van Gaasbeek,
now living in Orange, New Jersey, who married Helen W. Com-
stock, no children; and Antoinette Hoyt Van Gaasbeek who
manied John Francis Nash, has three children, Helen; Alexander
V. G., and Antoinette Nash, residing in Syracuse, New York.
Mr. A. B. Van Gaasbeek, until eighty-five years of age was
actively engaged in the carpet business in Albany and was
a remarkable example of the longevity and activity of the
Boyds.

438 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
WUHam Van Gaasbeek, March 27, 1818, died December 19,
1903, age eighty-five years, married September 22, 1840, Phoebe
Ford and had: Helen P. Van Gaasbeek, who married John Jay,.
of London, England, their children, Phoebe; Caroline and WUHam
P. Jay. Eliza J. Van Gaasbeek who manied Mr. Baldwin of
Castleton, Vermont, and had Minnetta, William and Edwin
Baldwin. John Van Gaasbeek married — had John F. Van
Gaasbeek and William Van Gaasbeek, residing at Albany, New
York. John Van Gaasbeek, bom October 26, 1820, married June
1843, Mary Groat, no children. Edwin Van Gaasbeek, bom
March 7, 1823, died 1872.
Third, David Boyd, third child of Alexander, bom November
3, 1788, married, 1819, Nancy Vanderzee of Bethleham, Albany
County. Lived at Middleburgh, had seven children: 1819,
(Elizabeth); 1823, Alexander; Susan; Ann; Margaret; 1823,
Vanderzee; 1826, Amah. Ann Boyd, fourth child bom March 7,
1 791, married George Dial of DeKalb, St. Lawrence County,
New York, had seven or eight children. Albert Boyd, fifth child,
born March i, 1793, married Ann Heron of Middleburgh, lived
in St. Lawrence County, had seven children. Peter Boyd, sixth
child, August 23, 1795, manied Helen De Voe of Oneida County,
lived there and had four children. James Boyd, seventh child,
December 6, 1797 mairied Emily Stimpson of Schoharie County,
lived at Livingston ville, Schoharie County, had two chUdren.
Margaret Boyd, eighth child, bom February 10, 1800, married
Jan. 26. 1826 John C. Van Vechten, lived at Sloans-ville,
Schoharie County died August 20, 1886, had ten children: First,
Cornelia B. born Nov. 24, 1827, died Feb. 23. 1885, married
Peter Enders, Feb. 15 1848. Second, Maria, 1829-1831; James,
1831 — 1900, married Sophia Deitz, 1853; EHza, 1833, manied
Peter Wamer; Ann, 1835, manied Charles Baumes; Helen,
1837, married WiUiam Avery; Jane, 1839-1857; Delia, 1842,
married B. F. Gage; Caroline, 1846-1848; Margaret, bom
Febmary 24, 1844, married John Wynkoop Veeder, had Van
Vechten, James Wynkoop, and Florence R. Veeder. Van Vechten
Veeder in igii was a Judge in the United States District Court,
New York. WUliam A. Boyd, ninth child of Alexander, bom,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 439
December 13,, 1802, died September 17, 1880, age seventy-eight
years. After several years spent successfully in farming in
Schoharie County, he moved to Albany in 1850, entered into
partnership with his son Rodger D. Boyd in the drygoods business.
In 1874, the firm was dissolved and Mr. Boyd retired from active
business life. He married first Margaret Dougerty who died in
1830, second, Sarah M. Sternberg of Livingston ville, had seven
children as follows: First, Rodger D. bom June 22, 1828, mar
ried Delia Godfrey and had six children: Wm. A., Ida, Henry,
Cora , Alice , Harlow Boyd. Second, WiUiam A . , Jr . , June 10, 1830,
married Laney Williams and had six children. Third, Elizabeth,
bom July 11, 1839, manied Seth Wheeler, April 3, 1861, died
Jan. 2, 1911. Children, Edgar Wheeler, who married Alice Birch
and had Archibald Birch; Thomas Boyd, and Edgar Thom
Wheeler. Harriet E., who manied Howard Martin and had
Elizabeth Martin. William A. Wheeler, who married Ruble Holt
Hyam; Sarah Boyd "Wheeler, who manied Joseph House, and vSeth
Wheeler, Jr., who married Alice E. Fitch. Fourth. Henry H. Boyd,
bom, 1841, died 1844. Fifth, Edwin Boyd, bom 1843, died 1843.
Sixth, Mary and Seventh, Martha, bom July 22, 1844. Martha
Boyd married Rev. Charles F. Hull and had Myra, Harriet, and
Firman Hull.
Nancy Boyd, tenth chUd of Alexander, bom February 2,
1805, manied Daniel Larkin at Williamsbridge, Schoharie County,
and had four children. Alexander Boyd, bom February 26, 1807,
eleventh child of Alexander, located in the West, it is not known
where nor who he married. Hugh Boyd, the twelfth child bom
JtUy 10, 1809, died young. Delia Boyd, thirteenth child, bom
July 15, 18 1 2, married Jehial Larkin. They lived together forty-
seven years, had no chUdren and died within twenty-four hours
of each other September, 1883.
Captain Hugh Boyd, the fourth son of John and Ann Logan,
born at Albany, January 25, 1767, died there December 29, 1816,
age forty-nine years, married Catherine Staats of Albany, January
14, 1796. Children, Ann, born January 6, 1797, (it is not known
who she married,) and probably Hugh Boyd, bom 1817, died,
June 27, 1842, age twenty-five, his wife was Mary A. D. Boyd

440 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
they had two children, Hugh and Mary Catherine, both died
in infancy. Captain Hugh Boyd was associated with his brother
Hamilton Boyd in operating a line of passenger and freight
sloops on the Hudson River. It is a tradition in the family,
that Hugh and Hamilton Boyd were the pilots on the steamboat
"Fulton" on its first trip from New York to Albany.
David Boyd, the fifth son of John and Ann Logan was bom
at Albany, December 4, 1770, died at Schenectady, November 3,
1834. He became a prominent citizen of Schenectady, was one
of the organizers of the Mohawk Bank, one of the first banking
institutions in the State, and was for nearly fifty years its cashier
Febmary 5, 1823, he was elected county judge, serving until
January 31, 1825. In 1826, he was elected Mayor of Schenectady.
In 1812, he was presidential elector. His -wife Margaret Maxwell,
bom December 29, 1772, married March 7, 1793, died October
14, 1856. Their children were: First, Euphemia, bom 1794,
died unmanied, 1851; second, Hugh M., December 8, 1795, died
May 7, 1847, manied Mary Dow, June 4, 1822, and had Mary
Boyd, who married Ne-wton Thacher, and Mattie Boyd,
who married Mr. Gray and had three daughters. Third,
Margaret, bom December 16, 1797, died October 18, 1852, married
William McHench, her cousin and had, Margaret, Euphemua,
Sarah, all unmarried. David Boyd McHench, who married
Elizabeth DiUon; Mary and Caroline McHench unmanied.
Fourth, David Maxwell, January 23, 1800, died 1801. Fifth, Ann
August 30, 1802, died unmarried. Sixth, John Hamilton, bom
August 9, 1805, died August 13, 1869, unmarried. Seventh, Ursula,
Jane, 1808, died, 1811. Eighth, Ursula Jane, bom September 24,
181 1, died, 1877, manied George H. Thacher, June 15, 1843, and
had Margaret Thacher, bom 1845, died, 1858. John Boyd
Thacher, bom September 11, 1847, married Emma Treadwell,
1872, died February 25, 1909, at Albany, New York, no chU
dren. He was graduated from WiUiam College, 1869, became
actively interested with his father in the Thacher Car "Wheel
Works, one of the leading industries of Albany. He was widely
known as a public man, traveller and author; State Senator in
1883 and twice Mayor of Albany. Among his more prominent

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 441
literary works may be mentioned: "Christopher Columbus, His
Life, His Works, His Remains;" "The Continent of America, its
Discovery, and its Baptism," "Charlecote," "Cabotian Dis
coveries" and "Little Speeches." George H. Thacher, Jr., his
brother, bom November 20, 1851, married Emma L. Bennett,
January i, 1880, and had George H., Jr.; John Boyd, 2nd;
Thomas O.; Emma L.; Roland T.; Kenelm R.; and Edwin T.
Thacher. Ninth, Dr. Da-vid Boyd youngest son of David and Margaret
Maxwell, bom December 4, 1813, died unmanied, December 12,
1865. He was a graduate of Union College. Lived at Charlton,
Saratoga County, New York.
Thomas Boyd, the sixth son of John and Ann Logan Boyd,
was bom at Albany, April 19, 1772, and died in New York city,
March 18, i856,intheeighty-fourthyear of hisage. He practiced
medicine for over sixty years ; fifty of them in New York city and
at the time of his death, was the oldest physician in the city. He
lived a remarkable life of unceasing activity and usefulness,
enjoying the affectionate respect of all who came within the
sphere of his influence and was greatly beloved. He was dis
tinguished through life for his kindness and generosity, especially
toward the poor and unfortunate, upon whom he lavished his
care -without the hope or thought of reward. He married October
22, 1793, Sarah Graham daughter of Rev. Chauncy and Elizabeth
Van Wyck Graham, bom January 11, 1770, died August 16, 1855.
To them were bom seven children : First, Elizabeth married John
H. McCall, died, February 12, 1881; second, John Thomas, July
4, 1797, died June 8, 1859. He was for many years the leading
auctioneer in the city of New York, and in 1841, founded "Boyd's
City Express." He married, April 16, 1838, Hannah Agnes Shea
and had : John Thomas Boyd bom March 2 2 , 1 840, married Annette
and had William Augustus second, a physician in the Griscom
Borough of Bronx, New York; Florence Annette ; John Thomas, Jr. ;
Erastus Graham; Carlisle T., and Gertrude Boyd.
WUliam Augustus, second son of John Thomas and Hannah
Boyd, bom November 25, 1841, married Adeline Todd Speaight,
April 16, 1873, she died February 25, 1899. He was graduated

442 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
from Columbia CoUege, New York, class 1861, admitted to the
Bar, November 25, 1862, and Corporation Counsel of the city of
New York from 1875 to 1889. In the Civil War he served as
First Lieutenant in the 62nd Regiment, New York Volunteers.
His children: Adeline V.; Beatrice S.; Beverly; LuciUe; Addie
Storm; Natalie G,; Leontine A. ; Constance C. and GansevoortM.
Boyd. Sarah Matilda, bom July 9, 1844, eldest daughter of
John Thomas Boyd and wife Hannah, married Thomas Storm,
who died May i, 1890, she subsequently married Charles E.
Orvis. Her children: Clarence; Edna G. ; and Mabel Louise
Storm. Theodore Chauncy and Hamilton, two sons of John
Thomas and Hannah Boyd died young.
Melville Boyd, youngest son of John T. and Hannah, bom
October 6, 1850, died March 3, 1894. Married Mary H. David
son, (nee Walden), who died October 7, 1896. He graduated
from the Theological Seminary, Alexandria, Virginia, in 1873, was
ordained a clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church in
1874. He was Rector of the Episcopal church in King George
County, Virginia and subsequently at Ashland, Virginia. In
1877, he became Rector of All Saints Church, Brooklyn, New
York. During a pastorate of seventeen years, he built one of
the finest churches in Brooklyn; died March 3, 1894 in his forty-
third year. He was pgssessed of rare intellectual gifts and an
attractive personality, he spared not himself in the cause in which
he enlisted and the fruit of his efforts was conspicuously abundant.
His chUdren: Mary Melville; Melville, Jr.; Reginald Price, and
Ruth Boyd.
Theodore Chauncy, bom September, 1799, third child of
Dr. Thomias and Sarah Graham Boyd, manied Sarah P. Cum-
mings and died August 7, 1843.
Fourth, Margaret A. Boyd, sister of the above, married
Alexander Chalmers and died February 27, 1841.
Fifth, WiUiam Hugh Boyd, son of Dr. Thomas, was also a
physician and died of yellow fever at New Orleans, La., Sep
tember 6, 1837. Sixth, Maria, and seventh, Sarah MatUda Boyd;
both daughters of Dr. Thomas, died unmarried, 1879 and 188 1
respectively.

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 443
William Boyd, the seventh son of John and Ann Logan,
was bom September 14, 1775, at Albany, and died there April
24, 1840. He was the Captain of a passenger sloop plying between
Albany and New York for a number of years; he afterwards en
gaged in the silversmith and jewelry business at Albany, con
tinuing until his death. He was a director of the Mechanics and
Farmers Bank in 1817 and a member of St. Andrew's Society.
He married Hannah Hook, May 29, 1809, who was bom 1783,
died, February, 1856. They had eight children: Catherine
Hook, 1 8 10; John, 181 1; Thomas Hook, 18 13; Thomas Hook (2),
1815; William, 1817; Howard, 1819; Catherine, 1821; Anna
Mary Boyd, 1823. The only son to many, was Howard Boyd,
May, 1819, died, July 27, 1889, married in 1849, Mary A. Monow,
and had Caroline Henry Boyd, who married Henry Sage Dermott,
-had Caroline Henry Dermott, married W. T. Corning, 1902,
now living in Hartford, Connecticut; have one daughter; Stephen
Cannon Dermott, and Katherine Schuyler Dermott.
WUliam Wendell Boyd, son of Howard and Mary, married
Mary E. Shafer, no children. Catherine Boyd, September 7,
1 82 1, daughter of William and Hannah, manied Stephen Reuben
Schuyler, who was bom December 5, 1850, died November, 1877,
had no children.
Hamilton Boyd, the eighth son of John and Ann Logan, was
bom at Albany, . Febmary 17, 1778, died September 20, 1822,
married first, Ann Bradshaw, second, Eliza Kirby, who died
January 15, 1824. Hamilton and his brother Hugh, together
operated a line of sloops in the Hudson River, Troy being their
headquarters. The children of Hamilton and Ann Bradshaw
were: James Hamilton, died young; Mary Ann Boyd, bom 1804,
died March 3, 1878, married her kinsman James Peter Boyd;
son of Peter and Margaret McMurray Boyd, grandson of James
and Jane Boyd, natives of Scotland-, who arrived in New York,
1774. James and Jane Boyd had ten sons bom and educated in
the city of Albany. Several of them became identified with the
mercantile interests of the city and were extensively known for
their probity and honorable dealing. Mary A. and James Peter
Boyd had: Charles, bom July 25, 1834, died April 13, 1856 at

444 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Princeton College on the eve of graduation. Rev. John Campbell,
born  , died 1902, was a prominent Presbyterian clergyman
of Fonda, New York; manied, first, Clarissa G. Schuyler, second,
Clara Davis; had Grace Rutherford Boyd, who married William
H. Metcalf and had John Trumbull, Arthur and Anna Metcalf ;
also had Donald; Hamilton; Rachel, and Margaret Boyd. Mary
G., daughter of James P. and Mary A. Boyd, married September
5, 1865, Charles H. Van Benthuysen and had, Charles Fredrick
Boyd, and Marion Van Benthuysen. Another daughter, Mar
garet Boyd, died unmarried; James Peter Boyd, Jr., married
Alice Maud Glassford, no children. He is now one of the prom
inent physicians of Albany.
Edward Hugh Boyd, son of Hamilton and Eliza Kirby, born
May, 1815, died, 1884, manied May 29, 1850, Jane Frances
Bradford, who was born at Auburn, New York, December i,
1826, died 1887. 'Their children were Edward, who died in
infancy; George Hamilton, bom, 1857, at Elyria, Ohio, married
in 1889, Ida Hope Wood of Montreal, Canada, and had Edward
Hamilton Boyd. Geo. Hamilton Boyd is president and treasurer
of the Thomas D. West Foundry Co., Sharpsville, Pa. Anna
Bradford, daughter of Edward Hugh and Jane F. Boyd, manied,
1882, Dwight P. Briggs.

CHAPTER VI
History of the Boyds of Boston, Mass.
In giving a genealogical record of this family, it may be well
for us to state that we do not include the many families of that
name in Boston, but of this family of whom Col. Francis Boyd
(now deceased) was a descendant, and who prepared the record
for our edition of 1884 and took a deep interest at that time in
our work and furnished us much valuable matter pertaining to
the Boyds of the Old Worid.
This family of Boyds are known to us by what is called
"Scotch-Irish Boyds." They came from the North of Ireland to this
country at the beginning of the Seventeenth Century and which
no doubt are descendants of the Protestant Scotch families who
left their native homes in Scotland for Ireland at the beginning
of that century. This family is one of the only families of the
Boyds, we have discovered, that are able to connect their lineal
descent back to the old country. Along with Colonel Boyd, was
his uncle WiUiam Boyd of the same place, who also assisted
in furnishing many incidents of their branch of the home in Ire
land, before coming to America; we would be glad to give if our
space would admit. Taken from letters between Colonel Francis
Boyd and his uncle WiUiam Boyd of which the former has given
me permission to copy, is as follows :
. Historical Part
In giving the records of this family, it may be interesting
to our readers to give a description of their native place in Ireland, (445)

446 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
from whence they came to America. The old Homestead was
situated at Moville, which in the language of that country, was
caUed "Ma-HiU" or ''Maugh-iU," which interpreted the Mayh—
meaning a plain. This place was situated one mnle from New
townards, and old town settled in King James I. time. The in
terpretation of the word meaning "an eminence" or in other words
a "Newtown on an Eminence" which layed about ten miles from
Belfast. The whole population in and about Newtown were
originally from Scotland. Their language, attachments, religious
observances of set-times and holidays, prejudices and antipathies,
were all Scotch, even to the honest belief in witches and a good
liking to bag-pipes.
Donaghadee — situated ten miles from Newtownards and
twenty-two miles from Belfast, was a famous shipping port of
cattle across the channel to Port Patrick in Scotland. These droves
were mostly raised in the Northern part of Ireland and generally
driven through Newtownards on their way to Donaghadee,
in charge of the "Upper Country men' ' (Irish inhabitants) . WiUiam
Boyd, living at Mansfield, Massachusetts in 1884, then eighty-
four years old, says: "That among my boyhood recoUections,
the other boys and I of the place would be attracted toward the
cattle to see their size and immense growth of horns. Our mothers
would call us in by saying: "came in an' stay in tiU them folks
hae a gane awa, for they're Eerish oot there matmna gang neer
them." Some three or four years before the death of Daniel Boyd in
1 84 1, a descendant of this family and a resident of Washington,
D. C, who was an uncle to Francis Boyd, he collected a genealogical
history of his family ancestors tracing it very authoritively to the
descent of his grandfather Hugh Boj^d, who died in 1800, to a
younger branch of the Kilmarnock Boyds of Scotland, who was
driven to the Northern part of Ireland during the reign of King
James II, by reason of their Presbyterian religious beHef.
We were sorry when we were to work on our first edition of the
Boyds' Family in 1884, to be informed that the Documents
which would have been of deep interest to us now as well as then
were destroyed by fire.

history of the boyd family and its descendants 447
Genealogical Part
The history of the Ancestors of this family — as far back as
the descendants can trace them — is to Hugh Boyd, who when
living, resided at Movilla, in the Township of Ne-wtownards,
County of Do-wn, Ireland. The year of the coming of these
Boyds from Scotland to this place, the descendants have only
traced back there to the above Hugh, who was born in Movilla in
1742, and married for his first wife, Jane Craig at the same place
in 1766. They both died at the beginning of the eighteenth
century, at the advance age (as supposed) of three score and ten.
Yet, he may have been five or six years older than his wife. In
life, Hugh was a farmer and was buried at Movilla, Ireland.
His family as far as kno-wn, consisted of five children named,
William, Hugh, Peggy, Mary and John.
Second Generation
WUliam the oldest son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd was
bom at Movilla, Ireland in 1767. He married here Jane Gaw
in 1794 and died at this place in 1847; William's occupation was
that of a farmer and always resided at the place of his birth. His
wife was bom here in 1770 and died in 1852. His family consisted
of twelve children of whom nine of them grew up to man and
womanhood. They were all bom at his native place. Hugh the
oldest son was bom in 1797 and died here in 1872, but was never
manied. The second son was called William and was born in
1800, and died at the above place, 1872. He was married and
had one son living in 1884, whose name was not known to our
informant, who was born in 1830. The rest at that time were
dead. The third child of William Boyd and Jane Gaw, was a
daughter named Jane, who was bom in 1802, and married John
Sloan of Belfast, Ireland, and died at the place of his birth in
1847. She was the mother of five children, whose names were
William I., Archie, Isabel, Margaret and Thomas. In 1884,
three of them were married and lived at Belfast, Ireland. Wil
liam's fourth child was named John and was born in 1806; married
Margaret Gamble at New York in 1834, and died at the same
place, October 28, 1869. John came to America in 1830. His

448 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
wife is also dead. His family consisted of five children, namely:
Jane, born in 1837; Margaret in 1839. ^^ 1884, they were both
married and have families and resided at Yonkers, New York.
The next was WiUiam H., who was born in 1841 and manied a
Miss Brazil at Brooklyn, New York, in 1865, had no children in
1884, and resided in New York city, where he kept a drug store.
The next was Adam G., who was bom in 1843, and died in 1876,
and John who was bom, 1847. James the fourth son of William
and Jane Gaw, was bom in 1808, married a sister of his brother
John's wife, named Hannah Gamble at New York, in 1841 and
died at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania, August 2, 1883. He was
a remarkable man among his friends, as he was upright and honest ;
a true christian and a loving father, who was proud of his family
and always bore a good name. His memory was wonderful and
he loved to tell his children of his connection and of things he had
seen himself. He came to America in 1839 and first settled in
New York city, and from here to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania in
1849, where his wife died in 1876. His family consisted of four
children, namely: First, Hannah G., who was bom in 1841, and
in 1884, still resided in Alleghany City, Pennsylvania. To her
we were indebted when we were preparing our edition of the Boyd
family in 1884, for records, etc. of her father's family. The sec
ond, was Thomas H., who was bom in 1845, and died unmanied
March 7, 1882. In 1863, he enlisted in Knap's Battery and
remained with them until discharged. His sister Hannah, writes
me and says: ''A noble young man worthy of his aged father, as
he bowed his white haired head over the cold form of his darling
boy and exclaimed, 'he never disobeyed me or gave me an hour
of pain.' " The third child of James was Mary A., who was bom
in 1847, and manied Jacob G. Royal in 1871, and had two chil
dren, whose names were M. May Royal, bom in 1872 and George
B. Royal, bom in 1875. The youngest son of James was William
J., who was bom in 1852, and now resides at Allegheny City,
Pennsylvania. Thomas, the fifth son of William, was bom in
1810, and manied a lady by the name of Armstrongin 1856, and
breathed his last at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1867.
Thomas came to America in 1834, and settled first at New York

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 449
city and from here removed his family to Pittsburg, Pennsylvania
in 1858. His wife also died. He had three children that grew
up to manhood. First, was William G., who was bom in 1847
and was married in 1873, and had two children, whose names
are Edward G. and LUlie; second, was Thomas, who was born in
1849. He went to Kansas in 1877, and followed the occupation
of a fanner. Third was David, the youngest son, who was bom
in 1857. He and his oldest brother William are printers and
reside at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Margaret, the second daughter of William was bom in 18 10.
She married the Rev. Henry Seymour in 1840, and died in 1853,
followed by her husband's death in 1881. Their home in 1884
was in Canada and had three children grow up to adult age, whose
names were Jane, Margaret who died in 1853, and Ellen.
Eliza, the third daughter of William was born in 1818, she
was never married, but remained at home until the death of her
brother Hughe, when she went to live -with her sister Mrs. Mary
Potter at Ne-wtownards, Ireland. Mary, the youngest daughter
of WiUiam was bom in 1823, and manied John Potter at New
townards, Ireland, September, i860, he died there December
25, 1879. In 1884, she was still living at that place.
Second Hugh Boyd, the second Son of Hugh and Jane
(Craig) Boyd, was bom at Ne-wtownards, Ireland in 1870. He
married at this place, Mary Patton in 1792, and died at Boston,
Massachusetts in 1833. Hugh resided at the place of his birth
until 1818, when he and his wife emigrated to New Brunswick,
and resided there for four or six years. In 1824 they went to
Boston and made a permanent home until their death, where
she died in 1836. Before leaving his native country, he followed
the occupation of farming. Their family consisted of twelve
chUdren, namely: James, Jane, William, William, Hugh, Sarah
Thomas, Daniel, Esther, Henry, Esther and Robert, whom we
speak of in our generation third.
Peggy, the oldest daughter of Hugh and Jane Craig, we have
no record of her birth. She is said to have died in 1835 or 36,
at Newto-wnard, Ireland, where she always resided and remained
a maiden lady.

450 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Mary Boyd, the youngest daughter of Hugh, was also bom
at Newtownard, Ireland in 1776, and died at the same place
unmarried, in 1867.
John Boyd, the youngest son of Hugh Boyd, we have no
record of his birth, marriage or death. He died several years
ago while residing at Belfast, Ireland. His family consisted of
two sons and daughters, namely: William, who is dead and left
two daughters; Mary Jane and Susan. The latter manied a
young man by the name of Hugh McClemont, a carpenter by
trade at Belfast, Ireland. Edward went to New York City and
married there and was the parental father of one child, named
Edward, and died before his brother William. Jane died many
years ago. Third Generation
James Boyd, the oldest son of Hugh and Mary (Patton)
Boyd, was born at Ne-wtownard, Ireland, November 11, 1793.
Married Margaret Curry at Caimey Caw, Ireland, July 4, 181 5,
died at Boston, Massachusetts, October 10, 1845. His -wife was
born in Ireland, February 15, 1794, and died in Boston, Massa
chusetts, July 26, 1874. James emigrated to America in 1817
and took up a permanent residence at Boston, except a short
time at Cannelton, Maryland. Here, though brought up in
the tenets of the Scotch Presbyterian church belief, joined the
Unitarian faith of Channing. His unsectarian mind commanded
while living the respect of his Catholic countrymen, that since
his death, have given proof that the contemporaries of his
manhood has cherished his memory, for kind deeds in the past.
It would be useless to try to describe his patience and perseverance
in his work of life. For many years, he gave sixteen hours to
mechanical labor and very often extra midnight hours in cor
respondence or writing for the press on local subjects connected
with Boston and the State.
In starting life in America, he had but a small sum of money,
caring not for the accommodation of life, but to maintain and
educate a large family of children. This lesson may be derived
from his example, "what man has done, others may do." If

JAMES BOYD
Born 1793. Died 1845

history qf the BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 453
more of the Irishmen of the present day, would follow the same
course with fidelity, both Ireland and the United States would
be the better off.
It would encroach too much upon our space, to enter into a
general record of James' occupation in business; his connection
in politics and with local charitable institutions of Boston, and
his Western home or to refer to many records of his aptness with
the pen in poetry and prose. Shakespeare, next to his Bible, 'com
manded much of his readings in the illustrations of human life.
Moor's was his favorite in Irish songs. But Burns' poetry
touched his noble Scotch blood. He could repeat from memory
many of Bums' best verses. Evidence of their traits would be
more appropriate in a private memoir, and under a better com
piler than myself.
A general history of James can be found in a work called
"New England Manufacturers and Manufactories," Vol. I,
published by J. D. VanSickle & Co., Boston, in 1879 to which
those who are interested in his life can refer.
James' wife's father, was Francis Cuny of Cainey Caw
Parish, Rahalp County Down, Ireland. He was a farmer; his
-wife was Margaret Gavin, his mother was a Dunbar, hers, a Litton.
Francis Curry was a man of exemplary character and untiring
industry. He died in 1852, in his one hundred and second year
of age. His wife, at the age of seventy.
James' family consisted of twelve children all born at Bos
ton, except the oldest, who was bom at Ne-wtownard, Ireland.
There names were as follows :
First, Francis Boyd, who was bom May 2, 1816. He was
united in marriage to Mary Ripley Everett at Boston, Massa
chusetts, August 22, 1839, who was also born at same place,
September 24, 181 6. Francis died at Boston. When living he
was kno-wn as Colonel Boyd, and prior to his death he followed the
occupation of a commiission merchant and a former ship owner.
His residence was at Hyde Park, near Boston, Mass. Francis
secured his title as Colonel, by being connected with the State
Militia. While we were preparing our first edition of the Boyd
History of 1884, he took a deep interest in the same and furnished

454 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
US much valuable matter pertaining to the Boyds of Scotland,
and of his own family, and many interesting letters passed between
us and continued afterwards untU his death. His family consisted
of nine children, all born in Boston, except the last one, which was
born at Hull, the same state. Their names were as follows:
First, Francis Everett Boyd, who was born June 6, 1 840. Second,
Moses Everett Boyd, born April 5, 1842. Third, Mary Ripley
Boyd, born May 16, 1845. Fourth, James WUliam Boyd, bom
AprU 10, 1848, died May 16, 1861. Fifth, Eliza Everett Boyd,
born June 3, 1850, died April 10, 1851. Sixth, Eliza Grove Everett
Boyd, born November 25, 1851. Seventh, Susan Everett Boyd,
born September 7, 1854. Eighth, Catherine Everett Boyd,
born June 17, 1857, died September i, 1858. Ninth, Edward
Wyman, who was bom June 9, 1861.
Second, James Patton Boyd, the second son of James, was
bom May 16, 1818; died and was buried at sea. May 30, 1843.
Third, John Boyd, the third Son of James, was bom April
22, 1820, married Catherine G. Smith, which -w^e have no date.
Died, May 12, 1862. In 1884, none of his children were living.
Fourth, WiUiam Boyd, fourth son of James, was bom Decem
ber 14, 1821, died January 19, 1822.
Fifth, WiUiam Boyd second, the fifth son of James, born
December 3, 1822, died September 19, 1847.
Sixth, Frederick Boyd, the sixth son of James, was bom
April 29, 1824, married Elizabeth Dalzell at Davenport, Iowa,
September 16, 1850. His wife was bom at Pittsburgh, Pennsyl
vania, December 16, 1825. We have no more record of him and
his family, only that they had three children, whose names were
John Dalzell Boyd, who was bom at Cannelton, Maryland, July
12, 1851. Margaret Curry Boyd, bom near Davenport, Iowa,
October i, 1854, and manied George Castle, November 3, 1881,
who was born in England, August 22, 1848, and Frederick, bom
at Quincy, Illinois, March 27, 1864.
Seventh, Margaret C. Boyd, the oldest daughter of James, was
bom September 8, 1824, married Edward Wyman at Cambridge,
Massachusetts (no date) , died march 22, 18 54, leaving one daughter
who was living in 1884, who was called Margaret C. Wyman.

COL. FRANCIS BOYD
Taken Jan. 9, 1884

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 457
Eighth, Jenet Alexander Boyd, the second daughter of James,
was bom May 8, 1828. Died September 2, 1829.
Ninth, A.lexander Boyd, the seventh son of James, was born
February 13, 1830. Manied Miss Haniet Fay Wheeler, April
28, 1857, who died at L3mfield, Massachusetts, August 26, 1872.
In 1888, Alexander was living in Boston, Massachusetts and was
senior partner of the firm of James Boyd & Sons. His family
consisted of five children, all bom in Boston, except the oldest
one as follows: First, James Boyd, bom at Roxbury, Massa
chusetts, February i, 1858. He married Elizabeth I. Longstreth,
at Sharon Hill, Peimsylvania, November 8, 1882. Second, Alex
ander, bom October 5, i860. Third, Hany "Wheeler Boyd, bom
June 25, 1864. Fourth, Allen Richard Boyd, bom January 5,
1864. Fifth, Harriet Ann Boyd, bom October 11, 1871.
Tenth, infant of James Boyd, who was bom July 5, 1832,
and died July 6, 1832. This child was the first interment in the
famous "Mount Auburn Cemetery" near Boston, up to the burial
of the mother in 1 8 74. There has in the period of forty-two years,
been intened in this cemetery 18,931 persons.
Eleventh, Jane Louisa Boyd, the third daughter of James,
was bom September i, 1833, died October 14, 1857.
Twelfth, Charles Barnard Boyd, the youngest son of James
and Margaret (Curry) Boyd, was bom March 10, 1835, and died
April 7, 1865.
Jane Boyd, the oldest daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig)
Boyd, was bom at Ne-wtownard, Ireland, and was married to
Hugh Finley at St. Andres, Ireland. She died at Schoolcraft,
Michigan, of which we have no more record.
William Boyd, third son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd, was
bom at Newto-wnard, Ireland and died in infancy.
WUliam Boyd (second) , was the fourth son of Hugh and Jane
(Craig) Boyd he also was bom at Ne-wtownard, Ireland, January i ,
1800, married at Taunton, Massachusetts, Catherine Francis, AprU
17, 1826. In the year of 1818, he came to America and settled first
in New Brunswick, then to Massachusetts andin 1884, was residing
at Mansfield, same State where he died a few years afterwards.
He was also of great assistance to me in my edition of 1884, and

458 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
I was indebted to him for much valuable information pertaining
to his branch of the Boyd families, as well as to the general history
pertaining to his native place in Ireland. His family consisted
of three children, namely: First, Catherine Evelyn Boyd, bom
at Taunton, Massachusetts, June 5, 1830, and died at Ganets-
ville, Ohio, May 12, 1837. Second William Francis Boyd, bom
at same place, April 29, 1832, and married Jennie White at Mans
field, Massachusetts. No more record. Third, Catherine Eliza
Boyd, who was bom at Garretsville, Ohio, April 2, 1838, and
manied Luther P. Harding at Mansfield, Massachusetts. No
more record. Hugh Boyd, the fourth son of Hugh, was born
and died in infancy at Newtownard, Ireland (no date).
Sarah Boyd, the second daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig)
Boyd, was bom at Ne-wtownard, Ireland, March 17, 1803, and
marriedWilliamMcMasterini8i9or 20. He died several years ago
and his widow in 1884, was living at Schoolcraft, Michigan. Thomas
Boyd, the fifth son of Hugh, was bom at Ne-wtownard, Ireland,
August 10, 1808, and while a young man, emigrated to America
and at Boston, Massachusetts, November 8, 1829, married Agnes
Y. Allen, who was bom December 11, 1809, and died January 8,
1839. In 1884, he was residing at Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Their family consisted of four children, namely Charles HUdreth,
Bom August 19, 1830 and died JtUy 17, 1832. Second, Charles
Howard Boyd, bom July 13, 1832, and died August 31, 1833.
Third, Agnes Allen Boyd, bom August 16, 1834. Fourth,
Francis Louise Boyd, bom June 21, 1836.
Daniel Boyd, the sixth son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd,
was bom at Newtownward, Ireland, of which we have no date
and died in Boston, Massachusetts, June 10, 1844.
Esther Boyd, the third daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd
was born at Newtownard, and died there in infancy.
Henry Boyd, the seventh son of Hugh and Jane (Craig)
Boyd, was bom in Newtownard, Ireland, May 10, 1810. He
married Hannah Robinson, October 20, 1833, the date of her
birth was April 7, 1813, and died AprU 26, 1881. In 1884, he
was still Hving at Cambrige, Massachusetts. Their family con
sisted of nine children, namely: First, Mary Thomas Boyd, who

WILLIAM BOYD
Taken 1884. -Born 1800

HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 461
was bom at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, March 1835, and was
united in marriage to Ebenezer Crocker at Wareham, Massa
chusetts, August 16, 1854. Second, Henry W. Boyd, born at
the same place, November, 1836, and died their, May 27, 1839.
Third, Sarah Perkins Boyd, also born at Bridgewater, Massa
chusetts, December 1839. Fourth, Henry Withrell, bom at
Weymouth, Massachusetts, December, 1841. Fifth, Maria Louise
"Boyd, was bom at same place, March 1843, died at Wareham,
Massachusetts, May 27, 1865. Sixth, James Patten Boyd, born
at Weymouth, Massachusetts, September, 1845, died in Pennsyl
vania, August I, 1871. Seventh, Deborah Edson Boyd, born at
Wareham, Massachusetts, November, 1848, andmanied Myron B.
Hojrt, at the same place, JtUy 14, 1869. Eighth, Hannah Robin
son, bom at Wareham, Massachusetts, January, 1850. Ninth,
Louise CoUyer Boyd, bom at Wareham, Massachusetts, May,
1852. Esther Boyd the fourth daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig)
Boyd, was bom in Newtownard, Ireland, November 15, 181 5,
and in 1884, was still living in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Robert Boyd, youngest son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd,
was bom at Newtownard, Ireland, June 5,1817, married Eliza Jane
Weston, at St. Louis, Missouri, February 13, 1872. In 1884, they
were residing at Owensborough, Kentucky.

CHAPTER VII
The Boyds or Northumberland County, Pa.
The history of this family has been one of great interest to
the present generation, and more so by the fate of Lieut. Thomas
Boyd, who was captured and cruelly massacred at the ambuscade
of a company of Gen. Sullivan's army in 1779, which is given
hereafter. In the summer of 1842 my father Hiram Boyd, of
the Kent branch of Conesus, N. Y., while upon a visit to friends
in Lycoming County, Pa., learned that Mary, one of the daughters
were living near Washingtonville in an ''adjoining county, with
her daughter, Mrs. Wilson. He resolved to pay her a
visit. They set out one morning overland route to Mrs. Boyd's
residence. Here they found an aged couple of herself and hus
band passing the last days of their Hfe in a gentle manner. On
making kno-wn who they were and their errand, were kindly re
ceived and made to feel at home. Here they revealed the an
cestry of each one to the other, and parted after enjoying the
society of each other for the day, fully convinced they were closely
connected together.
According to their genealogical interpretation, John who is
supposed to be the ancestor of this family in America, after part
ing with his brother Ebenezer in New York City, went into Orange
County, N. Y., and soon afterwards from here to Washington
ville, Northumberland County, Pa., where he was residing at the
time of his death. Here he married while young a Miss Hathorn,
and in a few years afterward died leaving a widowed -wife and
four children. The birth place of is not known, whether the
[463]

464 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
same was in Ireland or Scotland, which must have taken place
near the year 1720.
The parting scenes when the brothers went forth in the mom
ing of their departure from the roof of their parental homestead
at WashingtonvUle, never to return, must have been quite solemn
as Mary their only sister described it to my father at the time of
his visit to her. She said on the moming of their departure, they
all rose early as little sleep had been had through the night. Hef
mother prepared a scanty breakfast, while at the same time wiped
from her redden eyes tears as they came forth. They aU sat down
to the table in silence. After they had eaten-but little of the last
meal together, the boys rose, took down their guns and strapped
their rifle belts around them, foUowed each other out of the Low
Log Cabin without saying a word. The mother foUowed them
to the door and as they had advanced a few rods away, gathering
up courage over her personal emotion, she caUed to them to stop.
They did so, and she exclaimed to them in the foUo-wing language:
"Boys, I beseach you whatever position that you may be placed
in, never let cowardice cross your path, ' ' and then watched them
until they had disappeared do-wn the path from her sight. The
oldest son of the family was named John, who after lea-ving home
went out with a company of soldiers he belonged to, and was
taken prisoner. This being the last known of him by his sister
Mary. It was supposed he was kUled by the savages. The next
son was William, who joined Washington's army and fell in the
Memorial battle of Brandy-wine, September 11, 1777. The third
and youngest son was Thomas, whose fate seemed to be reserved
for Indian torture, was bom near Washingtonville, Pa., in 1757.
He was a young man of ordinary height, strong built, fine looking,
sociable and agreeable in aU of his manners, which gained him
many friends wherever he went. In his youth as I have said, his
father had died, leaving him in care of a -widowed mother, who
looked upon her sons with the pride of a mother love, and begged
of them never to let cowardice cross their path.
The younger days of Thomas were spent at home helping
his faithful mother keep the wolf from their door. The first we
have any account of him, he belonged to the Pennsylvania Rifle

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 465
Company under the command of Captain Mathew Smith. This
was in the winter of 1776-77. It was at the time of Benedict
Arnold's famous march through the Pine Forest from Maine to
Quebec. It was in September of 1776, when Gen. Arnold set
out upon this expedition. He had -with him eleven hundred men.
They went first by water to the mouth of the Kennebec River.
There they procured two hundred batteaux. They were long
flat boats for shaUow water. The current of the river was rapid,
the bottom rocky, and the na-vigation interrupted by falls; some
times they had to transport the baggage by land; and other times
they were obliged to carry on their shoulders or drag them up the
rapids with ropes. They had steep precipices to climb, vast
shady forests to pass tmder, and quagmires to pass through. They
also had deep valleys to travel through, where the pine trees were
tossing their heads in the stormy -winds, and where the river was
rushing and foaming over the rocks, -with a noise like that of the
ocean. They were sometimes a whole day in traveling four or
five miles -with their baggage lashed on their backs and axes in
hand to hew a road through the -wilderness. Some of them died
at last from mere fatigue; many others became sick and perished,
and aU suffered greatly for want of food. By the time they
reached the source of the Dead River, a branch of the Kennebec,
their pro-visions were almost exhausted and what remained was
damaged as well as their ammunition, by water which had got
into the batteaux during their passage. The soldiers it is said,
began to kUl and eat lean dogs they had -with them, and even this
food was esteemed a luxury. They arrived at last on the moun
tains between the Kennebec and Chaudiere, and found their way
down the latter to Point Levy, opposite Quebec, where they ar
rived November 9th. The people here were as much amazed at
their arrival as if so many ghosts had come among them — which
indeed many of them more resembled than living beings.
Here Thomas took active part in the assault upon the works
December 31, 1775, and was wounded and taken prisoner, but
soon afterwards exchanged. Upon his retum to his native place
he joined the ist Pennsylvania Rifle Corps and was present at
the battle of Stillwater, October 7, 1777, and witnessed the sur-

466 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
render of Burgoyne. Then he was present at the battle of Mon
mouth, June 28, 1778.
After leaving this army he went to Schoharie in the faU of
that year under the command of Major Posey, who commanded
three companies of Morgan's celebrated rifle corps under the
command of Captain Long, Pear and Simpson of which Thomas
belonged to the latter.
Thomas remained here for nearly a year, untU the fall of 1779.
Through the summer of that year the Seneca Indians in the
Western part of New York had commenced murdering the early
settlers of that region. Congress resolved to send an army into
their midst to bring them under submission. This army con
sisted of about four thousand and five hundred men, who had
been raised from the best families of Pennsylvania. Among this
number were Thomas, who had joined Captain Michael Simpson's
Rifle Company in Col. Butler's regiment. WhUe Thomas was
residing at Schoharie, he paid his addresses to Miss Cornelia, a
daughter of Bartholomew Becker. After his death she gave
birth to a daughter of which he was the reported father. When
the troops under Col. Butler were preparing to leave Schoharie,
Miss Becker in a state of mind bordering on madness, approached
her lover, caught hold of his arms and in tears besought him by
the most tender entreaties to many her before lea-ving Scho
harie. He endeavored to put her off by promises, but doubting
his intentions she told him if he went off without manying "she
hoped he would be cut in pieces by the Indians. ' ' In the midst
of this unpleasant scene. Col. Butler rode up and reprimanded
Thomas for his delay, as the troops were ready to March, and
Thomas, mortifled at being seen by his commander, thus impor
tuned by a girl, drew his sword and threatened to stab her if she
did not instantly leave him.
We have no more account of Thomas from the time of the
setting out of the army from Easton, Pa., Friday moming June
18, 1779, until the 12th of September foUo-wing. Whatever were
the scenes of the little army — including the battle of Ne-wto-wn,
near the present sight of Elmira, N. Y., Thomas must have
taken an active part. The evening of the 12th of September

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 467
found them encamped near the present site of Honeoye, N. Y.
The next moming when they arose, they found that a heavy rain
storm had set in and the army did not resume their march until
noon. They then traveled in a heavy rain and through a dense
forest for nearly eleven miles, until they reached a low piece of
ground, a little west of the present site of Foot's Comers in the
town of Conesus, Li-vingston County, N. Y., where they encamped
for the night, after reaching same a little after dark. About
eleven o'clock at night. Gen. Sullivan, Thomas's commander, sent
for him to come to his tent, as he had important bu.siness for him
to do. Thomas went and soon received orders to select four of
his most trusty comrades for a scouting party, and to go some
fourteen mUes in advance of the army in the Indian country to
discover the location of their settlement, and to report the same
to his commander before daylight, so as to enable him to form
plans for the future guidance of his army. Thomas (who was a
lieutenant) left his general's tent, but to disobey his commander's
order, for instead of four he took with him twenty-six men and
two Oneida Indians and set out for his destination. The little
band -winded their way through the dense forest by the Indian
traU untU they reached the little village of Canaseragua, which
was situated in the town of Mount Morris, N. Y., which they
found deserted, although the fires were still alive in their huts.
The night was far advanced, and the party quite weary, encamped
for a few hours, intending to ascertain at early moming the loca
tion of the capitol, which was the object of their mission.
It was not yet break of day on Monday moming, the four
teenth of September — a day so fatal to most of Thomas's party.
Thomas accompanied by Thomas Murphy, a noted Indian fighter
stole away from their companions and entered the Indian village
near at hand. Here they discovered two Indians coming out of
a tent, one of whom was a wounded warrior and the other an
uncle to the Sachem Soh-nah-so-wah. A ball from Murphy's
rifle quickly sealed the fate of the former and the latter fled.
Murphy as was his custom took off the slain Indian's scalp, his
third and thirtieth trophy. The flying Indian, Thomas was well
aware, would at once make known his visit to the enemy and thus

468 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
defeat his purpose. He therefore resolved to join the army -with
out delay. On going back to his party, he dispatched two mes
sengers to Gen. Sullivan with a report of his operations. They
were directed to inform the general that the scouts would retum
immediately. These messengers reached the camp early in the
morning. The scouting party prepared to retrace their steps
also Hanyeny an Oneida Indian, recommended his leader to follow
a different trail. But Lieut. Boyd un-wisely disregarded the advice
of his faithful and intelligent guide. The most careful caution
was observed on the return march with Hanyerry in the front
and Murphy in the rear, their eagle eyes fixed on each moving
leaf and waving bough. They marched forward slowly and
with the utmost caution. Five weary mUes had they thus trav
eled the dangerous route and were about to descend a hUl at
whose base the army laid. Less than two miles intervened be
tween them and the camp, and the party began to breathe freely,
when they were surprised by five hundred Indians under Brant,
and five hundred Royalists tmder Butler. The enemy was se
creted in a ravine. The party at once took to a smaU grove of
trees when the fighting began. A moment was thus secured for
reflection. Lieut. Boyd saw at once that the only chance of es
cape for his little party was the hazardous one of gathering aU
into a compact force and breaking through the enemy's lines.
After a few encouraging words, he led forward his men for the
attempt. In the first onset, not one of Boyd's men fell while his fire told
fearful upon the enemy. A second and third attempt to break
the enemy's lines was made and seventeen of the Americans
had fallen. The fire was so close before the brave party was des
troyed, that the powder from the enemy's muskets was driven
into their flesh. Though a majority lay dead, yet at the third
outset of the Americans, the enemy's lines were broken through
and Murphy tumbling a Hugh warrior in the dust, who obstmcted
his passage — even to the merriment of his dusky companions —
led forth the little band. Thomas, justly supposing if anyone
escaped with Hfe it would be Murphy, determined to follow him.
But not being so fast a mnner he was soon taken and with him

CONESUS LAKE
Looking north from the spot of the massacre of Lieut, Boyd and his soldiers by

Seneca Indians, Sept. 13, 1779

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 471
one of his men named Parker. Gen. Sullivan says that Lieut.
Boyd was shot through the body at the beginning of the flght.
If so, this accounts for his inability to make his escape with
Murphy. Thomas and Private Parker were hunied forward immediate
ly after the affair, with the retiring enemy in the 'vicinity of
Beardstown. On finding himself a prisoner, Thomas obtained
an interview -with Brant, who as well as himself was a Free Mason.
After they had exchanged the magic sign of brotherhood. Brant
assured him that he should not be injured. But soon afterwards.
Brant was called off on some enterprise, the prisoners were left
in charge of one of the Butlers (a half breed), who placing the
prisoners on their knees before him, a warrior on each side firmly
grasping each arm, a third at their backs -with a raised tomahawk,
began to interrogate them about the purpose of Gen. Sullivan,
threatening them -with savage tortures if true and ready answers
were not' given. Thomas believing the assurance of Brant ample
for his safety, and too' high-minded in any situation to betray
his country, refused as did also Parker, to any question touching
the immediate purpose of the army.
The savage Butler was true to his threats, and when the
prisoners preemptorUy refused to answer, he handed them over
to Little Beard and his warriors, who were already full of vin
dictiveness. The prisoners were seized, stripped and bound to
trees; they commenced a series of horrid cruelties, directed to
ward Thomas. When all was ready, Little Beard lifted his hat
chet — stained with recent blood — and with steady aim sent it
whistling through the air, and in an instant it quivered within a
hair's thickness of Thomas's devoted head. The younger Indians
were now permitted to follow the Chief's example, and from front,
right and left, their bright tomahawks cleared the air and trembled
about the inflinching person of the victim, ; weary at the length
of this work, a single blow severed Parker's head from his body
and mercifully ended his misery. Poor Thomas however, was
reserved for worse fate. An incision was made in his abdomen
and a severed intestine was fastened to a tree. He was then
scourged with prickly ash boughs and compelled to move around

472 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
until the pain became so intense that he could go no farther.
Then his mouth was enlarged with a knife, his naUs dug out, his
tongue cut away, his ears severed from his head, his nose hewed
off and thmst into his mouth, his eyes dug out and the flesh cut
from his shoulders, and then sinking in death after these enor
mities, he was decapitated and his disfigured head raised by the
frenzied savages upon a sharpened pole.
Just at night as the army was preparing to encamp here,
Paul Sanbom afterwards for many years a resident of Conesus,
N. Y., then a private soldier, on the extreme right of Gen. Clin
ton's brigade, was moving with his detachment and as it wheeled
quickly around in the direction of the village, discovered the
headless corpse of Thomas. The blood was yet oozing from it,
so recently had the body been freed from its tormentors. Leaping
over this, Sanborn lighted beside that of Parker's, as it lay in
the long grass. At once making known his discoveries, the re
mains were placed under guard of Captain Michael Simpson's
Rifle Company, and at evening the mutUated bodies and dis
figured head of these heroic men were buried with military honors
under a wild plum tree, which grew near the junction of two small
streams formally named at the great meeting in CuylervUle in
1841, as Boyd Creek and Parker's Creek. In finding of these
two men by their companions they were recognized by their heads
of which Thomas's features were so famUiar, and Parker was
identified beyond doubt from a scar on his face and his broken
front teeth. Among those that took part in his burial were
Major Parr, who commanded the rifle battalion to which Thomas's
Company belonged, and John Salmon late of Groveland, N. Y.,
who also was a member of the same company.
In the year of 1841 some gentlemen in Rochester, N. Y. and
along the Genesee Valley, determined to pay a tribute of respect
to the memory of Lieut. Boyd, and his companions by remo-ving
their remains to Rochester, and re-interring them with appro
priate solemnities in the new cemetery at Mt. Hope. The ne
cessary preparations were made by disinterring the remains,
depositing them in a capacious um, and raising a large mound of
earth over the grave of Thomas for a memorial. On the 20th of

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 473
August of that year, a large entercourse of people assembled at the
-village of Cuyler-vUle, among whom was several Revolutionary
patriots, and in particular Major Moses Van Campen and two
other fellows, soldiers who were with Thomas and his unfortunate
companions in Sullivan's Army. When the um containing the re
mains was removed from the top of the mound under convey of
mUitary escort, which composed of several independent companies
and a band of music from Rochester, to the grove of Colonel
Cuyler's near the -viUage of Cuylerville, where a pertinent and lucid
historical and biographical address was pronounced by  ¦
Treat, Esq., after which the remains were escorted fo Rochester
by the mUitia, music, citizens, etc. in several canal boats.
The next day the remains were removed from the city of
Rochester to Mt. Hope, escorted as before and attended by Gov.
Seward, his mUitary suite and an immense concourse of citizens.
After an appropriate discourse by Gov. Seward and an appeal to
the Throne of Grace by the Rev. Mr. E. Tucker, the remains were
interred by the militia -with the honor of war. Their last resting
place is now marked by a fine monument erected by the citizens
of the sunounding country, and here i^ow lies all that is left of that
brave soldier whose life possessed more than ordinary material
for a romance.
Mary Boyd, the only sister of John, William and Thomas,
was bom near Washingtonville, Northumberland County, Pa.,
in 1 763. Here she married for her first husband William Temple-
ton in 1784 or 85. After his death, married James Strawbridge
at the same place in 1800 and died here September 13, 1857.
She is the person that my father visited in 1841 or 42. He found
them li-ving -with her only daughter, Mrs. Margery Wilson in
Northumberland County, Pa., both of them were aged, yet a
sprightly couple of their advanced age. . Her first husband we
have but a little information of. James Strawbridge the second
husband, was bom in Ireland in 1771 and died here September
13, 1857. She was the mother of six children, five by her first
husband and one by her second as follows:
First, WUliam Templeton who was bom at Washingtonville,
Febmary 28, 1786 and died young in 1793. Miss Sarah A. AUen

474 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
gave me a history of his death in 1884 as follows, which was quite
remarkable: "My mother used to. speak of her brother Billy's
(as they would caU him) death. She said that just before he died
he looked up and a bright smUe played over his face and pointing
his finger heavenward, exclaimed: "Daddy did you see that,"
at this moment his aunt Hannah entered the room, looking into
her face he said: "Aunt Hannah there wUl two go from your
house." His aunt bursted into tears, turned about and went
home. She had left .her eldest boy crying because she would not
let him go and see his uncle Billy as he called him, for he said he
would never see him again. At this moment she commenced to
dress him to go, when he was taken violently sick, and before the
setting of the sun on the second day, he and his younger brother
were dead. William only went to school three weeks before he
was able to take the bible and read a whole chapter to his mother.
One day his teacher called his uncle in and told him that she did
not think he would live long, for said she, "Things seem to come
to him so quick, which was a bad omen, but did not wish for
him to tell William's mother."
Second son named Robert Templeton, was bom at the old
homestead in Washington viUe, November — , 1788. As no fur
ther record is kno-wn of him, is supposed to have died young.
Third, Mary Templeton, the oldest daughter, was born at
Washingtonville, Pa., April — . 1791. We have no further record
in regard to her marriages, only her first husband's name was
Robert Allen, by whom she had four children, and by the second
husband James Strawbridge, the same number as foUows: By
the first husband was Mary Ann Allen, who was single in 1884
and at that time about sixty-six years of age. Second and third
were William and Allen Allen, who died young, and fourth was
Robert Templeton Alien, who was born in Washingtonville, Pa.,
when young went west and bought a fan-n and then came back
and took his mother and her family back with him and settled
near Monmouth, 111. Here he married Eliza Allen (no relation)
but of same name. By this union they had two chUdren, Mary
Jane and Christina, the latter died in infancy. Soon after this
the mother was stricken with apoplexy ; her death was very sudden.

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 475
For at this time her sister Mary Ann, came home from church,
went to her room, and found her past speaking. The father lived
until Mary Jane became ten years of age, when he died with con
sumption, lea-ving to the care of his sister Mary Jane, with
whom in 1884, Mary A. made her home. His daughter married
Newton Reice at Abingdon, IU. in 1861, who was once Assistant
Secretary of Illinois. Their children Eddie and Roy living in
1884, and Frank, Earnest and Allen dead.
Mary Templeton by her second husband James Strawbridge's
chUdren, were Margaret Strawbridge, who in 1884 was still single
and lived at Abington, IU. Henry Strawbridge, who died at the age
of thirty-five years had remained single and was at the time of
his death living on his niece's (Mary Jane) farm. Margaret
Strawbridge married WUliam Wagoner in 1884 and was supposed
by my informant to be dead. Her children at this time were
somewhere in the far west. William Boyd Strawbridge the
youngest, died of heart disease at the age of twelve years.
Fourth, Agnes H. Templeton the second daughter of Mary
Boyd Templeton was bom near Washingtonville, Pa., September
18, 1793. She married Hugh AUen at the same place June 16,
1813. He was bom at Jerseyto-wn, Pa., April 16, 1787. He was
a man of large stature and great strength. He breathed his last
at Buckhom, Pa., December 22, 1833. Their daughter Miss
Sarah Allen in 1884 wrote me this: "My father bought a farm
at a cross roads, three miles from Bloomsburg, Pa., and built
upon the same a tavem. As no Post Office was near by, the mail
was distributed at "our" house and was called the Buck-Hom
Tavem. This place having taken its name from a Buck-horn
being placed in the forks of a large oak tree, which stood in front
of our house, and as the tree grew it enclosed the horn in the
wood, from which it derived its name. I have now one of the
prongs for boring eyelet holes in cloth. After his death, Agnes
went west and died at South Bend, Ind., October 22, 1861. She
was the mother of fourteen children as follows :
First, Mary AUen, bom at Jerseytown, Pa., February 7,
1814; died at the same place April 3, 1814. Second, John AUen
bom at the same place January 13, 1815; died at South Bend,

476 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Ind., March — , 1835. He was a young man who stood high in
the midst of all that knew him and was the pride of his mother's
household. His father was away from home a large portion of
the time and upon him rested matters at home. His useful days
were cut short by consumption. The day he died he took a
pleasure walk over the farm and came in to his mother's house
greatly exhausted. His mother helped him off -with his coat and
hung it across the back of a chair. This did not seem to suit him
and he requested to hang it as she had after seeing him do it,
which was to place a sleeve upon each post. She did so, turning
about she saw him as if so very tired, and raised his drooping
head to give him a drink of water, and he sank back into her
arms dead. Third, Robert F. Allen, the second son of Agnes
was bom at Jerseytown, Pa., May 20, 1817; married Raehael
Roberts at Muchlenburgh, Pa., about the year of 1855, and died
at Shickshinny, Pa., October 16, 1872 or 73. He was the father
of five chUdren, Agnes E. Allen, no record; Sarah Alverda AUen
now dead, no record; Mary Francis Allen, married Byron Sleepy,
a conductor on the Bloomsburg and Lackawanna RaUroad, and
in 1884 resided at Burwick, Pa. They had one child named Rob
ert Samuel Sleepy. Luella Allen died with quick consumption
at the age of sixteen. James Leroy Allen, no record. Fourth,
Nelson McAHster Allen, Agnes' third son, was born at Jersey-
town, Pa., April 21, 1819. Supposed to have died at Salt Lake
City. Nelson was by occupation a carpenter, leaving his home in
Pennsylvania, he went to Springfield, IU. and continued to work
at his trade. At this place a company was formed to go to Cali
fornia. He equipped himself with a horse, saddle and bridle
and with a gold watch joined the same and left in fine style. When
he arrived at Fort Laramie, he wrote his mother that he had yet
to go five hundred mUes-, and when he had reached Salt Lake City
he would write her again. In this letter he said that he had been
offered $500 for his horse and he would not take it. This was the
last his mother ever heard from him. Nine long months rolled
away, and the promised letter came not. . They then wrote to his
friends in lUinois and sent Henry James Strawbridge to the place
where he was last heard from. Here he was informed by friends,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 477
that Upon Nelson's arrival at Salt Lake City he went into a warm
spring to bathe, and was taken sick and inside of three days
breathed his last. It was also claimed that he had changed his
route and had joined a company in taking horses to California.
His friends have always cherished the thought and believed that
he was murdered by mormons or his friends who accompanied
him. Fifth, Mary Jane Allen, the second daughter of Agnes,
was bom near Washingtonville, Pa., January 12, 1821; married
John Clark Robison near the same place, the date we have not.
She died at Dan-ville, Pa., September 1855. Soon after Mary's
marriage, she and her husband went to reside upon his father's
farm, which afterwards became their o-wn. Here he died -with
consumption leaving one child about two years old. After his
death, she went to live with her mother, and was taken with
typhoid fever and died in the third sinking spell. She had com
plained about two weeks, but her chUd being sick with the same
disease, and her motherly care for the little one, she had neglected
herself. Her fate was sad, for the night she died, the physician
came to see the child about eleven o'clock. He found her lying
upon the same bed, and when he entered the room she looked up
and exclaimed: "Doctor if you do not give me something to
help me, you will come in and find me missing." He replied,
"Mrs. Robison I think you are better." She replied, "I don't
know." This evening a couple of the neighboring ladies came
in to take care of the sick and let her mother go to bed to rest.
She reluctantly left her charge and retired to her room. About
half past three o'clock in the moming, they saw a change and
called her. When she came to the bedside, she found Mary's
eyes fUled with great drops of sweat, and her pulse gone
and past speaking. When the physician came and was
inform.ed ttat she was dying, he exclaimed, "My God, can
it be possible?" The chUd was named after its mother, and
was taken by its grandmother and aunt, ^ Miss vSarah AUen for
future care. She was taken west and when she became of
age married Hany Wm. Russell, who in 1884 was a bookkeeper
for the Singer Se-wing Machine Co. She is a noted singer at
her home and takes part in most of the home entertain-

478 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
/
ments. They had one child who was called Grace Agnes
Russell. Sixth, James Strawbridge Allen, the fourth son of Agnes
AUen, was bom near Washingtonville, Pa., January 24, 1823;
married Catherine Case at Ross To-wnship, Luzerne County, Pa.,
of which we have no date. At the age of twenty-five he went
west with his mother's family where he followed the occupation
of a carpenter, having leamed the same of Samuel Butler of Jer
seytown, Pa. He was employed for a time in the Singer Se-wing
Machine Company at South Bend, Ind., and in 1884 held the
position of City Sexton of that city. In 1884 their family con
sisted of six children namely: Robert Nelson Allen, employed at
the Singer Works at South Bend, Ind. ; Alverda Jane, Kate Mary,
James Lervy (now dead), William and Maud Allen. Their
children all lived at South Bend, Ind. We have no more record
of them. Seventh, David Stevenson Allen, the fifth son of Agnes, was
bom near Washingtonville, Pa., January 4, 1825 and died at
Carson City, Nev. in March, 1861. He was a man of large stat
ure and great strength. In 1848 or 49 in company with friends
of his native place, he set out upon a joumey to Pike's Peak.
Before reaching there, he changed his mind and went to Carson
City to work in a silver mine. Carson City at this time had the
prospect of becoming a large city. Here he bought several lots,
and upon one of them commenced to buUd a saw mUl, and then
wrote home that when he got his mill in good running order, he
would then be well off, and sell his property then and come home.
After sending this message home, he started for California to
purchase castings for the mill, and whUe on the way back ruptured
a blood vessel and died within a half hour. His property fell into
the hands of a lawyer, who soon left for parts unknown and his
friends failed to receive a cent.
Eighth, William Boyd Allen, the sixth son of Agnes Allen,
was bom near WashingtonvUle, Pa., November 19, 1826, and
died at Buckhorn, Pa., January 27, 1827.
Ninth, Hugh Alford Allen, the seventh son of Agnes (Tem
pleton) Allen, was born near Washingtonville, November 19,

HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 479
1828. He married Harriet Hulder Roberts near Shickshinny,
Pa.,- of which we have no date. His occupation being that of a
farmer, was a soldier in the War of 1861. His family consisted of
Sarah Agnes Allen, who married Floyd Culvert Kline, a merchant
who was kUled, by whom she had two children, and for her se
cond husband Nathan Hartman, and in 1884 was living near
Shickshinny, Pa. The other chUdren were Elisha Robert, James
Clarence, Jennie Adalade, Charles Barclay and Melville Allen.
Tenth and Eleventh were two t-win sons of Agnes, who died
in infancy. Twelfth, Sarah Ann AUen, the third daughter, was born at
Buckhom Tavem, three miles from Bloomsburg, Pa., February
8, 1831. In 1884 I had an extensive correspondence -with Miss
Allen in regard to the history of her branch of the Boyd Family,
and most of the information I have given, was from her valuable
resources. At that time she was a taUoress by occupation. Her
health at this time was poor, caused from over work. She then
made her home -with her brother James, and niece Mrs. Russell
at South Bend, Ind. Her letters to me in regard to her ancestry
on her father's side was very interesting to me as it connected
my own on my mother's side back to hers.
Thirteenth, Clarissa Ellen Alien,, the fourth daughter of
Agnes, was bom at Buckhom Tavem, Pa., November 27, 1833;
died at the same place October 17, 1835.
Fourteenth, John Paris Hudson Allen, the youngest son of
Agnes (Templeton) Allen, was bom at Buckhom Tavern, three
miles from Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa., September 20,
1835, When he grew up he became a very large fleshy man, and
in 1884 resided at Shickshinny, Pa., where he there carried the
miail between the Post Office and depot, and also painted at odd
speUs. When the War of 1861 broke out, he enlisted in the army
but was unable to cany arms as he had two flngers amputated
when a small boy, by having the cords cut with a scythe. He at
flrst went as a drummer, but not liking the position took up arms
and was in McCleUan's seven days' fight at Bull Run, where he
was taken prisoner, and his friends mourned for him as if lost.
After a while he was exchanged and sent to Davis Island near

480 HISTORY QF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
New York, more like a dead man than a living being, with clothes
scarcely enough to hide his nakedness. As soon as he was able,
he went back into the army again, but his health being so impaired
for active ser-vice, he was placed in the hospital to care for the
sick and wounded, where he remained until the war closed.
Fifth, Sarah Templeton, the youngest daughter of Mary
Boyd Templeton. by her first husband, was bom near Washington
vUle, Pa., May 5, 1797. She manied here Jessie Funston, July
6, 1815, and breathed her last at South Bend, Ind., June 9, 1864.
She and her husband resided in Pennsylvania untU the year of
1839, when they moved to South Bend, Ind. and bought a farm
upon which they resided at the time of their death. Her husband
was also born in Pennsylvania, January 13, 1787, and died April
18, 1868 by taking a severe cold and settling on his lungs in the
form of pneumonia, while hers was that of consumption. Their
family consisted of twelve children namely :
First, Mary Ann Funston, the oldest daughter of Sarah
Templeton, was bom in Pennsylvania (of which we have no date).
She married James Harris at South Bend, Ind., February 10,
1840 and died at the same place November 30, 1863. Her hus
band at the time of their marriage was a widower with two chUd
ren. After their marriage he took her to his home near her fa
ther's on what was called the ' ' Harris Prairie. ' ' They soon sold
their Prairie farm and moved within three miles of South Bend.
Here after a few years, she was stricken do-wn -with typhoid fever
and died. Her death was a severe shock to her husband, and
within three weeks afterwards he was taken do-wn with the same
disease, and followed her to a Heavenly home. This disease
passed through the whole family. Yet all recovered, except one,
whose name was Aggie. Mary Ann was the mother of twelve
children thus: Erastus A., the oldest son who married Maggie
Staly, a daughter of the proprietor of ' ' Staly Woolen Mills ' ' of
South Bend, Ind. From here they moved to Three Oaks, Iowa,
where she has since died, leaving two chUdren, whose names are
unknown to us. The next son Edwin Ir-win Harris, he went into
the army and died there with camp colic. The oldest daughter
of Mary Ann, whose name was Hannah Catherine, married a

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 481
young la-wyer by the name of Cooper and Hves at Three Oaks,
Iowa. Mary Enrma Ha;nis was married in Iowa and went fur
ther west. They had one son three years of age, who was drowned.
WUliam James Harris, the third son of Mary Ann in 1884 lived
in one of the Western States. Henrietta Harris, the third daugh
ter, married Samuel Lontz at South Bend, Ind. Soon after her
marriage she was taken with smallpox, and died leaving a son,
who was brought up by her parents untU he was six years old,
when he was stricken with a paralytic stroke, becoming an idiot
and a nursing charge until he became eleven years of age when
he died. Agnes died young as we have stated above, with ty
phoid fever. Albert Madison Harris, the fourth son, married
Eva Lontz and have one child, Alfred Addison (whom he married,
we can not say) . Alice Harris died in 1862 at the age of five years.
Martin Harris, the youngest son in 1884 was somewhere in the
far west, and Sarah Jessie Harris, the youngest daughter was
still at home.
Second, John Funston, the oldest son of Sarah Templeton,
was bom in Pennsylvania (no date). He married Louisa Lowery
at Mishawaka, St. Joseph County, Ind., Mareh 3, 1859. While
in his younger days, John went to California where he resided for
several years, and then retumed to South Bend. Soon after his
marriage, he moved his family to Oskaloosa, Iowa. In 1884 had
one chUd which died in infancy.
Third, Louisa Funston, the second daughter of Sarah Tem
pleton, was bom in Pennsylvania. In 1884 she was still single
and was living at South Bend, Ind.
Fourth, Margaret Funston, the third daughter of Jessie and
Sarah Templeton, was bom at WashingtonvUle, Northumberland
County, Pa. in 1824; married David Youngs at South Bend, Ind.,
April 13, 1854. They after their marriage went to Leighton,
Iowa, where her husband was a prosperous merchant. By this
union they had two children, Minnie and Kittle. The former was
borii at CasopoHs, Mich, and was married to Charles L. KoUer,
whose birthplace was at ShoemakerviUe, Pa. His occupation is
that of a wholesale grocer at Altoona, Pa. Their famUy con
sisted of three chUdren namely: First, Daisy May KoUer, who

482 HISTORY OF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
was born at Leighton, Iowa. She married Clarence S. Mclntyre
at Altoona, Pa., June 30, 1904, who was bom at Altoona, Pa.,
August 22, 1879. Daisy at the age of eight or ten years,
moved with her parents to Oklahoma City, Okla., and in the year
of 1896 to Altoona, Pa. They have one daughter, whose name is
Fern Margaret, who was born at Altoona, December 12, 1905,
and two sons, whose names are D. Eamest, born at Leighton,
Iowa, and Charles Lester', born at Arkansas City. Both are now-
single and Hve at Altoona, Pa. Kitty, the second daughter of
Jessie and Sarah Funston, was bom at CasopoHs, Mich. She
married for her first husband D. A. Gray at Leighton, Iowa, and
for her second husband Wm. Krapp at CasopoHs, Mich. Her
first husband was a telegraph operator. She is the mother of
four chUdren. First, WUber, who married Edna Funk at Elk
hart. Second, Frederick, who married (I am unable to say).
Third, Maud, and fourth, Agnes, single and lives at Elkhart, Ind.
Fifth, Sarah Elizabeth Funston, the fourth daughter of
Sarah Templeton Funston, was also bom in Pennsylvania, and
married George Wilkie at South Bend, Ind., January 15, 1846,
and died here June 2, 1873. Soon after her marriage, they went
west, where he soon died, leaving her with four small children.
Soon after his death, she returned to her father's home at South
Bend. When the chUdren became large enough, she took them
and went house-keeping at that place. Their names were Eugene
Ethan Allen Wilkie, Theodore Augustus FraiUdin. In 1884 was
in Kansas editing a paper. George Norman Eddie and Samuel
Jessie Boyd Wilkie, in the far west as a farmer.
Sixth, Agnes Hathorn Funston, the fifth daughter of Sarah
(Templeton) Funston, was bom in Pennsylvania (of which we
have no date). In 1884 she was still single and lived with her
youngest sister at Edwardsburgh, Mich. The records we received
at that time of her mother's famUy were furnished by her.
Seventh, Robert Templeton Funston, the second son of
Sarah (Templeton) Funston, was also bom in Pennsylvania.
He married Melissa M. Hoover at Leighton, Iowa, February 25,
1872, and died at the same place November 2, 1875. In his early
days he went to California with' his brother John, from here to

HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 483
South Bend, Ind. and then to Iowa, where soon after his marriage
he bought a farm near Oskaloosa and settle do-wn for life, and in a
short time afterwards bought forty acres more. The evening
after his last purchase, he spent in the midst of his family, telling
them his future intentions. After he had finished telling them
his future course, he said, ' ' I must go to bed as I must be up early
in the moming." He then retired and laid down on his bed,
placed his arms across him and in less than five minutes he had
gone to his Maker. In 1884 his wife still lived on the old farm.
They had no chUdren.
Eighth, Lucretia Mumy Funston, the sixth daughter of
Sarah (Templeton) Funston, was also a native of Pennsylvania
(whose birth we have no record of). She married James Boddy
at South Bend, Ind., August 5, 1868. In 1884 she and her hus
band were living in Kansas, where they took up their residence
soon after their marriage. Her husband was a blacksmith and
wagon-maker. They had two children, whose names we have not.
Ninth, Jessie Franklin Funston, the third son of Sarah (Tem
pleton) Funston, was bom in Pennsylvania and married Sarah
Schaefer at South Bend, Ind., March 26, 1866. They also after
their marriage went west and settled in Iowa. In 1884 they had
two chUdren, whose names were Harry and Gertrude.
Tenth, James Nelson Funston, the fourth son of Sarah (Tem
pleton) Funston, was bom in Pennsylvania and died in infancy.
Eleventh, Almira Jane Funston, the seventh daughter of
Sarah (Templeton) Funston, was born at the old homestead in
Pennsylvania. She married for her first husband Perry W. Erwin
at South Bend, Ind., February 12, 1861, and for her second hus
band Thomas P. Wooderson at Niles, Mich., October 10, 1862.
Her life was fUled with many misfortunes of which we do not feel
at liberty to mention. But by this union they had four children.
Three of them were taken from them by death. Two by a na
tural death, while the third, a bright little boy was kicked by a
horse, that was grazing on the ' ' Commons ' ' where he was at play,
and he lived but a short time. The fourth was a daughter named
Bertha, who in 1884 lived with her mother. Her first husband
died in Ohio.

484 HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
Twelfth, Emily Amanda Furgarson, the youngest daughter
of Sarah Templeton Funston, was bom at South Bend, Ind. She
married here A. HamUton Cart, April 7, 1870. After their mar
riage they moved to Michigan and settled do-wn on a farm near
Edwardsburgh, and in 1884 had two chUdren, whose names were
Frank and Eamest Cart.
Margery Scott Strawbridge, the only daughter of Mary Boyd
by her second husband James Strawbridge, was bom near Wash
ingtonville, Northumberland County, Pa., May 15, 1802. She
married Samuel Boyd Wilson at the same place April i, 1828,
died at Bloomsburg, Columbia County, Pa., August 26, 1877.
Her husband was a farmer and also was bom near Washington
ville, Pa., August 3, 1807 and died at Bloomsburg, December
20, 1843. Her family consisted of six chUdren, all bom near
Washingtonville, Pa. as follows: First, Mary Ellen Wilson, the
oldest daughter, was bom April 15, 1829; she married Charles
Henry Garrison at Milton, Pa., July 6, 1843. Her husband was
bom in Pennsylvania, June 29, 1823. In 1884 they resided at
Troy, N. Y., where he had retired from the grocery business.
They had no children. Second, the second daughter of Margery
was born August 26, 1831 and died at the same place May 21,
1 85 1. Third, Strawbridge Aiken Wilson, the oldest son of Mar
gery, was born October 3, 1833. He married Caroline Pursel at
Bloomsburg, Pa., September 20, 1855. In 1884 he and his wife
still resided at the place of his marriage, he being in the confec
tionery business. -She was bom September 15, 1833. They had
one child, George Norman Wilson, bom at Bloomsburg, Decem
ber 5, 1856. He married Hannah May Wagner at Muncy, Pa.,
September 22, 1881, where he was a clerk. Fourth, Nathaniel
Boyd Wilson, the second son of Margery, was bom September
4, 1836; married Sarah BisseU at Williamsport, Pa., September
22, 1858, and in 1884 was in the carriage business at Williams
port, Pa. His wife was bom October 28, 1835. Their famUy
consisted of five children as follows, all bom in WUHamsport, Pa.
David R., born July 9, 1861; Bessie, born September 5, 1863 and
died at the same place December 7, 1865; Charles D., bom Janu
ary I, 1865; James R., born September 7, 1869, and Samuel B.,

HISTORY OF THE BQYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 485
bom November 25, 1872. Fifth, Eliza Jane Wilson, the third
daughter of Margery (S) Wilson, was bom September 7, 1838;
married Le-vit David Garrison at Cortland, N. Y., May 7, 1863.
Eliza's husband in 1884 was a groceryman at Cortland, and was
bom June 12, 1837. Their family consisted of three children as
follows: Charles Henry, born July 27, 1872; George, born Oc
tober 13, 1873, and an infant now dead, born September 6, 1878.
AU bom at Cortland, N. Y. Sixth, Margaret Ann Wilson, the
youngest daughter of Margery (Templeton) Wilson, was bom
June 27, 1841; married at Bloomsburg, Pa., Charles Gillespie
Barkley, June 2, 1864. Their family in 1884 consisted of three
chUdren, all bom at Bloomsburg, Pa., as follows: Mary Garri
son Barkley, bom September 23, 1865; Josephine Redfield, bom
May 30, 1868, and Jennie Wilson Barkley, bom June i, 1872.
Mr. and Mrs. Barkley in 1884 took a deep interest in furnishing
me records of their families for my first edition of the Boyd His
tory of that date, and at that time her husband was a prominent
la-wyer at Bloomsburg, Pa.

^.

MARY V, (PLACE) BOYD
WILLIAM J. BOYD

MARY ELLIOTT BOYD

CHAPTER VIII
The Boyds of Arghadowey, County Derry, Ireland
The great grandfather of this family was John Boyd of
"The Callius," Derry County, Ireland, who had a son named
WUliam, and he a son Thomas, that came to America to whom
oiu: history back into the old country from the latter is very
Hmited. Thomas was bom at The Callius in the County of Derry
in that romantic country in 1817. Here he was united in mar
riage October 10, 1850 to Miss Mary EUiott, who was bom at
Lisnabriar, Castlederry, County Tyrone, March 27, 1826. On
January i, 1852 they bid farewell to their friends there and set
out for America; landing at New York March loth of that year.
Upon their arrival here, they found that the cholera had broken
out in the city, and he volunteered as a nurse in the cholera hos
pital for a time. After remaining in New York until 1862, he
enhsted in Company E., 5th New York Heavy ArtUlery and
served through the war tmtil his regiment was mustered out in
May of 1865. He breathed his last here January 2, 1870, and she
died here also December 14, 1886. Their famUy consisted of
four chUdren namely :
First, Charles Mathews Boyd, was bom at Castlederry,
Ireland, September 13, 1851. While his parents were on their
joumey over the ocean, he was taken sick and died and buried
at sea in March of 1852.
Second child of Thomas and Mary (Elliott) Boyd was named
Annie Boyd. She was bom in New York, February 11, 1853, U87I

488 HISTORY QF THE BOYD FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS
and died at the same place June 26, 1902. She married for her
husband J. R. Allen at New York  , who was born
at County Cork, Ireland, September 15, 1843, and died at New
York March 17, 191 2. Their chUdren are Mrs. Louis Bumges
(Mary EUiott), Annie E., Robert H., Mrs. Robert Meagher
(Mabel D.), Margaret G., LiUy A. and Fanny Boyd, aU living;
William J., Martha Francis and Thomas deceased.
Third, WUHam J. Boyd, the second son of Thomas and Mary
Elliott Boyd, was born in the third ward of New York City,
September 12, 1854; married for his fiirst -wife Fanny Swanton,
the eldest daughter of Robert and Mary Swanton at Caledonia,
N. Y., September 13, 1882, who died in New York City, October
19, 1904, leaving no children. For his second wife he manied
Miss Mary Virginia Place, the youngest daughter of Robert M.
and Jennie B. Place of Caledonia, N. Y., who was bom at the
latter place June 26, 1872. Their marriage took place here,
November 16, 1905.
William J. Boyd is now the only member of his father's
family living. In 1859 he commenced going to school in the
old St. Paul Chapel day school in Trinity Parish, New York
City, and remained a member of the Parish until his removal to
Caledonia, N. Y. in 1909, thus having spent fifty years in the
Trinity Parish and included within that time twenty years ver
ger in the old Trinity Church. In June of 1869 he entered the
emiploy of McDowell & Dickinson, dealers in fancy groceries, and
remained in their employ for nearly nineteen years. After leaving
them he entered the employ of Reiss & Brady, October 5, 1888,
now kno-wn as the Cresca Company, Importers and Packers of
fancy groceries and delicacies of New York City. Now he is a
member of the firm of C.& E. Place & Boyd of Caledonia, N. Y.
He is StUl in the employ of the Cresca Company, looking after
their interest in Pittsburgh, Pa.; also a member of St. Andrews
Episcopal Church of Caledonia, N. Y., where he is a licensed
Lay Reader and frequently officiates there, assisting the Rector
and holding service in his absence. He is a life member of the
Masonic fraternity; a member of Brooklyn Lodge No. 288,
F. & A. M., and a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrews.

HISTORY OF THE BODY FAMILY AND ITS DESCENDANTS 489
I had the pleasure of meeting him and his family at Cale
donia in the spring of 191 2, as a mere stranger to me. I found
them to be very kind and also an entertaining couple to meet;
also Mr. Boyd has taken a deep interest in our work. His family
consists of one daughter named Mary Elliott Boyd, who was
bom at Caledonia, January 27, 1910 — a bright and active little
chUd. Fourth, Joseph Elliott, . the youngest son of Thomas and
Mary (Elliott) Boyd, was bom at New York City, March 18,
1857, and died at the same place June 12, 1866.

Inde

X

BOYDS OF KENT, N. Y.

Page
Barker, Eric G  316
Orlean E  316
Jake B  316
Isreal P  316
Barrett, Emily  258
Lovisa  258
Benedict, L. Horace  308
Millie M  308
Fernwood  308
Bigelow, Orvile  264
Claud.  264
Clyde  264
Booth, Flora  307
Mary  307
Boyd, John  189-190, 193-194
Ebenezer  191-192, 194-195,
 197-198, 203
Ebenezer, Jr.  204
Susannah  205
Philip  206
Bennett  211
Bartholame-w  211
Hannah  212
Robert  212
Sarah  213
Lewis  213
Pheobe  215
Ebenezer  197
Ebenezer  205
'William D  205, 216
Bennett  205, 217
Sarah  205, 217
StiUman  205, 217

Boyd, Susannah  205
Philip  206
Tere  211, 218
Lewis  211, 218
Justus  211,221
Bennett  211, 222
Ebenezer  211, 225
Susannah  211, 225
Norah  211, 225
Matilda  211, 225
Hiram  211, 225
Elmer  211, 229
Bennett  211
Bartholamew  211
Hannah  212
Hiram M  212, 234
Marinda  212, 234
Hannah  212, 234
Robert  212
Celina  213, 235
Amelia  213, 235
Merritt  213, 235
Sarah  213, 235
Lewis  213
Harvey C  215, 239
Emeline  215, 246
Pheobe A  215, 246
Mial  215, 246
George W  215, 246
Sarah  215, 247
Robert  215, 248
Mina  215, 248
Ebenezer  215, 249
I491I

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INDEX  BOYDS OF KENT, N. Y.

493

Page
Cole, Bertha L  312
Elizabeth  312
Edward L  312
Fanny M  312
Alma  3ig
Milfred  31c
FredE  '.'.11%
Alta B  315
Coykendall, Levi  232, 283
Leah  232, 284
Hannah  232, 285
Zilla R  232, 286
Harvey  232, 286
Mary A  232, 287
Hiram J  232, 287
Celina  232, 288
Ehzabeth H  283
F. Fayette  284
Carrie  284
Harry  284
EllaB  284
Jane  287
Frank  287
Cra-wford, Emeline  216, 250
Mariah  216, 250
Charles C  216, 250
Ebenezer  216, 253
Susannah  216, 253
Lewis P  216, 253
Nathaniel B  216, 253
Hannah  216, 254
Sarah  216, 255
George  216, 255
George B  253, 311
Charles C  254, 315
-Alma  254, 316
Jay B  254, 316
Phoebe M  254, 317
Le-wis R  254, 318
Myrtle D  254, 318
Linian M  254, 318
Inez M  256, 318
Louis H  256, 318
'Ward E  311
WiUiam  311
Jay W  317
Curtis, Charles B  235, 300
Lewis 'W  281
Infant  281
Infant  301
Elliott D  301
Charles B  301
Isabelle 'W  301

Page
Daniels, Gertrude  307
Freddie  '  307
Zoula  307
Bertie  308
Grace  308
Demund, Francis M  275
Sarah E  276
Eliza A  276
Edward, M  276
Harriett  276
Henry L  276
Diven, 'WiUiam N  254, 318
MaryE  254,318
Doolittle, Arthur H  286
. Mary E  286
Dunham, Eddy  308
Eddy, Mary L  276
Seymour  276
Eggleston, Nellie  258
John  258
BeU  258
Emmons, J. S  306
Walter P  306
Robert C  306
Finch, Levera  276
Charles  279
Flickinger, Jessie L  283
Ettie E  283
Edwin E  283
Frost, Ali  213
Alanson  213, 235
Alzada  213, 235
Hyatt  2x3, 236
Mesinda  213, 236
Teressa  213, 236
Harvey  213, 236
Almeda  ~. . .213, 236
Frost, Charles M  213, 236
Susan E  218, 264
Sarah M  218, 264
Infant  264
Fulton, Anna M  265
Fulkerson, LiUie  300
Ruth  300
Jessie  300
Infant  300
Garrett, Charles 'W  318
Ralph  318
Haight, Frank D  259
Garrett B  259
Bennett R.  259
Sarah A  259
Carrie B  256

494

INDEX  BOYDS OF KENT, N. Y.

Hall, Fremont A  288
Ida A  288
Sarah  288
Mary A  289
Harpending, Infant  299
Harry S  299
Hartson, Alice B  286
Emma 1  286
Annetta  286
Hick, I. Leveria  285
Ruth  285
Haynes, Martin R  282
Mary E  282
Frank  282
Harriett  282
Holcomb, Marion.  282
Frank  282
Hopkins, Louis  259
Hoppough, John B  284
Margery  284
IdaB  284
Carrie M  284
Murray H  284
Emory W  284
Alta E  284
Minnie E  284
Estella D  285
MaryE  285
Sarah M  285
Adalade  285
Adaline  285
Lewis B  285
Florence  287
Roy  287
Huff, Ola  284
Fayette  284
Humiston, Herbert A  279
Finch L  279
Huntley, Louis C  276
Minnie  276
Hurd, William B  248, 305
Mary A  248, 306
Sarah J  248, 306
L, C  248, 307
Sherman S  306
Frank  306
Edna  306
Mamie  306
Sarah L  306
Loyd C  312
Hyatt, Charlotte A  255, 318
Eugene  255, 318
BeUnetta  255, 318
Freddie  255, 318

Page
Hyatt, Edgar H  255, 318
Kelsey, Sarah E  260
Sarah E  260
Charles B  260
Ketcham, Henry 'W  246, 304
Sophia  246, 304
Frank  246, 304
Smith L  246, 304
Emma C  246, 304
Edwin  246, 304
'Walter A  304
Lamb, Eunice M  305
Litchfield, Lewis A  249, 307
Lewis, Addison B  212, 229
Harvey P  212, 231
Sally  212, 231
Merritt C  212, 232
Susan M  212, 232
James M  212, 232
Thomas J  212, 233
Hiram M  212, 234
Malinda  212, 234
Hannah  212, 234
Sarah A  231, 275
Adaline  231, 276
Liva  231, 276
Mary  231, 276
David  '.  231, 279
Joseph M.  231,279
Morris B  231, 279
Emma  231, 279
Frank 'W  231, 280
Mariah  231, 280
'William 'W  231, 281
John  231, 281
Emeline  231, 282
Hannah J  231, 282
Sarah A  231, 282
James  ;23i, 283
Harlem  232, 288
Joel  232, 288
Mary J  232, 288
Mark  232, 289
Dennis  232, 289
Clayton  233, 296
John E  233, 296
Robert B  233, 296
Charles G  234, 297
Agnes A  234, 297
Wilson A   234, 298
EH  234, 298
Frank E  234, 299
Eugene  234, 299
Delzora  234, 299

INDEX  BOYDS OF KENT, N. Y.

495

Page
Lewis, Elizabeth  279
Carrie  279
Frederick  279
Minnie  279
Addie  279
Etta  281
Mary  282
Ida B  282
John B  283
Edward M  283
Claud F  283
Edward  288
Ed-win  288
George  288
Ida  288
Maud  297
Infant  297
Hattie A  297
George 'W  :  297
Losey, Minnie A  264
Loomis, Frank  308
LossiER, Silas L  289
Meisner, Carrie S  295
Elsworth  295
Frank M  295
Mason, Edward E  312
Margaret E  312
Miller, Infant  263
Pitchard, Ezra C  312
Grace M  312
Powers, Frederick  258
Rand, Mildred  212
Rapalee, Emmett  299
Lewis  299
¦Viola M  300
Marenda  300
Ezra  300
Rodgers, Julia R  250, 308
Ross, Edward S  236, 302
Augustus   236, 302
Hyatt D  236, 302
Louisa  236, 302
Sarah  236, 302
RuMPF, Margaret  257
WUUam  257
Charles  257
Harriett L  257

Page
Shannon, Merenda  232, 289
Lewis  232, 289
Henry N  232, 289
Minerva  232, 290
Martha  232, 295
John E  232, 295
Myron T  232, 296
Harvey  232, 296
Emmit  234, 299
Mary  234, 299
Susan L  289
Mary E  289
Hildah  289
D. L  290
Charles B  290
Smalley, Sarah M  206, 218
Smith, Edwin C  280
Frank A  280
Jennie M  280
Florence  306
Irene  306
Georgiana  306
Stevens, Paul B  271
Struble, F. 'Viola  318
Swan, Fannie  283
Charles  284
To-WLE, Essie M  285
¦Willie R  285
Travis, Frankie S  263
Charles P  263
StiUman H  263
Weaver, Almeda  235, 301
Alzada  236, 301
'Willover, John A. .  236, 301
EU M  236, 301
Harvey P  236, 301
Myron  236, 302
Mary E  301
Blanch  301
Louie F  302
'Winfield, Sarah M  285
Harrison J  285
Mary 1  285
John M  285
Ida M  286
Herbert R  286
Wilbur J  286
Asa L  286
Ida M  286

496

INDEX  BOYDS OF MIDDLETOWN, N. Y.

BOYDS OF SALEM, N. Y. Page
Adams, Casea O  325
Ball, Avery E  325
Harlon W  325
'Wendell L  326
Boyd, Robert  321
Robert  321- 322
Joseph  321-322
John  321, 323
WiUiam  321, 323
James  322
Robert 'W  322
EUa M  322
Rachel  322
James P  322
Joseph  322
John R  322
Isaac D  322
David  322
Joseph  322
Randolf  322
'William  322
John  323
'William A  323-324
Thomas  323-324
Mathew  323, 325
Emily A  323, 325
James  323, 326
Isaac D  323, 326
Robert K  323, 329
Franklin  323
Emily L  323
'William H  323-324
Harriet A  323-324
Adaline M  323
Charles A  324

Page
Boyd, Hattie M  324
Frank  324
Ralph  324
Mabel  325
Avilla  325
George  325
John  325
Robert  325
Mary  325
George H  326
Emily H  326
Robert R  326
Clinton  326
Ida May  326
Donald  329
Harold  329
Bertha  329
Percy  329
Edwards, Arthur S  325
Clarence 'V  325
Pearl M  325
Roy S  325
Ferry, Lillis  325
Elmer  325
Irvin B  325
Lorin  325
Morse,   322
Randall, Eva  324
Katherine K  324
George 'V  324
DoceUa  324
Katherine  324
Whiton, CamiUa  325
Mary S  325

BOYDS OF MIDDLETOWN, N. Y.

Barber, Lillian  348, 351
French  348, 351
Josephine  348, 351
William  348, 351
Dorothy  351, 353
George A  '..352-353
Boyd, Robert  337
J°hn...  337
Alexander  337
Alexander  337
George  337

Boyd, Clara  337
Eliza J  ..337
Katurah A  339
Sarah J  339
Frederick S  339-340
John N  339-340
AbigaU E  339, 342
Da'vid R  339,342
MaryM...  339.343
Charlotte A.  339,343
Alexander?  339,343

index  BOYDS OF NEW WINDSOR, N. Y.

497

Page
Boyd, George H  339, 343
George P  340,345
Mary A  340, 345
EUenB,  340, 345
Louise F  340, 346
Josephine  340, 346
Charles H  340, 346
Samuel M  342, 346
MaryS  342, 348
Mary A  342, 348
Grace N  343, 349
Hattie G  343, 349
¦Alice A  348, 351
John J  348, 351
IrwmH  348, 351
Frederick N  348, 351
AdaS  349, 352
Helen A  349, 352
Cox, Manon  352-353
Herbert  352, 354
Crist, Theodore  342, 348
Charles J  342, 348
Mary B  348, 352
Grant  348, 352
Clara L  348, 352
George 'W  348, 352
AbigaU  348, 352
Sarah M  348, 352
Edith  352, 354
CUfford  352, 354

Page
Cristy, Beatrice  .352, 354
Decker, Marietta  340, 344
B. Franklin  340, 344
Gabriel H  340, 344
Alexander B  340, 344
James A  340, 345
Da-^dd H  340, 345
Ahial  340, 345
Sarah A  340, 345
A. Amelia  340, 345
Howard L  344, 350
Emma J  344, 350
Francis M  344, 350
Max H  345, 350
Delia  3- -45. 350
Fannie M  345, 350
Dickerson, Louise  352, 354
Green, Charles H  343, 349
George B  343, 349
Charles S  349, 353
EmmaE  349, 353
Charlotte A  349, 353
Harriett A  350, 353
Helen G  350, 353
Horton, Charles H  339, 344
Gabriel W  344, 350
Hannah 'W  350, 353
Lyman, Ruth 1  353-354
Roe, Alfred R  350, 353
Francis J  350, 353

BOYDS OF NE'W 'WINDSOR, N. Y— Introductory Chapter.

Allen, Lula  410
Ayres, Martha J  382, 389
David  382, 389
Mahetable A  382, 389
Samuel  382, 389
Charles  382, 390
Harriett  382, 390
Jesse  382, 390
Dorcus  382, 390
Fanny E  382, 390
Sarah E  389, 402
John 1  389, 402
Angelica K  389
Charles  389
George  389
Roberta J  405
Margareth "W.-  405
Gladys D  ,  405

Ayres, Jennie M  406, 418
Josephine 1  406, 418
Francis  406, 418
Clara B  :  406, 418
Bacon, 'WiUiam K  418
Braga, Seth  410
Boyd, Samuel  360, 361
Robert  360, 361
James  360, 362
Nathaniel  360, 374
Mary  361, 381
Robert, Jr  361
Mary  361
Samuel  361
Anna M  361
Mary  361
Augustus  361
Robert  361

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INDEX  BOYDS OF NEW WINDSOR, N. Y.

499

Page
Boyd, Nathaniel  374
Mary  374
Charles  374
Hannah  374
Jane  374
Robert  374
Nathaniel  374
John   375
David  375
* Mary E  377
JohnG  377
Julia  377
John  377
Nathan  377
Henry S  377
Frederick J  378
Da-vid  378
Stephen  378
Samuel  38"i
Joshua  381
Mary  381
John  381-382
Mahetable  381-382
Margaret  381-382
Katurah  381-382
Freigift  381-382
JohnH  382,385
Daniel T  382, 385
Martha A  382, 386
Nathaniel  382, 386
Mary  382, 386, 389
Samuel  382, 386
Elsie G  382, 386
Harriet  382, 389
Da-vid  382, 389
Sylvester  382, 389
Joshua  385, 390
Carolina  385, 393
JohnT  385, 393
MaryE  385, 393
Francis M  385, 393
Francis J  385, 394
Myra  385, 397
Horace T  385, 397
Martha A  385, 397
Orange 1  385, 397
Barton E  385, 397
Matilda  385, 398
WilUam H  385, 398
ValneyB  385, 398
Samuel 1  386, 398
George L  386, 401
Robert T  386, 401
Mary A  386, 401

Page
Boyd, Anna BeU  390, 409
Augusta  390, 409
Ethelyn, R  398
Mary L  398
Beatrice 'W  398
William E  398
Zernia  398
Barton, L. R  398
Harvy A  398
Girdena L  398
Harold R  398
MaryE. .'  398
Roy B  398
Herbert W  398
Esther A  398
Lester A  398
Roberts  398
CecU C  398
Frank H  398
Charles L  401
Grace A  401
Florence R  401
William  401
Frank R  401
Ethelyn R  413
Mary L  413
Beatrice E  413
'William E  413
Zermah G  413
Barton L  413
Emmet O  414
Chester C  414
Herbert A  414
Harvey A  414
Gerdina L  414
Harold R  414
Mary E  414
Roy B  414
Herbert W  414
Esther A  414
Lester A  414
Robert V  414
Cecil C  414
Frank H  414
Charles L  414
Florence H  417
Grace Elma  417
Florence R  417
William  417
Frank R  417
Cilley, George  398
Emmet  398
Chester C  398
Herbert A  398

500

INDEX  BOYDS OF NEW WINDSOR, N. Y.

Page
Cilley, George  414
Margaret  414
Babe  414
Clark, Caroline  365
Frederick  365
Lucas H  365
Mary M  365
Thomas M  365
Carrie  365
Lucas  365
Munroe  365
Thomas  '  365
Harry C  365
Caroline P  965
Boyd  365
Fanny  365
Jessie  365
Nancy  365
Edward  365
Martha  365
Susan  365
Decker, Charles E  406, 419
Roy L  406, 419
Dubois, Ethel M  401, 417
Alice, McN  401, 417
Dwight, James  363
Frain, Charles S  402, 417
M. Theodore  402, 417
Florence N  402, 417
Octavious L  402, 413
Madalin  417
Eulalia  417
Fulerton, MatUda  382, 385
Grant, Elizabeth  372
Susan  372
Mary  372
Charles F  372
Jane  372
Martha  372
James B  372
Hendershott, Willis  393
Hubbell, Luman S  364
Andrew L  371
James B  371
Louis B  371
Grace  371
Henrietta M  371
James B  371
Andrew L  371
Hays, Esther  417
Hughs, Mabel L  402, 417
Harold A  402, 417
James, 'WiUiam  406
Russell W  406

Jacobus, Herbert  394, 410
Clarence 'W  394, 410
Fred E  410
Jenners, EUen L  397, 413
Charles H  397, 413
Orphie A.  397, 413
Keen, Robert T  370
Henry  370
James  370
Herbert F  370
NeUie  370
Kirby, Katurah A  389, 402
Martha J  389, 402
Jessie 'W  389, 402
Fannie E  389, 402
Sarah 'W  389, 402
Ranseller H  390, 402
Frank B  390, 402
Mary L  390, 405
Henry M  390, 405
Frederick  390, 405
Mary A  390, 405
John  390, 405
Kirby, Clarence  390, 406
George  -390
ArabeU  390
Nellie  390
Landcaster, George A  394, 409
Albert  394
Charles P  394, 409
Ella M  394, 410
Kenneth A  410
Myrtle C  409
Lee, Julia L  413
Meredith, Charles "W  413
Overton, Grace M  406, 418
Pearl M  406, 418
Edith B  406, 418
Frank R  406, 418
Clarence  406, 418
Penney, Theodore A  386, 401
Caroline  386, 402
Sarah D  386, 402
John  402
Quackenbush, Lorenzo  385, 393
Mary J  385, 393
Isaac L  385, 393
Hannah A  385, 393
Daniel 'W  385, 394
Malinda E  385, 394
Margaret E  385, 394
Avery L  385, 394
Emma C  .385, 394
Esther  385, 394

INDEX  BOYDS OF ALBANY, N. Y.

501

Page
Quackenbush, Mary R  385, 394
LiUian  393, 409
Harry H  393, 409
'Willis  409
Shorter, Nellie  410
Ida May  410
Bert  410
Harry  410
Smith, Alice E  390, 406
J. Edwards  390, 406
Emma J  390, 406
Mary P  390, 406
Henry C  390, 406
Smith, Minnie L  390, 406
Ida 1  390, 409

Page
Smith, Ralph L  406, 418
Margaret E  406, 418
Leonard  '. ,419
Stratton, Lena J  394, 410
Titsworth, Dorothy  409
TA-H.OR, Mattie K  402, 418
Lena  402, 418
ToDD, Charles D  405, 418
"Van Huken, Olive E  397, 410
Minnie A  397, 410
Lucy E  397, 410
Maud L  397, 410
'Wilson, Donald B  409
WiLLiARD, Ernest B  371
'Winnie, Gladeys E  409, 419

BOYDS OP ALBANY, N. Y.

Baldwin, Minnetta  438
'WiUiam  438
Edwin  438
BoYD, John  421
Nancy  422
John L  422
Mary  422
John L  422
Thomas  422
James  422
John  422
EveUza  422
James  424
AnnaM  424
John  424
Alida  .'  224
Charles  424
'Wilmot  424
Jessie C  424
'WiUiam M  424
Chase  427
Horatio  427
Ernest  427
Jessie M  427
Clara P  427
Alexander H  427
Harry A  427
NeUieM  427
Laura E  427
Emma J  427
James  427
JohnP  427
Mazie A  427

Boyd, Mary D  .-  427
Charles E  427
Frederick D  427
Charles F  427
Christina  427
Jessie C  427
Alida  427
Mary J  427
Margarette A  428
James  428
"WiUiam L  431
Kenneth M  431
Mary E  431
MeU L  431
James  431
Jessie  431
James  431
James 'Van W  431
Muriel  431
Bruce  431
Robert  431
Robert, Jr  431
"William S  431
Alexander  431
Charles. L  431
James  431
Emma L  431
Hannah L  43 1
Marjory  431
Catherine  431
Ann  432
Parthenca  432
Wilmot  433

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INDEX — BOYDS OF ALBANY, N. Y.

503

Page
Boyd, John C  444
Grace R  444
Donald  444
Hamilton  444
Rachel  444
Margaret  444
Mary G  444
Margaret  444
James P., Jr  444
Edward H  444
Edward  444
George H  444
Edward H  444
Anna B.. . :  444
Brown, 'Van 'Vechten  433
Anson  433
Esther  433
Alida H  433
Nathan  433
Catherine  433
Esther  433
Lydia-B  433
Charles H  433
¦ Charles P  433
Georgianna  433
George H  433
MadeUne  433
Herbert.S  433
Burton, Elcy N  427
Florence  427
Herbert  427
Cary, Robert J  437
'Walter  437
Harriet S  437
Irvin B  ,  437
Clute, Susan  433
Alida  433
Abraham  433
'William B  433
Anna C  433
Nancy L  433
Harriet L  433
James B  434
Dermott, Caroline H   433
Stephen C  443
Katherine S  443
Easton, 'William  428
Helen N  :  428
Mary B  ,  428
Edward  428
Charles  428
Edith  428
Edward, Jr  428
Mary B  428

Page
Easton, Roland J  428
Elcy N  428
Arthur B    428
Robert P  428
'William  428
Lillian A  428
Conde P  428
Adrian N  '  428
Alice E  428
Frederick E  428
Alice  428
LB  428
Ferris, David  428
Jessie B  428
Thomas R  428
Charles  428
Edward M  428
Mary  428
Howard  428
Mary  428
Edward  428
Frelick, Margaret  433
Graves, Leslie C  432
Herbert L  432
Clara  432
Griffing, Stephen B  434
Helen E  434
George C  431
Emma H  434
Helen  434
Edward 'V  434
James  434
Hellen  . 434
Elizabeth  434
Henry  ,  434
Gilerest, Elcy  431
Grohs, (Mrs. F. H. Hoffman)  432
Gruell, Orien  427
Sarah  427
Hall, Myra  339
Harriet  339
Firman  339
Hazleton, Alize  434
Hildebrand, Helen  434
Clament  434
Mliss L  434
Edwin  .'  434
Francis  434
Frank C  434
Jay, Pheobe  438
Caroline  438
"William P  438
James, David McH  422
Martin, Elizabeth  439

504

INDEX  BOYDS OF ALBANY, N. Y.

Page
McCarty, NeUie  424
Jennie  424
Metcalf, John T  444
Arthur  444
Ann M  444
McHench, 'William  422
David  422
Laura  422
David B  422
Margaret  440
Euphemia  440
Sarah  440
Mary  440
Caroline  440
Moore, Elcy  428
Harriet  428
James  431
Nash, HeUen  437
Alexander  437
Antonetta  437
Osborn, Frederick  434
Henry G  434
Charles B  434
Isabelle  434
Susan  434
Parson, John  424
Daniel  424
Catherine  424
Springer, George  424
Jackson  424
Mariah  424
Spohn, Charles C  433
Frederick W  433
Howard  433
Stome, Clarence  442
Edna G  442
Mable L  442
Thacher, Margaret  440
John B  440
George H  441
George H., Jr  441
John B  441
Thomas 0  441
Emma L  441
Rowland  441
Kenelm  441
Edward T  441
Tice, Frederick  428
Grace  428
Alice  428
Caroline  428
Elsie  428

Page
Veder, Ja'mes  432
Catherine  432
'Van Vechten  438
James W  438
Florence  438
'Van Gaasbeek, WiUiam  438
Helen P  438
EUas J  438
John  438
JohnP  438
'William  438
Edwin   438
Eliza  437
Deborah  437
Margaret  437
Alexander B  437
Amos C  437
Antonette H  437
Van Slyke, James B  434
Harriet M  434
Van Bethuysen, Charles H  444
Marion  444
Van Vechten, Cornelia  438
Maria  438
James  438
Eliza  438
Ann  438
Helen  438
Jane  438
DeUa  438
Caroline  438
Margaret  438
Viele, Philip  431
James B  432
Rachel  432
John  432
Clarisa A  432
Cornells  432
Catherine  432
Mariah  432
Alexander  432
Jacob  432
Deborah  432
Giles F  432
Rachiel  432
Jessie  432
'Wheeler, Edgar  439
Archibald  439
Edga.r T  439
Harriet E  439
'William A  439
Sarah B  439
Seth  439

INDEX  BOYDS OF BOSTON, MASS.

505

Page
'Whitaker, Edith M  432
Anna B  432
Da-vid.  432
Philip A  432
Frederick  432
Catherine  432
Robert  432
Alida  432

Page
'Whitaker, Nancy McH  432
Abram  432
Parthenia E  432
James  432
JohnB  432
Albert C  432
Henrietta A  432
Charles B  432

BOYDS OP BOSTON, MASS,

Bo-YD, Hugh  447
'WiUiam  447
Hugh  447, 449
Peggy  447, 449
Mary  447, 449
John.-  447, 449
Hugh  447
William  447
Mary J  447, 450
Susan  450
John  447
Jane  448
Margaret  448
"William H  448
Adam G  448
John  448
James  448
Hannah G  448
Thomas H  448
Mary A  448
'WiUiam J  448
Thomas  448
'WiUiam G  449
Edwards G  449
TiUie  449
Thomas  449
Daniel  449
Margaret  449
Eliza  -.  449
Mary  ^449
Hugh  449
James  449
Jane  449
'William  449
"WiUiam, Jr  449
Hugh  449
Sarah  449
Thomas  449
Daniel  449
Esther  449

Boyd, Henry  449
Esther  449
Robert  449
Peggy  449
"William ....._  450
Mary J  ."  450
Susan  450
Edward  450
James  450
Francis  453
Francis  454
Moses E  454
Mary R  454
James W  454
Eliza E  454
Eliza G. E  454
Susan E  454
Caroline E  454
Edward W  454
James P  454
John  454
'WiUiam  454
WiUiam (2d)  454
Frederick  454
John D  454
Margaret C  454
Frederick  454
Margaret C  454
Genet A  457
Alexander  457
James B  457
Alexander  457
Harry W  457
Allen R  457
Harriet A  457
Infant  457
James L  457
Charles B  457
Jane  457
William  457

506

INDEX  BOYDS OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA.

Page
Boyd, William  457
Catherine E  458
William F  458
Catherine  458
Hugh  ¦  458
Sarah  458
Thomas  458
Charles H  458
Charles H  458
Agnes A  458
Francis L  458
Daniel  458
Esther  458
Henry  458
Mary T  458
Henry W  461
Sarah P  461
Henry W  461

Page
Boyd, Mariah L  461
James P. . .,  461
Deborah E  461
Hannah R  461
Louise C  ^61
Esther  461
Roberts  461
Royal, M. May  448
George B  448
Seymour, Jane  449
Margaret  449
EUen.  449
Sloan, William 1  447
Archie  447
IsabeU  447
Margaret  447
Thomas  447
WYM.4.N, Margaret C  454

BOYDS OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA.

Allen, Mary A  474
"William  474
Allen  474
Robert P  474
Jane  474
Christina  474
Mary F  474
Agnes  .475
Mary  ;  475
John  475
Robert  476
Agnes E  476
Sarah A  476
Mary F  476
Luella  476
James L  476
Nelson McA  476
Mary J  477
James S  478
Robert N  478
Alverda J   478
Kate M  478
James L  478
WiUiam  478
Maud  478
David S  478
William B  478
Hugh A  478
Sarah A  479
Elisha R  479

Allen, James C  479
Jennie A  479
Charles B  479
Melville A  479
Sarah A  479
Clarissa E  479
John P. H  479
Barkley, Mary  485
Josephine  485
Jennie  485
Boyd, John  463
WiUiam  464
John  . 464
Thomas  464
Mary  464, 473
Cart, Frank  484
Ernest  484
Erwin, Bertha  484
Funston, Mary A..  480
John  481
Louisa  481
Margaret  481
Kitty  482
Sarah E  482
Agnes  482
Robert T  482
Lucretia  483
Jessie P  483
Harry  483
Gertrude  483

INDEX  BOYDS OF AGHADOWEY

507

Page
Funston, James N  483
Almira  483
Furgerson, Emily A  484
Garrison, Charles  485
George  485
Infant  485
Harris, Erastus  480
Edwin J  480
Hannah C  480
Mary E  480
WiUiam J  48
Henrietta  48
Agnes  48
Albert M  48
Alfred A  48
Alice  48
Martin  48
Sarah J  48
KoLLER, Daisy M  48
Knapp, Wilber  482
Frederick  '  482
Maud  482
Agnes  482
McIntyre, Fem M  482
D. Ernest  482
Charles L  482
Reice, Eddie  475
Roy.-.  475
Frank  475
Ernest  475
Allen  475
Robinson,, Mary J  477

Page
Russell, Grace A  .478
Sleepy, Robert S  .476
Strawbridge, Margaret  475
Henry J  475
WUliam B  475
Margery S  484
Marian  484
Templeton, WiUiam  473
Robert  473-474
Mary  473-474-475
Agnes  475
Sarah  480
Wilkie, Eugene E. A  482
Ellen H. P  482
Theodore A  482
George N. E  482
Samuel J  482
Wilson, Mary E.  484
Margery  484
Strawbridge  484
George N  484
Nathaniel  484
David R  484
Bessie  484
Charles D  484
James R  484
Samuel B  484
Eliza J..  485
Margaret A  485
Wooderson, Bertha  483
Young, Minnie  481
Kittie  481

BOYDS OF AGHADOWEY

Allen, Mary C  488
Annie E  488
Robert H  488
Mable D  488
Margaret G  488
LiUyA  488
Fanny  488
WiUiam J  488
Martha P  488

Allen, .Thomas  488
Boyd, John  487
WiUiam  487
Thomas  487
Charles M  487
Anna B  487
Wm. J  488.
Mary E  489.
J. Elliott  48^

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