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BOYDS OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS

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 World. 

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 William Boyd of the same place, who also assisted in furnishing many incidents of their branch of the home in Ireland, 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 William 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, from whence they came to America. The old Homestead was situated at Movilla, which in the language of that country, was called "Ma-Hill" or "Maugh-ill," which interpreted the Mayh— meaning a plain. This place was situated one mile from New-townards, and old town settled in King James I. time. The interpretation 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). William Boyd, living at Mansfield, Massachusetts in 1884, then eighty-four years old, says: "That among my boyhood recollections, 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 till them folks hae a gane awa, for they're Eerish oot there maunna gang neer them." 

Some three or four years before the death of Daniel Boyd in 1841, 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 Boyd, 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 belief. 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.

                                  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 Newtownards, County of Down, 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 known, consisted of five children named, William Boyd, Hugh Boyd, Peggy Boyd, Mary Boyd and John Boyd. 

                                  SECOND GENERATION 

William Boyd the oldest son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd was born 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 born 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 born at his native place. Hugh the oldest son was born in 1797 and died here in 1872, but was never married. 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 born 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. Boyd, Archie Boyd, Isabel Boyd, Margaret Boyd and Thomas Boyd. In 1884, three of them were married and lived at Belfast, Ireland. William's fourth child was named John Boyd and was born in 1806; married Margaret Gamble at New York in 1834, and died at the same place, October 28, 1869. John Boyd came to America in 1830. His wife is also dead. His family consisted of five children, namely: Jane Boyd, born in 1837; Margaret Boyd in 1839. In 1884, they were both married and have families and resided at Yonkers, New York. The next was William H. Boyd, who was born in 1841 and married a Miss Brazil at Brooklyn, New York, m 1865, had no children in 1884, and resided in New York City, where he kept a drug store. The next was Adam G. Boyd, who was born in 1843, and died in 1876, and John Boyd who was born, 1847. James Boyd the fourth son of William and Jane Gaw Boyd, was born 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 born 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 second, was Thomas H., who was born in 1845, and died unmarried 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 born in 1847, and married Jacob G. Royal in 1871, and had two children, whose names were M. May Royal, born in 1872 and George B. Royal, born in 1875. The youngest son of James was William J., who was born in 1852, and now resides at Allegheny City, Pennsylvania. Thomas, the fifth son of William, was born in 1810, and married a lady by the name of Armstrong in 1856, and breathed his last at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1867. Thomas came to America in 1834, and settled first at New York 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. Boyd, who was born in 1847 and was married in 1873, and had two children, whose names are Edward G. Boyd and Lillie Boyd; second, was Thomas Boyd, who was born in 1849. He went to Kansas in 1877, and followed the occupation of a farmer. Third was David Boyd, the youngest son, who was born in 1857. He and his oldest brother William are printers and reside at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

Margaret, the second daughter of William Boyd was born in 1810. 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 Newtownards, Ireland. Mary, the youngest daughter of William was born in 1823, and married John Potter at Newtownards, Ireland, September, 1860, 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 born at Newtownards, 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, were she died in 1836. Before leaving his native country, he followed the occupation of farming. Their family consisted of twelve children, namely: James Boyd, Jane Boyd, William Boyd, William Boyd, Hugh Boyd, Sarah Boyd, Thomas Boyd, Daniel Boyd, Esther Boyd, Henry Boyd, Esther Boyd and Robert Boyd, whom we speak of in our generation third. 

Peggy, the oldest daughter of Hugh and Jane Craig Boyd, we have no record of her birth. She is said to have died in 1835 or 1836, at Newtownard, Ireland, where she always resided and remained a maiden lady. 

Mary Boyd, the youngest daughter of Hugh Boyd, was also born 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 Boyd, who is dead and left two daughters; Mary Jane Boyd and Susan Boyd. The latter married 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 Newtownard, Ireland, November 11, 1793. Married Margaret Curry at Caimey Caw, Ireland, July 4, 1815, died at Boston, Massachusetts, October 10, 1845. His wife was born in Ireland, February 15, 1794, and died in Boston, Massachusetts, 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 correspondence 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  (picture of James Boyd page 454)  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, commanded 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 Burns’ best verses. Evidence of their traits would be more appropriate in a private memoir, and under a better compiler 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 Curry of Cainey Caw Parish, Rahalp County Down, Ireland. He was a farmer; his wife was Margaret Cavin, 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 Boston, except the oldest, who was born at Newtownard, Ireland. There names were as follows: 

First, Francis Boyd, who was born May 2, 1816. He was united in marriage to Mary Ripley Everett at Boston, Massachusetts, August 22, 1839, who was also born at same place, September 24, 1816. Francis died at Boston. When living he was known as Colonel Boyd, and prior to his death he followed the occupation of a commission 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 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 until 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, 1840. Second, Moses Everett Boyd, born April 5, 1842. Third, Mary Ripley Boyd, born May 16, 1845. Fourth, James William Boyd, born April 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 1, 1858. Ninth, Edward Wyman, who was born June 9, 1861. 

Second, James Patton Boyd, the second son of James, was born May 16, 1818; died and was buried at sea, May 30, 1843. 

Third, John Boyd, the third son of James, was born April 22, 18 20, married Catherine G. Smith, which we have no date. Died, May 12, 1862. In 1884, none of his children were living. 

Fourth, William Boyd, fourth son of James, was born December 14, 1821, died January 19, 1822. 

Fifth, William Boyd second, the fifth son of James, born December 3, 1822, died September 19, 1847. 

Sixth, Frederick Boyd, the sixth son of James, was born April 29, 1824, married Elizabeth Dalzell at Davenport, Iowa, September 16, 1850. His wife was born at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 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 born at Cannelton, Maryland, July 12, 1851. Margaret Curry Boyd, born near Davenport, Iowa, October 1, 1854, and married George Castle, November 3, 1881, who was born in England, August 22, 1848, and Frederick, born at Quincy, Illinois, March 27, 1864. 

Seventh, Margaret C. Boyd, the oldest daughter of James, was born September 8, 1824, married Edward Wyman at Cambridge, Massachusetts (no date), died march 22, 1854, leaving one daughter who was living in 1884, who was called Margaret C. Wyman.  

Eighth, Jenet Alexander Boyd, the second daughter of James, was born May 8, 1828. Died September 2, 1829. 

Ninth, Alexander Boyd, the seventh son of James, was born February 13, 1830. Married Miss Harriet Fay Wheeler, April 28, 1857, who died at Lynfield, 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 born in Boston, except the oldest one as follows: First, James Boyd, born at Roxbury, Massachusetts, February 1, 1858. He married Elizabeth I. Longstreth, at Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania, November 8, 1882. Second, Alexander Boyd, born October 5, 1860. Third, Harry Wheeler Boyd, born June 25, 1864. Fourth, Allen Richard Boyd, born January 5, 1864. Fifth, Harriet Ann Boyd, born October n, 1871. 

Tenth, infant of James Boyd, who was born 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 1874. There has in the period of forty-two years, been interred in this cemetery 18,931 persons. 

Eleventh, Jane Louisa Boyd, the third daughter of James, was born September11, 1833, died October 14, 1857. 

Twelfth, Charles Barnard Boyd, the youngest son of James and Margaret (Curry) Boyd, was born March 10, 1835, and died April 7, 1865. 

Jane Boyd, the oldest daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd, was born at Newtownard, 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 born at Newtownard, Ireland and died in infancy. 

William Boyd (second), was the fourth son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd he also was born at Newtownard, Ireland, January 1, 1800, married at Taunton, Massachusetts, Catherine Francis, April 17, 1826. In the year of 1818, he came to America and settled first in New Brunswick, then to Massachusetts and in 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 I was indebted to him for much valuable information pertaining to his branch of the Boyd family, 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, born at Taunton, Massachusetts, June 5, 1830, and died at Garretsville, Ohio, May 12, 1837. Second William Francis Boyd, born at same place, April 29, 1832, and married Jennie White at Mansfield, Massachusetts. No more record. Third, Catherine Eliza Boyd, who was born at Garretsville, Ohio, April 2, 1838, and married 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 born at Newtownard, Ireland, March 17, 1803, and married William McMaster in 1819 or 20. He died several years ago and his widow in 1884, was living at Schoolcraft, Michigan.  

Thomas Boyd, the fifth son of Hugh, was born at Newtownard, 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 born December 11, 1809, and died January 8, 1839. In 1884, he was residing at Cambridge, Massachusetts. Their family consisted of four children, namely Charles Hildreth Boyd, Born August 19, 1830 and died July 17, 1832. Second, Charles Howard Boyd, born July 13, 1832, and died August 31, 1833. Third, Agnes Al1en Boyd, born August 16, 1834. Fourth Francis Louise Boyd, born June 21, 1836. 

Daniel Boyd, the sixth son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd was born at New-townard, 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 born in Newtownard, Ireland, May 10, 1810. He married Hannah Robinson, October 20, 1833, the date of her birth was April 7, 1813, and died April 26, 1881. In 1884, he was still living at Cambrige, Massachusetts. Their family consisted of nine children, namely: First, Mary Thomas Boyd, who was born at Bridgewater, Massachusetts, March 1835, and was united in marriage to Ebenezer Crocker at Wareham, Massachusetts, 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, Massachusetts, December 1839. Fourth, Henry Withrell Boyd, born at Weymouth, Massachusetts, December, 1841. Fifth, Maria Louise Boyd, was born at same place, March 1843, died at Wareham, Massachusetts, May 27, 1865. Sixth, James Patten Boyd, born at Weymouth, Massachusetts, September, 1845, died in Pennsylvania, August 1, 1871. Seventh, Deborah Edson Boyd, born at Wareham, Massachusetts, November, 1848, and married Myron B. Hoyt, at the same place, July 14, 1869. Eighth, Hannah Robinson, born at Wareham, Massachusetts, January, 1850. Ninth, Louise Collyer Boyd, born at Wareham, Massachusetts, May, 1852. Esther Boyd the fourth daughter of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd, was born in Newtownard, Ireland, November 15, 1815, and in 1884, was still living in Cambridge, Massachusetts. 

Robert Boyd, youngest son of Hugh and Jane (Craig) Boyd, was born 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. Boyd Family and Descendants, William P. Boyd, 1912

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