John Boyd (1720 - abt. 1806)

Born 15 Apr 1720 in Ballymena, County Antrim, Ireland

Ancestors

Husband of Mary (Senn) Boyd — married 1750 in Ireland

Descendants

Died about 1806 at about age 85 in Newberry, South Carolina, United States

Problems/Questions Profile managers: Sue Davis [send private message], Richard Disbrow [send private message], and Xzanthia Zuber [send private message]

Biography

John Boyd migrated from Northern Ireland to America.

John Boyd came to the SC Colony 1772 and in 1774 received a land grant for 150 acres on the Saluda River. It is not certain if his wife accompanied him or possibly died on the trip over. It does appear his three known sons came with him (John Junior, David and Hugh).

There is uncertainty regarding the name of John's wife. Her first name has been listed as Mary and her maiden either as Finn or Senn, who is listed as having been born in County Antrim, Ireland.

He is called John Boyd "of Ballamena" by John Belton O'Neall in his book Annals of Newberry. O'Neall was also one of the witnesses for the will of John Boyd Jr. Quoting from Mr. O'Neall "John Boyd, of Ballymena, John Boyd, (called Johnny Buckles) and David Boyd, Sr., (the last two lived between Gilder's Creek and Bush River), were Covenanters. Like the Quakers, they set their faces against slavery; yet, if I remember right, John Boyd was the owner of slaves at his death."

John's friends referred to him as "Wheel Wright." John was a witness to the will of his son Hugh. When he signed his name he added "Wheel Wright" after his signature. The assumption would be he did this to distinguish himself from his son John Junior who was listed as an executor in the will.

John is buried in the Old Covenanter Cemetery in Newberry County, SC.

Sources

• Find A Grave for John Boyd, memorial #157276649
• South Carolina Department of Archives and History
• The Annals of Newberry Part First by John Belton O'Neall, pages 47 and 48
• 13 July 1799 will of Hugh Boyd