Augustus Franklin Boyd (1844 - 1863)

B. 52 Regiment Ga. Vols. and son of Sarah J. and Wier Boyd of Dahlonega, Ga.

He was born August 16th, 1844 in Lumpkin County, Ga., and killed in the Battle of Baker's Creek, Miss. aged 18 years and 9 months.

In the 12th year of his age he joined the M.E. Church and professed religion the year following at Lumpkin Campground. He remained an acceptable member of the church, and always maintained a good moral character avoiding those vices which often seduce the young from the path of virtue, especially in camps.

Though young he volunteered to the call which summoned his fellow countrymen to arms in July 1861, and he was mustered into the military service of the Confederate States as a 1st Corporal in the Blue Ridge Rifles, commanded by Captain Joseph Hamilton of Philip's Legion. He actively performed the duties of a soldier and braved the dangers incident to the trying campaign through which the Legion passed in NW Virginia under General Floyd.

Upon the organization of the 52nd Ga. Regiment in March 1862, his father being in command of the 52nd Ga. Regt., he with the consent of the military authorities, was transferred from the Legion to the 52nd Ga. Regt., and appointed Sgt. Major; a vacancy occurring in Co. B, 52nd Ga. Vol. Regt., he was elected Captain of the Company in December 1862.

The duties of his position he discharged with honor to himself and for the benefit of his Company. He was a drill officer of marked accuracy and ability. Always rendering prompt obedience to the orders of his superiors; he was strict in requiring it of those under his command maintaining firmness in discipline, but always kind to his men.

He wans at the engagement against the enemy at Tazewell, Tenn. in May 1862, and at the fight at Vicksburg, Miss. in Dec. in both of which he maintained a cool and gallant bearing displaying to an eminent degree those qualities which make a brave soldier determined on victory or death.

In the unfortunate battle at Baker's Creek where he fell, the heavy columns of advancing enemy were compelling the Confederate lines to falter and give way, yet Captain Boyd still rallied his men and held his position until the fatal ball pierced him through the forehead and he fell dead on the field.

Thus, ended the brief and brilliant career of this good young man and brave soldier.

Few of his age had more friends and fewer enemies. Being of sprightly turn and easy manners, he readily introduced himself to other acquaintances. None knew him but to love him. For his country he had the warmest patriotic feeling; against Northern domination he had the strongest contempt amounting to hatred. But he died for his country at his post, and his relatives and friends take consolation in the belief that he is gone to where rude alarms of war are heard no more.

Overview: 52nd Infantry Regiment was organized at Atlanta, Georgia, in April, 1862. Many of its members were drawn from the counties of Habersham, White, Towns, and Fannin. It took part in the Cumberland Gap operations, then moved to Kentucky and later Mississippi. Here the unit was assigned to General Barton's Brigade, Department of Mississippi and East Louisiana, and was active in the conflicts at Chickasaw Bayou and Champion's Hill. On July 4, 1863, when Vicksburg fell, it was part of the garrison that was captured. Exchanged and assigned to General Stovall's Brigade, the 52nd fought with the Army of Tennessee from Missionary Ridge to Nashville. Then on February 23, 1865, it was detailed to guard wagon trains from Columbus, Mississippi. During December, 1863, this unit totalled 279 men and 197 arms, had 123 fit for duty in November, 1864, and the few that remained surrendered on May 4, 1865. The field officers were Colonels Wier Boyd and Charles D. Phillips, Lieutenant Colonel Solomon H. Van Diviere, and Majors J.J. Findley and John J. Moore.