CHAPTER 4
COLONEL WIER BOYD
OF
DAHLONEGA, GEORGIA
Wier Boyd was the younger brother of my great grandfather Samuel N. Boyd. He was
born in Hall County, Georgia on September 14, 1820. When he became 19 years of age, he and
his brother Samuel, then 21, joined Captain Hubbard Barker's Volunteer Company called the
"Georgia Mounted Militia", attached to Colonel Charles H. Nelson's Battalion. This group went
to Florida to fight in the Seminole Indian War.
After they returned from the Indian War in 1842, Samuel met and married Miss Priscilla Wood, daughter of Andrew Wood and Charity Langley. By 1844 he and his wife left Georgia and went to Missouri. Wier stayed at home on their father's (William R. Boyd) farm for awhile. His grandmother, Nancy Wier Boyd who had raised him since the age of 6 (their mother Elizabeth Burton Boyd, had died in 1826) passed away in 1843. She was nearly 100 years old. His grandfather James Boyd died in 1845 at the age of 105-106.
Wier married Miss Sarah Jane Sitton on February 9, 1843. When elected to Clerk of the Superior Court in 1850, he and Sarah moved to Dahlonega, Georgia. In 1856 Wier was admitted to the Bar and was a prominent attorney of this section for the remainder of his life. He represented his County and District in both branches of the Georgia Legislature.
In an article written by William S. Kinsland which appeared in the summer 1985 edition of the North Georgia Journal, Mr. Kinsland tells about the men and the legend of the "52nd Georgia Regiment". He states:
"It was early February, 1862 when Dahlonega Attorney, Wier Boyd penned a letter to his
son, 17 year old, Augustus F. Boyd, who was off in the Carolinas and Virginia fighting with the
Blue Ridge Rifles in Phillip's Legion. Boyd's letter reflected the alarm that was felt by many
Georgians that winter, the bright prospects of an easy victory had faded quickly the previous
summer after the costly success at Mannassa. The Union Army had been dealt a severe blow, but
the proverbial sleeping giant of Northern Industry and wealth had been aroused and would
ultimately overwhelm the South with its limited resources. As Boyd penned his letter, he felt great
concern about the naval blockade at Savannah and along the Georgia coast. Salt, coffee and cloth
were already in short supply. Union forces had taken Tybee Island and were laying siege to Fort
Pulaski near the mouth of the Savannah River. All of Georgia anxiously awaited news, expecting
any minute to hear a mighty Federal invasion from the sea. Wier Boyd was not one to sit quietly in the midst of impending danger. In January, 1861
he had obtained leave from Gov. Joseph E. Brown to raise a regiment. In his letter to his son Gus,
he said:
"I have become somewhat tired of doing nothing and am anxious to see this war come to a close and peace... prevail. And I have concluded the best way... is to convince the Lincoln Government that we were all ready to fly to arms in defense of the country. Therefore, I have applied to Governor Brown and have obtained leave to raise a regiment in Northeastern Georgia for the war."
Traveling about from county to county, Boyd enlisted the support of hundreds of men and prominent community leaders. It appears from the correspondence between Boyd's daughter, Fanny, and his son, Gus, (these letters and papers of Col. Wier Boyd are on micro-film, located at the William R. Perkin's Library, Duke University, Durham, N.C.) that Harrison Riley also attempted to raise a regiment and probably competed with Boyd for leadership of the unit.
However, Boyd was confident in his eventual election to the office of Colonel. Indeed, on March 16, 1862, the men of the newly formed regiment at Camp McDonald elected Boyd to be their first leader. On March 20, Gov. Brown signed the commission making a full Colonel and commander of the 52nd Georgia Regiment. Although they had not yet faced hostile gunfire, the new recruits confronted with many hazards and hardships. They came down from the isolated little communities in the hills of Habersham County, from the gold mines of Lumpkin County, from the copper mines and mills of Fannin County, and from the abins and farms of Dawson, White, Franklin, Towns, Union and Rabun Counties. They all came together and marched from the old rallying places of former wars like the Dahlonega Mustering Grounds and the Denton Springs Mustering Ground and elsewhere. In the early spring of 1862, these men marched down from the mountains in the midst of torrential rainstorms, crossing swollen rivers and trudging through mud by day and sleeping in rain-soaked haystacks by night.
Nor were their troubles over when they reached camp near Big Shanty (now Kennesaw) on Thursday, March 13th. In a letter written to his wife, Sarah, Boyd said:
"We arrived safely at Camp McDonald on Thursday last amid great storms of rain. The authority had no tents for us and we, with several other companies from our region, stopped east of Camp McDonald some 2 miles."
Disease was, by far, the greatest killer in the war. The Microbe theories of Pasteur and Lister were virtually unknown among American Physicians. Thus, the mechanisms of infectious diseases and their propagation remained an enigma which would kill nearly two-thirds of the estimated 600,000 American troops who died from 1861 to 1865.
The 52nd Georgia experienced more than its fair share of deadly epidemics. With hundreds of young men fresh from the relative isolation of the mountains, and as yet unexposed to smallpox, measles, typhoid and malaria, most of the soldiers of the 52nd Georgia became ill in March and April, 1862. Scores of these soldiers died and lie buried in Atlanta's Oakland Cemetery.
Boyd's letter's reflected the measles epidemic which was rampant in Camp McDonald at the time:
"The men in my Regiment...are all passing the ordeal of camp sickness. Seven men have died in my Regiment here. Over a dozen have died in Col. Henderson's Regiment."
Based on analysis of the incomplete data given in Lillian Henderson's Roster of the Confederate Soldiers of Georgia, Vol. 5, no less than 89 men died of disease in the regiment over a three year period. However, through various means of estimation, it seems possible that nearly 220 men may have been killed by disease. Of this total number, more than 50 percent died in March, April and May, 1862.
On the morning of April 12, 1862, a Federal agent named James J. Andrews and some 20 disguised Union soldiers boarded a northbound passenger train at Marietta. Their mission was to steal the train and burn the bridges over the Chickamauga, Oostenaula and Etowah Rivers.
Pulled by the locomotive "General", the train rolled into Big Shanty shortly after daybreak and stopped to allow its passengers and crew time to eat breakfast at the old Lacy Hotel. Just across the tracks from the Hotel, the 52nd Georgia carried on its seemingly endless routine of drilling and marching at Camp McDonald. But something happened that day which would make it a memorable one for the regiment.
Sergeant-Major Gus Boyd, learning earlier that his father had been elected colonel of the regiment, was transferred from Phillip's Legion to join his father in the 52nd Georgia. Gus Boyd arrived at Camp McDonald that fateful day in the midst of a great deal of excitement and uproar. In a letter written the following day to his mother in Dahlonega, he described the situation:
"The train came up here yesterday and stopped for dinner. While the train hands were over at their dinner some persons (I suppose they were Yankees) loosed all the boxes but two and put
on the steam and left. We soon procured an engine and Col. Phillips and several persons started after them. They overtook the train at Ringold. When the scoundrels perceived that they were pursued, they stopped the car and made their escape. Our men are still hunting them, and I hope they may catch them. There are two here under arrest who are supposed to belong to the same
crowd."
On April 13th, it appears that the 52nd Georgia was mustered into the regular service and their men were paid their long awaited $50 bounty. On or about April 17th, the regiment boarded a northbound train and moved out for Dalton where they stayed only a few days. Then they moved on to Chattanooga. Because of a bitter feud between Gov. Brown and Confederate President Jefferson Davis, the soldiers of the 52nd Georgia were ordered to leave their firearms behind and were told to expect to be armed by the Confederate government when they reached their destination.
Indeed, when the troops arrived in Chattanooga, they were armed quickly with brand new .58 caliber Enfield rifles confiscated by Confederate ordinance officers from the cargo of the raider CSS Nashville. The 12 boxes of rifles had been brought from England and were destined for delivery to Gov Joseph E. Brown at Milledgeville. This particular incident sparked a bitter exchange of communications between Gov. Brown and Confederate War Secretary George Randolph.
By April 27th the regiment had reached Camp Van Dorn near Knoxville. Another epidemic was taking its toll among the troops. Col. Boyd wrote to his wife Sarah:
"About half my regiment are yet unfit for duty. None, however, that we have brought here, have died, and none are thought to be dangerously ill. Measles, mumps and fever are the prevailing diseases...a man of sympathy would be sick to see so much suffering as is seen here."
Throughout May and the first part of June, 1862, the regiment spent much time marching through the mountains near Cumberland Gap which was a strategic passage through the mountains between Tennessee and Kentucky and Virginia.
During this period, Col. Wier Boyd became ill and was forced to return home to Dahlonega. Temporarily taking command, Lt. Col. Charles Philips was faced with the difficult task of keeping an effective fighting force on its feet in the wake of yet another epidemic which left only 300 men able for duty. By June 18th, the Federal forces had mustered enough strength to push the confederate forces out of Cumberland Gap. But the fighting and skirmishing continued as General E. Kirby Smith and General Braxton Bragg prepared to launch a major thrust into Kentucky.
As the summer wore on, the fighting for control of the Gap became more intense. In another letter home, Gus Boyd described an engagement with Federal forces under Brig. General C. W. Morgan at Tazwell, Tennessee in early August:
"We marched in about a mile and a quarter of the enemy and halted then... it was not long before we heard the boom of the cannon and the whistle of the ball... the fight was opened...our regiment was ordered onto the field. We marched on with a brave heart, and we soon reached our position... the firing became incessant, but when we opened up in our second volley, the enemy began to break their ranks. Then we gave a loud yell and charged down the hill and it would have done you good to have seen them run..."
Boyd also described an incident in which he and Col. Phillips had with a close brush with death:
"Once me and Col. Phillips were crossing a fence, and just as we were getting over, a shell struck right under us but did not explode. If it had, it would have killed us both."
Having partly recovered form his illness, Col. Wier Boyd returned to the regiment on September 4th and wrote to his wife:
"I find the Regiment in better health than since we left Camp McDonald...my captains are all now at their posts."
By October 26th, the 52nd Georgia had crossed the Gap and was now camped in 4 inches of snow near Rutledge, Tennessee. At that point, General Seth Barton advised the brigade that they must prepare for a winter campaign. In a letter home Gus Boyd wrote:
"We are going to send one man home from each company to procure clothing for the men. You can send me a pair of pants and a coat. Tell mother to make me a short coat."
This passage reflects an interesting reality of the Confederate uniform, that it was often supplemented with civilian clothing to provide adequate protection against the elements.
The balance of the cold autumn saw the 52nd Georgia from one camp ground to another in central Tennessee, from Cumberland Gap to Chattanooga and back to Cumberland Gap, all with virtually no fighting. It was during this snowy autumn that many changes of command took place. Col. Wier Boyd, now gravely ill in a hospital at Macon, Georgia, was examined by surgeons and found to be unfit for duty to "disease of the kidneys and liver." Boyd submitted his resignation on November 1st. Shortly thereafter, Charles Phillips was commissioned a full colonel and took command of the unit. Sergeant Robert Quillian was promoted to adjutant. Gus Boyd was elected by the men of Company "B" to serve as their Captain, replacing John J. Moore, who was promoted to Major.
On December 18th, the regiment got its marching orders. Fortunately, for their blister feet, most of the travel would be by railroad. On December 19th they marched to Murfreesboro,
Tennessee where they camped for the night. The next morning they boarded a southbound train and traveled to Chattanooga. There they changed trains and went on to Atlanta. Changing again in Atlanta, they rolled on to West Point, Georgia where they boarded another train for Montgomery, Alabama, then on to Jackson and finally Vicksburg. By December 28th they were disembarking from the train in the midst of heavy cannon fire.
On December 27th, Wier Boyd and his family back in Dahlonega had learned of Gus's promotion. Col. Boyd wrote a letter of congratulation and admonition to his son:
"I desire you to be courteous in your new position, be firm in your discipline but kind to your officers and men. Act always with an eye to the dignity of your position but never be proud and haughty... study Bible and military discipline very closely; avoid bad habits...and you will have nothing to fear."
At daylight on December 29th, the Federal Army under Major General W. T. Sherman near Vicksburg commenced shelling and followed with a furious infantry assault on the Chickasaw Bluff breastworks. The 52nd Georgia, still in Barton's Brigade, was in the center of the fighting. Holding a position on Indian Mound which overlooked a crossing point on the Bayou, the 52nd and other regiments in Barton's Brigade fought off five determined assaults that day.
The fighting at this point was furious, and the marksmanship of the mountaineers was deadly. In his report of January 5th, 1863, Brig. Gen. Seth Barton wrote:
"...nine large grave-trenches, of capacity of 75 men each, were left filled...the ground for 150 yards in front of the breastworks gave frightful evidence of the great slaughter committed here."
A cease-fire was called when Union Col. Slaughter of the 8th Missouri Regiment sent in a flag of truce and asked for permission to bury the dead and remove the wounded from the field. General Sherman reported that he had lost 208 killed, 1005 wounded and 563 missing. Confederate losses were only 63 killed, 134 wounded and 10 missing. The 52nd Georgia reported only 1 man killed and 3 wounded.
The carnage at Chickasaw left a deep impression on Gus Boyd who wrote to his family:
"It made me feel sorry for the poor fellows to see them lying there cold and dead in the mud and water. They fought bravely and charged up to our breastworks three or four times so close that we could see the fire flash out of the muzzles of their guns."
Conditions improved slightly for the regiment when their tents and other gear finally caught with them on January 22nd. Some 50 tents belonging to the regiment had been inexplicably lost in Atlanta during their transit from Tennessee. Quartermaster John Logan brought the equipment from Atlanta by railroad.
On January 25th, Captain Gus Boyd was detailed to return to North Georgia to collect deserters from the unit and to recruit new troops. This would be Boyd's final trip home and the last time he would see his family. He was accompanied by Captain John Gaily and Lieutenant Lewis Gilreath. Two other men identified only as "Lt. Hodge and Lt. Weaver" accompanied them.
It is believed that this was the point at which Boyd had the only known photograph of himself made.
As the winter wore on and spring came, the 52nd Georgia was still operating around the Vicksburg area but engaged in little significant fighting. In the meantime, Sherman gave up his effort to break the Confederate defenses around Vicksburg temporarily and commenced operations along the Arkansas River. As Gus Boyd's 14-year-old sister Fannie wrote, Vicksburg had become the "Gibraltar of the West".
On May 14th, 1863, Jackson, Mississippi fell to the Federals. On May 16, General Pemberton ordered his troops to march eastward to link up with General Joseph Johnson's 12000-man force which had evacuated Jackson. As Pemberton's troops marched, they ran head on into Grant's Army at Baker's Creek (Champion's Hill). The battle was joined.
Barton's Brigade, of which the 52nd Georgia was a part, was one of the first to send troops into the fray. The 42nd Georgia under Col. R. J. Henderson and a section of the first Mississippi Artillery were sent to hold the bridge over Baker's Creek. At about noon that day, Federal General McClerndan's Corps launched an assault on Confederate lines. The remainder of Barton's Brigade was ordered to the left flank to support General Stepen D. Lee's Corps.
The troops were marched at the double quick. Barton's Brigade formed a line of battle with its left wing on the bridge road and the right wing adjoining Lee's left. Barton's troops moved through dense thicket. Suddenly, the 40th, 41st and 43rd Georgia encountered the Union troops which had driven Lee's left flank back, and pushed the Federals back some 300 yards into the timber. The Union line was then reinforced and Barton's advance was checked.
Meanwhile, the 52nd Georgia had been held in reserve to cover Barton's left flank. Barton ordered Col. Phillips to move his regiment forward. As Barton later reported: "I had reserved the Fifty-second Georgia on the left to protect that flank; it was now moved up rapidly and in hansom style engaged a brigade that was turning the left."
Undaunted courage was not enough to stop the Union tidal wave. As Barton later wrote: "...my right flank was soon overwhelmed...the left was like manner enveloped and a heavy fire was poured in from the rear." Barton's Brigade was virtually surrounded.
The Union assault turned into a slaughter. Men in grey fell where they stood. Others were so quickly overtaken that they had no choice but to surrender. A Federal bullet struck Captain Gus Boyd in the forehead above the left eye. At age 18, he fell dead, his young life snuffed out.
For more information on the 52nd regiment, visit the link listed below. This is a wonderful site done by Ricky Ray that has a complete listing of all the men and the history of the regiment.
http://www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Bunker/6739/
Colonel Wier Boyd, in company with his son Marion G. Boyd, was returning from an inspection trip to the Colonel's rich gold mines in the outskirts of town, when in front of the residence of E. E. Crisson, on Clarkesville Street, Col. Boyd suddenly exclaimed that he was very sick; and as he spoke, he dropped dead. Wednesday, November 8, 1893
The following is letter written by Fannie Boyd to her father Wier Boyd. This letter was found in the Wier Boyd Papers located at the William R. Perkins Library, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
Dahlonega, Ga. April 27, 1862
My Dear Father,
We received your letter of the 20th yesterday, was very glad to hear of yours and Gus's good health and spirit, hope it may continue so. I have no news of much interest to write, we are all well, Mattie was sick some days ago, but has recovered I believe.
We received a letter from Uncle Marrion last Tuesday. He was in Marriata, Ga., as clerk and commissioner under his old friend, Dr. Mills hospital. We received a letter from Aunt Emily.
Her and Uncle Ben are in usual health. She said that it was reported there that our relatives from Gainsville have been in a fight but we have not received any letter from Emily, so I don't believe that it is official; but they may have been in that fight in Yorktown.
We got a letter from Uncle Ben not long ago. He said that the disturbance about their uniforms was settled. I do not know in what way; he wanted to hear from Gus. Some of Dahlonega Vols. have not left yet, but will go in the morning. They broke up wild- ? last Thursday. It was a good thing for the town.
We are still very lonesome here. I go to school, but I do not like to one bit. I do not like Mr. Mitchel and will quit school when this quarter is out, if you will let me. Ida can talk now. She can say papa and ma. Ma is gone over to Mr. Paynes to see Mrs. Morrison. She is still sick and people say she will not live long. Mrs. Worley got a likeness from Tim yesterday which was taken in Knoxville. Can't you and Gus have yours taken there too.
I want you all to give the Yankees a good whipping out there in Tenn. Why can't Gen. Smith take Nashville? I have got to write Aunt Emily and Uncle Marrion this evening so I must close for the present. Tell Gus to write me. Ma and all of us children send out love to you and Gus. Write soon.
Yours Truly,
Fanny Boyd
The following letters were written by George W. Guthrie to Wier Boyd. These letters were found in the Boyd-Gaillaird papers located in the county library in Dahlonega, Georgia:
Marissa, Ill. 1-2-85 (1885)
Mr Wier Boyd, Dahlonega, Georgia
Dear Sir,
I have your address through letters from Mrs. Mary S. Ross of Chicago, that you are a grandson of James Boyd, a brother of my grandfather William Boyd of Illinois. (Author's Note: This is incorrect. James Boyd was brother to Mr. Guthrie's great grandfather William Boyd Sr. however).
By letters from Mrs. Ross, it appears we are of the same relatives and supposed to be heirs of a fortune in Philadelphia & Ireland. Do you know anything about this fortune further than we do? The heirs here has appointed me to see if there is anything in it or not, or if we are the legal heirs to it. This is all until I hear from you.
Write soon.
Respectfully,
(signed) Geo. W. Guthrie
Marissa, St. Clair County
Illinois
______________
Marissa, Ill. 2/15/1885
Mr. Wier Boyd, Dahlonega, Ga.
Dear Sir,
In reply to your questions of the sixth of last month, I will endeavor to answer.
First, my grandfather William Boyd came from of near parish Dungannon County Tyrone Ireland, sailed to America in 1804, landed at Charleston, South Carolina, lived in said state to 1820 when him and Robert Wier, a brother-in-law came to Randolph Co., Ills. landing in January 1821 and settled near Kaskaskia and Sparta, Randolph Co., Ills. There were four brothers and three sisters. Their names are as follows: John, James, Samuel and William. The sisters names are as follows: Jane, wife of Robt. Wier; Margaret, wife of Robt. St. Clair;
Elizabeth was married twice. First to a Nichols and second to Archy McMillen. Samuel Boyd came three or four years after them and settled near Sparta, Randolph Co., Ills. John and James stayed in the south. All that came here are dead but have left a lot of heirs.
My grandfather William Boyd died January 20, 1836 aged 58 years. Married Elizabeth Varner or Verner. I am not certain which way it is spelt at this writing but will find out. Samuel Boyd's wife was a sister.
My grandfather William had twelve children born to him; John, William, Samuel, James, George and Robert, all dead except Robert. His post office address is Swanwick, Perry Co., Ills. Of the girls Margaret Beattie, Jane Blair, Nancy Miller and Elizabeth Guthrie, my mother, are all dead. Martha Clendenin and Lucinda Wright are living, post office address Preston, Randolph Co., Ills.
Mrs. Mary S. Ross claims to be a granddaughter of John Boyd. I have been to see her and from her statements, her grandfather John and William were brothers. I can give the names of all the heirs and addresses in these parts if they are needed. The above and the rest of the heirs has appointed me to do the correspondence in regard the great fortune and to find out what I can about it. They want me to go to Philadelphia and see if there is anything on record regarding it and find out if we are the legal heirs. I understand through Mrs. Ross you are an Attorney. Are you taking steps to see what is in the estate or not? If you are or not, please apprize me of the fact. I have a copy of the advertisement of the fortune but does not give the dates when the time expires.
From the above sketch, is we prove to be of the original stock, please let me know. If we are, how would it suit for us to meet at Philadelphia at some future time in the spring and see if we are the legal heirs or not?
Write soon and address,
George W. Guthrie
Marissa, St. Clari Co., Ill.
___________
Marissa, Ill. 3/24/85
Mr. Wier Boyd, Dahlonega Ga.
Dear Sir,
Yours of the 18th to hand and contents noted, and in reply will say my great grandfathers name was William and his wives maiden name was Margaret Lyons. As to how the estate came there or by whom, I am unable to say, but I am going to take steps to find out. I only have an advertisement. I suppose you have the same. If you want a copy of this advertisement I have, I will send it to you. The reason of so long of a delay, I have been over away from home on business and have just returned.
Yours Respectfully,
(signed) George W. Guthrie
Marrisa. St. Clair Co., Ill.
___________
Marissa, Ill. 7/15/86
Mr. Wier Boyd, Dahlonega
Dear Sir,
Yours of July the 30th to hand and in association wanting to know the name of the deceased Boyd. That is what we have not found out. They further state that there is nothing in it, that it is a false advertisement. I have sent to Chicago for Martendales Guide and there is nothing in it that suits us or our advertisement. I send you the names of Boyd that is in it: Boyd, John, Hugh, James and Thomas, residing in America. Boyd, John a baker in America. Beatrice Boyd (nurse) died in New York in 1882.
Wiers wanted for the above. But I don't think any of them hits us as far as I am able to gather. The book dates back to 1780 and I see one as far back as for 1690, up to 1886, and the above is all that is in it.
You wanted to know where I lived. I am 37 miles from St. Louis on the Cairo Short Line Railroad 3 miles from Marissa Station. I am a farmer. I own 525 acres of land worth from 65 to 70 dollars per acre. I have 15 head of horses, 25 head of cattle. Some of them are the Holstine stock and Jersey. Some of which I paid $300.00 for. I have good horses here. The most noted draft is the Norman and Clydesdale, Rough and Readt Melburn, and some other racers, plenty of different stocks. Wheat, corn, oats, hay, potatoes, cabbage, cucumbers, watermelons, apples, peaches, plus plums, pecans, hickory nuts, grapes wilde and tame. By canning we have fruit the year around. We have very cold weather generally in the winter and warm in the summer. Today the thermometer is 102 in the shade. How warm is it down there, and how cold? I have ice 15 inches thick now in my ice house, so you will know it was not warm last winter. Corn is not good this year, wheat only common. Oat and hay good. I will bring my lines to a close, all is well.
Yours Respectfully,
(signed) Geo. W. Guthrie
N.B. Mrs Mary S. Ross address is 415 North State Street, Chicago.
_________
Dahlonega, Ga. May the 4th, 1862
My Dear Father:
I have received your kind letter of the 25th and Ma's of the 27th we are all well and are getting along as well as could be expected from us. Mr. Morrison came up from the farm yesterday, he reports your wheat ruined and the Rye not much better, he is going to the war before the conscript takes him, and will leave the farm with Mr. James Hulsey. Mrs Morrison is not expected to live many days longer.
Capt. Craven's company has passed through here, he intends to reorganized and go into the Confederate Service. James Corbin was at our house, I ask him what company he was going to join, he replied that he reckoned that he would be a conscript, he is quite patriotic, isn't he? Your friend Lt. Rudolph is looking very good, he says the war will last 20 years, but I don't believe that he can think so.
We received a letter from Gainsville yesterday, that say that our cousins are at Yorktown in good health. Mr. Boyt from the B.R.R. is in town, he wants hospital stores for that Co., he says the health of the Co. is generally good. Ma has got the garden plowed 1/2 but it cost Bud a good deal of trouble to get it done. Ma sent Bud up to cousin Barthy's, but will send after him in the morning. Mr. Wimpy came up to see us and said that he did not think they will do anything with Bud, there are some others in this town that deserve punishment as much as he does.
Do not find too much confidence in your Adjutant, he may yet deceive you as bad John Wimpy did, but as you say, "a word to the wise is sufficient". How must I direct letters to Augustus F. Boyd, he seems to have forgotten us as he never writes. Our relations in the confederacy are all well I believe the weather and everything else is improving, but Parson Mitchel's temper. Our apple and peach trees are loaded with green fruit, we will have an abundant crop of that kind of produce, wish the signs of the times were as encouraging in other respects, for farmers about here generally say that their wheat is gone.
I don't think this war can last a year longer, if the yankees get all over the confederacy then they will learn what trouble is, for the women and children will have a chance to hunt them and they would soon be glad to let us alone.
Write us all of the news frequently, now Ma has the blues all of the time and if I did not have a very pleasant temper I would have them too.
The family sends their love to you and Gus. My regards to all and yourself.
Yours Affectionately
Fannie Boyd
___________
Dahlonega, Ga. May 25th 1862
My Dear Father,
Your letter to Bud, Mattie and myself has been received, Mattie was much pleased to get a letter from you. We are all well and getting along slowly we are going to school yet and I will go all the year, if you wish me to, but I don't have much to do when I go, only of weeks when we have to write compositions then I help some of my friends and the little girls write their compositions, I write my own in a copy book which I will show you when you come home. Mattie is very smart at school but dreadfully lazy at home, she can beat Bud reading and her class spelling is composed of about 15 little urchins all older than herself and she stands head of them nearly all the time.
Your fruit trees are doing well, there was one storm here in which the hail was nearly large enough to knock it all off. I received a letter from aunt Emily yesterday, she seen Mr. Hullsy, he had moved to your farm, he told her that your wheat was coming out, the hogs and mallards were doing well and the cow has had no calf, our cow here does not give any milk so we have to do without this summer. Have no way of hearing from Dawson, only when aunt E. writes. She did not say anything about your trees.
I received a letter from Uncle Marion last week, he is Chattanooga Assistant Quartermaster in Col. Skid Harris's Regt., was well pleased, thought he would like that better than old 1st Ga. Mrs. Capt. Parker is distracted, I don't think it will do her much good if her husband does come home though it may.
This old town is very dull now, none but Charlie Besser and Dr. Stephanson and Mr. Wimpy to rejoice over our victories and blame our Generals when we happen to be defeated. We dont get our confederacies now, have you quit coming now? what is Billy doing? have you sold him? or given him to Gus? I have received yours and Gus's letter of the 12th. This will do you and him both, I have a great many letters to write to different parts of the confederacies. I would write him a long letter if I had time, I will say to him that Miss Mary still goes to school, she comes to see me a great deal.
You must write soon, the family all sends their love to you and Gus.
Yours Affectionately
Fannie Boyd
P.S. Old Mr. Williams came out here this evening to hear from you, he made me promise to send you and Gus his best wishes and love in every letter I write to you hear after.
F. Boyd
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From Mary Ross to Col. Weir Boyd
Chicago, Feb. 18th, 1885
Dear Friend,
You will excuse me for my familiarity in addressing you as such. This is a little of the Irish still existing here, still I cannot deny. Well I read your welcome letter in due time but I was called away and only came home last Friday having visited with my grandson and wife and now they posses a little daughter one week old Laman (or Laura Ann) and this makes me a great grandma. I am quite an aged lady you may guess but we will get aged whatever we do. Time creeps on apace and we are no more. You are not aware of this as yet but we all begin to realize this in due time.
I would be very glad could I make a visit to your sunny climate to avoid the cold winds of this city during winter, as they are my only objection to Chicago. The winter as you no doubt see by the papers has been the most sever for several years. I of course am not exposed as many others, not being obliged to be out. But I pity the unsheltered being as they are numerous here as in all large cities.
Well I am wondering from duty which I owe you, you ask me if I have any more news of importance worth relating, I cant say I have at present, Did I tell you that one of those gentlemen who visited with me talked of going to Philadelphia to examine or have the records hurried up if possible and promise to let me hear the results and so I have not heard anything since. I should have reported to you sooner, if so, nor did I send you a copy of the original ad, It seems to me I have done so, if not I will have one transferred and send to you. I have a copy of a certificate from the Masonic Lodge in Ireland dated 1792. I think the copy is one belonging to Dr. Wier of Oswego's grandfather which might be of use. I will enclose a slip of the record of my grandfather Boyds to show merely that it was bought in Tyrone, date, and I will send a letter also of a friend of mine Hamilton, who claims the name of Boyd also. His father and my grandfather were full cousins. You will please return both this and the record also. I wish so much you could see the number of letters I have corresponded with in regard to this matter and all seeming to truly belong to us as it seems in the final run, and all seem from the way they have written to be respectably connected. All have some very interesting letters generally better scholars or better penman. I am afraid my scribbling will fail to accomplish a mission of such importance such as I would wish. Well hoping you may be able to make out the gist of gossip, I will close with a hope that you are all well as this leaves us all hoping you may be tempted to visit our city so as to meet while I am still here. Please address me as before, (Signed) Mrs. H. R. Ross No. 915 North St., Chicago.
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Dr. Wier of Oswego, Kansas writing to Weir Boyd of Daglonega, Ga. in the year 1882.
Oswego, Kansas April 2, 1882
Mr. Wier Boyd Dahlonega, Ga.
Dear Sir,
I have just received your letter of 28th of March and was very glad indeed to get it, for I never knew of this branch of our connection until recently. Your grandmother and my grandfather were brother and sister. My information is that James Boyd married Nancy Wier in Tyrone Co., Ireland and moved to America with my grandfather (Thomas Wier), in the year 1794. Coz Mattie Glenn was the only daughter of Dr. Thos. Wier of Lawrence Dist. S. C. Coz Mollie Speights, I reccolect to have met her at Griffen, Ga. in 1859, I was attending medical lectures at Atlanta, Ga. and made Uncle Swancy Wier a visit. It was during this visit that she was married to Dr. Speights. I had the honor to stand up with them during the ceremony. The Rev. Dr. Thomas C. Wier of whom you speak is a son of Rev. William Wier, my father's brother. My fathers people were all Presbyterians except himself and Uncle William Wier, they were Methodists. In regard to the legacy; Mrs. Mary B. Ross of 339 La Salle St. Chicago, Ill., a very intelligent, plain matter of fact lady, maiden name was Boyd, while visiting this section of country to relatives, heard of me, and called to see me. It was from her that I first heard of this estate. I received a letter from her last Sunday, in answer to a letter of inquiry of mine as to where she got her information and she sent me the following; I copy it as written by her. "The Boyd Estate". The litigation over. The heirs likely to receive $2,000,000 (two million dollars). The Boyds estate a property valued at millions of dollars, some of which is in Ireland but the greater part in Philadelphia is about to fall into the hands of heirs who have been engaged in litigation for it for a number of years. The property was out on a ninty nine year lease which is now expiring.
There are about one hundred heirs, Wm. Bradin and David Braden of Philadelphia being of the number. We clip the above from the Indiannapolis, Indiana News, some of the heirs reside in the vicinity. "Commercial Gazette" August 15th, 1879. This is a copy of the advertisement or article, rather, in the Pittsburgh Commercial August 15th 1879 on which the inquiry is based.
I copy in full her portion of letter relating to the subject matter. This is in substance, about all I know of the supposed legacy.
Coz Mattie Glenn forwarded me the letter from one J. P. Jayne of New York a lawyer which I enclose to you. I can not say wether he is reliable or honest his circular "simmers" of black mailing a little to me and as I see from your letter heading that you belong to that profession (law), maybe in a better condition to judge of the honesty of Jaynes letter than myself. My observation is that lawyers will do to watch (ie) some of them. Mrs. Ross also told me of a William Hamilton of Beaver Falls, Beaver Co., Penn. She writes that Wm. Hamilton's father (Sam Hamilton), mother was a Boyd and that her brother James married a Wier who came from Ireland to America and settled in about 1794 in S. C. Uncle Robert Wier my fathers oldest brother, married a Boyd-his cousin-he moved in an early day to southern Ill. where he died 8 or 9 years ago. His son's, some of them, live near Sparta, Ill. now, I visited them in 1867 at which time Uncle Robert was living. I see that my letter is growing quite lengthy, and I must close. I'm glad you have done me the honor to write me and I hope that we will get better acquainted by corresponding if not by a personal acquaintance, I wish your co-operation in investigating this matter and if we are entitled to any portion of the estate, hope to be able to get it. It may be worth looking after, if for no other reason, ere we get acquainted and learn who is akin to us. I wish you would write to Mrs Ross of Chicago, she will be very glad to hear of and from you I am satisfied she is of our connection. Her address is Mrs. Mary S. Ross, N. 339 North La Salle St. Chicago, Ill.
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This letter was written by a Mrs. Smith to Mrs. Mattie Gaillaird (daughter of Col. Wier
Boyd) and is from the Boyd-Gaillaird files of the Dahlonega, Ga. Library.
The Whitlock House
Marietta, Ga.
Sept. 27, 1909
Dear Mrs. Gaillaird,
I am writing to you in answer to your very interesting letter relative to your Boyd ancestry. I know I should not take apologies but I feel that I must do so in this case. I was in South Carolina visiting when your kind reply came in response to my letter to Mrs. Wilson and since my return I have been very busy preparing for my daughter to enter school at Agnes Scott, Decatur, Ga. I hope you will not attribute my seeming neglect to indifference, or unappreciation, for I assure you such is not the case.
Several months ago I spent a great deal of time and some money in an endeavor to connect my branch of the Boyds, and in consequence got up quite a correspondence with members of the Boyds in different parts of the country. I have not yet succeeded in my ambition. I traced back to my ancestor, William Boyd who served in the Revolutionary War, but I had an ambition to go back further.
William Boyd was a lad 15 when he enlisted in the war at Craven Co.--now Chester Dist. S. C. Nov. 1781. His father emigrated from Ireland to Charleston, S. C. with his family in 1771 or 1772, but I have been unable to find the name of soldier's father. William Boyd married Keziah Porter in Chester Co., S. C. Jan. 2, 1794, and from that union I am descended.
You are more fortunate than I because you can trace back to the ancestor who came over from Ireland and now know records were kept there much more carefully than in America.
In my correspondence I had heard of your relative Mr. Samuel Boyd of Ozark, Mo. He said that his grandfather was born in Ireland in 1739 and died in 1844. His grandmother was born in Ireland also and died at the age of 100 in 1840. These ancestors came over on the ship--"The Volunteer".
This information was written by a grandson of Samuel Boyd, whose name is Boyd Roberts,-Ozark, Mo. It was written to a Mr. Leroy S. Boyd, 312 C. Street N. W. Washington, D. C.
Mr. Boyd of Washington has made considerable research of the Boyd family in America and very kindly promised me, that when I had completed my family research that if I would send him a brief abstract of my researches that he would see if he could connect up my line in America or Ireland. I would advise you to write to him as he might give you valuable assistance in making a family history. You have all the necessary information as far back as it seems necessary, I would congratulate myself if I had as much.
There is a Mrs. L. Boyd of Cynthiann, Ky. who has been abroad investigating the Boyd family. She says that the Boyds were originally Scotch and were banished to Ireland on account of their allegiance to Mary, Queen of Scots. My mother always claimed Scotch-Irish ancestry, I regret that my interest in grandfathers was not aroused in her life-time, she could have given me great assistance.
I hope you will pardon this long letter, if I can serve you in any way, call upon me and if you write to Mr. Boyd and succeed in establishing your line I would be glad to know of it.
Hoping to have the pleasure of a further acquaintance, I am
Sincerely Yours,
(Signed) Nannie T. Smith
Mrs. J. H. Smith
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The following letter was written by Aunt Frank Berron (Lydia Francis Boyd) of Ozark,
Mo., to her uncle, Col. Wier Boyd of Dahlonega.
Ozark, Mo. Nov. 24, 1892
Dear Uncle and Aunt,
I hope you have had a pleasant Thanksgiving, this was father's birthday and we had a family reunion, I suppose you know something of that with all the children and grand children, I wish you and aunt could of been here, we had a nice dinner, his presents were not very numerous, we had his picture enlarged life size, he was sure proud of that and several other little things.
Well, Uncle we haven't got our pension yet but are expecting it any day, Father received a letter from commissioner Ramer a few days ago, he wrote very encouragingly, I think he will get it soon.
Uncle, Mother says to tell you she has three more grand children than when you were here. I will send you my baby's picture, he was 18 months old today, this is not a very good one, but I have it enlarged life size he leads Mother to your pictures every day to hold him up so he can see them.
Uncle, we would be so glad if you and Aunt would come out and spend the winter with us, we hardly realize you have ever been here. Will, talked some of coming out there this winter but I think he has given up on it, he has so much to look after, he has a good wife and they are getting along well.
One of Mother's sisters visited us this fall, she hadn't saw her for over twenty years. Well Uncle, I believe I have written all and I expect more than will be of interest to you. This leaves all well hoping it will find you the same.
I will close as ever,
Your affectionate niece,
Frankie Roberts
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The following in this collection is very interesting, and must have been written by a distant
cousin in Dungannon, Northern Ireland. It was written to Col. Wier Boyd of Dahlonega, Georgia
and dated May 9, 1906. It was signed by a William Boyd.
Knockavady Rock
Dungannon, Ireland
Sir,
Some short time ago I wrote to Treasury Department, Washington, and they referred me to you on the following matter;
A good number of years ago there came a letter addressed to my father James Boyd in care of a prominent gentleman of this neighborhood, but the letter was given to another party of the name of Boyd and as I can make out it was with reference to money left to my father by a Robert Wier Boyd who lived somewhere in the state of Georgia, but as regards the town or county I am unable to give it. Some years afterward we had a gentleman call on us, asking about our people and saying he was from the "Encumbered Courts"; he also said he would be back in a month but he never came, but I do not think this had anything to do about Robt. W. Boyds money. I would be greatly obliged if you could let me know if there is any money left to my father or our family by Robt. Wier Boyd of your state, or anybody of the name of Boyd, also if you could tell me in case no will was made, if there is any estate requiring heirs of name of Boyd in your state. I am sure if I knew all the ins and outs of the matter, this is no small favor I am asking you, but I hope you will do your best for me in this case. I know there was an advertisement some years ago, asking for heirs of name of Boyd, but we did not see it here, only heard of it, and when we went to inquire the particulars of the date etc., where it was seen there were not forthcoming.
Would you also let me know what papers inquiries would be put in, calling for heirs of estates whether pertaining to property left by will, or otherwise, and if these inquiries are made only once,
or are they made periodically and if so, when were the last inquiries made. In conclusion, I apologize for this long and I am afraid very disconnected letter, but I humbly ask you to do all you can for me.
Yours Respectfully,
(Signed) William Boyd
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Letter written two years after the Civil War ended by Samuel N. Boyd of Ozark, Missouri to his brother Col. Wier Boyd
of Dahlonega, Georgia.
February 16, 1867
State of Missouri, County of Christian, Ozark.
Wier Boyd, Dear Brother,
After my best compliments to you, we received your letter with great satisfaction to hear from your family that you are well and among the living, but we are sorry to hear the death of your son, that he got killed, an awful circumstance that I greatly regret, but we have to be reconciled to our fate, be what it may. We are all well at present, hoping that these lines may find you all well.
You appear not to know the geographical situation of Ozark on your map, it is site of a new county called Christian, fourteen miles south of Springfield, Greene County a good lively town with a well peopled country and rich land, if I had a little farm close adjoining here I would be well satisfied. I have one lot and have built two houses on it and expect to stay here. I am still in some offices that pays some. I am acting chief town justice, and a circuit court appointed me as commissioner to take depositions for perpetuating testimony. There is general peace and harmony in this country. The war devastated the country greatly, on the return to peace, the people went to work and the country has plenty of everything, corn, wheat, flour, and merchandise. Corn .50 cents a bushel, pork .08 cents, owing to bad wheat crop last year, flour is five dollars per hundred. cows and calves 20.00 dollars, oxen 75 to 100 dollars, horses from 40 to 100 dollars. Merchandise plenty, coffee 3 and half pounds to the dollar, salt 2.50 per bushel, calico 20 to 25 cents per yard, everything proportionate. We have five children, Sara Ann 18 years, William R. 17 years, Margrat Ann 14 years, Elizabeth B. 11 years, Lydia Francis 16 months old, all are getting very good learning, witty, intelligent children.
When you answer this my wife requests that you give her some information concerning the old man Scuders, if dead what disposition was made of his estate, whether willed or died intestate, if she is entitled to any she wants to come. William R. Boyds' best respects to Marion G. Boyd on all his cousins, I am well hoping these lines may find you all well, I would be glad to see you and have a personal acquaintance with you all, but as I cannot I will have to be content to communicate by letter for the present. I am not even grown as you may judge by my weight of 106 pounds. Signed William R. Boyd
Sarah Ann Boyd to Lydia F. Boyd. I have the prettiest little sister you ever saw, of your name. I would be glad for you to see her at her childish play and cute wit. She gets at the gate and goes to the nearest house she thinks there is a baby at and stays till some of us hunts her up. When you get this letter write to me a letter of your own and I will answer it. So, no more at present, but remain your cousin for life. Signed Sarah A. Boyd.
Margrat A. Boyd too sends her best respects to all the children and enquiring friends. I want to see you all very bad, we would be glad you move out here. This is a good country, you could do well good school facilities, we could go every day throughout the year if we wanted, and three months of every year at the expense of the state school funds.
No more at present, but remain your brother, nephew and nieces, to you and family and all enquiring friends.
TO: Wier Boyd FROM: Samuel Boyd
Marion Boyd William R. Boyd
Lydia Francis & Sarah Ann &
Aunt Sarah Boyd Margratt Ann Boyd
WIER BOYD born September 14, 1820 in Hall County Georgia. Moved to Lumpkin County, Georgia in 1837 with parents. Married: SARAH JANE SITTON born December 30, 1824.
THEIR CHILDREN:
AUGUSTUS FRANKLIN BOYD born August 16, 1844. Killed at battle of Barkers Creek Mississippi at the age of 18 years. He was Captain in the Confederate Army.
LYDIA FRANCIS (FANNY) BOYD born April 23, 1847 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Died 1876. Married December 22, 1867 Amzi Rudolph.
MARION GOODMAN BOYD born January 9, 1850 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Married (1) Ellen McKee May 13, 1880; (2) Lanny Sitton March 17, 1895. He served two terms in the Georgia State Senate.
GEORGE G. BOYD born October 4, 1852, died in infancy.
MARTHA JANE (MATTIE) BOYD born October 24, 1854. Married Prof. B. PALMER GAILLARD.
SARAH EMILY BOYD born July 9, 1857. Married JAMES B. WITT.
MARY IDA BOYD born September 17, 1860. Married McCLURE H. STANTON.
JOSEPH WIER BOYD born January 28, 1865 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Married EMMA LOVELACE.
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JOSEPH WIER BOYD born January 28, 1865 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Married EMMA LOVELACE. Joseph was Professor of Mathematics and Astronomy at Young-Harris College and also at the North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Georgia.
THEIR CHILDREN:
WIER LOVELACE BOYD married LENA ?.
ERNEST A. BOYD
JOSEPH E. BOYD
SARAH BOYD married FRED G. BARRETT.
MARTHA BOYD born September 1900. Married Mr. ABNEY.
EMILY BOYD born October 1901. Married WILLIAM USSERY.
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MARTHA JANE BOYD born October 24, 1854 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Married B. PALMER GAILLARD. He was Professor at North Georgia College for 60 years.
THEIR CHILDREN:
B. PALMER GAILLARD JR.
EMILY GAILLARD
MARIE GAILLARD
DAVID GAILLARD
FANNIE GAILLARD
SALLIE GAILLARD
WIER GAILLARD
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MARY IDA BOYD born September 17, 1860. Married McCLURE H. STANTON. He drowned in Cane Creek Falls trying to save DAVID GAILLARD who also drowned.
THEIR CHILDREN:
GEORGE STANTON
HOWARD STANTON
FRANCIS STANTON
MARY STANTON
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LYDIA FRANCIS (FANNY) BOYD born April 23, 1847 in Lumpkin County, Georgia. Married CAPTAIN AMZI RUDOLPH.
THEIR CHILDREN:
SARAH (SALLY) RUDOLPH. Married TURNER QUILLAN.
JOHN BOYD RUDOLPH
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SARAH EMILY BOYD born July 9, 1857. Married JAMES B. WITT.
THEIR CHILDREN:
JOHN WITT
JAMES WITT
MADIE WITT
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MARION GOODMAN BOYD born January 9, 1850. Married LANNY SITTON.
NO CHILDREN.
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GEORGE G. BOYD born October 4, 1852. Died in infancy.
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AUGUSTUS FRANKLIN BOYD born August 16, 1844. Killed at Battle of Bakers Creek, Mississippi at the age of 18 years. Never married.
1840 CENSUS OF LUMPKIN COUNTY GEORGIA
THE YELLOW CREEK DISTRICT
MISS RACHEAL BOYD was born in Hall County, Georgia in 1823, the younger of four children born to WILLIAM BOYD and ELIZABETH BURTON. The three older children were her brothers JAMES BOYD born 1814-15-16 whom I have no information on. Judge SAMUEL N. BOYD born 1818 in Hall County, Georgia who later moved to Ozark, Missouri. Col. WIER BOYD born 1820 in Hall County, Georgia who later moved to Dahlonega, Georgia.
In the year 1840, at the age of 17 years, RACHEAL BOYD married a widower, Mr. THOMAS FLOYD who was 26 years old and had a one year old son. They were farming and living in the Yellow Creek District.
1850 CENSUS OF LUMPKIN COUNTY GEORGIA
THE YELLOW CREEK DISTRICT
AGE BORN IN
THOMAS FLOYD 36 NC FARMER
RACHEAL FLOYD 27 GA HOUSEWIFE
CALVIN FLOYD 11 GA SON OF 1ST WIFE
SARAH FLOYD 8 GA DAUGHTER
WILLIAM R. FLOYD 6 GA SON
THOMAS FLOYD 4 GA SON
FRANCIS 1 GA DAUGHTER
