This information is contributed by: Jim/Jan Newell jjnewell@nehp.net
Robert Boyd
Robert Boyd, from whom many of the Boyds, Newells, Kizziahs, and others of Tuscaloosa (Alabama) and surrounding counties are descended, came from Mecklenburg Co., NC. He was born about 1781 and was married to Temperance Pitman. The descendant, James Ernest Boyd, who had Robert Boyd's old family Bible indicated that he had identified Robert's father as James Boyd. There was a James Boyd on the 1800 Mecklenburg Co. NC census with a male in the age category (16-26) that would match Robert’s age. Robert is identified on the 1810 Mecklenburg census with four young daughters <10 years old. These would be Polly, Jane, Sarah, and Elizabeth. The census identifies him, as well as the older James Boyd, as being in CPT Hood's Co. Robert was a veteran of the War of 1812 serving in the Creek Indian campaigns in Alabama during his six months of active duty. According to the NC Archives, he served in the 8th Co Second Mecklenburg Regiment. He was mustered into service at Salisbury, NC 2/3/1814 for six months service. He was discharged at Salisbury on 8/12/1814. He eventually received two 80-acre Bounty Land Warrants as payment for his service. Warrant #10395 was entered in Tuscaloosa Co. on 7/22/1851 and warrant #5526 was entered in Tuscaloosa Co. on 8/23/1855. However, land records show that Robert had already obtained 40 acres in Tuscaloosa Co. on 12/30/1835 near Cedar Cove. Others holding land and settling nearby included his sons-in law, James Newell (1/25/1833) and William Kizziah, a brother-in-law, Matthew Pitman (4/17/1833), and members of the Pierson family.
Other sources indicate that Robert served as a Private in CPT Wood's Company (this same document later stated it was CPT Robert Hood's Company) and COL Jesse Pierson's Militia Regiment. This would imply that CPT Hood (Wood) led the 8th Co and COL Pierson was in charge of the 2nd Mecklenburg Regiment. The following information has been extracted from an archaeology report by the Alabama Historical Commission in reference to the Creek Indian war campaigns:
"General Joseph Graham leading North and South Carolinians, advanced westward from Fort Mitchell. As the Army moved, Forts Bainbridge, Hull and Decatur were erected or improved. From Ft. Decatur the Carolinians moved to the locale of old Fort Toulouse. Here they joined Jackson's militia and the 39th U. S. volunteers on April 17, 1814... An encampment bearing the name of Andrew Jackson was established southeast of the site of Fort Toulouse and the Carolina units and the 39th Infantry settled in... From these troops fatigue parties, numbering from 100 to 200 men were mustered each day to raise the fort that General John Coffee states was begun immediately after the troops arrived...
"By May 17th the ditches and moats at the new defenses had been dug... Preparation began the ninth of June for the withdrawal of Graham's Brigade. Their enlistment was nearing expiration and the 3rd Regiment U. S. Infantry was scheduled to arrive soon from the west. Two companies of militia were left to occupy the fort and wait for the regulars to arrive while the main body moved to 'Tuckabatchee Old Fields' where they began construction of Fort Burrows opposite Fort Decatur... Only those posts in Alabama occupied by the Carolinians had earth as the major component in their construction."
By August 1814, Jackson had begun his descent down the Alabama River, and eventually on to the Battle of New Orleans. On Aug 15, he landed on the right bank "opposite where Colonel Pearson, of the North Carolina militia, had encamped during the Indian war (‘Colonial Mobile’)."
This foregoing information places the Carolina troops, in which Robert Boyd served, in the Tallapoosa Valley area during the construction of Fort Jackson. As stated, the Carolinians used earthen works as their construction medium and Fort Jackson was primarily an earthen based fort. Therefore, Robert may have actually participated in the construction of Fort Jackson. After his release from service, Robert returned to Mecklenburg Co. He was on the 1830 Mecklenburg census, but had arrived in Tuscaloosa by 1833. Sources indicate that the family may have spent some time in TN during this transition. Robert married 2nd, Lydia Whitaker in Tuscaloosa Co. 11/20/1837. She applied for a pension in Tuscaloosa on 1/29/1880 and was listed on the War of 1812 Pension rolls as a resident of Bibb Co. She may have returned there to live with some of her children. Robert and several of his descendants had moved to Franklin Co. where he died 7/14/1863. Other descendants moved to Tishimingo Co. MS between 1860 and 1863 where several descendants currently reside.
Robert and Tempie Boyd had seven known children: Polly b9/28/1801; Jane b3/29/1805; Sarah b7/8/1807 married James Newell (see Newell families); Elizabeth b10/10/1809 married William Kizziah; John Alexander b1/5/1812 married Rachel Lawless b9/27/1813; William Washington b4/13/1817 married (1) Sue Kizziah (2) Primrose Lawless; and Caty Caroline b7/15/1820 married Jesse Prince.
Robert and Liddy Boyd had five known children: Robert bc1838; Samuel W.; David Baker bc1843 married Mary Miller; James Early, bc1851; and Sarah Leah bc1855.
(840 words)
Written by James T. Newell for Jason R. Newell
Sources:
"At Liberty on Bear Creek," Charles E. Boyd
"Haysop," Charles E. Boyd
"Fort Toulouse Phase III Completion Report," The Alabama Historical Commision
"Colonial Mobile," The University of Alabama Bicentennial Reprint