Generations Past

There is no king who has not had a slave among his ancestors and no slave who has not had a king among his.  
----Helen Keller

William Boyd Sr.

William BOYD Sr. was born about 1705 in the northern part of Ireland.His parents are unknown. He married Margaret about 1719 in Ireland. She was born about 1708 in Ireland and died after 1767. William and Margaret landed at New Castle, Delaware on 24 Aug 1729.  They came with 140 families under the leadership of Hance Hamilton. William was a farmer and blacksmith. They settled in York County, Pennsylvania and there they both were buried in Old Black Cemetery,  His family was Presbyterian as many of their descendants still are today. He died sometime after the signing of his will on 8 Sep 1767.  HHis will mentions 9 children.

  1. John Boyd born about 1720 in Ireland; died about 1771. He arrived in America in 1729 with his father and Uncle Thomas at the age of 21.  In 1742 he married Jean McPHERSON (abt 1725-1767).
  2. Moses Boyd born about 1724 in Ireland; died 1777 in Cumerland Township, York County, Pennsylvania. He married Catherine Buchanan
  3. William Boyd Jr.
  4. James Boyd born in Ireland; died in 1758.  He married Margaret McDONOUGH ABOUT 1759.
  5. James Carley Boyd is mentioned in William's will. He may have been a son-in-law.
  6. Isabella Boyd
  7. Margaret Boyd
  8. Samuel Boyd born after 1746.
  9. Robert Boyd born after 1746.
Much of the Boyd information is from the book, Boyd, compiled by Scott Lee Boyd and published in 1935 by Book Division, Haynes Corporation in Los Angeles


For more information on William's family or other Boyds please go to
the Castor Directory.  You will find more information and many more names.

I am interested in sharing any family history information and in correcting any misinformation. Please send corrections or additions to my e-mail box.