Boyd Families

Boyd family.

Margaret Blair m’d John Crawford. Margaret’s parents were John Blair and Isbell Boyd. Isbell Boyd family is at the bottom.

The Boyd family has wonderful history. I found out a lot on them so I will try and post my finds from the net.

This tradition may also be found on page 68 of Burke's _Extinct Peerages_: "The first recorded ancestor of this noble family, SIMON, brother of Walter, high steward of Scotland, witnessed the foundation charter of the monastery of Paisley in 1160, and is therein designated 'frater Walteri filii dapferi.' He was father of ROBERT, called BOYT or BOYD, from his completion (the Celtic word _Boidh_ signifying _fair_), and from him derived the various families of the name." The first Robert Boyd was not a son of Walter's brother (actually half-brother) Simon, nor is there any available evidence that Robert was a nephew of Walter. _The Scots Peerage_, Volume V, p.137, has the following to say about the origin of the Boyds:

I. "The first reliable information we have of the family is as vassals of the de Morvilles in the regality of Largs, . . . ."

II. ". . . the Boyds were early proprietors in Renfrew, and possessed the barony of Nodsdale and several other lands of good value in the reign of Alexander III. (1249-86) . . . ." These facts are "attested by a charter, seen by Mylne [MSS. Advocates' Library], granted by 'Sir John Erskine, Knight, "Johanni filio suo, juniori, quem (uxore) sua, filia Gilronani, procreavit, totam terram suam ex australi parte aquae de Goghow," which is bounded with the lands of Robert the Boyd.'"

What of the suggested Gaelic etymology of the surname? Douglas' _Peerage_, ii. 30., as referred to by _The Scots Peerage_, states that the first Robert Boyd was "so called from the Celtic _Boidh_, signifying fair or yellow."

This is what we find in Burke's _Extinct Peerages_, and is mentioned

The first Robert Boyd appears as a witness to a contract (dated 1205) between Bryce de Englinton and the village of Irvine. In this contract he is called DOMINUS ROBERTUS DE BOYD MILES--"Lord Sir Robert of Boyd." Here, the first notice of the surname, "Boyd" is clearly used as a reference to a *place name*, not a descriptive. It is true that Gaelic "BUIDHE" means "fair, blonde, yellow," but it may be significant that Gaelic "BOID" is the genetive of _Bute_, an island not far from the lands and patrimony of the Stewarts and Boyds in Renfrewshire and Largs. If Boyd is actually a reference to a place, then the surname could mean "of Bute." In this case, we can explain the contract's reading of "Robertus de Boyd" in the following ways:

I. "Boyd" was a descriptive meaning "blonde," but Robert's name was mistakenly written as "de Boyd" by someone ignorant of Gaelic, who assumed that it was a place name.

II. "Boyd" was a genitive place name meaning "of Bute," but Robert's name was mistakenly written as "de Boyd" by someone ignorant of Gaelic, who did not realize that what he was writing was "Robert of Bute."

III. "Boyd" was a nominative place name referring to a location now unknown, so "Robertus de Boyd" literally meant "Robert of Boyd." the second explanation, both on linguistic grounds and on grounds that we need only postulate our non-Gaelic writer making one mistake (failing to understand Gaelic grammar. . .) instead of two mistakes (and mistaking a blonde man's nickname for a place name).

Were the Boyds Norman, Saxon, or Celtic? _The Scots Peerage_, Volume V, p.137, says, "it may be that their progenitor accompanied the first de Morville to Scotland, and obtained lands from him." (See _Topographical Account of the district of Cunningham, Ayrshire_, compiled about the year 1600 by Mr. Timothy Pont, Maitland Club, 1858.) This suggestion is based on the fact mentioned above, that the Boyds first appear as vassals of the de Morvilles in Largs. The de Morvilles came to Scotland from England, and were of Norman origin. If the Boyds accompanied them from Scotland to England, they might be either English (Saxon) or (more probably) Norman in origin. Settling in southwest Scotland, they might have acquired a connection to Bute, whence the surname. But this is all speculation. The fact is, we cannot tell exactly what Robert de Boyd's nationality was. Given the known circumstances, we can almost certainly rule out Celtic, though "Boyd" is almost as certainly a Gaelic word, indicating that the family was acquiring traces of Celtic culture. Beyond that we can scarcely go.

.I. "The first reliable information we have of the family is as vassals of the de Morvilles in the regality of Largs

III. "The first person of the name of Boyd on actual record would seem to be SIR ROBERT BOYD, . . . . witness . . . . in 1205." (_The Scots Peerage_ then commences the history and pedigree of the Boyds.) The first Robert Boyd appears as a witness to a contract (dated 1205) between Bryce de Englinton and the village of Irvine. In this contract he is called DOMINUS ROBERTUS DE BOYD MILES--"Lord Sir Robert of Boyd." Here, the first notice of the surname, "Boyd" is clearly used as a reference to a *place name*, not a descriptive. It is true that Gaelic "BUIDHE" means "fair, blonde, yellow," but it may be significant that Gaelic "BOID" is the genitive of _Bute_, an island not far from the lands and patrimony of the Stewarts and Boyds in Renfrewshire and Largs. If Boyd is actually a reference to a place, then the surname could mean "of Bute." In this case, we can explain the contract's reading of "Robertus de Boyd" in the following ways:

This thought that this first Boyds’

The first Robert Boyd was not a son of Walter's brother (actually half-brother) Simon, nor is there any available evidence that Robert was a nephew of Walter. _The Scots Peerage_, Volume V, p.137, has the following to say about the origin of the Boyds:

The following are listed but are NOT shown as fathers & sons

6. Sir Robert Boyt living 1297

5. Robert Boyt living 1263

4. Robert Boyt living 1205 was son of there is no proof at all that Simon Fitz Robert was the father of Robert Boyd ("Dominus Robertus de Boyd, miles")

3. Simon

2. Alan

1. Flatheld

We will start with first Boyd that is documented

Sir Robert Boyd d. after 19 July 1333. Robert Boyd wife unknown

SIR ROBERT DE BOYD, first known person of this family, was witness to a contract between Bryce de Eglinton and the village of Irvine in 1205

ROBERT, "called BOYD," mentioned in the charter which Mylne saw (discussed in the previous post) granted by Sir John Erskine, Knight, in the reign of Alexander III (1249-1286). This Robert Boyd is also mentioned in a charter by Sir John Erskine of the lands of Halkhill dated 1262. Robert is said to have greatly distinguished himself in the Battle of Largs (2 October 1263), for which service Alexander III granted him lands in Cunningham. [Note that this Robert is "dictus Boyd"--called Boyd--not "de Boyd." If Boyd is a genitive referring to a place name, then the "de" has been correctly omitted. But see below.]

ROBERT BOYD, mentioned in the _Ragman Roll_ as swearing allegiance to King Edward I of England at Berwick-on-Tweed 28 August 1296. But he is said afterwards to have sided with Sir William Wallace against the English.

SIR ROBERT BOYD, 1st. of Kilmarnock, with whom the clearly established pedigree commences. He faithfully support Robert the Bruce against the English. He may be the Robert Boyd who attended the King's escheators from Dumbarton to Renfrew with Sir John Walleys and their men at arms in October 1304. He may also be the "Sir Robert de Boyd" who was taken prisoner by the English in the Castle of Kildrummie shortly before 13 September 1306. [**Note that in this case we have "de Boyd" once more.**] Robert Boyd joined in a letter to the French King 16 Nov. 1308, and was one of the Scottish commanders at Bannockburn 24 June 1314. For his faithful service, King Robert I granted him several charters, including one for the lands of Kilmarnock. Robert was one of the guarantors of a peace treaty with the English 1323. He was taken prisoner by the English at the disaster of Halidonhill 19 July 1333, dying not long after that.

Sir Robert Boyd, of Kilmarnock, d. soon after Halidon Hill (ca. 1333/1334) (A) Agreed - the two additional sons you indicated, Alan (killed at Perth, 1339) and James (fl. 1342) are shown by SP - pedigree of Boyd, Earl of Kilmarnock, p. 139. (B) This would be the Robert Boyd for whom Adrian noted a relevant charter from Robert _the_ Bruce, prior to 1329.

Child:

Thomas Boyd Birth: Abt. 1310 Kilmarnock, Ayr, Scotland (Sir Thomas Boyd living 1346) Sir Thomas Boyd, d. after 17 Oct 1346

Sir Robert had three sons: Sir Thomas (eldest son and heir); Alan Boyd, "who commanded the Scottish archers at the siege of Perth, under the Steward of Scotland, 1339, and was killed there"; and James Boyd, who witnessed a charter in 1342.

SIR THOMAS BOYD of Kilmarnock, eldest son and heir of Sir Robert Boyd, accompanied King David II to the battle of Neville's Cross, near Durham, 17 October 1346, where he was taken prisoner. Sir Thomas had three sons: Sir Thomas (eldest son and heir); William Boyd, from whom the Boyds of Badenheath were descended; and Robert Boyd, from whom descended the Boyds of Portincross in Ayrhshire.

Child

Thomas Boyd born: abt 1360 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: abt 1384 in Yester, Peebles. Thomas Boyd, fl. 1409; m. Alice Gifford. Sir Thomas Boyd living 1409 m’d. Alice dau of Sir John Gifford of Yester.

SIR THOMAS BOYD of Kilmarnock, eldest son and heir of Sir Thomas Boyd, had a remission from Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, Governor of Scotland, in 1409, for the slaughter of Neilson of Dalrymple. Thomas married ALICE GIFFORD, second daughter and co-heir of Hugh Gifford of Yester. Their son was:

Child

Thomas Boyd born: abt 1385 in Kilmarnock, Renfrewshire, Scotland died: 7 July 1432. Sir Thomas Boyd d. 7 July 1432 m’d. Johanna Montgomery

THOMAS BOYD of Kilmarnock, son of Sir Thomas and Alice, was a witness at Edinburgh 29 March 1422. Thomas was a hostage in England for the ransom of King James I (1423-5 onwards). His wife was JOANNA MONTGOMERIE, who was said to be a daughter of John Montgomerie of Ardrossan by his wife Margaret Maxwell. In fact that would be quite impossible--if she had any connection to John Montgomerie, it is more likely that she was John's aunt, not daughter. Thomas died 7 July 1432, and he and Joanna were buried together at Kilmarnock.

Children

Thomas Boyd born: abt 1405 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland Sir Thomas Boyd of Kilmarnock slain. 9 July 1439 m’d Margaret Maxwell born: abt 1362 in Ardrossan, Ayrshire, Scotland

SIR THOMAS BOYD of Kilmarnock, Knight, eldest son of Thomas and Joanna. "One of the first acts of King James I. on his return to Scotland was to order the arrest of Sir Walter Stewart, eldest son of the Regent, Malcolm Fleming of Cumbernauld, and Thomas Boyd, younger of Kilmarnock, 13 May 1424, on the charge of having wasted the Crown rents. Boyd was confined at Dalkeith, and shortly afterwards released on paying certain fines to the royal Exchequer. He occurs as Bailie of Duchal 16 July 1437. The name of Sir Thomas' wife is not known. Lindsay of Pitscottie's _Chronicles_, i. 16. tells the story of the feud which resulted in his death at Craignaught Hill in Renfrewshire, slain by Alexander Stewart 9 July 1439 in revenge for Thomas' murder of Alexander's brother Sir Allane Stewart of Gartullie. Sir Thomas had two sons and two daughters: Robert (eldest son and heir); Sir Alexander Boyd of Drumcol, who enjoyed royal favor with his older brother for many years before being executed 22 Nov. 1469; Marion Boyd, who married ante 20 July 1454 to John Maxwell of Calderwood; and Margaret Boyd (liv. 16 Sept. 1453), wife of Alexander Montgomerie, 1st. Lord Montgomerie.

Thomas Boyd, Sir (Source: CP, I:2, 4.), died Abt. 1472. He was the > son of 12. Robert Boyd, Sir and 13. Mariot/Janet Maxwell. He married 7. >Margaret Campbell. > . Margaret Campbell She was the daughter of 14. Matthew Campbell, >Sir.

Children: 1. Margaret Boyd

2. Robert Boyd, 2nd Lord Boyd

Robert Boyd, 2nd Lord Boyd born: 1425 in Kilmarnock, Renfrewshire, Scotland Robert, 1st Lord Boyd d. 1470 m’d Mariota Maxwell of Calderwood

ROBERT BOYD, eldest son and heir of Sir Thomas, whom he succeeded 9 July 1439. _The Scots Peerage_ refers to Asloan MS., 6, 37, which tells us that a certain "Robert Boyd of Duchal," presumably this Robert, son of Thomas Boyd, Bailie of Duchal, slew Sir James Stewart of Ardgowan at Drumglass 31 May 1445. Sometime after 1451, King James II created him 1st. Lord Boyd-- Robert took his seat as Lord Boyd 18 July 1454. Following the death of King James II, Robert was one of the Regents appointed during the new King's minority, and Robert took advantage of his position as Regent to maneuver himself into the office of sole Governor of the Realm, the most powerful man in the kingdom. However eventually he fell from power when the King attained his majority. Robert, Lord Boyd, was tried in 1470, found guilty, and sentenced to death in absentia, his Peerage being forfeited and his estates being annexed to the Principality of Scotland. He was still living at Easter 1480/1, but was probably dead 14 October 1482 when his title and estates were restored to his grandson.

Robert, 1st. Lord Boyd, married MARIOTA (or Janet) MAXWELL, daughter of Sir John Maxwell of Calderwood. Mariota died after 25 June 1472, apparently early in 1473. They had four sons and three daughters: Thomas, Master of Boyd, created Earl of Arran; * Alexander (eventually Lord Boyd); Archibald Boyd of Nariston, afterwards Bonshaw; John Boyd, witness to his nephew James' sasine 22 Oct. 1482; Elizabeth Boyd, died ante 1498, wife of Archibald Douglas ("Bell-the-Cat"), 5th. Earl of Angus; Annabella Boyd, wife of Sir John Gordon of Lochinvar, who died after May 1517; and Margaret Boyd, still living Aug. 1502, wife of her cousin Robert Boyd of Badenheath.

The murder of Sir James Stewart of Ardgowan at the hands of "Robert Boyd of Duchal," which occurred 31 May 1445. This event will serve as a bridge to the discussion of the Lyles of Duchal. The Scots Peerage_, Volume V, pages 142-3, says of Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock, afterwards 1st. Lord Boyd, that "he was doubtless the Robert Boyd of Duchal who slew Sir James Stewart of Ardgowan at Drumglass 31 May 1445." A footnote cites Asloan MS., 6, 37 as the source for this remark. But it would seem some think that the identity of Sir James' murderer is not quite as "doubtless" as it might seem In her book _Beginning With Kings--From Royal Stewart to Shaw Stewart_, 1989, pages 8 and 9, J. S. Bolton has this to say about the murder of Sir James Stewart of Ardgowan:

“It is not known exactly when James Stewart was born, nor when he inherited his father's estates of Auchingowan, Blackhall and Ardgowan, so that only an approximation of dates can be given. What is known is the date he died . . . . "slaughtered by the Boyds of Duchal and their men . . . . on the last day of May, 1445."

“These words are taken from a tract known as "The Auchinleck Chronicles . . . Ane addicion of Scott’s Corniklis and Deidis . . . nearly all deeds of blood" and with the name of Patrick Fraser Tytler on the fly. The translation reads . . . "the year of God, 1445, the last day of May, Sir James Stewart of Auchingowan and one with him were slain at Drumglas beside Kirkpatrick by this Laird of Duchal (Robert Boyd) and Alexander the Lyle (Boyd's brother) and their children, and buried in the Kirk of Dumbarton. And that same time Robert Boyd sent Sir Alexander of Cunningham, Chaplain to Robin Callendar, to the Kirk of Cardross, to Sir James' wife, after he had come from the slaughter of her husband, and bade her come to the castle (Dumbarton) and said they would send her home (to Blackhall?) in a boat and warned her, for they spoke her true, there were men waiting for her on horse and foot to take her . . . and shortly, through Sir Alexander's fair language and promises she went with him and soon . . . within six days after . . . illness took her in childbirth and she delivered before her time nine weeks of a male child that lived not an hour and was buried beside his father in the same church." It is thought that James Stewart's wife died a few days later in the Castle of Dumbarton where she had been imprisoned by the Boyds. To understand why James Stewart and his companion were slaughtered apparently with impunity, one has to look at the conditions in Scotland at that time. In 1445, King James II was barely fifteen years old, and was held by the all-powerful Earl of Douglas. This Earl looked well to his own affairs but cared little what happened to the masses. It has been written that throughout the land "slaughter and robbery raged unchecked."

“The Boyds of Duchal, in Kilmacolm, seem to have been against the King's party and presumably James Stewart was for it. He must have been aware of his danger when he sent his family to the safety of the Church of Cardross and may have been riding out to join them when he was waylaid by the Boyds and murdered. Towards the end of 1445 or early in 1446, this Boyd was taken into the king's favor and raised to the peerage, being then created the first Lord Lyle. James Stewart left one young son, born c. 1443, of whom little is known over the next twenty years. It is likely that he was taken into the custody of the Boyds and kept by them as their "ward." This son was named John and he was the fourth of his line.”

Bolton's account makes plain that Robert was responsible not only for the death of Sir James, but also the death of his (unnamed) companion, and the premature labor which caused the deaths of Sir James' widow and posthumous son. There was much more behind the short sentence concerning Sir James' murder in _The Scots Peerage_ than one might have expected.

On page 10, Bolton shows that this John Stewart married Elizabeth Lyle, daughter of Robert, 1st. Lord Lyle. This marriage is attested in _The Scots Peerage_, Volume V, p.553, as well as in Burke's _Extinct Peerages_. But according to Bolton's account, this would mean that John ended up marrying the daughter of his father's murderer. Bolton writes: After the slaughter of James Stewart in 1445, it is possible that Robert Boyd of Duchal, later the first Lord Lyle, seized the surviving son, also named John, and held in as his "ward." By doing so he would have gained the revenues of the lands of Auchingowan, Blackhall and Ardgowan to add to his own estates. The first Lord Lyle was raised to the peerage sometime in 1445, after the murder of James Stewart, and after he had been taken back into the king's favor. Before he died in 1470, he arranged the marriage of his daughter, Elizabeth, to John Stewart, the son of the man he had slaughtered. This marriage took place c. 1446, and there was issue two sons.

In all likelihood Bolton's "Auchinleck Chronicles" are identical to the "Asloan MS" mentioned in _The Scots Peerage_. However, it is noteworthy that Bolton's source refers to Robert's victim as "Sir James Stewart of Auchingowan," while _The Scots Peerage_ refers to this Sir James as being "of Ardgowan." Apparently _The Scots Peerage_ was not directly quoting the Asloan MS on this specific point--unless the Asloan MS is not the same as Tytler's "Auchinleck Chronicles." But the most significant details of Bolton's account are that Sir James' murderer "Robert Boyd, Laird of Duchal" was assisted in his crime by "Alexander the Lyle" (identified by Bolton as Robert's brother) and their children, and that Robert was afterwards created 1st. Lord Lyle circa 1446. Bolton has identifed Sir James' murderer Robert Boyd of Duchal as Robert LYLE of Duchal.

Bolton's source refers to Sir James' murder as "the Laird of Duchal." Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock was the son of the Bailie of Duchal, but does not seem to have himself been the Laird of Duchal. The Laird of Duchal in 1445 was Robert Lyle, afterwards 1st. Lord Lyle. This may be part of the reason Bolton identified Sir James' murderer as Robert Lyle--even while continuing to refer to him and to his family as "the Boyds of Duchal near Kilmacolm."

Concerning Robert's partner "Alexander the Lyle," Bolton's identification of him as Robert's brother may be based upon the known fact that Robert Boyd of Kilmarnock had a brother named Alexander. On the other hand, it could be Bolton's source which made the identification of Alexander the Lyle as Robert's brother--but in this case the difference in surname would need to be explained. "Brother" could mean "brother-in-law" or "half- brother." But Bolton seems to have identified Alexander the Lyle as Robert's *full* brother. That Robert's partner was plainly a Lyle and not a Boyd of Kilmarnock probably served as additional reason for Bolton to identify Robert Boyd of Duchal as Robert Lyle of Duchal. Bolton also cites a possible motive for Robert's murder of Sir James, and her scenario would explain what became of James' only son, the infant John Stewart, over the next twenty years.

J. S. Bolton identifies Robert Boyd of Duchal as Robert Lyle, afterwards 1st. Lord Lyle, and says that Alexander the Lyle was Lord Lyle's brother. She offers the following scenario: Boyd and his followers opposed the King's party, of whom were Sir James Stewart and his men, making them political enemies. In a scheme to rid himself of a rival as well as increase his holding, Boyd murdered Sir James in 1445, seized his widow (who died about a week later in premature labor), and then held in ward Sir James' only child and heir, the infant John Stewart. This would've enabled Boyd to administer the lands of the late Sir James, since the heir was too young to inherit. Boyd was soon after received into the King's favor and created Lord Lyle (about 1446). Sometime before his death in 1470, Lord Lyle married the child John Stewart to his own daughter Elizabeth Lyle, in an attempt permanently to unite the holdings of the Lyles with those of the Stewarts. Henceforth this identification shall be referred to as the Lyle Hypothesis.

Child Alexander BOYD

Alexander born: abt 1452 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: after 1508. Alexander Boyd living 1505 m’d. (?) Colvill of Ochiltree/ Janet Colville

Children: Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd born: abt 1485 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: 10 May 1558 in Alnwick, Northumberland, England m’d Helen Somerville

Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd born: abt 1485 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: 10 May 1558 in Alnwick, Northumberland, England m’d Helen Somerville Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd, son of Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd, and Helen Somerville born circa 1517 died 3 January 1590 buried Kilmarnock 3. Robert Boyd d. after 1545 m’d. Margaret dau of Sir John Somerville of Cambusnethan

Child

Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd born: abt 1517 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: 2 January 1589 in Alnwick, Northumberland, England

Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd born: abt 1517 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: 2 January 1589 in Alnwick, Northumberland, England Mariota Colquhoun wife of Robert Boyd in Douglas Baronage of Scotland. . Robert Boyd 4th Lord Boyd b. ca. 1517 d. 3 Jan. 1589 m’d Mariota (Margaret) Colquohoun d. Feb 1601 dau of 2. George Colquohoun of Glinnis (Douglas Peerage under Boyd skips this generation and says she is dau. of John) m’d Margaret Boyd dau. of Alexander Boyd, son of Robert 1st Lord Boyd 3. John Colquhoun married Lady Catherine Stewart daughter of Matthew Earl of Lennox Margaret Stewart this john Colquhoun is the son of Humphrey Colquhoun of Luss born about 1450 and his wife Jean Erskine

Patrick Colquhoun married Margaret Hamilton, of Bathgate parents of :

John Colquhoun of Glens married Lady Catherine Stewart, daughter of Matthew Stewart, 11th Earl of Lennox and Elizabeth Hamilton parents of

George Colquhoun of Glens married Margaret Boyd parents of Margaret Colquhoun died August 1601, buried in Glasgow marriage contract 1535 Robert Boyd, 5th Lord Boyd, son of Robert Boyd, 4th Lord Boyd, and Helen Somerville born circa 1517 died 3 January 1590 buried Kilmarnock

Children:

1. Thomas Boyd, 6th Lord Boyd born: 1544 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: June 1611 Thomas 5th Lord Boyd d. June 1611 m’d. Margaret Campbell of Loudoun

. Thomas Boyd, 6th Lord Boyd born: 1544 in Kilmarnock, Ayrshire, Scotland died: June 1611 Thomas 5th Lord Boyd d. June 1611 m’d. Margaret Campbell of Loudoun

Children:

1. Isabel Boyd Abt. 1570 Kilmarnock, Ayr, Scotland m’d John Blair

2. Robert Boyd Abt. 1573 Kilmarnock, Ayr, Scotland

I would like to think Mr. Jared L. Olar for letting me use his wonderful research work.

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