Robert Boyd

ROBERT BOYD

Spurious Pedigrees

1

Kilmarnock in Ayrshire, Scotland, is said to be the place of birth of Robert Boyd, here treated, in at least five pedigrees published by My Heritage, although his exact place of birth has not been identified. It seems quite likely, though, probable even, that he was born in or near Kirkintilloch in Dunbartonshire, Scotland, where his baptism was registered. In this regard it should be noted that his father, William, Earl of Kilmarnock, owned Badenheath Tower, as well as the five pound lands of Badenheath, near Kirkintilloch, Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Kirkintilloch: Town and Parish, pp. 80-5

2

Robert Boyd, here treated, has been confused with Robert Boyd, Glover in Kilmarnock (who married Margaret Thomson) in at least two pedigrees published by My Heritage, notwithstanding the fact that this claim was contradicted, not to say disproved, by the Marquis de Ruvigny in his account of the family The Scots Peerage V: 174 It follows, therefore, that Robert Boyd, here treated, is not the same person as Robert Boyd, Glover in Kilmarnock

The Question of Identity

Robert Boyd, here treated, is the son of William, Earl of Kilmarnock. The name of his mother is not mentioned in his baptismal record but there is hardly any doubt that he is the son of Lady Janet Cunningham. He was born before 8 July 1670, the date upon which his baptism was registered at Kirkintilloch in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. His baptismal record reads as follows: "Baptized Robert laufull sone to the Erle of Kilmarnock w to his baptizem General Major Montgomrey and the Laird of Badlay". [National Records of Scotland, Kirkintilloch Baptisms, 1656-1760, reference OPR.498/1] Image of Baptismal Record

The Possibility of Military Service in the Netherlands

It cannot presently be regarded as certain but it seems possible that Robert Boyd, here treated, is the Lieutenant of the same name who served in the Scots Brigade in the Netherlands. He is noticed on 1 September 1692. Papers I: p. 574 He was promoted to the rank of Captain Papers II: p. 39 note 1 but was dead by 11 October 1708, evidently killed in action. Ibidem: p. 12 note 1

Evidence from the National Records of Scotland

1689-91: Accounts due to Thomas Pollock, tailor in Glasgow, by the Earl of Kilmarnock, the late Earl, Capt. James Boyd and Capt. Robert Boyd. National Records of Scotland, Miscellaneous Accounts and Discharges, Business Books Etc., reference RH9/1/69

Evidence from the Records of the Scots Brigade

                   1

The Regiment commanded successively by Brigadier-General Ramsay, Sir Charles Graham, and Col. Walter Philip Colyear. 1692. Sept. 1 . . . . . Robert Boyd, Lieut. . . . . . 1693 Aug. 1 . . . . . Charles Boyd, Ens . . . . 1694 May 7 . . . . . Alex Boyd, Ens. (also June 5, 1695) . . . . . There were also serving in 1694 . . . . . The Captains were . . . . . James Boyd . . . . . Papers Illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782, etc. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. I. 1572-1697, (Scottish History Society, Edinburgh, 1899), pp. 574-5

                   2

12 August 1706: Robert Boyd, captain, August 12th 1706, in succession to F. Lamy. Dead by September 12th 1713, when succeeded by Robert Oliphant. Papers Illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782. etc. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. II. 1698-1782, (Scottish History Society, Edinburgh, 1899), p. 39 note 1

                  3

11 October 1708: Charles Halkett, captain, October 11th, 1708, in succession to Robert Boyd. Papers Illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782. etc. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. II. 1698-1782, (Scottish History Society, Edinburgh, 1899), p. 43 note 2

                   4

11 October 1708: Commissions were granted dating from 17th August 17th and 11th October (1708) respectively in place of Colin Campbell and Robert Boyd, deceased of Colyear's regiment . . . . . Papers Illustrating the History of the Scots Brigade in the Service of the United Netherlands, 1572-1782. etc. Edited by James Ferguson. Vol. II. 1698-1782, (Scottish History Society, Edinburgh, 1899), p. 12 note 1

Genealogy

The Scots Peerage : founded on Wood's ed. of Sir Robert Douglas's Peerage of Scotland; containing an historical and genealogical account of the nobility of that kingdom. Edited by Sir James Balfour Paul, Lord Lyon King of Arms. Volume V. (David Douglas, Edinburgh, 1908), 639 pp.