The Boyds of France (Part 5) – St Kitts (Windward Islands), Waterford, Ireland & London, England

In our final installment on the Boyds of France we look at arguably the most successful line of the family derived from George Boyd, youngest son of Archibald 5th Laird of Portencross and more particularly Jean (II) Boyd and his wife Jeanne Berchaud.

In Part 2 of the Boyds of France we looked at the early life of Jean (II) and his siblings and how they all initially had escaped France after the Revocation of the Edict of Nantes in 1685/6. Jean (II) had travelled with brothers Jacques and Gabriel to Carolina in America, probably via England arriving in Carolina in March 1686. We saw that by 1696 he was recorded¹ alongside his siblings but also a wife Jeanne Berchaud, daughter of Josué and Jeanne Berchaud of La Rochelle. It further recorded that Jean (II) and Jeanne Berchaud, by that time, had three children Jeanne Elizabeth, Jacques and Jean Auguste and that all three children had been born since arriving in Carolina. Unfortunately the St Julien List did not record when and where exactly Jean (II) and Jeanne Berchaud were married.

If we go by the calculated birth year of c1667 for Jean (II) then he was only around nineteen when he made the journey to Carolina. Whilst by no means certain this suggests it less likely that he would have married Jeanne Berchaud in France. His relatively young age and the mayhem amongst the Huguenot community in France in 1685 also suggest the chance of a formal marriage in such circumstances was unlikely. Therefore it seems the marriage might more likely have taken place in England or in Carolina. Unfortunately no record has been found to date. If we calculate a marital year of 1688 and then follow the order of the naming of the children on the 1696 list it suggests the birth of Jeanne Elizabeth (c1689), Jacques (c1691) and Jean Augustus (c1693). In later years we know that at least three further children were born i.e. George (IV) (c1697), Paul (c1698) and Mary (c1699).

Of his time in South Carolina a few records survive amongst the archives of the probate Court of Charleston County and in the Journals of the Commons house of assembly of South Carolina. The Assembly ran from around 1692-1729, however John Boyd only appears to a have served on the Assembly from 1692-93. For 1692 the members representing Craven County were as follows:-

Henry Auguste Chastaigner Esq, high Sheriffe
Alexander Thesee Chastaigner Esq
John Boyd Esq
Paull Bruneau Esq
Monsr Rene Ravenell
Monsr John Gendron
Monsr. Lebas

It is particualarly interesting to note the names of Henry Auguste and Alexander Thesee Chastaigner as we know that John (Jean II) Boyd’s sister Magdalen had married Capt. Hector Francois Chateigner de Cramahe in London on 8 December 1691. Despite the slight difference in spelling of the name Hector Francois, Henry Auguste and Alexander Thesee were brothers and all sons of Roch Chateigner, Sieur de Cramahe and his wife Elizabeth Grendault. So in essence there was a connection between the Boyds and Chateigner families that, for a while at least, spanned the Atlantic.

Two of the other representatives for Craven County in the Assembly, Paul Bruneau and Rene Ravenell appear in court documents alongside John (Jean II) Boyd principally concerning the estate of Arnaud Bruneau Sieur de la Chabociere who made his will on 30 December 1692. Paul Bruneau was the son of Arnaud and the will was witnessed by Rene Ravenell, Francis Genilliat and John Boyd. The will was proved on 21 November 1694 and an obligation of £2,000 (current money of Carolina) was secured by Governor Joseph Blake on Paul Bruneau, Rene Ravenell and John (Jean II) Boyd.

Strangely there appears to be an absence of evidence regarding the whereabouts of John (Jean II) Boyd after November 1694 until 4 May 1699 when we find the naturalisation² of JOHN BOYD (Jean (II) Boyd), born at Bordeaux in the Province Guinne in France, son of John Boyd (Jean (I) Boyd) by Jane (Jeanne Pascaud) his wife. This act is suggestive of John (Jean II)’s possible change of direction regarding whether or not to stay in Carolina. We know that Jacques had gone to Rotterdam and Gabriel to Ireland so it is no surprise to find that Jean (II), like Gabriel, would also travel to Ireland. Just eleven days later we find the transcript of what appears to be an affidavid which is placed before attorney Henry Wigington, then Deputy Secretary of the Province of Carolina on 8 September 1699:

“On ye fifteenth day of May Anno Dom: 1699 English style before me Anthony Wright Notary Publick dwelling in London by lawfull Authority Admitted & Sworn and in ye presence of ye Witnesses hereafter Named Personally appear’d Peter Albert of London Merch who did Affirm & Declare that he did in ye Year 1689 Receive a Bill of Exchange from Mess James & John Boyd of Carolina Merchts for Thirty Pounds Ster: dated in James River in Virginia in the Month of Sep 1687 Drawn by Benjamin Goold upon Mary Goold of London , payable to Peter Proby or Order and by him endorsed to Mr. Bonnin , wch sd Bill was protested for want of Payment (the Party on whome it was Drawn not being to be found) and afterwards sent back by him this Appeard to Mr John Boyd Mercht in Carolina in a Letter dated ye 23rd day of Decembr 1689 by a Ship Called ye Dove of Barbados whereof Thomas Smith was Master and
this he affirmed to be ye Truth & signed Done in London in ye Presence of Thomas ffry & Louis Gentet witnesses hereunto Required

Thomas ffry, Pr Albert, Louis Gentet
In Testimonium Veritatis Ant Wright Not’s Pubcus

Recorded Sepr ye Eight 1699
Henry Wigington D*S Sept ye 13th 1699“

This Day Appear’d before me Mr Thomas ffry & Mr Louis Gentet and made Oath on ye holy Evangelists, that they did See Peter Albert Subscribery ye abovewritten instrumt
Sworn before me Henry Wigington D*S“

The obligation of 1694 and the outstanding debt from 1687 suggest that all may not have been well for John (Jean II) Boyd financially before he left for Ireland. Had something gone wrong with the obligation perhaps or were there other financial issues that we do not have any record of?

Thanks to the work of Vivien Costello, who kindly shared her research on the Boyd family with us, we can place some early mercantile records as likely referring to John (Jean II) Boyd after he came to Ireland. Vivien’s research includes extracts of the correspondance of Isaac Macartney, Merchant of Belfast³ amongst which we find him writing to Messrs Burton and Harrison of Dublin from Belfast on 1 October 1704:

“My last was 28 ult. With 2 bills with Exr amounting to £ 69-7-6 since which I have none of yours, I sent on Monday last to Mr. Hornby acceptance of my Lord Conway’s bill of £ 1166-8 which was not ? that day to accept but has since Accepted, but neither he or —- would give my servant a line when they though said bill be paid but promises as fast as money is received —-be applied to payment of the bills due which —- be paid those 2 years to come.
I have wrott a line about same as you desire herewith—The Bishop of Down is abroad and will not be att home till ? next so cannot send you Mr Ralph Smiths bill till he accepts it.
Folio 5. Inclosed is John Boyds bill on Edward Webb dated 30th 8ber att 8% for £ 30-00
John Boyds bill of 30th 8ber on Roger Lindon for £ 29-00
Ephraim Chandler note to John Boyd payable ye ? inst. £ 20-00
John Ewenings bill of 30th 8ber on Nath Pooll London £ 23-00
Exchange of same at 5½% £ 4-00
For which please five credit £106-00“

Unfortunately the Macartney correspondance does not give us more detail on the John Boyd he refers to but it is likely he was a merchant from the substance of the letter and this would fit the likely occupation of John (Jean II) Boyd.

Vivien Costello found two further records which mention John (Jean II) Boyd, she writes:

“1707, 1 September – Jean Boyd II was one of a number of merchants and inhabitants of Dublin, Ireland who signed a petition requesting financial help for Col. Francis Bauldouin, originally from Ile de Ré, aged 74, and his wife, also 74, with 4 relations all above 70 years old and dependant upon him. Others, besides Francis Bauldouin, who signed this document had relatives in Carolina: Louis Papin, Stephen Mazyck and M. Gendron. All were leaders in the Huguenot community of Dublin.” and

“1713, June – Dublin, Mr. Jean Boyd, godfather for Jaques (Chataigner) de Cramahé, son of Mr. Hector Chataigner de Cramahé and of Madame Mary-Anne, his [second] wife. Born 10 May, 1713. Eglise de Ste. Marie. The godmother is the infant’s sister, Jeanne-Marie. [Quarto Series 7, p. 20.] This record takes on importance when we remember that Jean Boyd II was the brother of Magdalen Boyd, Hector’s first wife, who had died in Ireland in April 1698. Hector’s two Chastaigner/Chateigner brothers who went to Carolina were neighbors to the Boyd brothers Jacques and Jean II at “French Santee.”

We should point out that there is one record possibly concerning John (Jean II) Boyd and the island of St Christopher (St Kitts) which may suggest his being there for a period before going to Ireland. In a Census of St Christopher dating to 11 January 1707-8 it lists a John Boyde⁴:

The listing of the resident referred to as John Boyde (Aged 28) is curious as it appears to neither fit John (Jean II) Boyd who should be around forty at this time and of course son Jean Auguste Boyd who would be a boy of only fourteen or so. However it is not unreasonable to suggest that it does refer to John (Jean II) Boyd and perhaps details of his age were recorded incorrectly. If that is the case it may record the fact that he acquired property in St Christopher (St Kitts) some time between 1699-1707 on which he had a total of forty nine slaves most likely employed in sugar growing.

Another possible document which may refer to John (Jean II) Boyd, who was more known as John Boyd after moving to Dublin, is in the form of an Irish Deed Memorial, No. 6189 dated 6 November 1714 made between John Boyd of the City of Dublin, Merchant, Theophilus Desbrisay (or possibly de Brisay) of the same City, Esq., Peter Caudier of the same City & Joane Renne Arabin of the same, Widow, four executors of the last Will and testament of Bartholomew Arabin Esq. deceased of the one part and Cyrus Bragard of Fedder in the County of Tipperary Esq of the other part. The indenture referred to in the memorial concerned land leased by Bartholomew Arabin in the Barony of Philipstown, Kings County (Offaly) from a Capt. John Nicholas on the lives of the said Bartholomew, his wife Joane Renne and son John.

If we look at the registers of the french conformed churchs of St Patrick and St Mary, Dublin we find an entry from a few years previous i.e. 26 February 1711-12 and the baptism of Barthelemy Corneille. The godparents at the baptism were Capt. Barthelemy d’Arabin and Jeanne Elizabeth Boyd. Given the involvement of Bartholomew Arabin with John (Jean II) Boyd’s daughter we can be fairly confident the previously mentioned deed concerns John (Jean II) also.

The next major event in the life of John (Jean II) Boyd is the marriage of his eldest child Jeanne Elizabeth in 1714. The marriage⁵ is recorded as follows:

“Jacob Pechel et Elizabeth Boyd. — Ce jourd’huy 5e Janvier, 1713-14, apres avoir veu la licence de my lord Archeveque de Dublin, a été benit par Mr. Ducasse, un des pasteurs de cette eglise, le mariage entre Monsieur Jacob Pechels, ecuyer, fils de Monsieur Samuel Pechels, ecuyer, et de Dame Marquise, son épouse, de la ville de Montauban en France, d’une part, et Demoiselle Elizabeth Boyd, fille de Monsieur Jean Boyd, natif de Bourdeaux, et de Demelle Jeanne Berchaud, son épouse, née dans la Caroline du Sud Conté de Craven ; auquel mariage ont assisté les peres et les meres des nouveaux mariés, Monsieur André Thauvet, grand oncle de la nouvelle mariée, Messrs. James et Auguste Boyd, ses freres, et Demelle. Elizabeth Theroulde. – Pa. Ducasse, Ministre.

Witnesses:
J. Pechells. Elizabeth Boyd. Samuel Pechels. Marquise De Thierry de Pechels. Jn Boyd. Jeanne Boyd. Thauvet. Elizabeth Theroulde. James Boyd.“

This wonderful record shows most of the family together to witness the marriage with the only exceptions being George (IV), Paul and Mary and just a matter of days later we find Jean ‘Auguste’ heading to the island of St Christopher (St Kitts) in the West indies where it is thought he would take up a position on the Plantation of Monsieur André Thauvet (his maternal great uncle). The late Danny Magill found a letter among the Ballycastle Boyd Estate Papers from John (Jean II) Boyd to son Auguste dated 15 January 1713/4 and although he enlisted the help of a friend residing in France in obtaining some extracted transcripts of the letter we have undertaken a comprehensive scan of the letter using an AI tool ‘Transkribus‘. With some further post-editing of the transcript we hope our readers will conclude this is a remarkable letter, both touching, thoughtful and intelligent. It certainly sits well against his letter to sister Magdalen in March 1686⁶ when he provided such intelligent study of the flora and fauna of South Carolina.

“Instructions for my son Auguste Boyd, whom I urge to read often.

You are leaving so young to your own devices, my dear son, you should not find it strange (since older people often heed the advice and counsel of their friends) me being as concerned for your happiness as I am, and doing so with passion, I offer you some advice for your new endeavor. This is not merely in the manner of a father’s counsel, but I give it to you as a true friend who, through his own experience, has found that some of what I recommend to you here has greatly served him in his life.
My first advice will be concerning your attitude towards God, the second towards man, the other will be on the affairs of commerce which you are going to enter.

1. The love of God is the utmost of all the fortune that a man can expect in the world. When one is wise enough to know that if fortune treats us as she wishes, poverty will overcome the spirit and riches will destroy us and be not lead in ambition or debauchery. His Divine Love is our world. Read the word of God with attention and follow it with ardour. He will strengthen this ardour in you and will help you. But if you neglect Him, He will neglect you.

2. As for your manner of behaving with the world, know that gentleness of spirit and compliance are the two things that most win the hearts of men. Affection and dissimulation are vices, but honesty and civility will never degrade him who is even towards the least; whereas the more a man distinguishes himself from others by his superiority, the more people resent him.
Avoid taunting as much as possible; it often leads, even without intention, to someone else’s expense, and one finds in the world many people who forgive a mockery less than a gross insult.
I thank God that I have not hesitated to recommend sobriety on drink; it is also a source of great misfortune.
Avoid gambling, however small it may be. Often a man who at first only intends to relax for an hour, loses a trifle, but wants to take care of himself, he wagers more and more. Furthermore, he ruins himself, and even if that didn’t happen at first, it’s inevitable. Later on, besides, a man of honor loses his credit; no one, with good reason, wants to confide anything in him anymore and it’s difficult to recover afterward. I’m not talking to you here about avoiding the debauchery of women, because you are too honest a man to fall into such a fault, which ruins both soul and body at the same time.
If I have recommended civility to you, I also recommend respect towards your superiors, whether by rank or age, in addition to duty. The person concerned must feel encouraged to do so; people will always be more inclined to help you when you act in this way than if you become inappropriately familiar.
Avoid arguments, even over trifles. Often, a very small subject escalates into bitter disputes that degenerate into quarrels or hidden hatred, which is just as pernicious.
When you have clerks or servants, or generally people to give orders of whatever kind they may be, do not treat them with haughtiness, nor command them with superiority, and do not treat them harshly. Dependency is unpleasant enough in itself, without adding to the misfortune of those forced into it by fortune. Command them gently, do not unnecessarily increase the workload of your people. If you treat them gently and they are well cared for, you will always be well served. On the other hand, do not become too familiar with them and do not confide your secrets to them; they often take advantage of them.

3. Regarding matters concerning your placement; I will not go into detail, which would be impractical and perhaps impossible depending on where you are going, but I will give you sound rules that can be useful to a young merchant wherever he may be established.
All your transactions and the accounts you provide should be fair and equitable. Besides the great reason of conscience, this is a political path. A man is known on this basis; he will lack neither business nor credit.
Never fail to write down your purchases, sales, or transactions immediately. Often, people grumble or forget, and this causes difficulties in business, which often harms a man’s fortune and even his reputation.
Do not argue or quibble over a transaction, concur, although there is neither a written nor witness statement, and although it may be assumed that you are correct. However, to avoid misunderstandings, as far as possible, all matters should be put in writing; this avoids lawsuits.
In case you have any disagreement with someone about business, don’t believe too much in yourself; often our self-interest blinds us. Consult disinterested and honest people and submit graciously to their judgment and only resort to litigation as a last resort and when absolutely necessary.
Neglect no matter which you undertake, however small, several small profits may not be considerable, and accuracy in small matters can procure you great ones. Receive returns on everything committed to you and send the accounts with the most expediency possible; delayed accounts are what is most disheartening, a loss known from the outset is more bearable than uncertainty which worries for a long time and prevents renewing business.
When you can do a deal one day, never postpone it to tomorrow, no matter how you think you can postpone it, it often happens that one is mistaken about this, such a thing happens that not only a day but an hour entirely changes the will of the seller or the buyer by news that raises or lowers the price of the goods. In my experience this happens often, especially in the Islands. Don’t be tempted to make too much profit on what you sell; you often lose the sale by this method. Mediocre and repeated profits are more advantageous. There are times when you must know how to lose a little so as not to lose everything!
Your account books should be clearly explained, note that the entries should be separate, and always brought up to the current date.
When different kinds of goods are consigned to you on a vessel, send them to count what is in that vessel, without ever mixing them with what may come in another vessel, even if belonging to the same person. sales making an account for each type of merchandise, and from the balances of these individual accounts you form your Current Account for this shipment. This is the easiest and most efficient method.
From the beginning settle for living with thrift and frugality, do not let yourself be carried away by the example of rich merchants, this has also led many people to believe falsely that spending would give them credit and longevity, on the contrary, nothing is more harmful, and one will always rather entrust business to a man who knows his limitations. (the following few lines have proven difficult to transcribe)

I would have many other things to add but I hope that your spirit Your goodness will make them come to you. I myself only give you this advice to meditate upon and I pray God that He grants you the grace to protect you always & to keep you in His love and the esteem of everyone just as you are in the tenderness of your dear father.“

Sadly, it is likely that Jean Auguste did not see his father again before he passed away in Dublin a few years later and was buried in the recently built chancel vault of St Mary’s Parish Church, Dublin on 15 June 1717 (see below).

John (Jean II) Boyd had only made his last will and testament a few days earlier on the 13 June as stated by a Dublin attorney, John Sheridan, who was asked to give a legal opinion on the will and subsequent administration many years later (see transcript of Sheridan’s opinion below).

“Mr John Boyd of the City of Dublin Merchant made his Will 13 June 1717 and thereof appointed Messrs Peter Caudier & Bernard Baldwin Execut’rs & Dyed soone after

The said Executors Seeing many creditors Unsatisfied declined proving the Will, tho often solicited by the widdow & Mr Pechell son in law of the Testator & one of the principal creditors.–

In November 1725 the said Executors Refusing to prove the Will were Cited by the Spiritual Court, & they having renounced the Executorship, Capt. Jacob pechell took out Administration (cum testemento annexo) as principal creditor.

1st Qn – Is this administration good in law against all persons who have effects of the Testator’s & may all persons who acted ass factors to the deceased or were In debt, or accountable to him be compelled by law to acct with the administrator, or have the Executors a right to sue for, recover, or receive, any part of the effects or assets of the said John Boyd dec’d.

Answer – The Administration granted to Capt. Pechell cannot be vacated or sett aside by any of the said John Boyd’s sons or by any other person or persons stands good in Law of Equity & he as Administrator has a Right to call all persons (who are indebted or accountable to the said John Boyd) to an account, and the Executors having renounced the Executorship, have no right to sue for recover or receive any part of the assets, or effects of the said John Boyd.

2nd Qn – Can a son of the Testator (in whoes hands are effects) vacate or sett aside administration granted to one of the Creditors, upon the renunciation of the Executors & the consent of the widdow.

Answer – The Administration granted to Capt. Jacob Pechell cannot be vacated or sett aside by any of the said John Boyd’s sons, or by any other person or persons And in case administration had been granted to One of the sons of the said John Boyd, or to any other person, who was indebted or accountable to the said John Boyd, Capt Pechell would have a Right to sue such Administrator & to recover his just debts & demands from such administrator any of the personal Estate & Effects of the said John Boyd In the hands of such administrator.

Dublin 24 March 1736/7 John Sheridan”

The existence of this legal opinion amongst the papers of the Ballycastle Boyd Archive suggest the circumstances of John (Jean II) Boyd’s will had caused concern. It would seem that none of John (Jean II)’s family were involved with the initial will and indeed the appointed executors appear to be his business partners or confidants. Sheridan then notes that after these Executors discovered considerable outstanding debts they refused to prove the will leading to the intervention of John (Jean II)’s son-in-law Jacob Pechell who was appointed Administrator by the Courts. Nearly twenty years after the death of John (Jean II) Boyd it appears the family still had concerns about the whole process and had recruited John Sheridan to give them a legal opnion. It is not known what became of Jeanne Berchaud, John (Jean II)’s widow but with the suggestion of serious debts it is possible she may have moved to live with one of her children, likely Jeanne Elizabeth Pechell.

A remarkable miniature of Jean (II) Boyd, painted possibly by Jean Petitot prior to 1685, is part of the Ballycastle Boyd archive in the care of Mr Stephen Goodhart. We are indebted to Stephen for his kindness in allowing us to reproduce an image of the miniature on our blog.

Turning now to Auguste (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd we know that he travelled to St Christopher (St Kitts) in the Leeward Islands, West Indies to work under André Thauvet, his maternal grand uncle.

An excellent article on the Thauvet family was written by Georganna Klass Willets for the ‘The New York Genealogical And Biographical Record’.⁷ Of particular interest is what she wrote of André (II) Thauvet, she states:

“ANDRE THAUVET Andre, the son of Andre Thauvet and Suzanne Faneuil was born 2 October 1645, baptised 9 October 1645 with his godparents being Pierre Malleray and Marie Allaire (C-MA I 37). In 1674 young Andre signed as godfather of his sister Jeanne Thauvet’s daughter Louise Berchaud (C-MA
I 50), using the signature Thauvet without any first name. His name is found on the 3 May 1680 census of Marie-Galante, in the French West Indies, where he is listed as without wife or child but with four servants and some forty negros in his household (Archives Nationales Section Outre Mere G 1 498). O n a sort of index to document C 141 in the Charente-Maritime Achives, the fugitives are listed as “Jeanne, Andre, Suzanne and Marie Thauvet”, reflecting the fact that they were members of the same family, and had all left France before 1689, when the list was made.
On 19 September 1687 Andre Thauvet, Isaac Mercier and others petitioned, and on 27 September 1687 were granted British naturalization in New York City. By 1689 Andre was acting as Justice of the Peace in New York.
31 May 1690, “Andre Thauvett, of the Citty of New York, gent,” together with Pierre Thauvet, purchased land for New Rochelle, with Oliver Besly as one of the witnesses. The recorded copy has been made by a clerk, so does not have the actual signatures of the participants (Vol. C p. 372 Land an Property Westchester Co. N.Y.).
14 April 1691 “Un sieur Thauvet revint avec les anglais a Marie-Galante” which seems likely to have been Andre returning with his new English friends. Sieur Thauvet wrote a letter to the people living in Marie-Galante to rally round and support the English. The signers of the leter were “De Brissac” and “Thauvet”.
In 1705 there is the identification of Andre as “Mr. Andrew Thauuet of New Rochelle”( V o l . C p. 373 Westchester Co. N.Y.). However soon after he must have gone back to the Islands of the Lesser Antilles. He had been involved in Marie-Galante, which is just south of Guadeloupe in the Windward Isles [part of France]. Now he went to St. Christopher in the Leeward Islands. St. Christopher is now called St. Kitts. “St. Christopher was occupied jointly and alternately by the French and English until 1783, when it definitely became English territory” (Arthur E. Groop of Middle American Research Institute). In the census of Saint-Christopher of 1707-1708 there is the name of Andre Thauvet, 63 years old. This fits with his birth date of 1645. A deed dated 13 July 1722 (Vol. E p. 398 Westchester Co. Land and Property 1708-1730) has the identification, “I Andrew Thauvet, of the Island of St. Christophers”. This is in a statement that he was satisfied with the payment from Oliver Besly [his brother-in-law] for property in the town of New Rochelle. The signing was without the Andrew being just “Thauvet”
Attention should be brought to mistakes in the THAUVET item in “Biographical Sketches and Index of the Huguenot Settlers of New Rochelle 1687-1776” by Morgan H . Seacord, who did so much valuable work for the Huguenot and Historical Association of New Rochelle. He starts out “Andre Thauvet and Pierre Thauvet, brothers were natives of La Rochelle. Andre first sought refuge in the West Indies” and ends, “He appears to have died intestate and without issue before the year 1700. His brother Pierre Thauvet, succeeded to his property interest.” However recent research has discovered that Andre
and Pierre were not brothers, as we have the birth records in La Rochelle for Andre son of Andre Thauvet and Suzanne Faneuil and that of Pierre, son of Pierre Thauvet and Marie Quillaud. Andre Thauvet, first of Marie-Galante, then of New York and New Rochelle, and later of St. Christopher, was
documented to be in St. Christopher at the time of the Census of 1707-1708, and again in 13 July 1722 when he signed relinquishing his former property in New Rochelle; therefore he did not die before 1700, but after July 1722. Oliver Besly owned 276 acres of land, which Andrew Thauvet had bought from John Pell, so that others besides Pierre Thauvet held property in which Andre Thauvet at one time had had an interest.”

Apart from revealing the rich mercantile and even political life of André (II) Thauvet, the above article provides some important information relating to St Christopher/St Kitts. Given Andre (II)’s advanced age (around 70 by 1714) it is not unreasonable to suggest that Auguste (Jean ‘Auguste’) was likely being groomed to take over his great uncles’ business interests in St Christopher/St Kitts.

In their wonderful article⁸ on the Boyd family, Dianne W Ressinger, Harriott Cheves Leland and Vivien Costello mention the next major stage in the life of Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd which was his marriage on 3 January 1717 to Lucy Peters, daughter of Judge John Peters, Speaker of the Assembly on the Island of St Christopher/St Kitts. The following year, 29 December 1718, came the birth of a son John.

By 17 April 1729 we find evidence of articles of agreement⁹ between the British Crown and Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd for the purchase of 50 acres 1 rood and 33 perches in the ‘Basse Terre’ quarter. In 1731 we see Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste) Boyd pettitioning¹⁰ the British Crown to receive the former estate of André II (Andrew) Thauvet, as his heir. However his petition was turned down on the basis that the Crown had previously adjudicated¹¹ against André (Andrew) Thauvet on 22 December 1730 and dismissed his petition. However on 13 May 1732 Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd was successful in acquiring¹² a significant Plantation from Gilbert Fleming for £5,700 sterl. previously held by Sir William Stapleton. Fountain Estate, as it was known, was an established sugar plantation and as such employed the use of slave labour in its running. As was the legal practice of the time those slaves working on the plantation were the property of the plantation owner and on the deed of sale is listed those slaves working on the plantation.

In the previously referred to article by Ressinger, Leland and Costello mention is made of the difficulties faced by Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd namely being french-born, they state:

“Despite his achievements, an English cabal prevented him from gaining any political power or influence on the island and indeed this group even blocked him from gaining possession of the estate left to him by André Thauvet. Whilst retaining his interests in the Antilles he came to London in 1735, initially lodging in the London residence of his brother-in-law Jacob Pechels. Using his Scottish, Irish and Huguenot connections in the British Isles and his plantation resources in the Caribbean he was able to build a global business empire. His London counting house was at Austin Friars, adjacent to the Dutch Church.“

It now appears that Augustus may have spent some time in Ireland with his brothers George (IV) and Paul before moving permanently to London. It also appears that when Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd went to St Christopher he may have taken his two younger brothers with him. This might explain the brothers’ absence in any role in their father’s will.

We find Paul Boyd made a Freeman of the City of Waterford, Ireland on 1 December 1737. Then Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd took a lease¹³ on land in the City of Waterford on 31 August 1737 in an area known as Congreve’s Marsh from Ambrose Cramer for eighty one years. This would later become the site of a sugar boiling and refining business between Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd, Paul Boyd and Simon Bouigue. This was followed by brothers Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd and George Boyd on 27 March 1738 also being made Freemen of the City of Waterford, Ireland. Perhaps the intention of setting up the refinary was to import the raw cane from Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’)’s plantation in St Christopher and process it in Waterford.

On 13 June 1744 we find Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd sells¹⁴ a quarter of his business including property and equipment for sugar refining along with a quarter share in a ship called the ‘Prince of Orange‘ along with all its tackle and finally a quarter share in the profits of the business to brother Paul Boyd. The sale was witnessed by Robert Snow, Simon Bouigue and James Hammond of the City of Waterford.

On 14 October 1751 we find a notice placed in the Dublin Journal stating that a former sugar boiling and refining partnership in Waterford involving Augustus & Paul Boyd and Simon Bouigue had been disolved. It would hereby continue under the name of ‘Augustus Boyd and Company’.

Unfortunately there appears to have been some dispute between the former partners and the Indexes of the Chancery Court in Ireland record a matter between them entered on 22 February 1752 which was not likely resolved until 1757.

Despite being made a Freeman of the City of Waterford it appears George (IV) Boyd spent little time in the City and no evidence has been found of his involvement in the sugar refinary. Indeed it would appear that George (IV) Boyd moved to Dublin by the 1740s where we find mention in the Dublin Journal (21 June 1748) of him in the Auditor General’s Office, Lower Castle yard.

Unfortunately much of the records of the Auditor General Office were likely destroyed in 1922 but it would appear he was made Deputy Auditor General some time in the 1740s, a role which he held until his death on 26 September 1757. He was buried in St Marys Parish Church, Dublin on 27 September 1757.

It is not known at this time if George (IV) Boyd married or had any issue. However from an abstract of his will by Sir William Betham it would appear his estate passed to his brother Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd on 13 October 1757.

George (IV) Boyd lived in a significant property in Drumcondra Lane (Dorset Street) which was let some years later as detailed by an advert in the Dublin Courier.

By 10 November 1762 it appears that Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) and Paul Boyd had sold their interest¹⁵ in the sugar refinary in Waterford to Messrs John Tandy of Dublin Merchant, John Greene of Greenville, Co Waterford Esq., Charles Tandy of Dublin Brewer, William Braddell & Edward Tandy of Dublin Woolen Drapers. The other party to this deed of sale was George (V) Boyd Merchant of Dublin, cousin to brothers Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) and Paul Boyd.

Regarding Paul Boyd it appears he moved to England, perhaps after 1757. It seems he never married and had no issue. He died on 18 April 1764 possibly in his brother Augustus’ house in Lewisham and was buried the following day in St Marys Church, Lewisham. A transcript of his will is below:

“In the name of God Amen. I Paul Boyd late of the city of Waterford, merchant, but now of the city of Westminster, being weak in body but of sound disposing mind and memory do make publish and declare this my last Will and Testament, hereby revoking and annulling all former Wills. First, I do bequeath my soul to God and as to my worldly substance I give, devise and bequeath the same as follows, that is to say I leave and bequeath unto my beloved sister [sister-in-law] Lucy Boyd the sum of twenty pounds sterling for a ring. I leave and bequeath unto my beloved sister Jane Elizabeth Pechell the sum of Two hundred pounds sterling and unto my Niece Mary Pechell the like sum of Two hundred pounds Sterling and in case it should happen that my said sister Jane Elizabeth Pechell should die before she is entitled to receive the two hundred pounds I leave to her as before mentioned I then leave that sum to my niece Mary Pechell her daughter to make up the sum of four hundred pounds to her. I leave and bequeath to the children of my sister Marcell, that is to say to my nephew Henry Marcell, to my nieces Blandina Marcell now wife to Mr. Strahan in the Kingdom of Ireland to Jane Marcell and to Georgina Marcell the sum of one hundred pounds to each of them. I leave and bequeath to my nephew Samuel Pechell Esq. the sum of twenty pounds sterling and to my nephew Paul Pechell Esq. the like sum of twenty pounds as a token of my affection for them. I leave and bequeath unto Mr. Peter Berducan now residing at Waterford in the Kingdom of Ireland the sum of forty pounds sterling and do further recommend him to the care of my beloved brother Augustus Boyd Esq. and I do will and require that all the above legacies be paid by my Executors within twelve months after my decease. All the rest residue and remainder of my real and personal estate, goods chattels and credits and effects of every kind and nature whatsoever I give devise and bequeath the same and every part thereof unto my beloved nephew John Boyd of Danson in the county of Kent Esq whom I do hereby appoint my residuary legatee and I do appoint my beloved brother Augustus Boyd and my said nephew John Boyd Executors to this my last will and testament. I likewise leave and bequeath unto my said nephew John Boyd my gold watch and chain as a token of my affection for him, also leave to my said niece Mary Pechell my diamond ring this however subject to my brother’s approbation. In witness whereof I have hereunto put my hand and affixed my seal and do declare and publish this my last will and testament this first day of February in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and sixty three.”

We turn now to Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd who, as we have already documented possessed a plantation on the island of St Christopher (St Kitts) and had ownership of a sugar refinary in the City of Waterford, Ireland and associated vessel until around 1762. However we must now document his other business interests which are controversial, to say the least, but typical amongst many of the merchant classes of the period.

The development of sugar plantations in the West Indies in the 17th and 18th centuries was to a great extent supported by the extensive use of slave labour transported from various ports in West Africa. Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd’s plantation of Fountain Estate was no exception. From his purchase of the Fountain Estate in 1732 to the eventual abolition of Slavery by Great Britain between 1807 and 1833 there is little doubt in the hundreds of enslaved people, mainly from Africa, that were used on the Boyd properties. Thanks to the work of University College London and the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slavery we can get some insight into the numbers of enslaved people involved and to the claims which resulted from the abolition legislation inacted at Westminster. The details concerning the legacy of the Fountain Estate can be viewed here. Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd was far from alone amongst his mercantile friends and competitors in his use of enslaved people to run his sugar plantation but he was to become involved in the commercial processing of enslaved people from west Africa for transportation to various plantations other than his own.

In an extensive work entitled ‘Citizens of the World’, David Hancock (Harvard University) notes the life of Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd.¹⁶ At the time of publication of this work in the mid 1990s, much of what we now know of the origin of the Boyds of La Rochelle and Bordeaux had not been fully discovered but the family’s connection to St Christopher and transatlantic affairs was better known. Of particular interest are the many references to Commonwealth Office Papers which Prof. Hancock documented throughout the footnotes. Prof Hancock tells how after leaving St Christopher (St Kitts) Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd focused his efforts on the provisioning of plantation owners in the West Indies. He had at first worked with his brother-in-law Jacob Pechell at Broad Street in London before going out on his own and moving to Austin Friars, London in 1745. His connection to European, English, Scottish, Irish and Caribbean mercantile families perhaps gave him remarkable insight into the needs of those involved in international trade. He was seen as a spokesperson for trading interests in communications with Parliament all of which provided the foundation for a very lucrative business.

In 1748 a slave trading station off the coast of Sierra Leone known as ‘Bance or Bunce Island‘ was bought by the firm of Grant, Oswald & Co. and other associates by way of a consortium which is said to have included Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd and his son John. It had formerly been held by the ‘Royal African Company.’

Around 1760 Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd and his wife Lucy acquired a new property at 4 Great George Street (South) in Westminster. It was part of a development by James Mellors. The site is long replaced by more recent developments.

Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd died apparently in Bristol¹⁷ on 24 August 1765. he was buried in St Marys, Lewisham on 1 September 1765 like his brother Paul.

His will, written on 15 July 1763 was proved in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury¹⁸ ten days later. A summary transcript is as follows:

“The Will of Augustus Boyd Esq.

Funeral expenses not to exceed £50.
To wife Lucy and her Assigns an Annuity of £800.
Also to wife Lucy all my jewels, rings, watches, plate, linnen and chinaware.  Also household furniture in properties in Lewisham, London and elsewhere.  Also coach-horses, horses and cows on the property at Lewisham.  Also the leasehold property in Great Georges Street, Westminster.  Finally to wife Lucy a payment of £800 within 14 days of my decease provided she relinquish all claims on his remaining estate or that left to her as an annuity by the late Elizabeth Henderson.

To my grandson John Boyd £1,000 for when he reaches the age of 21.
To my grandson Augustus Boyd £500 when he reaches the age of 21.
To my three grandaughters, Elizabeth, Lucy Jnr and Mary Boyd £300 each at the age of 21 or on the day of their respective marriages whichever comes first.
To my son John my Mansion, plantation lands etc on the island of St Christopher, his heirs and assigns forever.
To my brother Paul Boyd an annuity of £200 for life.
To my sister Jane Elizabeth Pechell £300.
To my nephews Samuel and Paul Pechell Esq’s. £100 a piece.
To my neice Mary Pechell £500 and an additional £300.
To my brother-in-law Major Lewis Marcell £30.
To my nephew Henry Marcell and neices [Blandina], ?, Jane Marcell and Georgina Marcell £100 a peice.
To my wifes nephew Edward and John Peters £100 a piece.
To my cousin George Boyd £100.
To Mr William ? £100.
To Mr John Birkbeck £50.
To Mr Jonathan Lindsay £50.
To Mr John Trevannon £100.

To each of the clerks employed in my counting house at the time of my decease £10 for Mourning.
To each of the servants who live with me at the time of my decease £10.
To the Governors of the London Hospital £50.

Balance of estate to son John Boyd, his heirs administrators and assigns forever
Executors – son John Boyd and Samuel Pechell.”

A portrait minature of Augustus (Jean Auguste) Boyd is part of the Ballycastle Boyd Archives. The miniature is monogramed AB and the date is unknown but likely c1750s.

Augustus (Jean Auguste) Boyd’s widow Lucy died on 14 November 1783 and was likely buried in St Marys, Lewisham alongside her husband. Her will, written on 12 August 1781 was proved¹⁹ in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury on 14 January 1784. A summary transcript is below:

“The Will of Lucy Boyd, late of 4 Great George Street (South), Westminster

To my son Sir John Boyd £100
To my daughter Lady Catherine Boyd £20 to buy a ring
To Lady Boyd my son Sir John Boyd’s picture
To Mr Trevanion £10 to buy a ring
To my grandaughter Lucy Boyd my grandson John Boyd’s picture
To my grandaughter Mrs Trevanion my grandson Augustus Boyd’s picture
To each of my grand children £20
To my grandson James Boyd my gold watch
To Mr & Mrs ?ylow 10 Guineas to buy a ring
To each of the servants still living at my decease 5 Guineas

The rest, remainder and residue of my goods and chatels to my son John Boyd who I appoint sole executor”

We will look at the life of Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’) Boyd’s son John in our next post but before we leave this last article on the Boyds of France we must look at Augustus (Jean ‘Auguste’)’s brother Jacques or James Boyd and sister Mary.

Jacques was likely born c1691 in South Carolina but appears not to have taken any active part in his brother’s interests in either, St Christopher (St Kitts), Ireland or London, England. As we have seen he was present at his sister’s marriage to Jacob Pechell in Dublin on 5 January 1713. However some years earlier we find the following baptisms in the non-conformist church of Golblac lane, Dublin:²⁰

“Elizabet Buic.—Aujourdhuy 5^e Décembre, 1704, à esté baptizé l’enfant de Jacques Buic et de Marguerite Moles, présenté par Jacques Moles, Isabeau Moles, ses parrien et marriene; il est né le 2^e X^bre jour de Samedy, et luy a esté imposé nom Elisabet par Monsieur Pons, ministre de cette Eglise. – Jaque Buic. Moules. Lasserre.”

“Catherine Bueix.—Aujourdhuy Dimanche 8^e Septembre, 1706, apres l’action du soir. Monsieur Pons, ministre, a babtizé une fille de Jacques Bueix et de Marguerite Moulés, sa fame, laquelle fille naquit le Dimanche premier de ce mois a deus heures apres midy; elle a esté praesentée par le pere et par Chatherine Egron, ses parrin et marrine; elle a esté nommée Chatherine – Jaque Bueix. Catherine Egron. Delablache Belet, secretere.“

“Jeanne Bueis.—Aujourdhuy Mecredy 8^e jour de Septambre, 1708, Monsieur Balaguier, ministre, a babtizé une fille de Jacques Buis et de Margueritte Moules, laquelle naquit le Mardy 31^e jour du mois d’Auoust dernier environ minuict. Elle a esté praesentée par Monsieur Jacqob de Pecbel, capitene, et Mademoiselle Jeanne Ellizabetb Bôet, ses parrin et marrine. Elle a esté nommée Jeanne – Jaqu. Buies. J. Pecbels. J. E. Boyd. Delablache Belet, secretaire.“

It had been previously thought that Jacques Buis may have been a misrecording for Jacques Boyd and particularly due to the last baptism of 1708 in which we see Jacob Pechell and Jeanne Elizabeth Boyd as the godparents. However we are grateful to Cheves Leland who drew our attention to her 2015 article with Susan Bates²¹ where they identify Jacques Buis as the son of Rene Buis and Marguerite Bermon of Dauphine

Interestingly we find in the burial records of St Marys, Dublin an entry for a James Boyd buried in the Chancel Vault 31 May 1716 (see below). Of course its difficult to be certian if this is Jacques but it seems likely as his father was buried in the Chancel vault also the following year. Sadly nothing more has beeen found to date regarding Jacques’ children or widow Marguerite.

Regarding Marie or Mary born to Jean II Boyd and Jeanne Berchaud, we know she was probably born in South Carolina c1699. She then married²² Major Louis (Lewis) Marcell in St Ann’s Church, Dublin on 5 October 1730. Major Louis Marcell later became Director of Engineers in Ireland. His father Anthony had been a Captain in the army of King William, killed in the Battle of the Boyne. Mary died some time before 19 June 1752, possibly in Waterford, Ireland, at which time Major Louis Marcell remarried Magdelane Vignaw. There were at least five children as issue to Mary’s marriage to Louis Marcell (see below). Of particular interest is daughter Jane Mary Marcell who married Major Henry Conran, Private Secretary to Warren Hastings, Governor General of the Presidency of Fort William, India (1772-73).

Thus we come to the end of our series of articles or posts on the Boyds of France. It is fitting we think to end with the words of Prof. Louis Cullen who in his 2017 chapter²³ on the Boyds wrote “even if the story of the Bordeaux branch ended in failure – nonetheless is remarkable. Almost no family from the British isles can have had as long a history in France“.

1. Liste des Francois et Suisses from an old manuscript list of French and Swiss Protestants settled in Charleston, on the Santee, and at Orange Quarter, in Carolina who Desired Naturalisation Prepared probably about 1695-6 – printed by Wm G Mazyck (1868), aka St Julien Liste – pp. 20 (No.3) & 26 (Nos. 75-77) ↩︎
2. Letters of denization and acts of naturalization for aliens in England and Ireland by Huguenot Society of London; Shaw, William Arthur, 1865-1943, p.270 ↩︎
3. PRONI Ref. D501/1 ↩︎
4. Caribbeana Vol 3, p.132 ↩︎
5. Registers of the French conformed churches of St. Patrick and St. Mary, Dublin, St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Dublin, Ireland); Huguenot Society of London; St. Mary’s Chapel (St. Patrick’s Cathedral); La Touche, J. J. Digges (John James Digges), (1893), p.120 ↩︎
6. TRANSACTIONS OF THE HUGUENOT SOCIETY OF SOUTH CAROLINA No. 110, pp.5-22 & 26-35 ↩︎
7. The New York Genealogical And Biographical Record, Volume. 117, Iss. 2, (1986), p.83 ↩︎
8. Proceedings of the Huguenot Society XXIX (2) 2009 – The Boyd Family: Global Huguenot Merchants, p.168 ↩︎
9. Calendar of Treasury Books and Papers, Volume 1, 1729-1730, p.52 ↩︎
10. Ibid, 1731-1732, p.90 ↩︎
11. Ibid, 1729-1730, p.496 ↩︎
12. St Kitts & Nevis National Archives – St. Christopher Register Series 1, Volume C, Document Number 563 ↩︎
13. See Irish Deed Memorial No. 145103 – 11 November 1762 ↩︎
14. Irish Deed Memorial No. 80176 ↩︎
15. See note 13 ↩︎
16. Citizens of the World – London Merchants and the Integration of the British Atlantic Community 1735-1785, pp.46-48 ↩︎
17. Oxford Journal – 31 August 1765, p.2 ↩︎
18. UK National Archives Ref. PROB 11/911/356 – 11 September 1765 ↩︎
19. Ibid Ref. PROB 11/1112/147 – 14 January 1784 ↩︎
20. Huguenot Society of London, Quarto Series 14, p. 11,17 & 24 – French Church of Golblac Lane, Dublin ↩︎
21. French Santee – A Huguenot Settlement in Colonial South Carolina by Susan Bates and Harriott Cheves Leland (published in 2015), p. 62, footnote #260 is a reference to an entry in Quarto VII: 104 for the marriage of Jacques Buis and Marguerite Moulles 15 February 1702. ↩︎
22. FindMyPast – Betham’s Genealogical Abstracts Prerogative Marr. Lics. (Phillips Mss) M. 1662-1782 ↩︎
23. Ireland, France and the Atlantic in a Time of War – The Boyds in Bordeaux and Dublin, L. M. Cullen (2017) ↩︎