Rev. Bankhead Boyd, p. 374

REV. BANKHEAD BOYD was born in County Derry, Ireland, in 1809, a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Scott) Boyd. For a brief period he studied the classics, and then with his father and mother came to America in 1824. The family settled in the bounds of the congregation of which afterward he became the pastor. In 1829 he graduated at Jefferson College, Canonsburg. He studied theology the required time (four years) in the Associate Theological Seminary, also near Canonsburg, which institution was then under the supervision of Rev. James Ramsey, D.D. He was licensed to preach in the summer of 1833, and was installed pastor of the Seceder Church, Pigeon Creek, in July, 1834. This relationship continued pleasant, useful and unbroken till his death, February 2, 1860, covering over a quarter of a century. As a sermonizer he was clear and methodical, thus greatly aiding the hearer in remembering the discourse. He sustained every sentiment by Scripture testimony. The doctrines he presented were strictly Calvinistic, and were highly calculated to make strong Christians in faith and good works. He treated sin, and especially Sabbath desecrations, in a manner to convince the most callous of their dark and degrading character. As a pastor he was honest, faithful, conscientious. On communion occasions he very distinctly outlined the character of the worthy partaker of the Lord's Supper. A warm friend of the young, his instructions always pressed them to walk in the ways of truth and righteousness. Whilst it is true that "winter storms and summer's thunder can not break the sleep of death," yet with many in his old congregation and community his kind admonitions are still fresh and impressive in their influence. As the moderator of Session he was calm, decided and ever ready to promote whatever would advance the spiritual interests of his people. As a presbyter he was esteemed a wise and safe counselor. Possessing a cultivated and well-stored mind, he was chosen a member of the board of managers of the theological seminary already alluded to.

On March 7, 1838, Mr. Boyd was married to Margaret, daughter of James and Abigail Hill Thome, the former of whom was a member of Session for many years. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Bankhead Boyd, viz: (1) Hugh Wilson Boyd, born December 16, 1840 (he graduated at Jefferson College in 1863, completed his theological course in Allegheny Seminary, in 1868, and same year was licensed to preach by Chartiers Presbytery. As a licentiate he preached nine months in different Presbyteries. While engaged in his Master's work he contracted a cold which ended in a severe hemorrhage and resulted in his death June 12, 1869. "What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shall know hereafter: is the Scriptural key that unlocks God's mysterious provinces). (2) James Thome Boyd, born in July, 1843, died December 22, 1861. (3) Robert Erwin Boyd, born December 22, 1845, died May 18, 1848. (4) Lizzie Scott Boyd, born March 24, 1848, died July 2, 1868. (5) Abigail Thome Boyd is the only surviving child, and is the wife of Carson M. Berry (a sketch of whom follows). The reside in the old homestead, and are workers in the U. P. Sabbath-school and congregation of Pigeon Creek. The bodies of those that have bowed to the summons of the Pale Messenger sleep in the beautiful cemetery attached to this church. [From the pen of Hon. John C. Messenger.]

Text taken from page 374 of:
Beers, J. H. and Co., Commemorative Biographical Record of Washington County, Pennsylvania (Chicago: J. H. Beers & Co., 1893).

Transcribed January 1998 by Sharon McConnell of Fontana, CA as part of the Beers Project.
Published January 1998 on the Washington County, PA pages at http://www.chartiers.com/.

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