CHIEF:  Dr Robin Boyd, MA (Oxon); MB BS; LRCP, MRCS; DCH; AFOM, 8th Baron Kilmarnock

Richard G. Boyd

NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

RichBoyd (at sign) Charter.net

         Rev. John Boyd / Margaret Gaston 

Sussex County, NJ

History of the Old Tennent Church with Biographical Sketches of it's Pastors, Rev. Frank R. Symmes,  Freehold, New Jersey, 1897

The Rev. A. P. Cobb stated in a historical sermon that the Rev. Mr. Keith while a missionary at Topanemus preached in the Old Scots church, and that also probably John Gray preached there in 1708. But evidently as far as can now be definitely known, the Rev. John Boyd was the first regular preacher in the church 1706-1708. Possibly, before him, there was no stated preaching by one man, the church only being served when occasional supplies could be obtained. The two men mentioned by Mr. Cobb may have thus preached in Old Scots either before or after the ministry of John Boyd. When such supplies could not be obtained it is only justice to the old Covenanters to suppose that they gathered on the Lord's day at Old Scots meeting-house, read the sacred Scriptures, sang psalms, catechized the youth, and were led in prayer by Walter Ker, the church pillar, or some other good man of the company. 

John Boyd came to the church in its very early years. His name, identity, and grave must not be confounded with a certain John Boyd who came from Ireland, and was a teacher and afterwards a merchant in the Tennent community. This man died in 1863, and his grave is in the Old Tennent burying-ground surmounted with a marble headstone.

It is difficult, perhaps impossible, to discover the history of Rev. John Boyd prior to his coming to the Old Scots church. A person by the same name came to New Jersey among the Campbell settlers in 1685, but he could scarcely have been this minister. Pastor Boyd likely came from Scotland; and possibly, as historian Webster says, he came over as a probationer with Makemie, Hampton, and McNish in 1705, and "probably at the solicitation of his countrymen." He must have had some sort of a license to preach, or was trusted as a man fitted to preach, at least a year before his ordination: for the early Monmouth court records read in Dec., 1705, that "Mr. John Boyd Minnister of the sd Presbeterians of freehold did also Parsonally Appear & did desire that he might be Admitted to quallify himself as the law directs in that behalf. Ordered that further Consideration thereof be Refered untill the next Court of Quarter Sessions." (See illustration of early Court records). On May 29, 1706, he did qualify himself "as ye Law in yt Case Directs."

The first page of the earliest records of the first Presbytery in America opens with a minute concerning the examination of John Boyd in view of ordination. These examinations were satisfactory to the members of Presbytery, as also his popular sermon which he preached on trial before Presbytery from John 1:12: "But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God." Accordingly he was ordained in the Old Scots meeting house (where it is probable the Presbytery was convened) on Sunday, Dec. 29, 1706, a large audience being present. The next day, Monday, he received his certificate. Rev. Francis McKemie, called the "Father of the American Presbyterian Church," was the Moderator of this meeting of Presbytery.  The first page of these Presbyterian Records begins thus,
                                 "BOOK.
         De Regimine Ecclesioe, which being heard was
        approved of and sustained. He gave in also his Thesis
        to be considered of against next sederunt.
                      Sederunt 2d. 10 bris. 27.
        Post preces sederunt. Mr. Francis McKemie Modr.
        Mr. Jedidiah Andrews and John Hampton Minisr.
                      Mr. John Boyd performed the other parts
        of his Tryals, viz. preached a popular sermon on
        Jno. 1. 12. defended his Thesis, gave satisfaction
        as to his Skill in the Languages & answered
        to extemporary questions: all which were approved
        of & sustained.
              Appointed his ordination to be on ye
        next Lds. day ye 29th Ins. which was accordingly
        performed in the publick Meeting house of this
        Place, before a numerous Assembly. And the next
        day he had ye Certificat of his Ordination."

As these Presbyterian records proceed, references to Mr. Boyd may be noticed in which he is appointed to matters and positions of importance among the churches. Because of some differences between the people of the Woodbridge church and the minister Mr. Wade, the Presbytery appointed Mr. Boyd to preach there every third Sabbath for a season, if the Woodbridge people desired it, and if the Freehold people consented to it. In the spring of 1708 the people of the Freehold church presented a letter to Presbytery concerning the settlement of Mr. Boyd among them. Action thereon was deferred for the time; and before the next spring Mr. Boyd had gone the way of all the earth. In the next meeting of the Presbytery this short, sad, and expressive record is made: "The Rev. Mr. John Boyd being dead, what relates to him ceases." Thus it may be noticed that Rev. John Boyd was not regularly settled as pastor of the Old Scots church, although nominally he acted in that capacity. He died August 30, 1708, and was buried in the Old Scots sacred acre. A  tombstone marks his grave.  This at first was laid horizontal with the ground on a packing of stone and lime.  In this position it rested for nearly 175 years, until, about 1883, in a neglected and dilapidated state, and covered with a luxuriant growth of lichens, it attracted the attention of an observer (Gideon C. McDowell, living near by the cemetery), who respectfully thinking to preserve it, raised it to an erect position, fastening one end of the slab in the ground. The inscription is in Latin, the first line across the stone at the top being, "PIENTISSIMI DOMIN JOANNNIS."

Of this inscription the Rev. Dr. John Hall, in his History of the
Presbyterian Church in Trenton, N. J., has made the following translation:--
            "The ashes of the very pious
            Mr. JOHN BOYD, pastor
            of this church of Calvin, are here
            buried, whose labor, although expended
            on a barren soil, was not lost.
            They who knew him well, at the same
            time prove his worth as rich in virtues.
            Reader, follow his footsteps, and I hope
            thou wilt hereafter be happy.
            He died August 30, 1708, the 29th
            year of his age."

Source:
History of Old Tennenth Church with biographical sketches of it's
pastors. Includes genealogy of Walter Ker descendants and copies of
church records.Written by Rev. Frank Symmes, fifteenth pastor, Manalapan Township, Monmouth Co., New Jersey, published: Freehold, N.J. : James S. Yard, 1897.  FHL US/CAN Film 823866  Item 3.
See Bill Gaston's comments on this article at bottom of page.

John Gaston, the eldest son of the John Gaston of Scotland, is believed
to have been the grandfather of: Hugh, Joseph, John and Alexander
Gaston. It is said that the four brothers, Hugh, Joseph, John and
Alexander, came at the same time and "landed in New Jersey," and, as we
know from a Bible record and otherwise that Joseph arrived "about 1720,"
it is probable that is the approximate date of their arrival at
(presumably) the port of Perth Amboy.

JOSEPH GASTON (son of John) & Margaret(?)
As Joseph died intestate, his real estate descended to his two daughters, Martha and Margaret, who, with their husbands, Dr. Elijah Everett and Rev. John Boyd, made a partition deed in May, 1809, by which Margaret received the homestead in Hardwick twsp. of 218 acres, and the other lands went to Martha.
Children:

1)John Gaston, b. 1730, son of Joseph Gaston & Margaret (?), m.
(1)Elizabeth Ker b. 1738(a dau. of William and Catherine Ker, of
Lamington, natives of Scotland). m.(2)Sarah Ogden.

2)Joseph Gaston, b. about 1738, brother of John, son of Joseph Gaston &
Margaret (?), m. Margaret Linn (dau. of Joseph Linn and Martha Kirkpatrick)
  1)One of their daughters, Margaret Gaston b. about 1776 m. Rev. John
Boyd,(son of John   Boyd, of Franklin co., Pa.). Rev. Boyd was a brother
to Rev. William Boyd, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Lamington,
Somerset Co., N. J.

Col. John Taylor m. Lydia Ker b. 1742, a daughter of William (son of
Walter Ker b. 1656)and Catherine Ker.
  1)A daughter,Catherine Ker Taylor, m. Rev. William Boyd, pastor of
the Lamington
Presbyterian Church, Somerset county.

Source:
History of Old Tennenth Church with biographical sketches of it's
pastors. Includes genealogy of Walter Ker descendants and copies of
church records.Written by Rev. Frank Symmes, fifteenth pastor, Manalapan Township, Monmouth Co., New Jersey, published: Freehold, N.J. : James S. Yard, 1897.  FHL US/CAN Film 823866  Item 3

Somerset County Historical Quarterly Plainfield, New Jersey Vol. V.--1916

BOYD.--Robert Boyd, native of Scotland, first settled in Ireland, where a son John was born; then came to Pennsylvania. John settled in Franklin co., Pa.  His son William, b. in 1758, became pastor of the Presbyterian church at Lamington in 1784. Other brothers were Robert, Rev. John and James.

CHILDREN OF JOSEPH GASTON AND MARGARET LINN:
MARTHA, b. about 1774; m., Jan., 1800, Dr. Elijah Everett, who d. Jan. 11, 1850. Dr. Everett resided in Greene twsp., six miles from Newton. They had at least two children, Joseph G. and Margaret G. (As to land inheritance of Martha, see under her father, Joseph, 41).

Margaret Gaston, b. about 1776;  married on  Apr. 10, 1806, Rev. John Boyd
(son of John Boyd, of Franklin Co., Pa.).  Rev. Mr. Boyd was a brother to Rev. William Boyd, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Lamington, Somerset Co., N. J., from 1784-1807. From 1803-'12 he was pastor of the Yellow Frame Presbyterian church in Hardwick twp., Sussex Co. (now in Frelinghuysen twp., Warren co.), and of the Newton Presbyterian church, jointly, but when or where he died I have not been able to ascertain. They had at least one ch., Margaret.  (As to the land inheritance from her father, see under Joseph Gaston).

Rev. John Boyd/Margaret Gaston Boyd/Sussex County, NJ
 

From: taube at nac.net (Ralph Taube)
To: www.clanboyd.info

I am not related to the Boyd family, however, I have been the "caretaker" of the Rev John Boyd and Margaret Gaston Boyd homestead, located in Sussex county, Fredon township, New Jersey, for the last 32 years.

According to deed listings and records Reverend Boyd purchased the property from a John Linn Jr in 1807, while he was pastor of both the Yellow Frame Church and Newton Presbyterian church (1803-1812) and marrying Margaret Gaston in 1806.  Also, according to deed records, he owned the property until 1837. Supposedly, in 1837, he moved to Monroe NY, however, he later returned to Sussex County NJ, where he died in 1863.  While the deeds do not say anything about existing dwellings on the property we would be very interested in knowing if the house existed when he purchased the property or if it was built afterwards.  Also, any further information about Margaret Gaston, his wife, and her family would be appreciated, and I would also be happy to provide any further information about the property and history that I have been able to acquire.

From: taube at nac.net (Ralph Taube)

Richard,
This "New Jersey Boyd" page of the Clan Boyd Socirty, International fills in the gap on Rev John Boyd, on whom I had little information.  Some of the previous information that I had that indicated that Margaret Gaston Boyd's Mother was a "Linn," who had married Joseph Gaston. The Boyds purchased the property from John Linn Jr, a nephew, I think, in 1807. The Linn family traces back to Ireland through 2 generations.  As local lore has it, the main part of the Boyd homestead had been built by the parishioners of the Newton Presbyterian Church and possibly the Yellow Frame Church as well, in lieu of his monetary stipend.  There was originally a one-room cabin with a sleeping loft that appears to date to the late 1790's from it's construction, and a larger center-hall 5x2 bay center hall added in the early 1800's.  When we purchased it in 1971 it had been on the market since 1956.  It had been used as a summer "retreat" since the mid 30's and had had virtually nothing done to it, seemingly since the Boyds had lived there (this should tell you something about the condition of the house when we bought it).

The NJ Boyd page indicated that there was information on Margaret Gaston Boyd's inheritance in the Gaston will.  Do you have any information on where I might find that will or some of the details?

I am of retirement age and could move at any time, but this property has a hold on me.  I hope that maybe some day we could have a "Boyd" family reunion here. I have included some photos in the attachments.

Ralph Taube  taube@nac.net       Photos below courtesy of Ralph Taube 

                       The Rev. John Boyd/Margaret Gaston Home

'owdy,

I'm Bill Gaston and was interested in the genealogy information I ran across on the following links. 
http://www.clanboyd.info/cbsi/index.htm

http://clanboyd.info/state/New_Jersey/famhist/johnrev/

In the published information, "Rev. John Boyd/Margaret Gaston", Sussex County, NJ.

I believe the statements published are incorrect and either you would correct me or perhaps have the misleading information changed even though I think the subsequent text in the article shows there is errors.

I furthermore believe the filler text concerning the first paragraph is misleading and does not apply to the family of Joseph but should be William Gaston b: 1685, Ireland d: 1770, Ireland, but of course the son of John Gaston, born about 1645. However, William isn't mentioned.

<Excerpt>

John Gaston, the eldest son of the John Gaston of Scotland, is believed to have been the grandfather of: Hugh, Joseph, John and Alexander Gaston. It is said that the four brothers, Hugh, Joseph, John and Alexander, came at the same time and "landed in New Jersey," and, as we know from a Bible record and otherwise that Joseph arrived "about 1720," it is probable that is the approximate date of their arrival at (presumably) the port of Perth Amboy.

JOSEPH GASTON (son of John) & Margaret(?)

As Joseph died intestate, his real estate descended to his two daughters, Martha and Margaret, who, with their husbands, Dr. Elijah Everett and Rev. John Boyd, made a partition deed in May, 1809, by which Margaret received the homestead in Hardwick twsp. of 218 acres, and the other lands went to Martha.
<end of excerpt>

Based on the material I've read and have, the Joseph mentioned here in this last excerpted paragraph is not the son of "John", or at least that is my understanding.

This "Joseph" (1738-1803), I believe is the son of Joseph (1700-1777), and the grandson of William (1685-1770).

Further, I believe the text goes on to clarify that this "Joseph" isn't the son of "John" as follows:

<Excerpt>

2) Joseph Gaston, b. about 1738, brother of John, son of Joseph Gaston & Margaret (?), m. Margaret Linn (dau. of Joseph Linn and Martha Kirkpatrick) 

1) One of their daughters, Margaret Gaston b. about 1776 m. Rev. John Boyd, (son of John Boyd, of Franklin co., Pa.). Rev. Boyd was a brother to Rev. William Boyd, pastor of the Presbyterian church of Lamington, Somerset Co., N. J.

<end of excerpt>

I'm not sure about proof but I believe you'll find that Margaret's maiden name was "Malick", born about 1700, and died 31 Aug 1795.

With your help and clarification perhaps we could contribute more for the amateur genealogists who are now, during the computer age, trying to piece their family trees together.

Thank you and sincerely.

Bill Gaston  bgaston2 "at" mindspring.com
Austin, TX

NOTE: Use this data as a finding tool, just as you would any other secondary source. When you find the name of an ancestor listed, confirm the facts in original sources.

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