John Parker Boyd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
John Parker Boyd
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John Parker Boyd, American Brigadier General in the War of 1812
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| Born | December 21, 1764 Newburyport, Massachusetts Bay |
| Died | October 4, 1830 (aged 65) Boston, Massachusetts |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance |  United States of America Maratha Empire.svg){kind=small} Hyderabad State |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1786-1789 1808–1815 |
| Rank |  Brigadier General |
| Commands held | 4th Infantry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Shays' Rebellion Battle of Kharda War of 1812 |
| Other work | Soldier of Fortune Businessman Naval Officer of the Port of Boston |
John Parker Boyd (born December 21, 1764 – died October 4, 1830) was an important officer in the United States Army. He served in the army at different times from 1786 until the end of the War of 1812. He became a brigadier general, which is a high rank. He led troops during the Battle of Crysler's Farm, where the Americans faced a defeat.
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Early Life and Military Beginnings
John Parker Boyd was born in Newburyport, Massachusetts, on December 21, 1764. Even though he was too young for the American Revolution, he wanted to be a soldier. He joined the local militia and then the Army as an Ensign (a junior officer) in 1786.
He helped put down Shays' Rebellion, a protest by farmers in Massachusetts. After three years, he left the Army to become a "Soldier of Fortune" in Central India. This meant he was a mercenary, a soldier who fights for money for different countries or leaders.
In 1793, Boyd was hired by Ahilyabai Holkar, a queen in India, to create a new army unit. He later built two more army units for Baji Rao II, another Indian leader. In 1795, he led 1,800 men in the Battle of Kharda, fighting for the Nizam of Hyderabad. Boyd was a very good cavalry (horseback soldiers) commander. However, he was let go in 1798 because of disagreements and not following orders.
Returning to the United States Army
Boyd continued to work as a mercenary in India for a while. When the British took control and the wars he was part of ended, he sold his army's equipment. He then returned to the United States.
Boyd rejoined the U.S. Army in October 1808. He became a Colonel and led the 4th Infantry Regiment. During the Battle of Tippecanoe, he was a brigade commander. He was the second-in-command to William Henry Harrison and acted as a Brigadier General.
Service in the War of 1812
When the War of 1812 started, Boyd first led a brigade under Major General Henry Dearborn. He served in areas like Albany, New York and Plattsburgh. In July, he was officially promoted to brigadier general.
In 1813, he successfully led his brigade at the Battle of Fort George. Many other commanders became ill or were removed from their positions. Because of this, Boyd ended up in charge of the captured Fort George. After a defeat at the Battle of Beaver Dams, Boyd's troops went back to Fort George and stayed on defense.
Boyd then moved his troops from Fort George to Sacket's Harbor. He later joined Major General James Wilkinson's plan to attack Montreal in October 1813. At the Battle of Crysler's Farm in November 1813, Wilkinson and his second-in-command, Major General Morgan Lewis, were both sick. This meant Boyd had to lead the attack.
His troops were not well-trained and were discouraged by the many changes in command. They struggled on difficult ground. Boyd lost control of the battle, and his forces were defeated.
Boyd stayed in command of a brigade during winter camp near Sodus Point, New York. After another attack by Wilkinson failed, Wilkinson blamed Boyd. Boyd was then moved to a less active role away from the fighting. He did not see any more combat. In 1816, he wrote a paper defending his actions during the war.
Later Life and Career
After leaving the Army in 1815, Boyd started several businesses. He often worked with his brothers, Ebenezer, Robert, and Joseph. His brother Joseph later became the first Treasurer of Maine. John Parker Boyd also helped found the towns of Orneville and Medford in Maine.
In 1820, the British government paid him for the military services he had provided in India.
Boyd was involved in politics, first with the Democratic-Republicans and later with the Democrats. He served on the Boston City Council in the 1820s. He also helped with community groups like the Scots Charitable Society of Boston.
In 1829, President Andrew Jackson appointed Boyd as the Naval Officer of the Port of Boston. This was an important job at the time. He held this position until he died.
Death and Burial
John Parker Boyd died in Boston on October 4, 1830. He was buried at Christ Church Cemetery in Boston.
Family Life
Boyd never married. However, his will and other records show he had two children. His daughter, Frances, was born in India on June 4, 1797. Her mother was a Muslim woman named Housina. His son, Wallace, was born in October 1814. His mother was Marie Rupell.
Boyd wanted to leave a large part of his money to Housina and Frances, but they could not be found. Wallace received 25 percent of Boyd's estate. Wallace later changed his name to John Wallace Boyd. He became a ship's captain based in Boston.
Legacy and Recognition
Boyd Lake in Orneville, Maine, is named after him.
In 2008, a woman bought an old Bible at a Goodwill store. It had an inscription that said "Symphonia A. Little presented by her uncle General Boyd."
Boyd's name is also on Plaque 8 in Paul Revere Mall in Boston. This plaque lists important leaders from Boston's North End who played roles in the American Revolution and the War of 1812. Paul Revere Mall is a park with benches, a fountain, and statues.
Military Reputation and Leadership
Boyd's reputation as a military leader is mixed. Some people praised his skills, especially his success in India. However, he was defeated at Crysler's Farm by a force that was only half the size of his own.
General Winfield Scott did not think highly of Boyd as a main leader. He said Boyd was friendly and good in a lower position, but "hesitant and weak" when he had big responsibilities. Others have praised Boyd's military actions in specific battles, like Tippecanoe and Fort George.
