Sunday, March 23, 2008

History of George Boyle


George Boyle was born 5 Sep 1804 in Duppal Kirkoswald, Ayre, Scotland. He was the son of Neil and Mary Boyle. When he was a young boy about 12 years, hes father apprenticed him out to learn the shoe making trade.

On March 8, 1829, George married Mary McDougall. She was born 21 Aug 1801 at Givan, Ayre, Scotland. Her parents wer Andrew and Jane Yerle McDougal.

The 1851 census of Kilmarnoch, Kirkoswald, Scotland gives George Boyle, head of family, married, 46 years old, occupation-shoe maker. Mary Boyle wife, age 43. Mary Boyle daughter, 16, trener wollen factory. Janet Boyle daughter, 13, scholar. Margaret Boyle daughter, 11, scholar. Elizabeth Boyle daughter, 8, scholar. George Boyle, 5, and Andrew Boyle, 2. (The oldest daughter Jean must have been married and moved from her father's home).

We find that on 20 December 1839, Mormon Elders, Samual Mulliner and Alexander Wright arrived in Glasgo, Scotland to expound to the people of that country the truths of the ever-lasting gospel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They labored among the honest in heart and baptized some 80 souls. In May 1840, Apostle Orson Pratt arrived in Scotland and organized a branch of the Church. From that time on, missionaries continued to labor in Scotland. George and Mary Boyle were among the honest in heart and had the blodd of Israel in their veings and when they heard of this new religion, they recognized the truths and were converted. George was baptized 21 April 1844 and Mary on 20 Oct 1845.

The missionaries from America were encouraging the newly converted saints to emigrate to Utah to strengthen the Church in the valleys of the mountains. However, it was early in 1864 when the Boyle famikly had enough money to emigrate.

A search of the Kilmarnock Branch records of the LDS Church give the information that George Boyle and family left the Branch in Scotland on May 19, 1864. Gleaning from the material at hand, your writer has come to the conclusion that the family spoken of was Margaret, Elizabeth and Andrew. I think that Jean, Mary and Janet remained in England and that George died in England.

On Sat, May 21, 1864, the ship "General McClellan" sailed from Liverpool England. George Boyle and his family were among the 802 saints on board, under the direction of Thomas R. Jeremy, with George Bull and George C. Bywater as his assistans. They were 32 days on the ocean and had a good voyage. This ship docked at New York harber on June 23, 1864, and the company arrived at Wyoming, Nebraska on July 4, about sundown. On July 15, they left Wyoming, Nebraska in the Joseph S. Rawlins Company of 400 souls, with 50 wagons. This company made very good progress. In a telegram sent to Brigham Young from the Sweetwater, under the date of Sep 1, 1864, it is learned that the train was in fine conditions, traveling alright and doing well. From another telegram sent from the Little Sandy, Sep 9, it was stated that the train was still in good condition, company well and cattle traveling well. The company arrived in Salt Laek City, Sep 20.

George wasn't called to go to settle out-lying areas as so many were, but was priveleged to remain in Salt Lake City and make his home. President Brigham Young was pleased to have another good shoemaker in the city, a trade that George worked at the remainder of his days, making shoes for Pres. Young's family and others.

However, George did not live too long after establishing his home there. He passed away Oct 1871. His good wife, Mary McDougall Boyle lived on, a widow for nearly 20 years, passing away March 5, 1891.

(History written by Edna McNeil Batty, Great-granddaughter)

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Hi Cameron, I am the 3rd great grandneice of George Boyle and Mary McDougall. My 4th great grandparents were Andrew McDougall and Jean Earl. My direct line is through Elizabeth McDougall who married James McDowall. Elizabeth was Mary McDougall's younger sister who was born 31 Aug 1818 at Girvan, Ayr, Scotland. She married James McDowall 22 Dec 1842 at Girvan. He was a shoemaker like George Boyle. I have enjoyed looking at your site. regards, Jeanette Earl

Unknown said...

He was my great great great grandpa