Historical Commission’s Monthly Tales of Our Town

Major Isaac Hills Boyd, Esq. — Civil War Hero and Politician for the People

Historical Commission’s Monthly Tales of Our Town

Said to be the bravest of the brave in battle, Isaac Hills Boyd was one of the most beloved Civil War soldiers in West Newbury history. Born in West Newbury in 1838, he became a lawyer and sought the Republican candidacy for the 17th District in Massachusetts at age 22. Seen as the People’s Candidate, he had a strong loyalty to the people living in the area and those he served with in the 19th Massachusetts Volunteer  Infantry Regiment, which experienced significant injuries and deaths fighting in the Army of the Potomac. Often reporting back to the local newspapers about the battles and bravery of his fellow soldiers, Boyd was thought to be invincible in battle. But only few days before the war’s end, he was shot in action, and later died, in Farmville, Virginia. He was 27 years old. He had one of the most decorated funerals in West Newbury history, and in 1874 a newly formed chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic in West Newbury was named the Major Boyd Post # 151 in Isaac Boyd’s honor.

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