Robert Alexander Boyd was the son of Alexander Boyd who was born in South Carolina and Sarah Ann Hinton. He was likely the 3rd child of Alexander and Sarah and moved with his family to Randolph County, Alabama between 1845 and 1850. When his wife died in 1921, her obituary indicated their home was near the cemetery where she was buried (Wortham Cemetery; aka Piney Woods Cemetery.)

Robert Alexander Boyd, along with his older brothers, William James Boyd and John D. Boyd, were mustered into the 31st Alabama Infantry in May, 1862. Only a little over two months later on 25 June 1861, he was given a medical discharge due to a growth on his neck that interfered with his breathing with exertion.

After his medical discharge, Robert Alexander Boyd returned to Randolph County; then in 1864, he and a younger brother, Elisha Boyd, went through the Confederate lines to Rome, Georgia to enlist in the 1st Alabama Cavalry, United States Volunteers (Union.) Elisha was mustered in 1 August 1864 and died 1 April 1865 from wounds received in action at Richland, North Carolina.

According to pension application documents, Robert Alexander Boyd applied for a pension (in 1890-91) based on his service in the 1st Alabama Cavalry. These records show he went to Rome, Georgia to enlist, but was not mustered in because of the tumor on his neck. When the 1st Alabama Cavalry left Rome and marched to Savannah, he accompanied them, and when he arrived in Savannah, a Union surgeon removed the tumor "January or February 1865." Robert Alexander Boyd stayed with this unit until it was disbanded 20 October 1965. In his application for a pension, he said he served the unit by foraging for food and cooking. His pension was denied because he was never officially mustered in. Later records indicate, he did enlist after he recuperated from having the growth removed from his neck.

OBITUARIES

Mr. Boyd, Aged Citizen, Died Last Tuesday Night -- Mr. Robert A. Boyd died last Tuesday night at the home of a son, D. B. Boyd, seven miles north of Wedowee. His death was due largely to his advanced age. He was about 95 years of age. The deceased raised a large family. He lived around with his children since the death of his wife several years ago. The deceased was a splendid citizen. He served in the army during the War Between the States. Funeral and interment took place Wednesday afternoon at the Wortham Cemetery. Rev. T. N. Crumpton conducted the service, and was assisted by the Masonic fraternity. Source: Randolph Press 9 May 1930: 1.

Veteran Buried -- Wedowee, Ala., May 9 -- Funeral services for R. A. Boyd, 93, Confederate veteran and believed to be the oldest citizen of Randolph County, were conducted by the Sawyer Lodge of Masons of Wedowee, of which he had been a member since the War Between the States. Burial was in the Wortham Cemetery. Surviving are 10 of 13 children, Mrs. Janie Garner being the oldest. Source: Birmingham News 9 May 1930: 10.