Boyd, A.R.

On Sunday, June 5th, 1898, of Messrs. A. R. ("Kellas") and John Boyd, brothers, the first-named residing between Union, Monroe County, W. Va. and Rocky Point, the latter near Alderson just across the line in Summers County, spent Friday together in Union and John said were drinking some alcoholic concoction, believed to be essence of cinnamon and Jamaica ginger. Their conduct, however, was orderly and not such as to indicate that they were intoxicated. On Saturday they were together in Rocky Point, and parting there "Kellas" returned to the home of his brother, Mr. P. A. Boyd, while John started for home his home near Alderson. "Kellas" seemed entirely sober but complained of sickness at the stomach and excruciating pain in the head. During the night he grew worse but refused to permit a physician to be sent for. Toward morning he was attacked with cramp and his eyesight was also affected. A physician was sent for and arrived about 8 o'clock, but he found Mr. Boyd's condition hopeless. Messengers were dispatched with the sad tidings to his brother John, but on their way, they met others bringing the doubly shocking news that John himself had died at exactly the same hour. John, it seems, had reached Alderson Saturday evening and complained of the same symptoms which his brother had exhibited. He obtained some medicine for his relief and went home. On Sunday morning his condition was much worse, and he seemed smitten within partial blindness. A physician was sent for before his arrival Mr. Boyd died, passing away at 12:30 p. m. In both cases the facts indicate that death was caused by some species of poison, it is believed it was wood alcohol. [Staunton spectator and vindicator. (Staunton, Va.), June 16, 1898 - KT - Sub by FoFG]

1860 US Federal Census shows "Achilles Boyd" age 1, which makes Birth Year 1859. ALSO, his brother John Boyd died the same day as did A. R. Boyd, aka Achilles aka Acallas aka "Kellas" BOTH Sons of Patrick Porterfield Boyd.