Peter Boyd

Peter Boyd: From Slavery to Respected Citizen of Keokuk

Written By Erika Barrett

Peter Boyd, a man whose life spanned nearly a century of American history, left an indelible mark on the community of Keokuk, Iowa, and on the many lives he touched throughout his long and eventful journey. Born into enslavement in Virginia around 1814, Peter Boyd's life is a testament to resilience, dedication, and the quiet impact of a life lived in service to others.

Early Life and Enslavement to Henry Clay

Peter Boyd was born on a plantation in Virginia, in a place called Highco, near the Red House. His parents were the first in his family enslaved by the statesman Henry Clay, and Peter served Clay in various capacities throughout his early life. As a young boy, Boyd was selected by Clay to be a jockey, riding the best horses in Clay's string—a role he took great pride in. "The horse I took care of was the best horse the boss owned," Boyd recalled, reflecting on the speed and strength of Monsieur Thompson, the sorrel horse he rode.

As he grew older and too heavy to continue as a jockey, Boyd became Clay's bodyguard and valet, accompanying him on speech-making trips and to Washington, D.C. During these travels, Boyd had the unique opportunity to interact with some of the most prominent figures of the antebellum period, including John C. Calhoun, Presidents Andrew Jackson, Martin Van Buren, and Ulysses S. Grant. His close proximity to such historical characters gave Boyd a wealth of stories, which he would later share with his friends and acquaintances in Keokuk.

The Civil War and Its Aftermath

With the outbreak of the Civil War, Boyd's life took a dramatic turn. He was taken by the Union Army and served under General Ulysses S. Grant as a blacksmith—a skill that would prove invaluable in the years to come. Boyd also worked on riverboats as a general repairer, a role that saw him traveling up the Missouri River during the skirmishes with Native Americans of the era.

One particularly harrowing experience during this time was when the boat he was on faced an attack from Native Americans. "Gentlemen, don't be scared. I'll mend this in three hours, and we will get away from here," Boyd assured his fellow crew members, demonstrating his calm under pressure and unwavering commitment. He noted, "You could see holes in the boilers where the Indians shot through with their arrows. But we had good luck and didn't anybody hurt us."

Life in Keokuk and Community Impact

After the war, Peter Boyd settled in Keokuk, where he became a well-known and beloved figure. He worked as an expressman, driving an old bay horse and spring wagon with the distinctive sign "Peter Boyd, hauling." For nearly a decade, Boyd lived at St. Joseph Hospital, supported by the kindness of old friends who ensured he was cared for in his later years. Despite his advancing age and declining health, Boyd remained a familiar and cherished presence in the community.

Boyd was not only the first Black man to emerge from enslavement and settle in Keokuk, but he was a founding member of what would become the Seventh Street Baptist Church. His deep faith and commitment to his community were reflected in his involvement in church activities and his enduring legacy as a man of integrity and service.

A Legacy of Humility and Gratitude

Peter Boyd's life was marked by a profound sense of gratitude for the kindnesses shown to him, as well as a willingness to serve others in any way he could. Those who knew him remembered him for his humility, his gentle spirit, and his unwavering dedication to his work and community. Even in his final years, Boyd's appreciation for "every little favor shown him" endeared him to the staff at St. Joseph Hospital and to the many others who crossed his path.

Boyd's story is unique not only because of his extraordinary life journey but also because of the character he displayed throughout his life. He outlived all eleven of his children, a testament to the many hardships he endured, yet he remained a man of faith and perseverance.

Peter Boyd passed away on June 15, 1910, at the age of 95 or 96. His legacy as a former slave who rose to become a respected citizen of Keokuk is a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the impact one individual can have on their community. Boyd is buried in Oakland Cemetery, Keokuk, where his story continues to inspire and remind us of the profound changes that marked his life and the nation.

Sources:

1. "PETER BOYD'S MEMORY of His Eventful Life," December 14, 1901.

2. Daily Gate City, "HE WAS SLAVE OF HENRY CLAY," June 16, 1910.