In answer to Mike Boyd's questions about George Boyd, shipbuilder of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, I found his letters saved while he was in England prior to his return voyage and death. George mentions he purposely sought out the current Earl of Erroll in Scotland to determine his family origins. George states that the Earl's grandfather and his grandfather were brothers [letter to John Wendell, London 26 aug. 1774]. The Earl is James Boyd (who takes Hay name) born 1726- died 1778 son of the 4th earl of Kilmarnock who was beheaded in London. Their shared great-grandfather would be William Boyd (1663-1692) 2nd Earl of Kilmarnock. Sure enough the 2nd Earl had two sons. William the 2nd Earl and THOMAS, advocate in Edinburgh, appointed to Faculty of Advocates 1710. Thomas dies circa 1731 when his widow, Helenor Nicholson marries John Crauford. I know they have a daughter named Margaret. However, I can find no other mention of children and very little on Thomas. So how do we get to George Boyd, shipbuilder of Portsmouth, NH? Well, the mother of Thomas the advocate is the daughter of Thomas Boyd, merchant of Dublin, Ireland. Also the only heir. That means money and shipping connections galore. I also found evidence that this Thomas merchant of Dublin is actually a Bangor man and active in Northern Ireland actions. So- how to find the facts on Thomas (born ??? died about 1730) advocate in Edinburgh?? -- Colin Brooks The 1718 Project CB1718project@gmail.com