Tall Boyd gave testimony of his escape from Slavery on June 8th, 1865 to J H Fowler, Chaplain of the 33rd USCD.
He named his slaveholder as James Horrell of Station Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia. James Horrell had become a Lieutenant in the War and in his absence his brother Charles Horrell had 'care of the people.'
Tall Boyd speaks of his mother who lived with James Horrell, his wife to whom he brought honey and his brother who lived about 15 miles away but he does not name them.
Tall Boyd was chased by hounds to the Satilla River.
He also speaks of a man named Scott Boyd who was 'run' by the hounds and Mr. Gibson and John Boyd.
Tall Boyd named his sister Maria who received 60 lashes from James Horrell and Patty who received 75 lashes.
Mr. Tilman whipped 'his man Willis' about 250 lashes because he let his mare get out of the stables.
He ends his statement by saying that 'all the white people' still hold 'their negroes as slaves for a hundred miles west of the Altamaha River.
This research has been undertaken as a contribution to the #SlaveNameRollProject
Together we honour their names.
Testimony of Tall Boyd page 1
Testimony of Tall Boyd page 2
Coming to terms with Slavery in South Georgia
History of Lowndes County Georgia
The Mary Turner Project