Robert Watson and Charles Wesley Boyd were born to Robert Jamison and Rachel Belle Pooser Boyd in 1833 and 1835, respectively. Charles attended the Methodist Cokebury Conference School, South Carolina College (now the University of South Carolina), and the University of Göttingen. Robert studied at Wofford College and South Carolina College, where he expelled for his involvement in the "Great Biscuit Rebellion." Both men served in the "Thicketty Rifles" (later became Company F of the 15th South Carolina Infantry Regiment) and fought together at the battle of Fredericksburg, Va. Charles died in combat at Chancellorsville, Va., on May 3, 1863. Robert survived the war and went on to establish a law firm in Darlington, S.C., and serve as a trustee of South Carolina College and Wofford College.