The Ancestral Home of the Boardman and Boyd Families

Including Frederic Boyd, Founding Father and President of the Republic of Panama

Coolbeg Farmhouse stands on the site of the original thatched homestead of the historic Boardman and Boyd families of County Fermanagh. Rich in Irish, Scottish, American, and Panamanian heritage, the property holds a unique place in local and international history.

The Boardman family traces its roots to the Dutch “Boorman” family, who arrived in Ireland as mercenaries during the Williamite War of 1689–1691. Over time, the name evolved into “Boardman.” Historical records show a John Boardman of Coolbeg listed on the Fermanagh Electoral Register in 1770, although the family’s connection to the area may date back even earlier.

The Boyd family arrived in Ulster from Ayrshire, Scotland during the late 1600s and early 1700s. The Boyd name became particularly associated with Counties Fermanagh and Antrim. Nearby Aghalurcher Cemetery in Lisnaskea contains many historic Boyd family headstones, recording generations who lived around Upper Lough Erne.

In 1827, the marriage of Margaret Boardman and James Boyd united the two families, creating the Boardman-Boyd lineage connected to Coolbeg and neighbouring lands at Aghamore. Several of their children later emigrated to the United States under the surnames Boyd and Boyd-Boardman.

One son, Archibald Boardman-Boyd, emigrated to Panama, where his son Frederic Boyd became one of the four revolutionary leaders who secured Panama’s independence from Colombia in 1903. Frederic Boyd later served as the 4th President of Panama. His son, Dr Augusto Samuel Boyd, went on to become the 18th President of Panama in 1939.

Another branch of the Boardman family continued to live at Coolbeg for generations. In 1941, ownership passed to the Boardmans of Aughakillymaude, Knockninny, who remained connected to the property until 2009.

Today, Coolbeg Farmhouse warmly welcomes descendants of the Boardman and Boyd families, as well as visitors with an interest in Irish genealogy, Ulster heritage, or the history of Panama.

We are always interested in learning more about the Irish, American, and Panamanian branches of the Boardman and Boyd families. Any historical information, family stories, or genealogy records are greatly appreciated.