Hertford County, NC - Roscius Cicero Borland ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Solon Borland & FAMILY" Chapter 5: "Roscius Cicero Borland" (11/09/08) "As a lawyer and a man he was above reproach. He was extremely nervous and mercurial, and very dainty in his choice of associates." John Wheeler Moore Roscius Cicero was likely named for the Greek Sextus Roscius of Ameria and his friend Cicero of 80 B C. ROSCIUS CICERO BORLAND, was born 1807 in Nansemond County, Virginia, first known son of Harriott GODWIN and Thomas Wood BORLAND, M D, removing to Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina in 1823, educated in Murfreesboro, becoming an attorney, married once, having four children, two to adulthood, death date, location and burial site unknown. "Mr Borland was the son of Dr. Thomas Borland, who had for many years resided in Murfreesboro and was greatly respected for his high- toned and chivalrous bearing. Roscius Borland inherited his father's high sense of honor" so says Benji B Winborne in his 1906 book. At youthful age of 17-23, Roscius' mother Harriott (Godwin) Borland died prior to 1830 census. His father had written a letter, 6 January 1825, to friend Joseph Prentis, Esquire of her illness. Probated at the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions of Hertford County on the fourth Monday [27th] of February 1832, The Last Will and Testament [written, 19 November 1831] of Thomas Borland is exhibited by its executor, Lewis M Cowper and proved by the oath of Morris Hatchell one of the subscribing witnesses. "As a lawyer and a man he was above reproach. He was extremely nervous and mercurial, and very dainty in his choice of associates. This was his only political service, for his feeble frame succumbed at an early date and with him passed from Hertford county the name of Borland. His brother Solon became US Senator from Arkansas and Minister to Nicaragua. Dr. Euclid Borland, a wealthy and courtly planter of Louisiana, long retained veneration for his native place and continued to revisit it." John W Moore Roscius was; "The young but gallant and high-strung..." attorney, appearing in August Term, 1830, of Court with license signed by Leonard Henderson, C. J. and John Hall and Thomas Ruffin, Associate Justices and took oath of an attorney. He in 1835 "...had won the confidence and respect of his people and was elected County Attorney...", succeeding James Sydney Jones III as Hertford county attorney when Jones removed to Alabama. "Roscius had been elected [1835] to serve in North Carolina's House of Commons" [with Kenneth Rayner, John Vann was in Senate] so wrote Benji B Winborne in 1906. French's 1909 writings published in Virginia Historical Magazine, Volume 17 (with some incorrect information about Borlands), reports a letter dated 19 January 1897, (later copy obtained from THOMAS HUME PAPERS, #3239, p. 7 & 8, at University of North Carolina), stating oldest son, Roscius C Borland studied law under Chancellor Wythe, had four children and died in 1845, written by son Thomas to Major -- [I believe to be; (Judge) James F Crocker, Portsmouth, Virginia]. Roscius married Miss Temperance Ramsey 25 April 1837, believed to be d/o David Ramsey & Charlotte Williams, Northampton county, with marriage bond issued the 19th in Northampton county, North Carolina, This union having four children, two surviving to adulthood: daughter named for her grandmother, Harriott Godwin Borland, son named for uncle and an aunt, George Boyd Borland, a daughter named for his aunt, Fanny Green Borland, and a son named for both, grandfather and father Thomas Roscius. The College of William & Mary's, Earl Gregg Swen Library, http://swem.wm.edu/ead/display.cfm?file=viw00044.xml , was found in April 2006, to have some 500 documents, known as Borland Papers, Mss65 B66 of which we obtained our limit of 75 selected items, mostly letters, some receipts which are most revealing of their lvies, heretofore unknown, concerning Roscius, and his brothers families, denoted (WM) below. (WM) 11 May 1842, letter to aunt Fanny (Green) Godwin asking if Thomas is in good health (assumed, brother Solon's son Thomas), age between 7 &12. (WM) 10 Sept 1844, letter to Tempe at Suffolk from Roscius at Murfreesboro, asking if sons (George Boyd & baby Thomas Roscius(?)) are well. (WM) 25 November 1844, letter to Tempe at Murfreesboro, from Roscius elsewhere, won't be home and asks her to be careful in the cold weather with herself and kids for his sake. (WM) 20 April 1845, letter to Roscius in Murfreesboro from aunt Fanny, Suffolk, telling, Solon has taken "her Thomas", -- at Philadelphia 1st, Pittsburgh on 5th, Louisville the 10th, --- that his aunt Sally Boyd was to visit her, and for him to come over when Euclid & family come in April/May. (Solon married third wife, Mary Isabel, 27 May 1845, at Little Rock, Arkansas.) David Powell's abstract of the Hertford County Court Minutes also reveal: 1)- at August Court 1845 Deed from Roscius Cicero Borland to Euclid Borland proved by Oath of F M Capehart. 2)- at November Court 1845 William N H Smith succeeds R C Borland who has removed from the state. 3)- at August Court 1846 Adm. on the estate of Roscius C Borland deed. granted to Frederick M Capehart Roscius suffered from poor health, as it seems the entire Borland family did(?), Winborne writing he moved to brother Dr. Euclid's Mississippi plantation (northern Marshall County, MS) where he became ill with the measles and died. Some argue; he returned to Murfreesboro to die, no burial site is known? (WM) letter 8 December 1846 to George Godwin, Suffolk, Virginia from F M Capehart, Murfreesboro, North Carolina stating he intends on 17th,. to bring Roscius families remains to Suffolk for burial (no names, could be any/all. George Boyd, Fanny Green, Temperance, Roscius Cicero????). It also seems most strange that, we find nothing regarding his wife Temperance's, life or death. One theory (?) is: wife "Tempe" died shortly before August 1845 when Roscius deeded property to brother Euclid, then as son Thomas wrote, his father died 1845, which had to be either in November or December1845 possibly in Mississippi with brother Euclid. Children of Roscius and Temperance: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5A. HARRIOTT GODWIN, born 18 March 1838 in North Carolina, named for her late grandmother. 1840 census lists two females 0-4 years (Harriott Godwin & ?) 1845, orphaned by death of father. 1850 census finds her at Female Seminary in Washington City operated by Robert Cushman, youngest of 18 other girls ages 12 to18. 1851, October 12th, at uncle Solon's in Hot Springs, Arkansas, heading for New Orleans with uncle Euclid, and cousins Phocion & Euclid. 1860 census of Plaquemines Parish, Lousiana, at age 22 with uncle Euclid and his 2nd wife Lucy, most likely with brother Thomas, listed "Solon", and cousins Phocion & Euclid, Jr. Harriott married Thomas Washington Smith (1832VA-1912VA), son of Washington Smith and Mary Powell, who Friday, 25 February 1825 were host to the Marquis De La'Fayette at their Somerton, Virginia Inn feeding him fine food and drink, during the Marquises 24 state visit tour. John served as an officer in Mahone's Brigade, wounded several times during the civil war, was at Appomattox during surrender. John refused promotions because he wanted to be 'one of the guys'. Following the war, he was an astute business man, involved with banks, cotton mills, while remaining a member of Tom Smith Camp of Confederate Veterans as its Commander, living in/near Suffolk City, Virginia. Both, Tom and wife Harriott are buried in 1832's former Green Hill, now 32 acre Cedar Hill cemetery, located east, behind where once her grandparents had lived. Buried in Block D, Lot 96. Harriott June 16, 1890, Tom June 9, 1912. Cemetery's entrance is adorned by 1889 Confederate Monument, which John was responsible for having raised money for. For their children, see 1880 Census. 5B. GEORGE BOYD born in Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, possibly February/March 1840, before 1840 census, named for his father's uncle and aunt, died young 5C. FANNY GREEN, born 2 February 1842, Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, named for father's aunt, died young 5D. THOMAS ROSCIUS (see photo), born 3 March 1844 in Murfreesboro, Hertford county, North Carolina, found in 1850 census with uncle George, aunt Fanny (Green) Godwin and "Miss Betsy King", Nansemond county, Virginia, following death of mother and orphaned with his father's demise November/December 1845. I believe it is he listed as "Solon, age 16" in 1860 census with uncle Euclid at Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/bios/borland10.txt At age 17, Thomas served in Company K, 9th Virginia Infantry, Lt. James F Crocker, adjutant (later Judge in Portsmouth) and cousin Colonel David Jeremiah Godwin (later, Judge of Corporation Court of Norfolk City) all under General Lewis Addison Armistead until the Gen's 5 July 1863 death from wounds received at Gettysburg Battle, in General Pickett's raid with death of Colonel James Gregory Hodges among 180 dead of their 300 force. Crocker was captured and Thomas slightly wounded but recovered to fight until surrender at Appomattox. See; Address by Judge James F Crocker, before Stonewall Camp, Confederate Veterans, Portsmouth, Va., June 18th, 1909. about Colonel James Gregory Hodges. http://pw2.netcom.com/~buck1755/shsp7.htm ) (WM) 1 April 1864, letter to "My Dear Old Uncle", from Thomas R Borland, at Hicksford, Greensville county, Virginia, tells of visit with cousin David (Col David J Godwin?) and cousin James Murray is coming to Suffolk, wrote uncle Euclid, if he comes sister will probable come also, tell Miss Betsy I will write, signed, Thomas R Borland, Co. K, 9th Va Infantry, Barton Brigade, Picketts Division. (WM) 26 November 1866, letter to uncle George Godwin(?), from Thomas R at University of Virginia, wrote he heard from sister last week, wants wine sent via Henry Cowper before Christmas, his regards to Miss Betsy, sending them "Norfolk Virginian" (WM) 11 March 1867, 3 page letter to Thomas R at University of Virginia, from uncle Euclid, New Orleans, his handwriting is tough to read, says something about Thomas and Euclid, (Jr) spending money. May be in preperation for European trip?? (WM) 17 October 1867, 3 page letter to Miss Betsy from Thomas R in Paris, France, been wondering four months, sailing home November, be in Suffolk 1st December, hopefully, Euclid left earlier. Been to Ireland, Scotland. "I shall find you in Suffolk instead of "Small Hopes" and the old place will have received another tenant.", signed; "Yr' affectionate son, T R Borland" Thomas attended University of Virginia during some of the same years as cousin Euclid and Arkansan, Fay Hempstead. Euclid & Thomas journeyed to Europe, Euclid twice, Thomas was home at end of 1867, graduated with his law degree, As an unmarried attorney at age 26 in 1870 census, 1st Ward, Norfolk, Virginia he served in state Legislature 1871-72. Became partner with John C Baker in what later was Baker & Borland, later, when appointed to his third consecutive term as Attorney for Norfolk, formed a partnership with Judge Thomas H Willcox lasting till death. First married before 6th December 1872 to Mary "Mamie" Lousia Camp, she born 29 July 1844VA, died 18 January 1878VA, d/o George Washington Camp & Elizabeth Barron Armistead of Norfolk. (WM) 6 December 1872, 2 page letter to Miss Betsy from Thomas R Borland at Richmond, Virginia, with commit by his wife at end. (WM) 26 December 1872, 3 page letter to Miss Betsy from Thomas R, from Norfolk, Speaks of how much he likes the socks she made for him, and wants her to make him "two or three shirts" As in ever letter, tells her he wants her to come live with them, apparently gave her money for Xmas. (WM) 29 July 1873, 2 page letter to Miss Betsy, from Thomas R at Norfolk, said sorry to hear of sudden death of uncle Billy. sister will have told her their little daughter (Mary Chapman, their first) was born 24 July, both are doing "excellently", but Mamie suffered a great deal before the birth. (WM) 26 December 1873, 2 page letter to Miss Betsy, from Thomas R at Norfolk, writing that; "..when you leave the farm, you are to live with us." (WM) 9 February 1874, one page letter to Miss Betsy, from Thomas R at Norfolk, he writes; you know my home is your home --- whenever you are ready to come." Second marriage, 23 December 1879 to Caroline (Carrie) H Barney, born 20 September 1849AL, died 22 June 1928VA, she being the fifth child of Henry Barney, Nantucket, Massachusetts and Mary Nelson, Paughkeepsie, New York, married 12 September1837. The 1880 Census has T.R. BOWLAND (T.R. Borland) with 2nd wife Carrie Barney and two children of his 1st wife. In 1884 he was again elected to the state legislature. President Benjamin Harrison appointed Thomas R Borland to serve as his United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. Miss Betsy King, born 1824, died at Thomas' home 25 March 1899, buried with family in Lot #38, Elmwood cemetery, Norfolk ~ ~ WHO WAS SHE? Thomas died 2 January 1900, 36 years & 1 day following death of his famous uncle, Colonel Solon Borland, M D,, then his 3 January 1900 obituary miscued, having him son of Euclid Borland instead of his father Roscius Cicero Borland, both older brothers of "That Man Named Solon". ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ELIZABETH (BETSY) KING (1824VA-1899VA) Betsy was a very important person in Thomas' life. She may have been his "nanny" when he was orphaned at less than two years of age, living with aunt Fanny Green and uncle Geroge Godwin in Nansemond county, Virginia, possibly at "Small Hopes Farm(?)". Euclid Borland also sent Betsy letters which are in (WM) files. It could be her, a female, 10 to 15 in 1840 census in George Godwin's household, and is listed 1850 & '60, then in her own household 1870 & '80 at Chuckatuck Township with Suffolk Post Office, Letters were addressed to her at "Small Hopes Farm" Her aunt Amelia (Melie) Saunders, born ca 1801, also single is with her in 1870 & '80. As afore stated. Elizabeth King is buried, Lot #38, Elmwood cemetery (Thomas Borland's family lot), Norfolk, Virginia. Interment card has, -- she died at 158 York Street, 25th March 1899, that being home of Thomas R Borland. Who was she? And where is that mysterious" Small Hopes Farm", A note is on back of Roscius Cicero Borland's portrait, says it is location the portraits were drawn in 1809! ~~~~~~~~~~~ Contested election in Congress from the Second District of Virginia: Notice of contest from Thomas R. Borland to D. Gardiner Tyler, for seat in the LIV. Congress by Thomas Roscius Borland R.H. Darby Released: 1895 ~~~~~~~~~~~ Thomas' 19 January 1897 letter, was most likely (?) written to Portsmouth friend, "Major" (Judge) James F Crocker, is from Thomas Hume's files, concerning Colonel Hodges, and was most informative. Revealing; his father died in 1845, he inherited, from Uncle Euclid, nine "James Sharpless", chalk on paper, of the family's pastel portraits Borland and Godwin family members (work by son, Felix Thomas Sharples, according to Chrysler Museum of Art(?), now under review), noted as done, 1809 at " Small Hopes Farm"(?) in Nansemond county, Virginia housed at Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk Virginia, since 1964, who graciously furnished copies for our use. Thomas Roscius Borland, as is most of his family, buried in Lot 38 Elmwood Cemetery, Norfolk, Virginia. Children by first union with Mary Louisa Camp: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5D-a. MARY CHAPMAN BORLAND, born 24 July 1873, died 6 January 1890, age16+ 5D-b. ARMISTEAD BORLAND, born 26 June 1875, died 29 August 1949, age 74, married, ca 1901, Bonnie Barrington Myers, born 1882VA, died 24 July 1949, age 67, d/o Wm. W & Martha McRorie Myers. Armistead served in Spanish-American and WWI, was Norfolk's Civil Service Secretary, 1920-1947. College class mate and friend of Stephane Crane (1871-1900) 5D-b-1. THOMAS ROSICUS BORLAND (1902VA-1936TX), buried Elmwood cemetery, 21 June 1936, age34 5D-b-2.. ELIZABETH A (Armistead?) BORLAND, born 5 January 1904, died 15 July 1988, married John Franklin Ross, Jr. born, 5 March 1904, died 15 January 1961 5D-b-3. CATHERINE W BORLAND, born ca1907VA, died post 1972, married Wayne Adams, was in; California 1936, Buenos Aires 1949 & California1988. 5D-b-3a. Miss ARMISTEAD BORLAND ADAMS 5D-b-3b. WAYNE W ADAMS 5D-c. HARRIETTE BORLAND, born 2 months before 1 July 1877 burial. Children of second union with Caroline (Carrie) H. Barney: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 5D-d. THOMAS ROSICUS BORLAND, Jr, born February 1881, died 14 December 1885 5D-e. RAMSEY BORLAND, born 28 August 1883, died 7 April 1939, married 1921, Rosa Ella Weyman, born 1884NY, died 28 October 1946 5D-f. CHARLES BARNEY BORLAND, born 8 January 1886, died 3 March 1972, married 1st before shipping overseas, 4 August 1917 in New York, Grace (Gracie) Odend'hal, born 16 December 1884, died 10 May 1959, d/o Joseph Slack & Julia Herbert Cason of Norfolk. married 2nd, 15 November 1960, Richmond, Virginia, Cornelia (McBlair) Stribbling, (1884VA-1987VA), age 103(obit), (ts ,1887-1987) d/o George and Cornelia G McBlair. Colonel Charles B Borland served in Army during WWI, helped organize Norfolk's American Legion Post in 1919, became a City of Norfolk employee same year, Chief of Police 1934-1938, City Manager 1938 through 31 Dec 1945, very active in civic affairs, retired to Virginia Beach, Virginia, buried in Lot #38 with other family members and 1st wife in Elmwood Cemetery, Norfolk, His 2nd wife, Cornelia, is buried with her mother a McBlair, across Princess Anne Road in Cedar Grove Cemetery, obituaries and interment cards saying she was 103 years old. 5D-g. CARRIE B(Barney?) BORLAND, born October 1888, died April 7, 1931, married Benjamin Baker Burroughs born1890, died August 9,1967, Norfolk, Elmwood cemetery, Blk 2nd "AE" lots 101 & 103 5D-g-1 Eliz B, died 3/17/1916 5D-g-2 Emily W, died 12/17/1961 5D-g-3 Hugh M, died 10/16/1964 5D-g-4 John J, died 2/20/1920 ______________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by William S. Boggess - bog417@gmail.com ______________________________________________________________________