Hertford County, NC - Dr. Thomas W. & Harriott Godwin Borland ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ "Solon Borland & FAMILY" Chapter 1: "Family's Early Years" (10-29-08) Doctor THOMAS WOOD BORLAND (1779SCOT-ca1831NC) married HARRIOTT GODWIN (1787VA-ca1825NC) in 1805. With this union were three known children, all sons; Roscius Cicero born 1807, Nansemond county (Suffolk formed 1808), Euclid born 27 October 1809, and Solon born 8 August 1811, both in Suffolk, Nansemond county, Virginia. Harriott died ca1825 and Thomas ca1831. Death dates, location and burial site(s) unknown. Sons were likely named from his interest in Greek history: Roscius Cicero, for Sextus Roscius of Ameria and friend Cicreo of 80 B C, Euclid for Euclid of Alexandria, the mathamatition of 300 B C and Solon for, Solon the Lawmaker, who died 559 B C. Solon's father; Thomas Wood Borland, M D, an emigrant from Hamilton, Scotland, reportedly, son of Robert Borland and Margaret Jack, from Goodspeed Publshing Company's 1892 biography of grandson, General Euclid Borland, Jr, also September 2007, from Robert Borland, Wembleton, England was: "...born 9 Dec 1779 Hamilton. His father Robert Borland married Margaret Jack 18 January 1778. Thomas Borland of Goodsburn (near Strathaven not far from Hamilton) mentioned a Robert Borland who emigrated to America towards the end of the 18th century with his son Thomas but he didn't say precisely which Robert it was. I had suspected that it was the Robert who m. Margaret Jack and I still think that. These Hamilton Borlands are related to the John Borland who emigrated to Boston in1682. It is often difficult to link American Borlands with Borlands in Scotland or Ireland but in this case the link is quite clear." Arrived in Nansemond county ca 1796 so wrote Fay Hempstead (1847AR- 1934AR) who attended University of Virginia same years as grandsons Euclid and Thomas R Borland. Solon's mother; Harriott (spelling from son Euclid's toppled tombstone) Godwin born to Jeremiah Godwin, Jr (1766VA- 1820GA) and Sally Wilkinson (17xx-1843VA), following their 30 September 1784 marriage, George, first born, 3 December 1785, then Harriott on 17 September 1787. Their parents first lived at "Stockley Plantation", then "Castle Inn" when owner left town in 1813, then in 1817 on 135 acres named "Athens" (possibly (?) aka, the missing, "Small Hopes Farm"), North West of Suffolk, possibly in Chuckatuck township(?), before moving to Putnam county, Georgia where Jeremiah Jr passed away in 1820. Mother Sally returning to live with son George and his wife Fanny Green, married 1804, until her death in 1843. Harriott's father was son of his namesake, Jeremiah Goodwin, born 2 February 1766, two days later his mother, Mary Holladay, died, she, first of at least four wives. Jeremiah Sr, was son of Thomas, III & Mary Godwin, she daughter of Captain Edwin Godwin, --- he son of Colonel Thomas Godwin II, married to Martha, daughter of Colonel Joseph Bridger of Isle of Wight, and is said to have been Speaker of the House of Burgess during Nathanial Bacon's Rebellion of 1676, who in turn was son of Captain Thomas Godwin, the original immigrant prior to 1616, the ancestor of the Godwins of Nansemond county, who had represented Nansemond county in the House of Burgess in 1652 & other years. In the 1674 (2 Hening,318) act, ascertaining the bounds of counties of Isle of Wight and Nansemond, he is designated as "an ancient inhabitant of Nanzemond Countie Court" -- the act directed that the boundary line should be so run as to leave the house and cleared land of Capt. Thomas Godwin ("Old Castle", later (?) "Smal Hopes Farm") within Nansemond county. His will is dated March 24th, 1676-7. Most all of above is fromS. Bassett French's (1820-1898) Biographical Sketches published in Virginia Historical Magazine, Notes and Queries, Volume 17, pages 96- 98, now confirmed with Thomas Hume Papers, summary, #3239 of the University of North Carolina, pages 1-7, dated 2/18/05. Another source said; Captain Thomas Godwin emigrated to Nansemond county when it was known as "Upper Norfolk", then "Nandsamund" in mid-seventeenth century! Our Robert Bogguss' are recorded in 1644 in Deed Book B; 37a, Norfolk county. Harriott was Colonel David Jeremiah Godwin's aunt. He married Lucrece P Wilson, and was apparently, once, a partner with Thomas Hume, also commander over Thomas Roscius Borland, Roscius Cicero's' son, during civil war. Harriott being older sister to his father David (1793-1841), married to Cherry (Charity) Kelly, and younger sister of brother George Godwin (1785-1866) married Frances (Fanny) Green, he 74, she 72 years old in 1860 census, she daughter of Thomas Green and Mary Giles, sister to James Giles Green, who was first husband of Ann T B Hancock. (see Sharples portraits). Thomas Wood Borland, M D and Harriott Godwin are reported in Fillmore Norfleet's book, "Suffolk in Virginia", as living on property of Mathias Jones, just south of the Castle Inn (modern day address, 444N. Main Street), across street from George and Fanny (Green) Godwin who lived in a home Dr. Robert H Fisher (1785-1815) built with wife Charlotte Holland (ca1784-aft1860) on a lot, in Suffolk, Virginia, well before the city's 1837 fire and after its 1797 fire. He son of Thomas Fisher and Mary Tembte, see Sharples portraits. The 1820 Virginia census has two white males, ages 10-15, with Dr. Borland, undoubtedly Roscius Cicero & Euclid. Oddly, it lists only a male 26-44. Where might wife/mother, 33 y/o Harriott be? There is a Harriat Godwin listed separately? George Godwin's household has listed one white boy 0-9 y/o, most likely Solon, male 26-44, female 26-44 and 31 slaves. There's a 1821 receipt for Solon's school paid by Geroge Godwin. George and Fanny, seemingly were raising son Solon in 1820 Nansemond county census, they one of fifteen Godwin families listed therein, also see (WM) 1821, paid schooling receipt. Solon named children of his third marriage, George Godwin & Fanny Green, with each of his brothers nameing a daughter Fanny, no doubt, in my mind, honoring their aunt Fanny (Green) Godwin. Its reported Dr Borland moved family to Murfreesboro, North Carolina in 1823 and the 1830 census lists Dr. Borland in North Carolina with three males, most likely Roscius, Euclid & Solon, plus 5 male & 9 female, slaves, wife Harriott believed died, ca 1825. Reply from Sue Woodward of the Suffolk-Nansemond County Historical Society 7 February 2004 quoted Fillmore Norfleet's book "Suffolk in Virginia", which in part, appears to rely on S. Bassett French's (1820- 1898) Biographical Sketches, printed by Whittet & Shepperson, Richmond, VA, copyright 1974, a copy of which we received via interlibrary loan 10 March 2004 again May 2006, to wit; "1)- George Godwin (b. Dec 1785, at "Stockley Plantation"----d.s.p., 1866), married 1804, Frances [Fanny] Green (b. 1785, daughter of Thomas and Mary Giles Green), and lived on Main Street in house built on Dr. Robert H. Fisher's lot. "2)- Harriet [Harriott] Godwin (b. Sept. 17, 1787 - d. post 1825) married in 1805, Thomas Wood Borland, M.D. (b. in Scotland - d. 1830/31) and lived in Suffolk where he rented a "Dwelling & Doctor's Shop" from Mathias Jones in 1811 and a "dwelling, stable, and warehouse" from Jacob Keeling in 1822, after which time he settled in Murfreesboro, NC, from where he wrote to Joseph Prentis [Esq., from Williamsburg in 1805, (1785-1851), [whose home in 2005 is subject of historical society's sale], January 6, 1825, about his wife's illness. Their three sons were: Roscius Cicero (1807-1845), Euclid (1809- 1872[1881]) and Solon ([1811]- d. 1864)." Norfleet's book contained black & white prints of pastel portraits, courtesy of Frick Art Reference Library, N.Y., by Felix Thomas Sharples, at least 9 created at "Small Hopes Farm" according to note afixed backside of Roscius' portrait, included are Solon's parents, brothers, maternal grandparents, uncle and aunt George and Fanny Godwin, and her mother Mrs. Thomas Green (nee Mary Giles), --- all noted as formerly owned by a Charles B Borland (grand nephew of Solon's). Thomas C Parramoore copied Dr Thomas and Harriott Borland's portraits crediting Fillmore Norfleet in his book. 1 June 2005, we learned these portraits were owned by Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, Virginia, since 1964, www.chrysler.org . following a lead of an earlier reply to an on-line query. We were told by Chrysler Museum of Art, these were; "chalk on paper", 10 x 8 inches, done at "Small Hopes Farm" by Felix [Thomas] Sharples' (others say his father, James) in 1809, then they furnished copies for our use. Ownership of nine of these Sharples portraits was; Euclid, willed to his nephew Thomas R Borland, to his son Colonel Charles B Borland (1886VA-1972VA), to Auslew Gallery (Norfolk) then since 1964, at Chrysler Museum of Art in Norfolk, Virginia. Colonel Charles Barney Borland was Norfolk City Manager 1938 till December 1945, youngest son, of Thomas Roscius Borland (1844NC-1900VA), with second wife Carrie Barney (1849VA- 1928VA). Modern portraits of Thomas Roscius & 2nd wife and son Charles Barney & 2nd wife are also at the Chrysler Art Gallery, of which we determined were cross mixed and they agreed, thusly have corrected the mix-up of father and son, but not so until after my original booklet was printed. HOWEVER, Sally's site is now correct; www.sallysfamilyplace.com/MulberryGrove/Borland.htm, and so is Hertford county's site; www.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/hertfordbios.htm , and now my 11/18/08 booklet. Unfortunately for all, the court house fire of 1830 burnt most of Hertford County records, then the Feds set fire to the new court house during the civil war. Benj. B Winborne tried to put the history in writing from family records. To quote from Benj. Winborne's 1906 book; "The Colonial and State Political History of Hertford County, N.C.": "He [Dr. Thomas Borland] was profound as a scholar, eminent as a physician, haughty and, chivalrous in manner, strong in his love of country, and greatly respected by his neighbors. He was thoroughly familiar with all the classics and could read Greek and Latin fluently, and through life he enjoyed reading his Greek books. For a long while prior to his death, in 1830 or 1831, he was one of the wealthy and aristocratic, justices of the county, and was often seen presiding over the court. "Dr. Borland married Harriott Godwin leaving the following sons: Euclid, Roscius Cicero and Solon. "The Borlands were all brave, true, honorable and chivalrous people. Hertford County for some reason never insisted upon the advancement of her noble and able sons for governmental honors. They were, however, always appreciated in their adopted homes." Dr Borland was court appointed guardian of William Traders heirs. "Many of the Borlands [only Euclid's family] and the members of their families are buried near Murfreesboro on the Ramsey farm [Ramsey Cemetery, on Vaughan Creek Road], owned by my wife [who was a Vaughan]". (ca 1890's) Thomas Parramore wrote; Dr. Thomas Borland served a term in the Virginia legislature, supported by the "American National Biography", Volume 3. He also cites a story of Dr. Borland in 1877 by Rev. Bennett Taylor Blake, of being chased by a dog named "Bose" at the residence now known as Roberts-Vaughan House, when he went to visit Aunt Sally Vaughan, while living around the corner on what now is College Street. Seems the dog got the best of Dr. Borland. John Gilipin used to sing; 'Long live good Aunt Sally Vaughan!, ' Long Live good Dr. B.!, 'And when he runs another race, 'May I be there to see' Norfleet and Winborne, wrote of Gilbert Montier, Marquis de La'Fayette's 1824-1825 visit of our, by then 24 states, including towns of Suffolk, Somerton, and Murfreesboro, Friday, 25 February 1826[1825] & Saturday, 26 February 1825, with gala and festive receptions, to wit; Norfleet pages 45-47 describe the day long event, where General La'fayette shook hands with all who came near the Castle Inn., andNorfleet's page 127: "Appraised of La'Fayette's intended visit, a group of Murfreesboro citizens had a meeting, presided over by Dr. Thomas Wood Borland (formerly of Suffolk, Note 66) and decided that a committee of five men should meet the General at Somerton, a village in Nansemond County, and escort him to town. Accordingly, La'Fayette, after a copious "banquet" served him by Washington Smith (Note 136), [husband of Mary Powell, father of John Washington Smith (1832VA-1912VA) who married Solon's niece, Harriott Godwin Borland (1838NC-1890VA), daughter of Roscius Cicero Borland, Esq.] reached Murfreesboro on [Saturday] February 26 1825.". Winborne: "Dr. Borland presided and William Rea was Secretary. A committee consisted of Colonel James Brickle, Dr. O'Bryon, Lewis M. Cowper and John Southall was appointed to meet the General at Somerton, Va., and escort him to town. He stopped at the Indian Queen Hotel on Broad street [demolished in 1890's], then owned by Henry Ramsey [Henry Ramsey's granddaughter, Elizabeth M (Ramsey) Bell- Borland's second husband was Euclid Borland, son of Dr Borland.]." ---- ---- ---- "On Monday following he was escorted to Jackson, where Chief Justice John Lewis Taylor was holding court." The College of William & Mary's, Earl Gregg Swen Library, http://swem.wm.edu/ead/display.cfm?file=viw00044.xml , was found April 2006 to have 521 documents, known as Borland Papers, Mss65 B66 of which we obtained our limit of 75 selected items, mostly letters, some receipts which were most revealing of material heretofore unknown, concerning Borland family noted herein (WM). Mother Harriott was alive but ill, 6 January 1825 when Dr. Borland penned a letter to friend Joseph Prentis II, Esquire, concerning her illness. It is reported that Dr Borland suffered ill health also (seemingly, the entire Borland family had health problems), and is believed she died, ca 1825. (WM) Letter of 19 April 1828 to father's brother-in-law, George Godwin, from son Euclid Borland (age 18) after father, Dr Thomas W Borland, brought him to The College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia, second such institution of higher learning after Havard, created 1693. Delayed by high-water at James Town ferry. Thomas and son Euclid dined at Judge Brown's. The evening Thomas left, Euclid and all students were invited to Professor Campbell's, their mathematics professor, for tea. Euclid wrote he had the best furnished room on campus and was really impressed with all, professors, students and the school, however he was looking forward to seeing aunt Fanny and all at "Castle Hill", later known as "Buntings" (Small Hope Farm?) come 4th of July. The following court minutes were found; "Hertford County, NC - February 1830 Court Minutes ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~ " ~~~~~~~~ Chairmen "To the use of William Trader heirs by Thomas Borland Guardian" Trial Docket No.** vs Debt Charles Spires, Elisha H. Sharp & James H. Bryant It is ordered by the Court, that the Report of the Clerk be & is in all things Confirmed & that he be allowed Twenty dollars for his Report. Jury No 1. Sworn and empanelled Say they find all the issues in favor of the plaintiff and assess his damages for the br****s alleged in plaintiffs declaration to One Thousand Six hundred and Seven dollars & Ninety five cents "$1,607.90" of which Sum, there is due to Martha Trader $261.54/100, and to each and to each of the coming heirs five in Number $269.28. ~~~~ " ~~~~~~~ Judgment of the Court for the penalty of the bond to 6,000, to be discharged on the payment of the above Sum of $1607.95 & costs.~~~ " http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/court/feb1830min.txt Found on the internet was: "Southall Wills and Probate Records Extracts of Daniel Southalls Estate Inventory and Accounts from: Record of Accounts, Inventories & Sales of Estates, Hertford Co., NC, 1835-1837,Volume II "A Dr. Borland bought a lot of this stuff." Dr Thomas Wood Borland, father to Solon Borland, prepared his will 19 November 1831, http://files.usgwarchives.org/nc/hertford/wills/borlandm22wl.txt and read at the Court of Pleas and Quarter sessions of Hertford county on the fourth Monday [27th] of February 1832, as the Last Will and Testament of Thomas Borland as exhibited by its executor, Lewis M Cowper and proved by the oath of Morris Hatchell one of the subscribing witnesses. In his will item one was; "...I direct LUCY a young woman aged about eighteen in appearance very nearly white to be immediately set free and from this moment I do emancipate her and declare then by this writing to be free and no longer the property of any person whatever." Death dates and burial locations are still unknown to us for; Dr Thomas & wife Harriott, as well as for Roscius C & wife "Tempe", plus their children, George Boyd and Fanny Green. We do have copy of a letter (WM) dated 8th December 1846 by Fredrick M Capehart to George Godwin, but not listing names, stating Roscius family remains were to be removed to Suffolk for burial 18th December 1846. surname Borland is NOT listed in Cedar Hill cemetery, where Roscius' daughter Harriott Godwin is buried with husband Tom Washington Smith, location, east, behind where the Dr Borland's once lived. ______________________________________________________________________ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.org/copyright.htm This file was contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by William S. Boggess - billboggess@webtv.net ______________________________________________________________________