U.S. Senator Borland (1848-1853) was the person whom Archibald Yell enlisted with for the
Mexican-American War (1846-1848), and then served as Major under Yell after Yell was
elected Colonel of the organization.
As much history and that written about Solon has its errors,  we have corrected, following an in-depth
research of his death date and location.

That Man Named Solon was, Colonel Solon Borland, M.D.
(1811 VA-1864 TX)

"The 1840s was an important era, ---- it defined direction the United States
would take as a nation." <www.nps.gov/fosc/mexican.htm> 

It was also learned early, if a job needed done, Solon was the one! 

Solon was of those unsettled frontier times, arriving in Arkansas 1842, following
days of Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett and the Alamo,
while our west was being confiscated from native and governmentally
moved Indians from our eastern states, --- now ousting them from their
hunting grounds for our white man's farm, plantation and/or ranch. This
done while our nation was still exploring and developing its 1803
purchased lands west of the Mississippi River, expanding westward to the
Pacific Ocean, by militarily capturing Mexican lands in 1848, now New
Mexico, Arizona, California, plus parts of Kansas, Colorado, Utah & Nevada.

Our ambitious young & expanding nation, grew from 17 to 36
states during Solon's 52 years, experiencing events such as; Nate
Turner's bloody 1831 slave uprising of Southampton County, VA, Texas
statehood,1845, Mexican-American War, 1846-48, 1861-65 Civil War, yet to
come was; "Golden Spike" driven Monday, 10 May 1869 in Utah, connecting
Central and Union Pacific cross-country rail system, (1920-1937, Union
Pacific's president was Carl Raymond Gray, born 1867 in Princeton to
diary keeper, Virginia Davis Gray, advisor to presidents Wilson &
Roosevelt, introducing nation's first streamlined train in 1934 & Sun
Valley resort in 1936, receiving four honorary LL.D. degrees from;
University of Maryland in 1916, University of Arkansas, 1929, Washinton
& Jefferson College and Sioux Falls College, 1937, found in "Who was Who
in America", with two of three sons in "Who's Who in America", General
C.R., Jr. and Doctor H.K. Gray) --- or Sunday, 25 Jun 1876, Gen.
Custer's 'last stand' (graduating USMA year after Harold Borland), or
Wednesday, 26 Oct 1881, 'shoot-out' at Tombstone's OK Corral with Wyatt
Earp. Those were not simple, quite, days while our lively young nation's
western frontier was being developed. They were somewhat lawless,
requiring justice to handle affairs of people, so 3 Mar 1851 Senator
Borland supported "An Act to Divide the District of Arkansas into two
Judicial Districts", which in 1875 - 1895, brought about "Hanging" Judge
Isaac C. Parker to Ft. Smith!

Solon was, to me, a fascinating person, an under-dog seeking
justice for the masses, so to speak, a ruthless politician, as were his
worthy opponents, a common trait in those days of our unsettled nation,
particularly in the new state of Arkansas --- but a true romantic and
fearless frontiersman, on balance a great leader and comparatively
honest, straight forward, fighter, who loved the excitement,
documentedly serving many needs during those frontier days, such as,
medical doctor, lawyer, newspaper editor, educator, politician, advisor,
professor, organizer of military troops, fighter, loving parent and
charismatic leader quick to be a friend, easily likeable, all as we
interpretatively gained from most of the articles found about him and
his family's life adventures from history books and stumbled upon on the
internet. Most stories found were accurate, some questionable, a few
incorrect, two examples; when Fort Smith was captured, April 1861, Major
Richard Caswell Gatlin of North Carolina (which seceded from the Union
20 May 1861, two weeks after Arkansas), Born January 18, 1809 Lenoir
County NC, USMA 35th in 1832. Relieved of command as Brig. Gen., March
19, 1862 after loss of Fort Hatteras and surrender of New Berne, Died
September 8, 1896 Mount Nebo, Yell County AR, Buried National Cemetery
Fort Smith AR, but then, still in U.S.Army captured but released,  NOT
Solon's home town inventor Richard Jordan Gatling (1832NC-1903NY) of the
Gatling Gun fame, never to serve in the military. Stories incorrectly
credit captured Maj. Gatlin as inventor of the 1862 Gatling Gun,
<www.aristotle.net/~tomezell/guards.htm . Information sources, Bruce S.
Allardice, Des Plaines, IL, author, "More Generals In Gray" & other
works, and E. Frank Stephenson, Jr., Murfreesboro, NC, author, "Gatling,
A Photographic Remembrance", on Dr. Richard Jordan Gatling and other
works. Also, 11 Feb 1863, p.2, c.1, Galveston Weekly News, news item,
was of Col James Bourland rather than "Col. Borland"!

Solon's birth name was Solomon, according to one source, with
different dates listed in different publications; 21 Sep 1808, 1809,
1810, 8 & 11 Aug 1811. 

We accept 8 Aug 1811, as documented by his nephew Thomas
Roscius Borland, U.S.Attorney for Eastern Virginia in letter of 19 Jan
1897, when our nation had 17 states, and James Madison was president,
and date's consistent with information found during our search, such as,
census' age from 20 to under 30, in 1840, age 39 in 1850, 48 in 1860. 

At Solon's death, north & south were 36 states, with newspapers
full of war news, no room for Solon's obituary, causing confusion to say
the least, with varying dates attributed by different authorities; 1 &
31 Jan and 15 Dec 1864. 

We accept 1 Jan 1864, with our investigation 26 Mar 2004,
conducted following a check with Dr. Moneyhon, 23 Feb 2004 after
discovery of a "fictitious 15 Dec 1864 date of death" while viewing copy
of "Arkansas Biography", publication year, 2000 received 21 Feb 2004,
having a striking resemblance to "American National Biography Vol. 3,
1999", viewed 26 Mar 2004 both with incorrect facts by James M. Woods.
Dr. Moneyhon assured us the 1983 annoted & published diary of Virginia's
is same as that in both, --- the originally penned diary (which we now
have accessed) entry of Friday, 4 Mar 1864 (140 years ago) and its copy
penned by her great-granddaughter. We, as Dr. Moneyhon suggests, accept
this Mar 1864 entry as possibly in error of day, but NOT of month, due
to possibility of grabbled telegraphic message interrupted with "3"
dropped from date 31.(Telegraph was new to Arkansas in 1860), --- but
such did not occur! Colonel Solon Borland,M.D. died 1 Jan 1864 near
Houston, TX, so it seems by the facts available! 

NOTE; Dr. Solon Borland's will (attached), witnessed by Joel S.
Head & C.T. Frost (1860 census has Frost as a 30 y/o doctor of
Lynchburg, Harris County, TX, born Cumberland, ME; source; Bruce S.
Allardice), Thursday, 31 Dec 1863, was filed 25 Aug 1864, --- WAS NOT
written in Arkansas as historian 
James M. Woods would have us to believe, and DOES establish location and
approximate time of the Senator's demise, to wit; 
first sentence; 
"I Solon Borland being in my opinion
seriously diseased with pneumonia but of Sound and disposing Mind and
Memory ..." 

last paragraph's next to last sentence, to wit; 
"... that I shall live only a few
days at furthest, and ..." 

also in body of the will is written; 
"... of which bonds Interest has
been paid to me to Jany 1 1864 by the depository at Houston, and ..." 

Thusly, Virginia Davis Gray's 1863-1866 diary, annoted and
published by Dr. Carl H. Moneyhon, UALR, 1983 in The Arkansas Historical
Quarterly, Volume XLII, Number 1, page 74, under 4 March 1864 entry, and
said will --- provide the ONLY contemporary notifications, of date and
location for Dr. Solon Borland's death known to us, --- perhaps better
than an obituary. 

Review of Probate action reveals; Solon's 31 December 1863 will
was filed eight months later, Thursday, 25 Aug 1864 by Hempstead County
Clerk Simon T. Sanders (1797NC-1882MO), --- NO court statement says nor
implies, Solon's will was written in Washington, AR, as historian
JamesM. Woods states in both, Arkansas Biography and the American
National Biography's of Solon, --- we also note a negative attitude
towards Solon in Woods writings! 

"Washington, from its establishment
in 1824, was an important stop on the rugged Southwest Trail for
pioneers traveling to Texas. James Bowie, Sam Houston [(1793VA-1863TX),
a fellow Senator] and Davy Crockett traveled through Washington. James
Black, a local blacksmith, is credited with creating the legendary Bowie
Knife here. Later, the town became a major service center for area
planters, merchants and professionals. Washington was the Confederate
Capital of Arkansas from 1863-1865." 

Legal date of death, 15th December AD, 1864, inserted by
Hempstead County Court is an un-documented "fictitious date", 1-year
following actual death! 

Princeton's telegraph clerk, Mr. Davis, received message
concerning Dr. Borland's death, passing it on to cousin Virginia Davis
Gray who entered it in her diary, and informed others! 

Second entry in diary; -- 9 Sept 1863, speaks of Dr. Borland;
she writes of reading and discussing one of his books, later writing; 

"Dr. Borland was sick in bed when he
heard it. [Fed's had taken Little Rock] He said it was time for him to
come out of bed, and is actually gone to make arrangements to leave for Texas.". 

14 Sept 1863 entry, states; 
"We are all as careless of the Federals as those East Indians who drank in the
plague. Col. Borland left in the evening. Though some men on the Arkadelphia
road passed the night in Tulip bottom and some women slept ready dressed, the wolf
[Fed's] didn't come." 

We believe; will of Solon's is proven without a doubt
written, signed and witnessed in Texas the day before his death, ---
delivered eight months later, to Washington, the then Confederate
Capitol of Arkansas, Thursday, August 25, 1864, to be filed with long
term (1838-1868) SimonT. Sanders, Clerk of the Circuit Court of County
of Hempstead, State of Arkansas. WHY, pray tell, --- would anyone file
their will for public review, four months before their death? Not even
in Arknasas, should this be done! 

Solon's 31 Dec 1863 will (written at William (Francis R., ?)
Lubbock's home according to 50-year Secretary of Arkansas' Masonic
order, and friend of Virginia's husband Col Oliver Crosby Gray, --- Fay
Hempstead), witnessed by Joel S. Head & C. T. Frost, in which Solon
confirms leaving Princeton about 1st of Sep 1863, (noted in Virginia's
diary, as Monday evening, 14 Sep 1863, five days following making plans
to go to Texas), revealing his trust in Captain Wm.T.M. Holmes (killed 5
Oct 1862, Hatchie Bridge) widow, Martha Augustina (Gee) Holmes
(1816VA-1901AR) (buried next to Virginia Gray's first son) in providing
her control of his funds and two female slaves, in behalf of looking
after his young daughters, Fannie, 15 y/o & Mary (Molly) 13, who upon
his death, inherited his worldly goods. 

THEREFORE, a reasonable conclusion is; --- Solon's death was as
stated in Virginia's diary; "...near Houston, Texas --- the first day of
Jan. 64.", supported by above facts and: 

a)- Fay Hempstead's 1890 book,
written independently, 26 years after Virginia penned her entry, and
being the astute person he was, probably sought input from Solon's
living children, Mary (Borland) Beattie, Harold Borland, or friends,
Virginia Davis Gray, and/or her husband, fellow mason, Col. O.C. Gray,
and, 
b)- 24 Jul 1866 signed, probate
papers, entered thereon as, 1 January 1864, until scratched out and the
"fictitious" date entered to conform with earlier, 21 Apr 1865, court
document!

Major Harold Borland, 29 y/o, surprised his half-sisters
Fannie, 16 & Mollie, 14 y/o and everyone else, the morning of Friday, 30
Dec 1864, according to diary entry, when appearing after release from
being captured and held in prison by the Fed's at Fort Warren (see
photo) near Boston, exchanged or paroled at Fortress Monroe, VA which
today is last fully moat enclosed military fort in the US Army. It still
functions today as Hq. for the US Army Training and Doctrine Command. It
is located at the mouth of Hampton Roads. It was constructed during the
period of 1819 thru 1834. Jefferson Davis was imprisoned there for 4-1/2
months after his capture. Davis was shackled a good part of the time he
was there. ---, making his way to Princeton. We don't know if his
release was because of his famous father's death or other reasons? 

Hempstead County Court, on Friday, 21 Apr 1865, appointed
Harold Borland administrator of his father's will, requiring a $2,000
bond! Solon's will was probated in Pulaski County, AR, Tuesday, 24 Jul
1866, counter-signed by former Solon supporters, Sterling H. Tucker, of
208 Spring St., a prominent merchant and 34 y/o Augustus Hill Garland,
Esq. (1832TN-1899AR), 14th & Scott St., married Sarah Virginia Sanders
1853, d/o Clerk Simon Sanders, became Governor of Arkansas in 1874,
toU.S. Senate in 1877, then in 1885, first Arkansan in a presidential
cabinet, appointed United States Attorney General 1885-9, by President
Cleveland. NOTE! This instrument shows correct death date of 1 January
1864, --- but scratched out with 15 Dec 1864 entered!

We agree with most others on two facts; 
1)- Solon was born to Dr. Thomas
Wood Borland (17??SCOT-1830/31NC), a Scottish physician, who moved to
this country (Hempstead says, 1796), and married Harriott* Godwin
(1787VA-post1825NC) of Nansemond County, VA (Suffolk City), in 1805 and, 

2)- Solon died January, 1864 near Houston, Texas. 
*Spelling of Harriott's name is from son Euclid's gravestone (Ramsey
Cemetery). 

Solon may have been raised by his mother's year-older brother
George Godwin and wife Fanny Green, married 1804, who may have been
childless, listed with one boy 0-9 y/o, in 1820 census, and 31 slaves,
which we interpellate from 1820 census information of both, Godwin and
Dr. Borland, to be Solon, --- thus Solon's naming his children of 3rd
wife is beyond being a coincidence. Additionally, it appears son Harold
was in their care in 1840 census after loss of Solon's wife Huldah, his
mother, in 1837, and they were raising nephew Thomas in 1850. 

Older brothers, Roscius Cicero & Euclid moved with parents to
nearby Murfreesboro, Hertford County, NC, some say 1809, some 1816 yet
others said 1823. We believe 1823, it also better fits contemporary
stories and census records, such as; Suffolk-Nansemond Historical
Society reply by Sue Woodward, 7 Feb 2004 quoted from 1974 copyrighted
book; "Suffolk in Virginia", page 88, [66], by Fillmore Norfleet, 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 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 [couple doors south of
Castle Inn] 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)],
January 6, 1825, about his wife's illness. Their three sons were:
Roscius Cicero (1807-1845[1847]), Euclid (1809-1872[1881]) and Solon (d. 1864)." 

Norfleet's book contains copies of 10 pastel portrait prints,
works of Felix Thomas Sharples done in Suffolk, belonging to Frick Art
Reference Library, N.Y., of Solon's parents, brothers, maternal
grandparents, uncle and aunt George and Fanny (Green) Godwin, and her
mother Mrs. Thomas Green (nee Mary Giles), but strangely, none of Solon,
--- noted as formerly owned by a Charles B. Borland (?), possibly son or
grandson of Thoas Roscius Borland who in 1897 wrote he had received them
from his uncle Euclid and they were done in 1809, which accounts for
lack of Solon. Not as indicated, "c. 1813". (see images) .

Col. David Jeremiah Godwin, CSA, was son of Harriott's 6-year
younger brother, David Godwin (1793-1841) and Charity C. Kelly
(1803-1883), apparently partner ofThomas Hume (1836-1912), whose papers
#3239 from Univ. of NC we have since 2/18/05, including copy of Thomas
Borland's 19 Jan 1897 most informative letter and 7 other pages on
Godwin familyto 1616.

Solon's father served in the Virginia Legislature, according to
Dr. Parramore and American National Biography. 

Those frontier days of our nation  were most demanding, so
Solon's quick reactions as a leader proved effective and acceptable,
even if seemingly, quick of temper, sudden in quarrel, but never in
doubt to protect what he believed just, contrary to modern day so-called
"political correctness" etiquette, ---and he reacting by what ever means
found necessary at that moment! 

Page 127 of, "Renaissance in Carolina 1971-1976", by
Murfreesboro Historical Association, among other stories, --- told of
Solon in a terrible fight in 1827 [at age 16] with Murfreesboro
shopkeeper James Morgan* who Solon "...thrust a dirk into his
assailant's shoulder and almost killed him.", when Morgan had come after
Solon with a chair. "Solon [age 20] was later a member of the
Murfreesboro militia force that assisted in putting down the worst slave
revolt in history of the Old South, Nat Turner's Insurrection, 22 Aug
1831, where his group killed 60 white men, women and children over two
days, a few miles north in Southampton County, VA." 

www.historybuff.com/library/refslave.html
www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/nc/hertfordbios.htm

*NOTE: - Thomas Parramore, in part, wrote; James Morgan (1786PA-1866TX)
left Murfreesboro, NC for Texas in 1831, taking his family & sixteen
slaves, setting up a plantation where he introduced oranges and longhorn
cattle to Texans and where on Thursday afternoon, 21 Apr 1836, battle of
San Jacinto was fought. Site located near confluence of Buffalo Bayou
(Houston Ship Channel) and San Jacinto River, a ferry ride from
Lynchburg, --- the Battle of San Jacinto fought by Gen Sam Houston with
910 men, shouting battle cry, "Remember the Alamo" against Santa Anna's
1265 men, in only eighteen minutes of battle Gen Houston gained Texans
their independence, losing 9 men, killing 630 Mexicans two months before
Arkansas was granted its statehood! Emily West, attractive young mulatto
servant of Morgan's, was captured for Santa Anna's "pleasures", thus
became the famous "Yellow Rose of Texas". This all being but a
ferry-ride from where Solon died twenty-eight years later! Handbook of
Texas Online: HARRIS COUNTY, TEXAS 
www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/view/HH/hch7.html 

Dr. Solon Borland, and Dr. Samuel Jordon Wheeler (1810-1879),
were militia officers answering to Nat Turner's 1831 rebellion in
Southampton County, VA. Dr Wheeler was also, founder of Chowan Female
Academy, a newspaperman and as Solon, wore many successful hats besides,
medical doctor. 

The Borland brothers, Roscius Cicero, Euclid & Solon, are said
to have been educated at Murfreesboro's preparatory school, under Dr.
Jonathan Otis Freeman, who successfully on 1 Apr 1811, started at the
Hertford Academy, with its stately structure remaining today (see photo). 

Euclid & Solon, likely studied medicine under their father, as
was the custom. Euclid is confirmed attending University of Pennsylvania
Medical School in 1831-32, where Solon is confirmed in 1834 and
reportedly, attended a course of lectures in 1833 as Thomas Jefferson
(1743-1826) stated in 1808; "My grandson Th. Jefferson Randolph... [son
of Martha] goes to Philadelphia to attend a course of lectures in
Natural history Anatomy & Botany. He will also attend the lecturer in
Surgery.... The museum of Mr. Peale, the garden of Mr. Hamilton, the
anatomical preparations and dissections give to Philadelphia advantages
in these branches of science not to be had elsewhere in America.", ---
but neither enrolled (common of that period), thus are not recorded
attending or graduating nor is Solon found at the other medical school
in Philadelphia, today's Thomas Jefferson University's, School of
Medicine. Solon Borland graduated 2 Mar 1841 from Louisville Medical
Institute, above info from earlier research by Bruce Allardice. 

Its reported Solon commenced practice of medicine in 1834, most
likely in North Carolina or Virginia, because son Harold was born 1835,
in NC.

Fay Hempstead, member in 1859 of first class at famous Masonic
St. John's College, Little Rock, said Solon married Mrs.
Huldah/HildahG.(Godwin?) Wright (1809VA-1837TN) of Virginia, one source
says 1831 another 1850. Dr. Parramore said Solon operated a newspaper in
Portsmouth, VA before moving family to river-port town of Memphis with
its population: 1830 = 663, 1840 = 1,799, during winter of 1836. some
sources say to join in practice with brother Dr. Euclid Borland which we
can NOT confirm. Shelby County Probate Court was served by Solon in
1838, with $150 bond, to handle matters for Alexander Boothe, possibly
born 1812 in Nansemond County, VA, and Euclid in 1844 posted $2,200 bond
to handle his deceased father-in-law of Marshall County, MS, Augustus
Moore's affairs concluding in 1848, in whose household Euclid and family
are found in 1840 census, Euclid reportedly operating plantations in
both Mississippi
www.rootsweb.com/~msmarsha/locales/hshist.html
www.civilwarweb.com/articles/07-99/hollyspg.htm
and Louisiana, seemingly left MS for LA in 1848, after three of his four
children were born in MS, first in 1839, while maintaining a home in
Murfreesboro until about1856. 

Solon's wife Huldah/Hildah died Friday 25 Aug 1837 at age 28,
reportedly leaving two young sons, Thomas & Harold (1835NC-1921AR).
according to Memphis Enquire, Saturday, 2 Sep 1837. Thomas, we assume
was not of this union, possibly of her first marriage, because we are
unable to find any trace of a Thomas Borland, unless that is him, male
15, to under 20, in 1840 census under "Borlon", other than Solon's
father and a nephew born 1844NC..

Evening of 23 Jul 1839, at Memphis, Solon married his second
wife, Miss Eliza Buck Hart, born between 1814 & 1823 at Marietta, OH,
youngest daughter of Major William Hart & 1st wife Sarah Waters Wolcott,
who with 2nd wife Mary Cass moved to Memphis in 1831, he dying 28
Jan1836. Eliza Borland is reported as dying shortly thereafter by Fay
Hempstead with no record of death. We believe it is she found in the
1840 census under "BORLON". Eliza did not accompany Solon when he moved
to Arkansas in 1842. 

Uncovered by super sleuth, Joan F. Vitale of Memphis, were many
important items, including an advertisement in The Memphis Enquire
starting 3 Apr 1837 for services by Dr. Solon Borland, "...book at
Fowlkes & Pugh or Johnson's Hotel." To us, dispells the notion he joined
brother Euclid (see attachment). 

The 1840's was a; "Period when newspapers were frankly partisan
and editors saw no obligation to report both sides of any question, the
situation was intolerable to Democrats ...." so says Thomas Harrison
Baker in his book The Memphis Commercial Appeal. Solon's paper was the
third started after "Memphis Advocate and Western District
Intelligence", and the "Gazette", so say Baker. 

The "printers ink" (controoling a newspaper) was clearly, 'weapon
of choice', by most politcans! 

"The Western World was published [established in 1839 by Solon]
by Solon Borland, afterward for many years the United States senator
from Arkansas.  The full name of this paper was the Western World and
Memphis Banner of the Constitution.  In 1840 the paper was purchased
by Col. Henry Van Pelt and its name changed to the Appeal, the first
number of which appeared April 21, 1841, and was dressed in mourning on
account of the distinguished President of the United States, William
Henry Harrison." It is with interest we found the Appeal edited by
General Albert Pike in 1867, while Fannie was in school and the belle of
the ball, with his two daughters in Memphis according to Gen. John M.
Harrell's 1894 comment in Confederate Veterans publication. 

Pris Weathers, of, <www.ArkansasTies.com> noted an advertisement
of Wednesday, 7 Aug 1839, in Little Rock "Arkansas Gazette", --- aware
of my interest in Senator Borland whose gravestone image she just sent,
asked if he was also a medical doctor, of which he was, so I was sent
the ad (see attached) concerning Memphis Female Seminary, listing "Dr.S.
Borland, Lecturer on Chemistry", dated from Memphis, 12 Jul 1839. Also
see; Organic Chemistry, "Southern literary messenger"; devoted to every
department of literature and the fine arts.; Vol. 9; Issue 4; 239-242;
Borland, Solon. 

Solon Borland; Common Law Book #B, 1842 to 1854,
petitioned for appointment as "attorney & counselor at law and solicito
in chancery 67" at Shelby County, TN. 

"The American Quarterly Register and Magazine", Dec 1849
biography of Solon, reported by Bruce S. Allardice, says he graduated
(age 29), from Louisville Medical Institute (see attached), became the
University of Louisville Medical Department in 1846; then the University
of Louisville School of Medicine in 1922. 

Solon graduated (confirmed, 29 Apr 2004) 2 March 1841, with
degree "doctor of medicine", his thesis was on "milk sickness". Solon
published several medical articles, in "The Western Journal of Medicine
and Surgery" starting 1841, and possibly in other publications. 

It was in Louisville, while attending Louisville Medical
Institute, that Solon reportedly met creole beauty La Belle
d'Estimanuville following loss of wife Eliza Buck Hart, while son Harold
was with Solon's uncle and aunt, George & Fanny (Green) Godwin in VA. It
seems she followed him to Arkansas, and Thomas Parrmore's book,
unsupportedly, states of; "Racy stories about the high-strung Borland
are legion." (?) We must have missed something, for I didn't find such
in our 12 months of research, other than negative remarks by historian
James M. Woods in his writings about Solon, ---- for us, a quite normal
action of two unattached, single, healthy, persons! Neither Woods nor
Parrrmore had ever heard about the "birds and the bees"? 

Frontiersman, Dr. Solon Borland, reported by Fay Hempstead,
forged on to Hot Springs, an active health resort with bountiful mineral
springs in 1842, part of the new young state created six years earlier,
Arkansas. 1843 finds him at its capitol city of Little Rock, --- a
presidential delegate and editor of the "Arkansas Banner", between 16
Sep 1843 and 3 Dec 1845.

January 1844, editor of the "Arkansas Banner", Solon and
Benjamin J. Borden, born in Duplin County, NC, 1812, editor of "The
State Gazette" had many differences of opinions, mostly political, which
turned into fisticuffs with Borden suffering a smashed face, --- a
couple years later, prior to Borland organizing troops for the Mexican
War, --- a 'Code of Honor' pistol duel was held on that famous
beach/sand bar across from Fort Smith, in Cherokee Nation, with Solon's
shot hitting Borden. Borden survived. 

"It is worthy of mention, as an item
in the Church History of Arkansas and as evidence of the redeeming
influence of Divine grace, that in later years Borden became a Minister
of the Gospel and Borland joined the Church under his preaching and with
him partook of the Holy Eucharist at the Sacred Altar. Thus in all after
life they were openly warm friends, as indeed they ever had been at
heart, and as all true men are who become to know each other." 

Professor Borden also taught language & math at
Quachita Female College, and in 1849 became President or "Major" of
Arkansas Military Institute (Farmer's Academy) at Tulip. Arkansas
Military Institute (fashioned after West Point, Va.) is in Tulip, Dallis
County, Arkansas."
http://www.tmason1.com/pafn01.htm (search BORLAND & GRAY)

Its reported madame d'Estimauville de Beau Mouchel followed
Solon to Little Rock from Louisville, KY in 1844, setting up a
fashionable finishing school. It did not succeed but its said, she was
overly friendly with editor Solon Borland of the "Arkansas Banner". She
removed to Dallas County, created 1 Jan 1845 with Princeton to become
county seat of government, and made a good impression. We saw two
sources saying they named the town, d'Estimauville, in her honor, later
renamed Tulip. The romance with Borland went sour and according to one
student "she spent the night mostly weeping and the day finding fault
with her pupils."  After the evidence of her "too great intimacy"
became visible, she was last seen leaving on a boat with her baby. 
Her school was renamed the Tulip Female Institute/ " Tulip In Her
Glory," and it later added male students.
<www.pccua.edu/keough/education2.htm>, also see Journal of Ann Owens
Sims, Arkansas Historical Quarterly, XXXV, pages 151-153. 

Richard H. Johnson, of The True Democrat, brother to Senator
Robert W. Johnson, part of the "family" (Apr 1861, served as a private
under Col. Borland), wrote & published stories of Solon's supposed
sinful indiscretions, being -- the 11 y/o story of the creole lady
affair, during Johnson's "printer's-ink battle", attempting to publicly
disgrace Solon in Dec 1855, and his Know-Nothing party, which was
ignored by Solon! 

My research led to Murfreesboro, NC five days following Dr.
Thomas Custis  Parramore's 13 Jan 2004 death. 

Thomas C. Parramore's book, "Murfreesboro, North Carolina:
Cradle of Titans 1810-1824" states; 

"Learning that the affair was about to be exposed, he
[Solon] conducted a whirlwind romance with a respectable young lady and
married her in hope of safeguarding his reputation." 

To me, this was pure 'poppy-cock' on Dr. Parramore's part! He
provides NO founation for such  a statement.  We searched and found very
little, if any, evidence of such! What we did find, was --- a happy
marriage, blessed with three healthy children, and a seventeen year
loving relationship until Mary's 1862 death! 

"Married last Tuesday evening, May 27, by
Rev. A. Hunter, Gen. Solon Borland [age 35] (senior editor of the
"Banner") and Miss Mary Isabel [1824LA-1862AR] only daughter of Mr.
George Melbourne, ---- all of this city.", was notice published 2 Jun
1845, Little Rock's Arkansas Gazette, p. 3, c. 3!

Mary Isabel was George and Mary D. Melbourne's only child, born
in Concordia Parish, LA, 3 Oct 1824, educated at Mrs. Tevis School at
Shelbyville, KY moving to Little Rock with parents April 1844, very
talented, becoming known to thousands of Arkansans with her "...
suppressing sweetness and thrilling modulations of her voice.", a major
asset to Solon with her magical singing voice while in Washington City,
"... with her distinguished husband, Senators, Statesmen, and Ministers
of Kings and Emperors, have listened to her wonderful eloquence in
song.", during the late 1840's and early 1850's, so written in one of
her many obituaries. 

Mary brought into the marriage three healthy talented
children, providing each an artistic and christian upbringing, lasting a
lifetime. 

President Polk declared war on Mexico 13 May 1846, after a
minor skirmish on American soil near the Rio Grande River (he wanted
Califorinia). He then sought governors to encourge raising troops.
Borland at age 36, enlisted, was elected Captain, formed a company of
volunteer calvarymen during summer of 1846 at request of Governor Drew
which in June 1846 Arkansas' 2nd Governor, then a member ofU. S.
Congress House of Representatives, Archibald Yell (1797KY-1847MEX)
enlisted as a private, later, 13 Jul 1846, at Washington, AR, Yell was
elected Colonel, John Selden Roanne (1817TN-1867AR) Lt. Col, (later
Governor) and Solon as Major, much to the displeasure of loser, Cpt.
Albert Pike (1809MA-1891WASH), who had likewise enlisted with Borland,
18 Jun 1846 and sought the top spot, --- there after made a career of
slandering Col. Yell, Roane, & Borland, following Yell's heroic death
Feb 1847, -- supposedly brought forth a pistol duel with John S. Roane,
neither able to hit the other in three attempts.
<www.geocities.com/Pentagon/Base/6595/mexico.html>,
<www.peace.saumag.edu/swark/articles/ahq/arkansas/general/general303.html>
AHQ Vol. XXII, Winter 1953, p. 303. 

Major Borland and his men left camp, Monday, 18 Jan 1847, in
search of Santa Anna, were surprised, as was Santa Anna at San Jacinto
in 1836, -- captured at La Encamacion, Mexico by General Minon, when
asleep early Saturday morning of 23 Jan1847. The famous battle of Buena
Vista ensued a month later, on Monday & Tuesday, 22/23 Feb 1847, where
Colonel Archibald Yell was killed by an enemy lance to the face & head
(Yell's body returned to Washington County, AR, July 1847, one story, in
a whiskey barrel) with 264 others dying, 450 injured and 26 missing, and
Colonel Jefferson Finis Davis (1808KY-1883LA), son-in-law of Gen Taylor
(married  Sarah Knox Taylor, 17 Jan 1835, she died shortly thereafter).
was severely wounded by General Santa Anna's troops, remaining in his
saddle while American army inflicted 1,500 deaths to Mexican troops,
defeating them in spite of Mexico having a 15,000 - 20,000 to 4,600
superiority of troops. AHQ XXVI, p. 373. 

Solon was imprisoned near/in Mexico City, escaping with Maj.
JohnP. Gaines of KY, Sunday, 1 Aug 1847, joined General Worth, with
Ulysses S. Grant, fresh from USMA, 1843 (21/39), as a Second Lieut.,
Quartermaster, 4th Infantry, Apr. 1, 1847, to July 23, 1848; Bvt. First
Lieut., Sep. 8, 1847, for Gallant and Meritorious Conduct in the Battle
of Molino del Rey, Mex. & Bvt. Capt., Sep. 13, 1847, for Gallant Conduct
at Chapultepec, Mex., --- at Contreras as volunteer aide-de-camp for
Wednesday, 8 Sep 1847 bloody battle where reportedly another 116
American's were killed and 877 wounded at El Molino del Rey, Monday, 13
Sep 1847 capture of Chapultepec, then Tuesday, 14 Sep 1847 Mexico City
after 130 Americans killed and 703 wounded. (see AHQ VI, page 251-253) 

Returning to Little Rock Dec 1847, Governor Thomas S. Drew,
April 1848, appointed Solon at age 38, to unexpired term in U. S. Senate
of Senator Ambrose Hundley Sevier. Sevier was selected by President
James K. Polk, to work out a treaty with Mexico for California, however
presidentially appointed Nicholas P. Trist had worked out the approved 2
Feb 1848, Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago. Solon was elected to fill the
unexpired term and ultimately defeated Sevier, of the "family", who
wanted to regain his Senate seat at next term (Sevier died 31 Dec1848)
for 6 year term in our U.S. Senate, serving with other contemporary
notables such as; Thomas Hart Benton, John C. Calhoun, Sam Houston,
Henry Clay, James Mason, Jefferson Davis, Daniel Webster, Stephen
Douglas, to name but a few of some more notable ones, --- Webster,
Calhoun & Clay, the "Great Trimvirate" dominating American politics (the
three dying in 1850 -1852), in its second generation. 

Senator Borland served with honor and respect, from 2 Apr 1848
until 3 Mar 1853, in the, 30th, 31st, 32nd, & 33rd Congress, as a United
States Senator under four presidents, Polk, Taylor, Fillmore and Pierce.
He served as Chairmam of Committee on Printing, 31st & 32nd Congress,
and Chairman of Committee of Public Lands, 33rd Congress, among other
committees. 

Solon and Mary, most likely attended Tuesday, 4 Jul 1848
ceremonies, laying of corner stone (see image) for our Washington
Monument with friend President James K. Polk, and was serving in senate,
providing a second expansion, dwarfing original structure, dramatically
changing its physical appearance, as Victorian, replaced Neoclassical
sedateness following recently completed first expansion of Capitol
Building to accommodate our growing nation, in Washington City. 

Term "expansionist" was hung around Borland's neck by many, for
actions and support of bills, including one, "31 Aug 1852, which the
senate committee on public lands. by its chairman, Solon Borland of
Arkansas, made a report submitting two plans for a railroad to the
Pacific," extending rail service southwesterly to new lands of what are
now Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California, through Memphis and
Little Rock, seemingly working with Roswell Beebe, Esq. (1795-1856)
towards this goal. Little Rock had been part of the St. Louis to Texas
trail, as point of river crossing from earliest of times. 

The senator battled strong and stubbornly for southern states
rights, during Henry Clay's floor battle (see image) in the 1850's,
supporting John C. Calhuon's ideals by fisticuffs after Senator Henry
Foote of Mississippi's caustic remarks. 
<http://www.pccua.edu/keough/making_of_a_southern_state.htm>
(search BORLAND) 

1850 census found Senator Borland, age 39, in Hot Springs
County, AR, with 26 y/o wife Mary and children 14 y/o Solon ? [Harold ?]
, 4 y/o George [Godwin] and 2 y/o Fannie [Green]. Their first two
children named for Solon's uncle and aunt of Nansemond County, VA, an
expression of extreme fondness and devotion. 

President Franklin Pierce appointed 
Solon, at age 42 --- Minister to Nicaragua 3 Mar 1853, officially 18 Apr
1853, passport obtained 27 Apr 1853, serving until, 17 Apr 1854, with
his official title; "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary".
He declined the 8 Apr 1853 opportunity to be appointed governor of newly
aquired New Mexico territory. 

Nicaragua had became an important Central American nation after
Spanish authority ended 1 Jul 1821. It many times was considered
possible route of a canal linking the two oceans. A treaty signed in
1878 with Columbia for 553 square miles of land now known as Panama
Canal Zone, where the French started the task in 1882, In 1903, Columbia
refused to sign a treaty, thus Panama declared its independence and
United States finished & opened the canal 15 Aug 1914, following loss of
20,000 lives before 1889, 10,000 after. Canal supplanted the railroad
built in 1855. The increased lock width to 110 foot seemed advisable,
considering Suez Canal at 197 feet,

Solon Borland served as Nicaragua's 2nd Minister, following
service by John B. Kerr of Maryland and was followed by, yet another
famous Murfreesboro, NC resident, John Hill Wheeler (1806-1882), until
1857, who had the task of smoothing 'troubled waters', of a rebellious
nation, with American, named Walker, having gained control leading the
people by appeasing the rebellious Nicaraguan's, which arose during
Solon's term, in part by Solon coming to the aide of an underdog,
bringing about a serious condition which erupted in the already
rebelious community, brought forth American actions, including
destroying Greytown by U.S. Navy vessel CYANE shelling and Marines
landing to finish it off 13 Jul 1853. 
www.state.gov/r/pa/ho/po/com/11061.htm
www.scuttlebuttsmallchow.com/usmcnic1.html

Congressman Robert Ward Johnson (1814KY-1879AR), nephew of Vice
Pres. of U. S., Richard M. Johnson, and brother-in-law to Ambrose H.
Sevier, with brother Richard H. Johnson at the newspaper, all
traditionally of the "family" and political opponents of Solon, was
appointed to fill Solon's unexpired senate seat, whose daughter, Sallie,
later Mrs. Cabell Breckinridge, along with Gen. Pike's two daughters
Lillian and sister plus Solon's Fannie G. Borland were considered the
'belles-of-the-ball' in Little Rock & Memphis, following the war during
reconstruction times, so say General John M. Harrell, in Confederate
Veterans publication, in 1894, 
<http://www.rootsweb.com/~ganews/CV/cv1894p2.htm>, also cited in
Fannie's 24 Aug 1879 front page obituary of The Memphis Daily Avalanche. 

Russell P. Baker's article, Fall 1981 about "Fannie Green
Borland Moores", (formerly AHC's Research Project #76.003), in The
Pulaski County Historical Review,Volume XXIX, Number 3, says: 

"The [Borland] family returned
to Little Rock in 1854, where Borland became a business partner with Dr.
J.J. McAlmont (see attached article). In 1858 they moved to Princeton in
Dallas County, where they remained until late 1860, when they returned
to Little Rock.", and another source says Solon returned to Little Rock
to edit the "Gazette and Democrat", but while in Washington City had,
with many others, become disenchanted with the Democratic party for they
thought it became "abolitionist". They believed in the Know-Nothing
party, which he followed, but with a political defeat in Arkansas in
1856, Solon returned to Memphis as editor of the "Memphis Enquire", both
stories appear to be true! 

Please permit me at this point, to thank Russell P. Baker,
archivists at the Arkansas History Commission, and Brian Robertson of
Butler Center for Arkansas Studies, for their, and their staff's, most
enlightening help in assembling materials concerning those I've written
about of Arkansas. Copies of 'booklets', "Carl Raymond Gray" & "The
Grays From Maine", are filed with each, and other Arkansas locations!
They, and their staff have been patient with me for nearly a year, a
pleasant experience after, Ethel C. Simpson of University of Arkansas
refused to respond to our inquiries. 

1860 census found Solon, age 48, editor of "Memphis Enquire",
in Shelby County, TN, --- wife Mary, as "Barland", and their children
George [Godwin], Fannie G. [Green] and Mary [Molly] M.[Melbourne], found
in Princeton, Dallas County, AR., girls likely attending Princeton
Female Academy under tutelage of Oliver and Virginia Davis Gray, Harold,
found at West Point, Class of 1860, Orange County, NY. 

The Williams' Memphis Directory for 1860, page 85, lists
Borland, Solon of the L.D. Stickney & Co.. Stickney as president in 1859
with J.J.Parham, secretary, Solon Borland and Jere Clements as editors
of The Eagle and Enquire. Solon bought it in 1860, and sold in 1861 to
M.C.Gallaway who merged it with The Avalanche which he estblished in
1858, all according to "Literary Memphis A Survey of its Writers and
Writings", by Marshall Wingfield, copyrit 1942 for The West Tennessee
Historical Society, discovered by Joan F.Vitale. 

February 9th,1861, Solon lost an election for state
representative of Shelby County in Tennessee, ---- within two months,
--- April 1861 was found as, Colonel Borland, aide-de-camp for Arkansas'
Governor Rector, raiding Ft. Smith, AR (see photo), with later notables
as privates, William R. Miller, state auditor, (Governor in 1877 when
Virginia Davis Gray donated her painting of Arkansas Industrial
University's 1875 completed, 'Old Main', which has since disappeared),
R.H. Johnson Esq., an earlier newspaper opponent, and J.T.Tregg, Esq.,
also was son George Godwin age 15 and Arkansas Solicitor General John
Mortimer Harrell (born Gates County, NC, later a General of his own
troops) as privates, serving under Capt. Woodruff's Artillery group.
<http://stellar-one.com/civil_war/0003.htm>,<
http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/borlands.html>,<
http://www.aristotle.net/~tomezell/AR_cav.htm>
<http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/borderag.html> Fort Smith National
Historic Site preserves the site of two military posts and the historic
Federal Court, which while Senator Solon voted & supported bill for the
Western District of Arkansas, noted as the jurisdiction of Federal Judge
Isaac Parker during the last quarter of the 19th century. In 1861, Fort
Smith was an outpost on the western frontier adjacent to the Indian
Territory (now Oklahoma).

Fort Smith Times and Herald gave this account, to wit: 
"Last night, about 12 o'clock, the
steamers "Tahlequah" and "Frederick Notrebe" arrived almost
simultaneously at our wharf, having on board, as we subsequently
learned, 235 men, composed of volunteer companies of Little Rock and
Pulaski county, in this State; having come for the purpose of reducing,
under State authority, the federal post at this place. The expedition
ordered by Governor Rector, who was represented in it by his Adjutant
General, Edmund Burgevin, was under the immediate command of Col. Solon
Borland, Aid-de-Camp to the Governor, and consisted of five companies,
three from the City of Little Rock, and two from vicinity." 

Federal forces had left for Fort Washita (see photo) (another
book said to Kansas) in Cherokee Nation, after learning of Solon's
forthcoming attack, thus only a couple persons remained in the fort,
one, the previously mentioned Major RichardC. Gatlin of NC.
<www.civilwaralbum.com/washita/home1.htm> "Old Rough and Ready" Taylor
selected a site eighteen miles north of the Red River on the Washita
River, a mile and a half east of the stream. The new fort, occupied in
April of 1842, was named Fort Washita, and was abandoned by federal
forces in 1861, soon after the capture of Fort Sumter in Charleston,
South Carolina. Confederate forces from Texas occupied the fort, and it
became a major supply depot for Confederate troops in Indian Territory. 

Scramento Daily Union, 7 May 1861, described the celebration
upon taking Ft. Smith with W. E.Woodruff present. (who built his home
north, across street of St. John's College) 

Solon thereafter raised many troops for Arkansas. One group,
the C. S. A.'s 3rd  Regiment Arkansas Cavalry, organized at Little Rock,
Arkansas, on June 10, 1861 under command of Colonel Solon Borland, and
was initially known as the 1st Arkansas Mounted Volunteers. On
acceptance into Confederate service, July 24, 1861, the regiment which
was renamed 3rd Regiment  Arkansas Cavalry on January 15, 1862.

Colonel Solon Borland was appointed commander of Confederate
forces in upper Arkansas, 5 Nov 1861 to 10 Jan 1862, when then they
become the "Trans-Mississippi Department" at, what some called, Camp
Borland, Pocahontas, Randolph County! 

The Arkansas Historical Quarterly, Vol XXXVII 1978, article
"The Martial Law Controversy in Arkansas, 1861-1865", by Leo E. Huff.
Page 149, goes into detail about Solon's problem, which seems more
political than military. Solon, as commander of Confederate forces in
upper Arkansas, 29 Nov 1861 published a directive from his headquarters,
forbidding the export of foodstuffs from the state, because speculators
were jacking up prices. Solon's action was effective in lowering prices
of foodstuffs for the homefolks, --- salt which had sold for $2 to $5
had risen to $20, immediately dropped back to $12.50. --- however, and
for whatever reason, --- this was (?) opposed by Governor Rector, in a
proclamintion, 20 Dec 1861 --- so the Confederate secretary of war,
Judah P. Benjamin, (who at end of war escaped to Cuba from Florida,
never to return) revoked the order, as being issued without authority,
--- and ordered Solon to turn his command over to the senior officer and
report to headquarters. It then says, --- not long thereafter, Doctor
Borland, because of "ill health," retired to Little Rock and resumed his
private medical practice. 

It appears, Solon and Gov. Rector were at political odds, where
rank has its advantage. Gov. Rector, according to James M. Woods'
"Rebellion and Realignment", p. 161, was considered not trustworthy, ---
this action seems to prove the point, even with an earlier disagreement,
then later in 1862, it was pointed out by Gen Albert Pike. FACT is;
Solon's actions proved successful, however, he and the honest citizens
of Arkansas ended up on the short end of this political battle, even
following Solon's thirteen page letter to Governor Rector, one of
Solon's few lifetime political defeats. 

On 14 Jun 1862, 10 days before death 
of 16 y/o son George Godwin Borland, The Little Rock Arkansas Gazette
printed on front page, column 1, to wit; 

"It is known that, for several months, the doctor
[Solon Borland, age 52] has been dangerously ill; his sickness has
disabled him so far as to prevent his resuming his duties as a solider
in the army for some time to come at least: and best field which he now
finds before him for usefulness, is in the practice of his original
profession of medicine and surgery. It is useless for us to allude, is
the standing of Dr. B. in his profession. That is already known to our
readers." 

That Man Named Solon, had indeed served his neighbors heroically and
with honor since childhood, now returns to that which he was formally
trained & educated, medicine and surgery! 

Solon's regiment, on its final organization at Cornith May 26,
1862, selected its new leaders; Colonel Samuel G. Earle (reported killed
5 Mar 1863, at Thompson's Station). Dallas County's "A" Company
commander, Cpt. William L.[T] M. Holmes, (killed 5 Oct 1862 at Hatchie
Bridge) then, 1st Lt. Oliver Crosby Gray, became Company A's commander,
later to be appointed division provost marshall Dec 1863, resigned to
join CSA Navy, 19 Aug 1864, captured 16 Nov 1864, released 2 Mar 1865. 

The 3rd Regiment  Arkansas Cavalry distinguished itself with
honors even thou always having a manpower problem,  it operated much
towards the end, with the Army of Tennessee. It participated in more
engagements than any other Arkansas command. It fought dismounted at
Cornith & Hatchie Bridge, re-mounted for Holly Springs raid where no two
leaders could be more unlike each other than General U. S. Grant and
Major General Earl Van Dorn (Born September 17, 1820 near Port Gibson
MS, USMA 52nd in 1842, Murdered May 7, 1863 Spring Hill TN by Dr.
George Brodie Peters Considered 'lady's man', Peters claimed Van Dorn
'violated the sanctity of his home', Buried Wintergreen Cemetery Port
Gibson MS [It is said that Gen U.S. Grant spared the burning of Port
Gibson (aka; Battle of Thompson Hill) 1 May 1863, on his way to
Vicksburg, MS, because Van Dorn spared the Harvey Walter home in Holly
Springs, MS, 20 Dec 1862, where Grant's wife Julia was being housed]).
Unlike Grant, Van Dorn dwelled on appearances and was preoccupied with a
search for glory; Grant focused only on the military objective at hand.
Van Dorn was an unfaithful and neglectful husband; Grant was forever
devoted to his one lifelong love, Julia Dent Grant, a Missouri slave
owner, HOWEVER, the fall of Vicksburg, a uniquely important Union
military objective, was delayed for at several months by the decisive
and courageous efforts of Earl Van Dorn, and his brave men, such as
Capt.. Oliver C. Gray, A Company commandor, who with Virginia (diary
writer) two years earlier lived just outside Holly
Springs.<www.civilwarweb.com/articles/07-99/hollyspg.htm> Thompson's
Station (www.civilwaralbum.com/washita/ During the fight, 17-year old
Alice Thompson , daughter of Dr. and Mrs. Elijah Thompson, dashed out of
the cellar when she saw the color-bearer of the 3rd Arkansas Regiment
fall. She retrieved his colors and inspired the regiment to carry the
field.), Tullahoma, Chickamauga, siege of Chattanooga & Knoxville,
battle of Atlanta to name but a few major battles, until surrender and
parole with Gen. Joseph Eggleston Johnston and the Army of Tennessee
near Durham Station, NC, on 26 Apr 1865.
http://archiver.rootsweb.com/th/read/3RD-ARKANSAS-CAVALRY/2004-01/1073841168
also see "The War Child's Children" by Calvin Collier, 1965. 

Son George Godwin, age 16 with mother's reluctant consent,
served in Texas with Woodruff's Battery under Gen Albert Pike, ie;
Little Rock Arkansas True Democrat, 30 May 1861, page 3, column 8,
reports troops board river boat Tahlequah for Fort Wayne. 

George died 24 Jun 1862 at a friends home in Clarksville, TX,
on his way home after relieved of duty due to poor health 

Solon's third wife of seventeen years, Mary Isabel, died
Thursday, 23 Oct 1862, in Little Rock, following a lengthily period of
poor health. Her father George, husband Solon and daughters Fannie &
Mary 14 & 12 years old, surviving. 

One of her obituary's, in part, said: 
"Her harp is broken, to us her
voice is still, in the solumn hush of the tomb, but we are permitted to
believe, that with a renewed voice and an unfailing harp, she is
charming the ears of kindered spirits in the beautiful land of the
redeemed". (Arkansas Gazette, 25 Oct 1862, p. 2, c. 5) 

With likelihood of Fed's return to re-capture Little Rock
Arsenal (lost 8 Feb 1861) and City of Little Rock, (both seized by
Fed's., 9 & 10 Sep 1863) Solon wisely moved Fannie & Mary (Mollie),
along with furniture and all else, back to Princeton before Sep 1863, to
a house next to Holmes Hotel owned by Captain Wm. T.M. Holmes heirs,
operated by daughter Lou who married Colonel Henry G. Bunn, 6 Sep 1865.
Col. Borland entrusted funds  and slaves Pasty & Ann, with widow Martha
Austusina (Gee) Holmes to watch over his daughters well-fare, before
leaving for Texas.

Diary entry in afore mentioned, 1983 published diary by Dr.
Carl H. Moneyhon in AHQ, says, --- Solon left Princeton, Monday evening,
14 Sep 1863, after learning of Fed's heading towards Princeton, no other
entries about him until 4 Mar 1864, to wit; 

"We have heard, through Mr. Davis
[Princeton's telegraph operator, and Virginia's cousin], that Dr.
Borland died near Houston, Texas --- the first day of Jan. 64."! 

Where might Solon's lovely wife Mary Isabel and son George
Godwin be buried? Son Harold is thought to have first been buried at
Mount Holly, then transferred to The National Cemetery. Daughter Fannie
Green's burial site is unknown, possibly in a mass graves at Memphis,
and daughter Mary Melbourne is buried with Col. O. C. Gray, without
notation, in Masonic Evergreen cemetery, Fayetteville, her daughters
Grace M. & Mary Borland buried at Belzoni, MS. Solon's grandsons,
Harold's, Russell & Charles, Fannie's George B., once raised by Harold,
nor Mary's, Godwin M. were not found. 

We were informed, 5 Feb 2004, in response to our inquiry; 
"As part of a Law Day Program in
1992, sponsored by the Pulaski County Bar Association, a grant was
requested from the Arkansas Bar Foundation to dedicate a monument for
Solon Borland, early prominent lawyer in Arkansas History, since through
research no living descendants were found to mark the grave." 

We feel this monument is a long over-due memorial, not
a gravestone, in so far as we found no record of Solon's body being
moved from Houston for reinterment at Mount Holly, which was etablished
in 1843, oddly, same year Solon first appeared in Little Rock. 

The following story proves That Man Named Solon, lives on!

PINE BLUFF WEEKLY PRESS 
Volumn 1, No 4; Thursday, February 11, 1869
Wyatt C. Thomas, Editor 

SAD ANNOUNCEMENT 

Recent Memphis Papers contain the
sad intellignce of the death of that veteran Editor, Col. J. H. McMahon
[may have posted bond in 1839 for Solon's marriage]. 

Col. McMahhon has for year been
connected wit the Memphs Press. 

His name indeed, to the whole reading public, is as familiar as 
a household word. 

Col. McMahon, was some years since
Editor of that Stauch, Sterling paper "The Memphis Eagle & Enquirer"
paper, whose editorial columns is days agone, have been illustrated with
the writings of such Boanerges of the Press as the Hons. Jeremiah Clemens and 
Solon Borland. 

Col. McMahon subsequently, also became the Editor of the "Bulletin" and
finally of the "Appeal" and throughout the war was an officer in the
Confederate Service.