Archibald Borden

BORDON, Archabald - Mr. Archabald Bordon died at his home in Prairie Grove at an early hour Saturday morning, after a long and painful illness, extending over a period of five years, most of which time he was confined to his bed. The deceased was born on Tennessee December 20, 1824, and had he lived would have been 90 years old next December. December 21, 1851, he came to Arkansas and settled at Sulphur Springs, five miles south of Prairie Grove, now owned by A. Stamps, where he lived a number of years. He made several trips to California, each time returning to Arkansas, and has lived in our little city for the past ten years. Mr. Bordon was a descendant of the sturdy stalwart pioneers of our southland. Possessing a remarkably fine physique, an iron constitution and a will power that enabled him to accomplish many of the difficulties and problems of life, that a less heroic character would not undertake. He served twelve months as a Confederate soldier. He often prided himself as being the oldest man, member of the Methodist congregation here, he having been a professor of religion and a student of the Bible over 70 years. He was ever industrious and full of energy and after he became an invalid was past walking he made plans for the improvements he would put on his farm as soon as he was able to get along. He possessed a strong mind and had a wealth of information of incidents concerning Northwest Arkansas, the coming and going of her people and the progress she had made during the past fifty years. He had been a Christian for about 75 years and in his younger days was an earnest and zealous worker in the church and Sunday School. He was three times married. His first wife was Miss Caroline Rogers, the second was Miss Mary McWhorten, and the wife who survives him was Miss Mary Jane West. Beside his wife he is survived by three sons and two daughters, Messrs. Reynold Borden of Oceanside, California, William Borden of Long Beach, California and John Borden of near Long Beach; Mrs. Callie Brandenburg of Winkleman, Arizona and Mrs. Zona Suttle of El Contra, California. The funeral took place from the Methodist church Saturday afternoon at 5:30 o’clock, Rev. F.A. Lark of Paris, Arkansas, former pastor of this church and a special friend of the deceased, assisted by Rev. F.A. Bradshaw, conducted the services and he was laid to rest in the family plot at the Prairie Grove cemetery. The Masons, of which he was a member, attended in a body and performed their burial rites at the grave. [Prairie Grove Herald 8/6/1914]

Archibald Borden, of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, was born December 24, 1824 at Greenville, Greene County, Tennessee, the son of John Borden, born 1793 in Greene County, Tennessee. (He was in the Creek War) The maiden name of Mr. Borden’s mother was Jane Macony, who came from England to America. He was educated by Prof. Thomas Stone. He was a farmer and Mayor of Prairie Grove, Arkansas and served as a quartermaster of a company in Brooks Cavalry, being assigned to the 34th Cavalry. He was also a Mason and member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Borden was married three times; first – Sarah C. Rogers; second – Mary E. Maguerter (?) and third to Mary Jane West. His children were: Reynolds Bascom, Thomas C., Caledonia, William L., John W., Lavena and Julia Borden. [1911 Arkansas Confederate Census]

Mr. A. Bordon of Prairie Grove and Mr. W.E. Zellner of Viney Grove, both of whom are among our oldest citizens, have been very ill for the past week. Mr. Zellner is slightly improved, but Mr. Borden is not resting so well. – Prairie Grove Herald [Fayetteville Democrat 12/30/1909]

Mrs. Mary J. Bordon, widow of A. Bordon, who died August 1, 1914, filed Widow Application #23608 with the Confederate Pension Board of Washington County for a widow pension and it was received as allowed August 21, 1915 at the State, citing her husband’s service in the Arkansas Cavalry from 1861 thru 1865. [State of Arkansas Confederate Pension Archives]