January 2014 Issue - Murfreesboro Historical Association

NEWSLETTER OF THE MURFREESBORO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION, INC.
King’s Landing
Murfreesboro, North Carolina
January 2014
Happy New Year,
Baby!
Coverage of 2013 Candlelight Christmas Tour - Page 6
Board Nomination Forms—Special Insert
A History of the Roberts-Vaughan House—Page 12
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 2
Call for Articles and Photos
How Do Prefer To Get
Your News About
The Murfreesboro Historical
Association?
We are eager to share
Association news with our members
and we want to deliver it in the way
most convenient to you. Both the
monthly newsletter
and the King’s Landing are now
available in digital versions.
Members are encouraged to submit historyrelated articles or photographs for publication
in the King’s Landing. Submit your house
histories, personal accounts of family
members, significant photographs, etc., to the
newsletter. Let future generations benefit from
you!
Publication Schedule
The King’s Landing is published three times a
year, in January, June and September. Please
submit articles, news briefs, photographs, etc.,
in the month prior to publishing.
MHA Executive Committee
If you would like to receive these
publications by email, simply send
your request to
mha@murfreesboronc.org and
put E-Mail Please in the subject
line. We’ll put you on our list of
online subscribers right away. If you
are happy with your current delivery
method, you need do nothing at all.
We look forward to serving
you in 2014
President: Carol Lassiter
Vice-President: Randy Roberts
Secretary: SuEllen Askew
Treasurer: John Sullin
Tour Director: Victoria Newcombe
Jefcoat Director: Colon Ballance
Property Managers:
Lamar Van Brackle (voting member)
Linwood Taylor
Office Manager: Jesse A. Woods, III
KING’S LANDING
NEWSLETTER
On Our Cover
Mary Winborne Hall, ten months, gets ready
for her first MHA Candlelight Christmas Tour in the
Dressing Room Exhibit at the Roberts-Vaughan
House. Miss Hall is the youngest granddaughter of
MHA Life Member Pam West and the great
granddaughter of MHA Life Member Rosa Vaughan
Winborne West-Tucker. (Photo by Pam West)
Published by The Murfreesboro
Historical Association, Inc.
Executive Offices located at
116 East Main Street
P.O. Box 3
Murfreesboro, NC 27855
Victoria Newcombe, Editor
Phone: 252-398-5922
FAX: 252-398-5871
Email: mha@murfreesboronc.org
www.murfreesboronc.org
© Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc. 2014
All Rights Reserved
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 3
WE NEED YOUR TIME & TALENT
The Murfreesboro Historical Association is seeking two volunteers to oversee
two areas essential to the success of our organization. If you can
donate your time and effort, we need assistance with the following:
********************************************************************
Lawn Care Coordinator
Serve on MHA Landscaping Committee
Oversee work of lawn care provider(s)
 Coordinate with Hertford County re: Community Service Workers
 Recruit volunteers for help in landscaping
 Prioritize projects with regards to special events
******************************************************************


Volunteer Coordinator
Work with the Tour Director to recruit and communicate with volunteers
 Coordinate volunteer participation in special events
 Assist with docent training
 Contact members for volunteer opportunities
 Help plan special events such as Drive By Fish Fry, Home & Garden Tour,
Watermelon Festival, Soup and Sandwich and Candlelight Christmas
******************************************************************

If you are interested in one of these position, please contact us at 252-398-5922.
Thanks for your interest!
SHABBY CHIC SALE
February 22, 2014
6:30 pm @ The Murfree Center
 Donate Gently-Used
Items
· Enjoy a Wine and Cheese Reception with Live Music
· Shop for Great New Stuff!
· Support MHA
Admission: $10.00 at the Door—Free for MHA Members
To donate items, please call 252-398-5922 or
drop off at the Roberts-Vaughan House before February 15
All Proceeds Go to Support the Murfreesboro Historical Association and Are Tax Deductible
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 4
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Dear Members:
Welcome to the New Year of 2014!
As I have been working with our staff and filling out the Calendar of Events for this year, I
am amazed at all of the activities planned for the Association. We are always looking for new
ways to help defray the ever increasing costs of doing business. That is why we are so dependent
on you, our volunteers and members. Many of you have already paid your dues for this year and
we thank you.
The Membership Committee has made an extra push for new members by contacting
Chowan University faculty and staff, local churches, civic organizations, and others. We will soon
focus on our local businesses for their support with memberships and sponsorships of our
events. The monies from our special events and your dues and donations are a large part of what
pays our bills and the staff salaries. We maintain ten buildings and pay the electric, propane,
security, insurance, lawn care, pest control and other expenses related to these facilities. That
does not include the maintenance of the buildings. It equates to a large sum each month.
Without you, we would not have such an outstanding Historic District that we all can take pride
in. Each and every one of you makes a difference!
Let’s look forward to a full schedule of activities as you will see in this issue of the King’s
Landing. Please take the time to review the list of activities and think about how you may help,
physically or financially. I have heard some people say, ‘You didn’t call me to help with
Candlelight Christmas’ or some other event. We try to call and include everyone that wants to
help but sometimes we may lose track of who likes to work on which event. Therefore, please
don’t hesitate to call and let us know what it is that you like to do. We have a great database that
will let us sort by event or activity; whether you like to help with mailings or prefer to be a docent
at one of our wonderful museums, we’ll be able to keep your name in our files.
Remember that we enjoy hearing from you. If you have an idea about an educational
forum, a field trip to visit another museum, a better way to work on an event, etc., please call and
share your thoughts with us. I have thoroughly enjoyed making new acquaintances during the
past year and I am optimistic that I’ll have the opportunity to meet even more of our members
this year. Thank you for all of the support you have given to the Board of Directors, Officers and
Staff of the Murfreesboro Historical Association. We look forward to working with you in 2014
to make our Association even more successful.
Sincerely,
Carol B. Lassiter
President
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 5
2014
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
SHABBY CHIC SALE
Wine & Cheese Reception
Saturday, February 22
DRIVE BY FISH FRY
Friday, March 7
HOME & GARDEN TOUR
Saturday, April 12
ANNUAL MEETING
Friday, April 25
2nd SATURDAY TOURS
April 12 * May 10
June 14 * July 12
JEFCOAT PORKFEST
Saturday, May 17
WATERMELON FESTIVAL
Hot Fudge Cakes!
Jefcoat Chicken Dinner
Wednesday —Saturday
July 30—August 2
Friday, August 1
2nd SATURDAY TOURS
August 9 * September 13
October 11
CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY
Friday & Saturday
October 11-12
SOUP & SANDWICH
Friday, November 7
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS
Thursday and Friday,
December 4 & 5
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 6
“Christmas in Wonderland ”
For our theme, MHA borrowed some of the imagery from the Victorian-era novel,
“Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland.” The book was originally published in 1865,
and inscribed by the author: “as a Christmas gift to a young girl in memory of a
summer day.” It reflects a time that we preserve in Murfreesboro.
So among the ivy and wreaths, the bows and candles, one was likely to encounter a
girl in a pinafore, a hurried rabbit and some outlandish characters. The theme
added to the festive sights that always await guests to our Candlelight Tour and a
good time was had by all.
The Tour started at the Roberts-Vaughan House
where guests were greeted by “Alice,” played by
Clair Revelle, below, and served Scottish
Christmas Cake and Punch.
The Roberts-Vaughan Dining Room was decorated by
Catherine Jenkins in an elegant, snowy white motif. (Photo
by Tim Flanagan)
The parlor was decorated by the Murfreesboro Federated
Women’s Club and sported a rabbit or two. (Photo by Sarah
Davis)
The Roberts Vaughan kitchen dependency was also decorated and
opened to visitors. (Photo by Sarah Davis)
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 7
Randy Roberts, (right), Site Manager of the
Agricultural/Transportation Museum, dresses for the season
and discusses the intricacies of flying machines with a
guest. (Photo by Sarah Davis)
Volunteer Debbie Cobb is stylish at the Winborne
General Store where Breads & Spreads were served.
(Photo by Tim Flanagan)
Dennis Helsel, Site Manager for the Evans Tin Shop, welcomed
guests to his establishment as The Mad Hatter. (Photo by Tim
Flanagan)
Corina Wack demonstrated hearth cooking techniques at
the John Wheeler House . (Photo by Tim Flanagan)
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 8
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS
Group Tour Guides
Lynette Bunch
Hal Liverman
Roberts-Vaughan House
Connie Adams
Haley Brown
Susie Brown
Phyllis Bryant
Doug Deets
Susanne Deets
Diane Dixon
Haley Fisher
Judy Hachey
Catherine Jenkins
Murfreesboro Federated Women’s Club
Clair Revelle
Elicia Revelle
Linda Vann
Lynn Warren
Jesse Woods
Brady C. Jefcoat Museum
Colon Ballance
Dot Combs
Hugh Davis
Charles Jones
Stephanie Jones
Ned Knepper
Brinson Paul
Murfree-Smith Law Offices
SuEllen Askew
Carole Farnham
Lisa L. Turner
Frances Van Brackle
(Photo by Sarah Davis)
Chowan University
McDowell Columns Bldg.
Captoria Anglin
Josh Coley
Sarah Davis
Twyla G. Duke
Nikira Fults
Melanie Harris
Jennifer Humphrey
Nicola Khouri
Crystal Louramore
Judy Roberson
Jylian Wilde
Quantera Wilson
Transportation/Agriculture Building
Steve Beatty
Brandon Holland
Johnathan Jones
Keith Reich
Randy Roberts
Jessica Torres
S. T. Wrenn
Village Print Shop
Tom Brennan
Charles Futrell
Mitch Henke
Brenda Watson
King’s Landing
January 2014
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS
Rea Museum
Charles Aycock
Dell Aycock
Sammie Braxton
Booker Daniel
Haley Drake
Gene Flowers
Steve Fowler
Gene Hardin
Toni Meeks
Joe Minton
John Revelle
John Revelle (Younger)
Milton Vaughan
Winborne Law Office
Victor Chilaka
Teresa Flanagan
Tim Flanagan
Vincent-Deale Blacksmith Shop
Al Briggs
Joseph Everette
Jeff Llewellyn
Donna Rhoades
Jim Shotwell
Kenny Thomas
Hugh Vincent
Evans Tin Shop
Dennis Helsel
Sue Helsel
Winborne General Store
Debbie Cobb
Adam Collins
Lou Ann Gilliam
Matty Grace Gilliam
Jennifer Mitchell
Hal Thomas
Kay Thomas
Potecasi Creek String Band
Susan Csuzdi
Terry Fowler
Larry Futrell
Eddi Lyles
Dusty Rhoades
Mary Rice
Janet Vincent
Guests learn about the exhibits at the Rea Museum (photo by Tim Flanagan)
Page 9
King’s Landing
January 2014
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS
John Wheeler House
Laurie Brook
Matt Fullerty
Jim Guthrie
Shannon Lassiter
Dean Lawson
Bethany Martin
Mariah Martin
Taylor Moore
Bruce Moser
Brooke Reich
Amy Snider
Corina Wack
Yvonne Warren
Amy Wethington
Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at the Wheeler House
Murfree Center
McCrae Ashley
Michael Alston
Susan Alston
Ann Bennett
Joel Bennett
Raymond Benthall
Betz Blowe
Danny Blowe
Alexius Brandveen
Clif Collins
Janet Collins
Brenda Davis
Charlene Eason
Anita Eckstrom
Jacob El Khouri
Erin Faile
Garth Faile
Linda Flythe
Carolyn Fowler
Earlene Futrell
Jessica Goins
James Hutchinson
Joyce Hutchinson
Chris Jacobs
Larry Joyner
Al Lassiter
Carol Lassiter
Sylvia Liverman
Jennifer Moore
Charles Mustian
Victoria Newcombe
Patricia Smith
Kenny Spruill
Brenda Tinkham
Devin Vaughan
Michael Vick
Sarah Wallace
Eley Whitehead
Randy Whitley
Charlie Williams
Mildred Wrenn
Page 10
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 11
CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS VOLUNTEERS
Hertford Academy
Shirley Brown
Maria Evans
Mary Etta Flowers
Frank Harris
Starr Harris
Jewel Johnson
Melrose Women’s Club
Teresa Mize
Linda Shotwell
Dr. Christopher White
Gay Whitley
Sarah Barnes was our Queen of Hearts (Photo by
Tim Flanagan.
Other Locations
Norman Buskill
John Sullin
Lamar Van Brackle
Thanks to All
Our Volunteers!
See You Next
Year!
Christopher White and Frank Harris entertain at Hertford
Academy at Tour’s End. (The Melrose Women’s Club decorated the
Academy in the Victoriana style. Photo by Tim Flanagan)
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 12
THE ROBERTS-VAUGHAN HOUSE
By Suzanne Deets
Editor’s Note: The large, white, Greek Revival
building in the center of Murfreesboro is a landmark for residents
and visitors alike — serving as the “Village Center” and housing
both the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce and the
Murfreesboro Historical Association. In Part 1 of a 2 Part Series,
Suzanne Deets, Site Manager of the Roberts-Vaughan House,
chronicles the history of the structure and the individuals who have
lived there.
The oldest portion of the Roberts-Vaughan House, which is now the main hall and
rooms on the east or left side of the house, was constructed in the Federal style by Benjamin
Roberts in about 1790. According to Benjamin B. Winborne's history of Hertford County, the
Roberts family had settled in Hertford County in the mid-18th century. Benjamin Roberts was
a wealthy merchant and a member of the first board of trustees of the Hertford Academy. In
1795 Benjamin was married to Martha (Patsy) Vaughan. A notice of the marriage, published
11 May 1795, appeared in the North Carolina Journal, "On Thursday evening the 30 ult. at Mr.
Benjamin Branch's. Mr. Benjamin Roberts of Murfreesborough to the amiable Miss Patsy
Vaughan, daughter of Col. James Vaughan of Northampton." James Vaughan had served in the
Continental Army during the Revolutionary War and later in North Carolina’s House of
Commons.
Winborne states that Benjamin died young (some sources say in 1813), leaving his
widow with four small children, Mary Ann, Lavinia Esther, Thomas V., and Benjamin, Jr. This
early date is supported by surviving records of the period. Benjamin is listed in the 1800 census
record for Hertford County and in a number of Northampton Co. deeds and wills. A will dated
30 December and probated in 1811 names “Martha Roberts, wife of Benjamin,” and Benjamin
Roberts is given as one of the executors. However, the 1820 census record lists only Martha
Roberts, but not Benjamin. Dr. Thomas O'Dwyer mentions Mrs. Roberts and her children a
number of times in his diary of 1825, but not her husband.
A romantic story has been handed down concerning one of the Roberts daughters. In
May 1816, the lovely Mary Ann Roberts (1797-1857) agreed to marry the prominent General
Boon Felton, who was a member of the NC House of Commons from 1813 to 1814 and of the
Senate in 1816. However, her true love was young Matthias Brickell Murfree (1788-1853), the
son of Revolutionary War hero Col. Hardy Murfree. Mary Ann and Matthias faithfully kept in
touch by sending notes to each other through her physician, Dr. Robert A. Wilson, and by
placing candles in the upper story windows of their homes, the Roberts-Vaughan House and
Melrose (which faced each other.)
The evening before her wedding day, Mary Ann sent word that she wished to elope with
Matthias. They eloped that evening, riding with friends to Thomas Deanes’ residence about four
miles away. There they were married. The next day, General Felton arrived in
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 13
Murfreesboro with his groomsmen and friends to find his fiancée was gone. The young couple
left North Carolina forever, settling in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, where Matthias’ father had
extensive property. The couple lived a long, happy life together and reportedly had 18 children,
one of whom, James Brickell Murfree, became a distinguished physician. A portrait believed to
be Mary Ann hangs in the Roberts-Vaughan House.
Not much is known concerning the other Roberts children. According to Benjamin B.
Winborne, Thomas V. Roberts served in the North Carolina legislature in 1832. He also states
that Thomas was “spoken of as being a good man, a kind neighbor and a true citizen.” Thomas
never married. Lavinia Esther married Joseph Exum of Northampton County. Their daughter
Martha Ann married Gen. Matthew W. Ransom, Confederate Army general and state senator.
In a will dated 1 October 1842, Sally Vaughan makes bequests to three of Benjamin and Martha
Roberts’ children—nephew Thomas V. Roberts, niece L. E. Exum, wife of Joseph I. Exum, and
niece Mary Murphrey, formerly Mary Roberts. The fourth child Benjamin Roberts is not named
and may have been deceased.
In 1835, the house became the
property of Colonel Uriah Vaughan. Col.
Vaughan was the son of John Vaughan
who served in the Continental Army
during the Revolutionary War and,
according to Winborne, was the great
grandson of William Vaughan, one of the
original commissioners of Murfreesboro.
Uriah was born on his father's plantation
near Murfreesboro in 1813. As a young
man Uriah made the acquaintance of
William Rea, who owned a prosperous
mercantile business in Murfreesboro.
Vaughan worked as a clerk at Rea's store
for several years and then decided to go
into business for himself. This proved to
be a highly profitable. When Uriah
Vaughan died in 1890, he was reputedly
the wealthiest man in Hertford County.
Harpist Rosemary Gadsby performs in the
parlor of the Roberts-Vaughan House during
Candlelight Christmas — a portrait of Uriah
Vaughan hangs above the mantle.
In the next King’s Landing, learn how the Roberts-Vaughan House became the beautiful
building we all know today. Reference citations for this article are available on request.
MHA DOCENT TRAINING
Have you ever considered becoming a docent? Docents play an important
role in the preservation and public presentation of historic houses. Docent
training is being planned for the Roberts-Vaughan House and other historical
sites in Murfreesboro. If interested, please contact Suzanne Deets at (252) 3985922.
King’s Landing
January 2014
Page 14
In Memoriam
Cecil “Brother” McLellan Forehand, Jr.
December 30, 1924—November 10, 2013
Cecil “Brother” McLellan Forehand, Jr. , 88 years old of Murfreesboro, passed
away November 10, 2013. He was a charming, curious and cheerful individual and we
here in Murfreesboro will miss him.
Brother was born December 30, 1924, and raised in Murfreesboro. Upon
graduation from Murfreesboro High School and Edwards Military Institute in
Salemsburg, NC, he entered the US Army during WWII and was stationed in the South
Pacific and Japan. After serving his country, he returned home to work with
Underwood ESSO and later Northeastern Oil Co., where he spent 17 years. In addition
to his work history, Brother had a family interest in Princeton Farms which extends
over 60 years.
He was a member of Murfreesboro Baptist Church, former Chairman of the
Hertford County Democratic Party, former President of Murfreesboro Chamber of
Commerce, past President Murfreesboro Rotary Club, and a former Councilman for the
Town of Murfreesboro and a Planning Board Member.
Brother served as Site Manager for the John Wheeler House for over 15 years
and was a hardworking member and volunteer of the Murfreesboro Historical
Association. He was always ready to help with special events — whether setting up
tents to get things going or coming back when all was over to unstring the lights. His
colleagues at the Murfreesboro Coffee Club, where he was a regular, and staff at the
Roberts Vaughan House, where it meets each morning, have lost a good friend.
King’s Landing
January 2014
THANK YOU TO OUR BENEFACTORS
& LIFE MEMBERS
Benefactors
Dr. & Mrs. Robert B. Outland, Jr.
Mrs. Donald L. Henson
Life Members
Mr. & Mrs. Alexander Barnes
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley H. Barnes
Mr. & Mrs. Dick Barron
Mr. & Mrs. Irvin Belk
Mrs. Charles DeLoatch, Jr.
Dr. & Mrs. Kirk Dickie
Mrs. Joseph Dixon
Ms. Betty R. Duke
Mr. & Mrs. Ray Felton
Dr. Gloria F. Graham
Mr. & Mrs. Richard L. Hammel
Mr. Gene Hardin
Miss Louise Harris
Mr. John Hicks
Mr. Bob Hill, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. Lloyd L. Hill
Mr. Reese Honn
Mr. Wayland L. Jenkins Jr.
Honorable & Mrs. John R. Jordan, Jr.
Ms. Emma Jane Lackey
Mr. & Mrs. L. C. Lackey
Mr. William Ivey Long
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Lowe
Mrs. Paul D. Camp Marks
Ms. Rachael Modlin
Mr. James E. R. Moore
Mr. James Elliott Moore
Mr. & Mrs. M. C. Newsom, III
Mr. & Mrs. Bob Parker
Mr. & Mrs. John B. Parker
Mr. & Mrs. Brinson Paul
Mr. & Mrs. Charles B. Pond III
Mr. & Mrs. J. Ward Purrington
Mrs. J. Guy Revelle, Jr.
Mr. Roger Rollman
Mr. Charles Lee Smith, III
Mr. & Mrs. James Sterling
Mrs. Rosa Winborne West Tucker
Mr. Jesse E. Vaughan
Mr. & Mrs. Charles R. Vincent
Mrs. June Ward
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Warren
Mr. & Mrs. Stanley Winborne West
Mrs. Harry W. Whitley, Sr.
Mr. & Mrs. James H. Wilson
Mr. E. Carl Witt
Page 15
The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.
Post Office Box 3
Murfreesboro, North Carolina 27855
Murfreesboro, NC
Permit No. 41
PAID
Non-Profit Org.
US Postage
The Murfreesboro Historical Association, Inc.
Post Office Box 3
Murfreesboro, North Carolina 27855
MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION
Please complete and return with membership dues to: MHA, PO Box 3, Murfreesboro, NC 27855
Benefits: Newsletter—Merchant Discounts—Special Events—Guest Speakers
Individual $ 25
$100
Sponsor
Corporate $500
Student /Educator $ 20
$250
Business
$1,000
Life Member
My employer is a matching gift company
Family
$ 35
$300
Patron
Benefactor $1,500
Enclosed is a gift to MHA’s endowment
Please contact me regarding a gift to the endowment
Name:_______________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
City: ______________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________________
Phone Daytime: ___________________ Evening: ______________________
E-Mail Address: ______________________________
Docent
Special Interests: I am interested in helping as:
Membership
Committee Member
Misc. Volunteer
Guest Speaker
Historic Home Tour