Robert Henry Goldsborough V (1779-1836)

US Senator. Born on his family’s estate near Easton, Maryland, Robert Henry Goldsborough received his early education from private tutors and later graduated from St. John’s College in Annapolis. Throughout his adult life he was involved in the operation of “Myrtle Grove,” his family's plantation. On January 16, 1800, Robert married Henrietta Maria Nicols. Ten children were born to this union: Robert William, William, Charles Henry, Susan Elizabeth, Henrietta Maria, John McDowell, Mary McDowell, Eliza, George Robins and Mary Caroline, who was adopted by his niece Anna Maria Sarah Goldsborough and husband William Henry Fitzhugh who had no children of their own. A Federalist, Robert served in the Maryland House of Delegates in 1804. During the War of 1812 he was commissioned as a Captain and commanded the Independent Light Dragoons, a horse company of the Maryland Militia. In 1813 the Maryland Legislature elected him to the US Senate to fill the vacancy in the term that had begun on March 4, and he served from May 21, 1813 to March 3, 1819. During this term he served as Chairman of the Committee on Claims and the Committee on the District of Columbia. After leaving the Senate he resumed management of "Myrtle Grove" and established a newspaper, the "Easton Gazette." In 1835, by now an Anti-Jacksonian, he was again elected to the Senate, filling the vacancy caused when Ezekiel F. Chambers resigned. He later identified with the Whig Party, and he served from January 13, 1835 until his death. During this Senate term he was Chairman of the Committee on Commerce. He was laid to rest at his ancestral burial grounds "Ashby" the original seat of the family in Talbot County.

Bio by: Ernest