Francis Asbury Roe (May 12, 1845 – February 19, 1928) was an American lawyer, politician, and judge who served prominently in the legal and judicial systems of North Carolina. A veteran of the [[American Civil War]] on the Confederate side, he had a distinguished post-war career that culminated in his service as an [[Associate Justice]] of the [[Supreme Court of North Carolina]].
Early Life and Education
Francis Asbury Roe was born on May 12, 1845, in [[Hertford County, North Carolina]], to William B. Roe and Sarah E. (Creecy) Roe. He came from a family with deep roots in the state. He received his early education in local schools. In 1860, he enrolled at [[Wake Forest College]] (now [[Wake Forest University]]), but his studies were interrupted by the outbreak of the American Civil War. After the war, Roe returned to Wake Forest, graduating in 1868. He subsequently studied law and was admitted to the North Carolina bar.American Civil War Service
Despite his youth, Roe enlisted in the [[Confederate States Army]] in 1861. He served as a private in Company B, 11th North Carolina Regiment, which was part of [[Pender's Brigade]] (later [[Scales' Brigade]]) in the [[Army of Northern Virginia]]. He participated in numerous major engagements, including the [[Battle of Gettysburg]], the [[Battle of the Wilderness]], [[Spotsylvania Court House]], and [[Cold Harbor]]. Roe was wounded in battle during his service and was recognized for his bravery.Legal and Political Career
Following his admission to the bar, Roe established a successful law practice in [[Warrenton, North Carolina]]. His legal acumen quickly earned him recognition. In 1872, he was elected to the [[North Carolina House of Representatives]], representing [[Warren County]] for a single term (1872–1873). During his time in the legislature, he contributed to the state's post-Reconstruction efforts.Judicial Career
Roe's career took a significant turn toward the judiciary in 1889 when he was elected a judge of the [[North Carolina Superior Court]]. He served on the Superior Court bench for 25 years, earning a reputation for fairness, wisdom, and a profound understanding of the law. His lengthy tenure on the Superior Court made him one of the most respected trial judges in the state.In 1918, at the age of 73, Governor [[Thomas Walter Bickett]] appointed Roe as an Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court to fill a vacancy. He was subsequently elected by the people to the position in 1920 and served until his retirement in 1926. During his time on the state's highest court, Justice Roe authored numerous opinions that shaped North Carolina's jurisprudence.
Personal Life and Legacy
Francis Asbury Roe was married to Virginia E. Plummer, and together they had several children. He was an active and devoted member of the [[Methodist Church]]. He was known for his integrity, quiet dignity, and unwavering commitment to public service.Justice Roe retired from the Supreme Court in 1926 at the age of 81. He passed away on February 19, 1928, in [[Raleigh, North Carolina]], and was interred in the [[Oakwood Cemetery (Raleigh, North Carolina)|Oakwood Cemetery]] in Raleigh. His long and distinguished career, spanning military service, legislative office, and over three decades in the judiciary, left an indelible mark on the legal history of North Carolina.
References
- "Judge Roe to Retire From Supreme Court." ''The News and Observer'', Raleigh, NC, November 28, 1926.
- "Former Justice F. A. Roe Dies At Home Here." ''The News and Observer'', Raleigh, NC, February 20, 1928.
- North Carolina Manuals (various years).
- Memory F. Mitchell. "Roe, Francis Asbury." In William S. Powell (ed.), ''Dictionary of North Carolina Biography'', Vol. 5, p. 250. University of North Carolina Press, 1994.