burroughs became the longest serving clerk of the circuit court for princess anne county, virginia in its history. during the american civil war, burroughs was the only functioning remnant of civil government in the county while it was occupied by union forces. burroughs entered his court career at age 17 in 1815 as a writer for the hustings court in norfolk. in 1817 he qualified as deputy clerk, and in 1819 qualified as the deputy clerk of the circuit court of princess anne county virginia. in 1821 he assumed the clerkship upon the death of the incumbent clerk, remaining in this position until he was removed by the order of union general early in may 1869.