A Wilson Family Tree
Notes for Margaret Davis Smith
Rockingham Register, 1 Sep 1899 (obtained from Find A Grave, listing for Margaret Davis Smith Effinger):
Death of Mrs. Margaret Effinger.
"Born April 14, 1810; died August 25, 1899," are the words which will record on her tomb the longevity of the estimable lady whose name heads this article. Nearly a century -- her birth almost coeval with that of the republic; her life contemporaneous with its vicissitudes and glories! Still, these many years but evidence a remarkable vitality. It is the manner in which they were passed that attracts our interest.
Margaret Smith was the daughter of Daniel Smith, one of Rockingham's most distinguished lawyers and judges. Her mother was Fannie Duff, daughter of James Duff, whose mother was a Miss Strother. The grandparents were both natives of Culpeper, but located in Harrisonburg when it was only a straggling village. It was here, at the old "Duff Tavern," that Mrs. Effinger's father and mother were married; and near Dayton, at "Waverly"--a place now owned by Peter Paul--they spent most of their married life. It was at "Waverly" that Mrs. Effinger was born.
In the admirable historical sketch of Rockingham County prepared by Judge John Paul, among the names of Rockingham men mentioned with commendation, that of Judge Smith stands second to none in professional eminence, and his moral attributes were as attractive as his judicial ability was distinguished. Under the eye of such a mentor and the loving watchfulness of a devoted mother, in the midst of the honest, quiet people of Rockingham in these primitive days, the character of the girl was formed. Possessing a discriminating judgment, a vivacious, cheerful temperament, and an affectionate disposition, under such a tutelage and surroundings she ripened into the flower of womanhood, charming all who came within the sphere of her influence. Bright and joyous, tender and true, she maintained to her dying day full sway over the affections of her friends.
Mrs. Effinger's tenacious memory had stored away many pleasant reminiscences of the olden time, and stirring events of social, political, and religious changes. With the spice of anecdote and the wisdom of serious reflection these were recounted to the new generations of relatives and friends who were wont to seek information and pleasure in her society, until she turned her face upon the world's probations and went to rest.
Mrs. Effinger was twice married--in 1834 to John Craig, a lawyer, of Staunton, by whom she had one son, Robert Craig; and in 1845 to M. Harvey Effinger, of Harrisonburg, a merchant and banker of rare business capacity. By her second marriage she leaves one son, J. Fred. Effinger, at whose home in Staunton she spent the latter years of her life.
Mrs. Effinger was a member of the Presbyterian church, but her religion was above and superior to mere denominational rules, resting on the beautiful precepts of Love as taught by the Master.
The near relatives who survive her are her son, J. Fred. Effinger; her niece, Mrs. John Kinney; her sister, Mrs. Tams; the children of her deceased brother, Judge J. W. Green Smith; her nephew, John Kenny; her brother-in-law, G. M. Effinger, and others who reside in Harrisonburg. The friends who mourn her demise include all who were even brought within the magnetic influence of her charming personality.
The funeral took place last Sunday afternoon from the First Presbyterian church in Staunton. The gentlemen who acted as pall-bearers were:
Active--Major S. M. Yost, Capt. H. M. McIlhany, Capt. Thos. D. Ranson, Capt. Charles A. Holt, Hon. Edward Echols, Arista Hoge, Charles Catlett, and Henry A. Walker.
Honorary-- D. A. Kayser, H. D. Peck, Isaac Witz, P. H. Trout, R. P. Bell, and Capt. T. C. Morton.
The interment was in Thornrose Cemetery.
Find A Grave gives her birthplace as Staunton, Virginia, but the above obituary says that she was born at "Waverly", near Dayton in Rockingham County. Also, the obituary gives her birth date as April 14, but Find A Grave and the photo of her gravestone say April 4.
Note: Some of the information in these pages is uncertain. Please let me know of errors or omissions using the email link above. ...Mike Wilson
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