Profile of Margaret Baxter Springs Polk, taken from book 'Lineage and tradition of the family of John Springs III (1921'

The book may be found online at:

http://archive.org/details/lineagetradition00gibs

William Polk Springs, the youngest of the family of John and his wife, Sarah Alexander Springs, was born March the 7, 1790 on a plantation which afterwards became his own and which had been assigned as a grant to his ancestors by King George III. Here he grew to manhood, enjoying such advantages of education as the country afforded, besides the precept and example of very worthy parents. Like them, he was numbered among the most influential and representative citizens of Mecklenburg County. He was a successful planter, and by thrift and industry added largely to his estate. Shortly before his death, however, he was unfortunate in some investment or speculation, and died insolvent, November 29, 1829, comparatively a young man. Had health and life been spared him a while longer, no doubt he could have bridged over the troublous times, and managed to have averted the collapse of his fortune, but "man proposes and God disposes." He was buried on his plantation. Private grounds at that time were not unusual.

His wife, Margaret Baxter Springs, daughter of his uncle, Richard Springs, and Jean Baxter, his wife, was born April 12, 1796. She was a woman of rare force and strength of character, kind and motherly, "whom to know was to love," and to whom many in their perplexities applied for practical knowledge and information. Numerous were the friends and neighbors who quoted Mrs. Springs for authority and enlightenment in her freely given experiences.

She shared with her husband the life and labors of a farmer's wife, and the cares of a farmer's household. Her fine executive ability was not her chief charm; it was the exemplary Christian life, so full of good works and deeds of kindness which marked her as a woman among women. The recollections of her deep piety, her lovable character, with a pure and spotless reputation are left as a rich legacy to her descendants. At the early age of thirty-three years, with six children, she was bereft of her beloved and revered husband. This great sorrow, combined with the responsibilities arising from the embarrassed condition of his affairs and estate, could but be regarded as a calamity. But she bore her trials with that self-control which belongs to strong natures. There were no murmurings or repinings, but a brave facing of the difficulties over which she rose superior.

A conference with her brother, John, resulted in her agreement to hold the property, and with an advancement by him of the funds necessary to carry on the business, she endeavored to pay the debts. In a few years, by her fine management, she was relieved of debt, having retained her property and supported and educated her children. The old homestead, built by her husband more than a century ago, stands conspicuous on the Providence Road four miles east of Charlotte. It has been changed and remodeled, though not beyond recognition, for the same old oaks, like sentinels, still stand, and evergreen and cedar hedge, from gate to house, mark it as in former years. The antiquated, curious old papering representing hunting scenes and wild animals, which was such an interesting source of entertainment, especially to children, no longer adorn the walls. This home has become the possession of a grandson, Walter Springs Phar, who with his interesting family now (1914) occupy it.


On the 28th of September, when the autumn was sereing flower and forest, Mrs. Springs, after a long illness, patiently borne, and under which the beauty and strength of her character shone brighter and brighter, was finally perfected through suffering and went down to the grave like a shock of corn in its season and entered into the rest that remained for the people of God.

Children of Wm. P. and Margaret B. Springs:

Jean Leonora, born November, 1813, died December 5, 1896, buried at Poplar Tent, Cabarrus Co. Married Charles Jay Harris October 25, 1832, born November 27, 1806, died May 13, 1889.

William Leonidas, born August 15, 1816, died in Philadelphia, Pa., April 6, 1892, buried in Philadelphia. Married Mary Clara David April 30, 1844. She was born in Philadelphia August 2, 1826, died June 26, 1895, buried at Philadelphia.

John Laurence, born February 5, 1821, unmarried, died November 17, 1866, buried in the cemetery of Charlotte.

Cynthia Dinkins, born December 6, 1822, died 1872. Married Alexander Hamilton Dinkins July 26, 1842, died 1870.

Sarah Laura, born August 2, 1826, died March 28, 1900, buried at Charlotte. Married first, James L. Davidson April 29, 1847. Second, Zenus A. Grier, December 9, 1862.

Margaret Baxter, born November 12, 1827, died March 27, 1903. Buried in Charlotte Cemetery. Married Rev. Dr. Samuel C. Pharr May 17, 1849. Died March 16, 1884. Buried in Charlotte Cemetery.