Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1879-08-15

Sketch of the Late DR.. John S. Davidson
| A well-known gentleman of Staunton
who was an intimate acquaintance Of the
deceased for a half century, furnishes us
with the following sketch of the lamented
gentleman, whose name heads this para,
graph:
| To know that we are to die and soon be
| forgotten by the world, except in so far as
there may be scuffie over the little effects
we leave behind, is a melancholy thought.
yet to believe that we will be held in af-
fectlonate remembrance by even few is
consoling.
These thoughts have been suggested by
the intelligence of the death of DR.. Jno
A. Davidson, which occurred at his resi-
dence in the county of Montgomery, on
Tuesday, the 5th instant. He lived until
he had almost attained his four score. and
belonged to one of the Oldest and best
families that settled the counties of Au-
gusta and Rockbridge, nearly, if not quite,
the son of John Davidson, who lived and
died near the old Timber Ridge Church,
Rockbridge county, where DR.. Davidson
Was born and reared. He was the brother
of Mrs. Letcher, the mother of the Hon.
John Letcher, and the late VIM. David
son, of Lexington. His father, being in
moderate circumstances, he was compelled
to be the architect of his own fortune.
He took to the study OF medicine, and by
his own efforts procured the means OF at
tending series of medical lectures. AT
ter thus qualifying himself he settled down
in the village of Middlebr0ok, county of
lance of Miss - Scott, to whom he was
married. She was possessed of consider
able property. He abandoned the prac-
tice of medicine and took to agricultural
pursuits, proving himself successful
business man, and for more than fifty years
discharged his duties as husband, father,
magistrate, director in one of the banks,
and citizen.
About fifteen or perhaps eighteen years
ago he lost his wife, leaving to his care
two children, a son and daughter, to whom
he was devoted, especially the daughter.
Some years after the death of the wife and
most painful and heart-rending affections,
in the death Of his daughter, resulting
from an accldent-She being burned to
death in Staunton by the explosion of a
lamp. This came very near overwhelming
him entirely; being. however, of a genial
and social disposition he rallied, but it
left vacuum, and while he enjoyed the
society of his friends there was loneliness
that was painful to behold.
Some twelve mouths or more ago he
was thrown into the society OF Miss Lizzie
Tipping, a lady possessing all of the graces
and accomplishments that adOrn the fe-
male character. She, like many others
from the less of both father and mother,
had been thrown upon the bosom of a
cold world, and was engaged in teaching.
Her high character, and situation enlisted
the kind feelings of his nature, and SEEM
ed to fill the vacuum caused by the loss of
his estimable daughter. All of that af-
lection became concentrated upon her and
he determined to do something to aid her
in her struggle with life. His age, es-
tablished good character, his kind feel
ings manifested towards her challenged
her gratitude and respect, and finally
warmed to a sincere affection.
The parties thus standing towards each
other, it eliminated into the marriage re-
lation, which took place within six weeks
before DR.. Davidson's death. Owing to
the disparity in the ages Of these parties
their marriage has led to a great deal of
criticism as to their motives and conduct.
Looking at them, however. from the true
standpoint they have been pure, generous
and noble.
The writer has known DIR. Davidson for
more than 40 years intimately for a num-
Der Of years feels it due from him to
give this brief and imperfect sketch Of his
life and character, as a small tribute to
his memory, and in justice to his widow.
v