Wilburn Edgar Smith was a hardworking American whose story reflects the strength and values of early 20th-century Georgia life. Born on November 20, 1896, in Plains, Sumter County, Georgia, he grew up in a modest family with his parents, Wilborn Juriston Smith and Sarah Eleanor Bell, who shaped his character with discipline, faith, and resilience. Throughout his life, Wilburn Edgar Smith balanced multiple roles, working as a farmer to provide for his family and also as an automobile mechanic at a time when cars were transforming American society. He later married Frances Allethea Murray, known as Allethea Smith, and together they raised their children, including their eldest daughter Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, who would go on to become First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Though his life was cut short in 1940 at just 43, his legacy continues through his family’s historic contributions.
Profile Summary: Wilburn Edgar Smith
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Wilburn Edgar Smith |
| Birth Date | November 20, 1896 |
| Birthplace | Plains, Sumter County, Georgia, USA |
| Parents | Wilborn Juriston Smith (father) & Sarah Eleanor Bell (mother) |
| Occupations | Farmer, Automobile Mechanic |
| Spouse | Frances Allethea Murray (Allethea Smith) |
| Children | Eleanor Rosalynn Smith (later First Lady Rosalynn Carter) and others |
| Known For | Father of Rosalynn Carter, influence on Carter family legacy |
| Death Date | October 22, 1940 |
| Age at Death | 43 years old |
| Legacy | Remembered for his values of hard work, family, and faith, carried on through his daughter Rosalynn Carter’s historic role |
Early Life and Family Roots
Wilburn Edgar Smith was born on November 20, 1896, in Plains, a small town in Sumter County, Georgia, where family, faith, and community shaped his early years. He was the son of Wilborn Juriston Smith and Sarah Eleanor Bell, who gave him strong values of honesty, discipline, and hard work. Growing up in rural Georgia meant that life was simple but demanding, with farming and local traditions forming the backdrop of his childhood. The land, the people, and the quiet rhythms of country life influenced the way wilburn edgar smith would later raise his own family. These early roots provided him with the strength and determination that became central to his character and the legacy he passed on to his children.
Career and Work Life
Wilburn Edgar Smith was a man of many skills who devoted his working years to providing for his family with dedication and strength. He worked as both a farmer and an automobile mechanic, showing the versatility needed in early 20th-century America. Farming was backbreaking but essential, and wilburn edgar smith spent countless hours tending to the land, ensuring food and stability for his household. At the same time, his work as a mechanic placed him at the forefront of a new era when automobiles were becoming part of daily life. His career reflected resilience, hard work, and adaptability that defined his generation.
Marriage and Family Life
Wilburn Edgar Smith built a strong foundation not only through his work but also through the family he cherished. He married Frances Allethea Murray, lovingly known as Allethea, and together they created a home filled with warmth, values, and care. Their marriage was marked by teamwork and resilience, balancing the challenges of farming life with raising children in a small Georgia town. Among their children was Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, who would later become the First Lady of the United States, Rosalynn Carter. Wilburn Edgar Smith’s role as a husband and father was central to his life, as he guided his family with love, discipline, and faith, leaving behind values that shaped future generations.
Father to Rosalynn Carter – A Lasting Connection to History
Wilburn Edgar Smith holds a special place in American history through his daughter, Eleanor Rosalynn Smith, later known as First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Growing up under the care and guidance of wilburn edgar smith and his wife Allethea, Rosalynn learned values of perseverance, compassion, and responsibility. These early lessons shaped her future as a strong supporter of President Jimmy Carter and a champion of causes like mental health awareness and humanitarian efforts. Although his life ended too soon, Wilburn Edgar Smith’s influence lived on in his daughter’s remarkable journey from Plains, Georgia, to the White House.
The Carter Connection: From Plains to the White House
The legacy of Wilburn Edgar Smith reached far beyond his small-town life in Georgia through the remarkable journey of his daughter, Rosalynn Carter. Raised in the values instilled by wilburn edgar smith and his wife Allethea, Rosalynn carried her father’s lessons of faith, hard work, and resilience into her marriage with Jimmy Carter. Together, they rose from Plains, Georgia, to the White House, where Rosalynn became one of America’s most influential First Ladies. Through her leadership and advocacy, the quiet strength of Wilburn Edgar Smith continued to influence national and global history.
Tragedy and Early Death
The life of Wilburn Edgar Smith was sadly cut short, leaving a deep impact on his family and community. On October 22, 1940, at just 43 years old, wilburn edgar smith passed away, ending a life defined by hard work, dedication, and love for his family. His untimely death left his wife Allethea to raise their children alone, including young Rosalynn, who was only 13 at the time. The loss was difficult, but it shaped Rosalynn’s strength, maturity, and resilience—qualities that would later define her role as First Lady.
Legacy and Historical Importance
The legacy of Wilburn Edgar Smith goes far beyond his short life, as his values and influence shaped future generations. Though he lived as a farmer and mechanic in rural Georgia, wilburn edgar smith passed on lessons of perseverance, faith, and commitment that deeply influenced his daughter, Rosalynn Carter. Through her, his impact reached the national stage, from Plains to the White House. His story reminds us that history is not only made by presidents and leaders but also by the quiet strength of individuals whose guidance shapes great lives.
Conclusion
The life of Wilburn Edgar Smith is a reminder that even those who live quietly in small towns can leave behind a legacy that reaches far beyond their own time. Born in Plains, Georgia, and raised by hardworking parents, wilburn edgar smith lived with dedication as both a farmer and an automobile mechanic, always providing for his family. His marriage to Frances Allethea Murray and the values they shared gave their children the foundation for remarkable futures. Among them, Rosalynn Carter carried his influence all the way to the White House, becoming one of America’s most admired First Ladies. Although his life ended too soon in 1940, the lessons and strength of Wilburn Edgar Smith continue to inspire, proving that true legacy is built through love, family, and quiet determination.
FAQs About Wilburn Edgar Smith
Who was Wilburn Edgar Smith?
A farmer and mechanic from Plains, Georgia, best known as the father of U.S. First Lady Rosalynn Carter.
When and where was Wilburn Edgar Smith born?
He was born on November 20, 1896, in Plains, Sumter County, Georgia.
Who were Wilburn Edgar Smith’s parents?
His parents were Wilborn Juriston Smith and Sarah Eleanor Bell.
How did Wilburn Edgar Smith influence American history?
Through his daughter Rosalynn Carter, whose values and determination were shaped by her upbringing under him and his wife.
When did Wilburn Edgar Smith pass away?
He died at age 43 on October 22, 1940, leaving behind a family whose legacy would touch the White House.
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