Georgia:  Oglethorpe County:  Obituary of Susannah Blanton 
25 March 1844

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This file was contributed by:
Joe Cannafax
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For the Southern Christian Advocate


Truly a mother of Israel has fallen asleep, on the 19th day of 
Febuary last, Susannah Blanton departed this life, at the seventieth 
year of her age. It has fallen to the lot of few females to pass 
through so many vicissitudes in life as has the subject of this 
memoir, a brief history of a few which may interest the reader.

Susannah Blanton was the daughter of John Davis, whose residence was 
in the city of Dublin, Ireland, in which place she was born April 
29th 1774. Her father came to New York and brought his family with 
him, when Susannah was about two years old. Here he held an office 
in the British Army untill the close of the Revolutionary War; he 
then with his family in the company with many others fled to Nova 
Scotia, where he remained about four years.  He then returned to New 
York in which place his daughter found the “pearl of great price” 
and on the 25th day of July 1794 she was admitted into the Methodist 
Society by Evan Rogers, of which society she remained a faithful 
member untill removed by death to her reward in heaven.  

July 30 1795 she was married to William Swainborn, a sea faring
man, a captain of a vessel who on a voage to the West Indies died 
about one year after their marriage, leaving her to buffet the ills 
of life with none to protect her but the God in whom she had learned 
to trust.  September 14 1797 she married Soloman Rountree with
whom she removed to Georgia, but from whom by his death she was in a 
few years seperated.  July 8 1811 She was maried to Rev.Benj.Blanton 
in Sparta,Hancock County Georgia, from whom by death she has been 
torn leaving him in old age and much bodily and mental affliction --
--- her loss.  

For several years previous her death she was the subject
of much bodily suffering, manifesting however, under it all great 
Christian patience, fortitude and resignation, giving evidence that 
she was ever cheerful and happy, enjoying only what is known to 
those who “know in whom they have believed”.  Unable to
walk or stand on her feet the last ten years of her life, yet even 
these were precious moments to her,and were well employed in reading 
the word of God, with the precious truths of which her mind richly 
stored the evidence of which was, with much humility, but
with great force,given to all who conversed with her on “the things 
of God”. 

About four months before her decease, she was attacted by dropsy, 
which disease terminated her life.  As death approached she spoke of 
it as a solom thing, but prayed for resignation.  When her physician 
told that she must soon die she said: “ my trust is in the merits of 
my savior”

When ask any questions by friends as to her future prospects, she 
constantly spoke of christ’s merits as her only hope,” I am willing 
to resign all into his hands” About four hours before her death it 
was observed by all present that an unusual brightness lit up her
countenance, which graced her dying brow untill, with out a struggle 
or even a sigh, she sweetly fell asleep in Jesus. 

Sister Blanton was a meek and devoted Christian, a pleasant 
companion, and an example worthy to be imitated as a wife, mother, 
mistress and neighbor.  She is dead.  Rheumatism and dropsy have 
done their work, her flesh rest in hope and her spirit has returned 
to God who gave it.


Athens Ga. March 25, 1844 William J.Parks