William McKendree Blanton, One of the pioneers of Spalding Co. was born in Oglethorpe Co.Ga.13 May 1818 His father was Rev. Benjamin Blanton born and reared in North Carolina. He was a Methodist preacher and preached in Charleston S.C. coming thence to Georgia where he located on a farm, combining farming and merchandising. His wife Susannah was born in Dublin Ireland. Her father was John Davis a Welshman by birth and an officer in the British Army. Mrs. Blanton died 19 Feb.1844 and her husband 5 Sept of the next year. Their son William spent his early years on the farm obtaining as much education as opportunities of those days afforded.

 

In May of 1836 he enlisted with Capt Hills for the Creek War, under command of Col. Porter, two years later he joined the company of Capt. Cook and served through the Cherokee War. He draws a pension for his services in these wars.

 

After this from the later war he attended school at the State University in Athens three years and graduated there. Shortly after he served as Justice of the Peace for two years. During the late war he served in what is familiarly known as “Joe Browns Pets”.

 

In 1873 and 1874 he represented Spalding Co. in the State Legislature. Although he started life with but little pecuniary means, by persevering effort he has acquired a competency and moreover has given his children a good education and fair start in life.

 

Miss Julia Thompson whom he married Nov.1840 was born in Green Co. Georgia 9 Apr.1821. She is the daughter of Thomas and Lucy Hester Thompson of North Carolina. They were among early settlers of Georgia. Mr. and Mrs. Blanton are members of the M. E. Church and have the respect of all who know them.