Susannah WILLIAMS

Died: Bef 1820, Wayne County, Kentucky

bullet General Notes:

From John Williams book of hymns:

"Occasioned by the death of Susannah Williams.

THERE'S something sweet in sorrow's voice.
Attracts the pensive ear,
Where pious friendship mourns her loss,
And virtue drops a tear.

To ornament the friendly urn,
Permit my tears to flow:
Susannah, 'tis thy loss I mourn,
Thy absence here below.

Thy little brother, now no more
Can view thy pleasant face;
He's left to wander and deplore
His sighs and griefs express.

Say, are you now in Jesus' arms?
And is your bliss complete?
Does angels hail thy lovely charms,
And kindred spirits greet?

Say, can you see your parents dear,
Still left to mourn and weep?
Or does your spirit hover near,
When they repose in sleep?

Have you the pleasure for to see
Those whom you've left behind,
Unite to serve the Lord, and be
Of meek and quiet mind?

Thou happy saint ! the grace adore,
Enjoy the smiles of peace;
I'll strive to meet thee on the shore
of everlasting bliss. ¹

1 John Williams, Hymns and Spritual Songs, Designed for Use of the Pious (Lexington, Kentucky, D. Bradford, Printer, 1820), Pages 62-63. This book of hymns is owned by Dr. Richard H. Hulan (hulan@erols.com or rhulan@verizon.net), an author/historian with an interest in folk hymnody. It is the only known copy in existence. Dr. Hulan has generously provided the author with digital photographs of the hymns of genealogical interest. Dr. Hulan has explained that hymn books at this time did not include music; they were largely devotional readings for use by local congregations. He also believes it is clear from the hymn book that John Williams was a clergyman, almost certainly a Methodist, and probably "located" with a congregation, instead of being a circuit rider. Might his congregation have been Old Bethel? Note, however, that Rev. James Lear/Lair, another son-in-law of Charles Hamilton, was also an ordained Methodist minister. Did they each minister to the Old Bethel congregation?

Susannah WILLIAMS

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