Taken from "History of Jefferson County, Illinois" Casner Township Page 180 - 181 WILLIAM R. CHAMP, farmer, P. O. Woodlawn, is one of the early settlers of Jefferson County, having come here with his parents, who unloaded their small stock of this world's goods in Grand Prairie Township November 9, 1829. He was born November 15, 1828, in Lincoln County, Tenn., to Henry and Delanie (Brown) Champ. The father was a Georgian by birth, was a substantial farmer during life, had filled many offices, and was a man who occupied a high position in popular favor. He died August 30, 1876, aged nearly seventy-three years, his noble wife having departed this life in 1872. Their union had been blessed with twelve children, of whom five sons and two daughters are still living, our subject being the eldest. His early schooling was extremely limited û to a single spelling book he was indebted for all that he obtained. Farming claimed his attention in early life, and he has since made that his exclusive business. August 5, 1852, he wedded Nancy Bond, a daughter of Mitchell and Elizabeth Bond, and by her raised a family of six children, of whom five survive û Franklin P., William H., Olive M., Benjamin P. and Seymour. Mr. Champ has a farm of 262 3/8 acres, mostly in Casner Township. He is a member of the I.O.O.F., Woodlawn Lodge, No. 522. He has filled many offices, including that of Supervisor, Collector, Town Clerk, etc., and is a Democrat in politics. With a possible exception, Mr. Champ is Casner Township's oldest resident at the present time. His success in life is altogether due to his own energy, and it is such characters as these that insure the growth and prosperity of the country. --------------------------------------------------------------------- UGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organizations or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Carol Ryan-Spenader