1925 Biography - W Spann
Honorable W. A. Spann, although not a native of this county was a resident about fifty years. He practiced law here, represented this district in the State Legislature as a Democrat, 1880-82, and was elected county judge in 1906. Mr. Spann was born in Alabama, 1840, coming to Union County with his father in 1853. He taught school in this county as early as 1861, and began the practice of law in Vienna in 1877. He held a place second to none as a criminal lawyer, and was known throughout Southern Illinois, as a famous advocate. He was a man of unusual ability and intellect. His family came orig inally from North Carolina. Williams was the father and Silas the grandfather. They settled near Jonesboro, Ill. W. A. Spann married Narcissa (see Simpson). He was twice married after her death, lirst to Mrs. Ettie M. Blanchfill, second to Mrs. Mary Goodall of Marion. Mr. Spann died in 1922. H. A. Spann, son of W. A., is a native of this county and is known as an attorney of ability. He is a graduate of Vienna High School and the Bloomington Law School. He began his practice with his father in 1909, and has sreved the county as State's Attorney. For family (see Simpson).
Extracted 08 Feb 2017 by Norma Hass from 1925 A History of Johnson County, Illinois, by Mrs. P. T. Chapman, pages 444-445.
