Biography - WILLIAM A. SPANN
A resident of Vienna whose reputation is more than local and whose high
standing in the professional world is assured is the Hon. William A. Spann,
a well-known legal light and senior member of the firm of Spann & Spann,
attorneys-at-law. The Spann family is of North Carolina origin, that having
been the native state of William Spann, grandfather of the Hon. William A.
Spann, who so worthily represents the present generation of the house, and
whose father, Silas H. Spann, emigrated to Southern Illinois, settling with
his family at Jonesboro in 1853. Silas Spann was engaged in the mercantile
business for a long period, but retired from that line of commercial
activity ten years before his death, which occurred in January, 1895. The
older Spann was married four times, his first wife having been Miss Martha
Scott, a daughter of Jesse and Nancy (Martin) Scott. Mr. Scott was of
English descent, while his wife was born in Ireland. Mr. and Mrs. Spann
became the parents of four children, two of whom died in infancy. Mary, who
married Mr. Martin and William A., of this brief review, are the surviving
members of their family, and the mother's death occurred in 1843. The second
matrimonial alliance of Silas Spann united him with Elizabeth Fullard of
Alabama, who become the mother of five children, two of whom survive at this
writing. They are Charles P. Spann and Mrs. Delia Pool. The death of Mrs.
Spann occurred in March, 1857. Charlotte Alexander, of Jonesboro, became the
third wife of Mr. Spann, and of that union five children were born. Of this
number three are living, namely: Silas, Ernest and Mrs. Minnie Rendle. The
date of the mother's demise was 1877. Mr. Spann subsequently married Mrs.
Cox, and one child, now deceased was the result of their union.
Judge William A. Spann was born October 6, 1840, in Cherokee county,
Alabama, on a farm, but while he was still small his father removed with his
family to Jonesboro, Illinois, and the son was the recipient of such
education as was afforded in the public schools of that place. Upon the
completion of his education Mr. Spann took up agriculture as an occupation
and for ten years operated farms near Jonesboro and in Johnson county,
becoming a resident of the latter named section in 1861. He was not entirely
satisfied with the conditions in Johnson county at that time, however, and
in a short time returned to Union county, remaining there until 1873, when
he again took up his residence in Johnson county.
Mr. Spann was a man of ambitious character and had always cherished a desire
to become a member of the legal fraternity, and in furtherance of this
commendable ambition he began the study of law in November, 1870. He
possessed a fine intellect, which soon grasped the intricacies and logic of
his studies, and a few years later he opened an office at Vienna, and in
March, 1877, began the practice of his profession there.
It was but a short time until he had attained distinction in his practice
and had acquired an extensive clientele, his services being in wide demand,
not only in the various counties of Southern Illinois, but clients also came
from Missouri and Kentucky to avail themselves of his talents in cases
requiring legal adjudication. Judge Spann's reputation as a lawyer and an
eloquent pleader is second to none in this section of the state, and he has
achieved conspicuous success in handling difficult criminal cases.
He has always evinced an active interest in politics, and he has been
repeatedly honored with high official position. In 1880 the people elected
him as a representative to the state legislature, his run being made on a
Democratic ticket, and so faithfully and effectively did he discharge his
duties as a legislator that he was returned to the office in 1882. His
election to the county judgeship occurred in 1906 and he served most ably in
that 'important capacity for one term.'
Judge Spann has valuable property interests, among his holdings being a fine
farm in the northern part of Johnson county and a beautiful residence in
Vienna. In December, 1861, Judge Spann was united in marriage with Miss
Narcissa Simpson, of Johnson county, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William
Simpson. Of this union were born six children: Mrs. Flora Hess: Mrs. Martha
Cantwell; Lulu, the wife of Levi J. Smith; Ida, wife of Robert E. Gillespie,
who is cashier of the Union Trust Company of East St. Louis; Hal, who
followed in his father's footsteps by entering the legal profession and is
now a partner with him in the law firm of Spann & Spann; and William. The
death of Mrs. Spann occurred in 1885. Judge Spann married a second time, in
May, 1893, leading to the altar Mrs. Etta M. Blanchfill, of Vienna, a
daughter of Frank McCarmell, of Oxford, Indiana. Mr. Spann was bereaved of
this wife in October, 1909. His third wife, to whom he was married on
October 12, 1911, was Mrs. Mary E. Goodall, of Marion, a daughter of Mrs.
Aikeman. She presides with graciousness over the Spann home, which is one of
the most hospitable in Vienna. Judge Spann is a man of strong social
tendencies, and is an honored member of the Knights of Pythias. He is the
possessor of broad sympathies, is liberal in his benefactions and enjoys the
confidence of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
Extracted 07 Nov 2018 by Norma Hass from History of Southern Illinois, by George Washington Smith, published in 1912, volume 3, pages 1554-1556.
