Note:  In his military record, SIDNEY LEE CHAMPION was described by a commanding officer as 5 feet 11 inches tall, with a “florid” complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes.”

1834:  NANCY ELIZABETH CHAMPION was born in GA, per 1870 Federal Census and 1880 Federal Census.  The 1860 Federal Census reported her as born in NC.   The 1880 Federal Census and also the deed record of 11 Oct 1875 (see note, below) referred to her as “Nancy E.”  The military record for Sidney L. Champion referred to her as “N. E.”

1850 FEDERAL CENSUS--OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (no township listed, taken 9 Sep 1850 by R. B. Hogan, M432_379), page 263 (lines 41-42, page 264 (lines 1-8 and 17-21); and page 265 (lines 1-7):

Listed on page 263 (lines 41-42) and page 264 (lines 1-8), living in Dwelling 117 (Family 117) was the household of HENRY L. HAMPTON, who was age 38, a farmer with real estate valued at $13,000, born in VA.  MARTHA HAMPTON was age 33, born in GA.  They listed six children, all born in MS—(1) HENRY HAMPTON (age 12, attending school), (2) ROBERT HAMPTON (age 8, attending school), (3) MARY HAMPTON (age 6), (4) GEORGANNA HAMPTON (age 4), (5) WILLIAM HAMPTON (age 2), and (6) RICHARD HAMPTON (age 11 months).  Also living with them was JOHN CHAMPION (age 60, a farmer, no real estate value given, born in NC) and NANCY CHAMPION (age 55, born in NC).  Note:  It is not known where John and Nancy Champion’s son Sidney L. Champion, who would have been about age 16 was living.  Also, Jehana Champion, who would have been age 15, was not in this household.  Copies of census microfilm images and worksheet, on file.

Listed on page 264 (lines 17-21), living in Dwelling 119 (Family 119) was the household of WINSHIP G. CHAMPION, who was age 31, a farmer with real estate valued at $160, born in NC).  “LETTAN” CHAMPION was age 31, born in NC.  They reported three children, all born in MS—(1) FRANCIS CHAMPION (female, age 5), (2) JAMES CHAMPION (age 3), and (3) ELMINA CHAMPION (age 1).  (Note:  According to History of Clay County Mississippi by the Clay Co.  Historical Book Committee, there had been an additional child, ALTHANY T. CHAMPION (born 7 Jul 1843, d.18 Aug 1846.)  Winship G. Champion was the son of John and Nancy Champion, who were living nearby (Dwelling 117).  Copies of census microfilm images and worksheet, on file.

Listed on page 265 (lines 1-7), living in Dwelling 130 (Family 130) was the household of CONSTANTINE GIBSON, who was age 31, a farmer with real estate valued at $160, born in NC.  JANE GIBSON was age 23, also born in NC.  They reported 5 children—(1) JOHN GIBSON (age 11, born in NC, attending school), (2) LEE GIBSON (age 7, born in NC, attending school), (3) OBEDIAH GIBSON (age 6, born in MS), (4) EMELINE GIBSON (female, age 3, born in MS), and (5) PERMELIA GIBSON (age 6 months, born in MS).  Jane Gibson was the sister of Winship G. Champion, whose household was nearby (Dwelling 119) and the daughter of John and Nancy Champion (Dwelling 117).  Copies of census microfilm image and worksheet on file. 

1850/52:  SIDNEY CHAMPION probably married NANCY ELIZABETH ?? sometime during this period, since their first child was born 1852, according to the 1860 Federal Census for Starkville (Oktibbeha), MS.

1852:  MARY E. CHAMPION, the first child of SIDNEY and NANCY ELIZABETH CHAMPION, was born in Oktibbeha Co., MS, about this date, per 1860 Federal Census for Starkville (Oktibbeha), MS (see note below, on that census).  She married McN. OZBURN, before Oct 1875, according to Clay County Mississippi Deed Book 7, pages 198-199.  (Note:  Mary’s middle initial is per deed record cited, this paragraph.  Her husband’s first name is designated “McN.” In this same deed record.  See note under Oct 1875.)  I have not been able to locate this child, after the deed record.

1853 Jun 9:  JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION was born to SIDNEY L. AND NANCY ELIZABETH CHAMPION.  This year was given in the 1860 Federal Census.

1860 FEDERAL CENSUS—OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (Starkville Post Office, taken Aug 10-26, 1860, by R. D. Cooper), M653_589:

Listed on page 66 (Lines 18-29, Dwelling 503, Family 429, information taken 10 Aug 1860) was the household of CONSTANTINE GIBSON, who was age 42, farming, with real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $1400, born in NC. JANE GIBSON was age 34, born in NC.  They listed 8 children--(1) JOHN GIBSON (age 20, born in NC),  (2) OBIDAH GIBSON (age 14, born in MS, attending school), (3) NANCY GIBSON (age 12, born in MS, attending school), (4) PAULINA GIBSON (age 10, born in MS, attending school), (5) ROSENA GIBSON (age 8, born in MS),  (6) ELIZA GIBSON (age 6, born in MS), (7) MELINDA GIBSON (age 3, born in MS), and (8) SUSAN GIBSON (age 1, born in MS).  Also living in the household  were the parents of JANE (CHAMPION) GIBSON--JOHN CHAMPION (age 70, "farm laborer,” born in NC) and NANCY CHAMPION (age 63, born in NC).  Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on page 76 (Lines 18-21, Dwelling 572, Family 491, information taken 16 Aug 1860) was the household of SYDNEY CHAMPION.  He was age 26, “overseeing,” with real estate valued at $1200 and personal estate valued at $600, born in NC.  NANCY CHAMPION was age 26, also born in NC.  They reported two children, both born in MS—(1)  MARY CHAMPION (age 8) and (2) JOHN CHAMPION (age 6).   Sidney Champion was the son of John and Nancy Champion.  Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on page 87 (Lines 1-11, Dwelling 657, Family 563, information taken 23 Aug 1860) was the household of THOMAS CARROLL, who was age 49, farming, with real estate valued at $800 and personal estate valued at $1600, born in SC.  ALSY CARROLL was age 46, born in SC.  They reported 9 children living in the household—(1) WESLEY CARROLL (age 28, “farm laborer” with personal estate valued at $100, born in SC), (2) ELISABETH CARROLL (age 26, born in SC), (3) SARAH CARROLL (age 18, born in GA), (4) THOMAS CARROLL (age 16, born in MS, attending school), (5) JOHN CARROLL (age 14, born in MS, attending school), (6) MARTHA CARROLL (age 12, born in MS, attending school), (7) JAMES CARROLL (age 10, born in MS), (8) JOSEPH CARROLL (age 8, born in MS), and (9) ISAAC CARROLL (age 4, born in MS).  I believe this to have been the parents and siblings of Catherine (Carroll) Champion, wife of Jehana Champion. Her age would fit within the family chronology, and the family listed a daughter in the 1850 Federal Census (Oktibbeha Co., page 291) named CATHARINE CARROLL, who was age 12 and born in GA.   In 1866, the daughter of Winship G. Champion—Elmina Champion—married THOMAS J. CARROLL, who was probably another of the children of THOMAS CARROLL.  Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on page 87 (Lines 12-16, Dwelling 658, Family 564, information taken 23 Aug 1860) was the household of JEHANA CHAMPION, who was age 25, farming, with real estate valued at $640 and personal estate valued at $1200, born in NC.  CATHERINE CHAMPION was age 20, born in GA.  They reported three children, all born in MS—(1) JOHN CHAMPION (age 3), (2) JAMES CHAMPION (age 2), and (3) MARTHA CHAMPION (age 2 months).  Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on page 90 (Lines 25-29, Dwelling 686, Family 590, information taken 25 Aug 1860) was the household of WILLIAM CHAMPION.  He was age 43, his occupation "ditching," no real estate or personal estate value given, born in NC.  Living in his household were (1) MELINDA CHAMPION (age 24, born in TN, do not know if this is his wife or his daughter) (2) FRANCES CHAMPION  (age 17, born in AL), (3) RUFUS CHAMPION (age 12, born in MS, attending school), and (4) ALEXANDER CHAMPION (age 9, born in MS, attending school).   Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on page 91 (Lines 28-36, Dwelling 697, Family 596, information taken 26 Aug 1860) was the household of WINSHIP CHAMPION, who was age 41, farming, with real estate valued at $2000 and personal property valued at $1000, and born in NC.  LYDIA CHAMPION was age 35, born in NC.  They reported 7 children, all born in MS--(1) FRANCES CHAMPION (female, age 15), (2) JAMES CHAMPION (age 13), (3) ALMENA CHAMPION (female, age 11),  (4) ALBERT CHAMPION (age 9), (5) HENRY CHAMPION (age 7), (6) MARTHA CHAMPION (age 4), and (7) JOHN CHAMPION (age 1).  The census taker did not indicate that any of the children were attending school.  Copy of census microfilm image and worksheet on file. 

1861:  LOUIS A. CHAMPION was born to SIDNEY CHAMPION and wife NANCY CHAMPION, this year, per 1870 Federal Census and 1880 Federal Census (see note on that census, below).

1862 Mar 1:  SIDNEY L. CHAMPION (called “S. L. CHAMPION,” in the record) enlisted in Company C (Oktibbeha Rescue No. 2) of the 35th Regiment of the Mississippi Infantry, at the rank of Private, according to his military record, on file at the National Archives.  A commanding officer stated, in a deposition taken in 1864, that he was 29 years old at the time of his enlistment, born in NC, was 5 feet 11 inches tall, had a “florid” complexion, dark hair, and blue eyes.  (Photocopy of the record, from the National Archives, on file.)  The regiment was organized at West Point, MS, which was located in Oktibbeha Co., MS (later became part of Clay County).  While the army was occupying Corinth (under GEN. BEAUREGARD), the 35^th Mississippi Infantry was assigned to GEN. J. C. MOORE’s Arkansas and Texas Brigade, Maury’s Division.  Corinth was evacuated on May 29^th.  GEN. BRAGG proceeded to Chattanooga in July, leaving the Army of the West, under GEN. PRICE, in Northeast Mississippi.        

1862 Sep-Oct:  In early September, Maury’s Division (which included the 35^th MS) was encamped at Guntown (Lee), MS, which was north of Tupelo, MS.  GEN. PRICE advanced his army on September 12-14 and occupied Iuka, MS, while GEN. VAN DORN moved toward Grand Junction, TN, in order to prevent reinforcements from being sent from GEN. GRANT in western Tennessee and northern Mississippi to GEN. BUELL.  GEN. GRANT moved toward Iuka, MS.  During this time, in September and October 1862, SIDNEY L. CHAMPION was reported as “absent sick” on the company muster roll (Company C, 35^th Regiment, Mississippi VolunteerS).  The military record does not indicate where he was, but he was probably at home recuperating, since his home was not too far away.  One of Grant’s columns, enroute to Iuka from Burnsville skirmished with Maury’s Division on September 16^th.  At Burnsville, two days later, the skirmishing was renewed by Federal troops at Burnsville.  (Copy of Sidney Champion’s  military record on file..) 

1862 Nov 18:  S. L. CHAMPION died on Nov 18th of “typhoid pneumonia,” according to a deposition filed with his military record, at the National Archives.  He had apparently been ill for awhile, for he was reported “absent sick,” on the muster roll for September and October 1862.  The deposition established his wife as N. E. CHAMPION and gave her rights as widow to whatever bounty, pay, or other compensation due her husband, at the time of his death.  On the muster rolls included in this military record, the death date was given as 23 Nov 1862, with the additional note, on two of the rolls, “not reported.”  I believe his death date was 18 Nov, based on his wife’s words (see note under 4 Feb 1864, below).   His wife was apparently pregnant when he died, as their youngest child, ELIZABETH CHAMPION, was born in 1863, probably in the spring.  The 1870 Federal Census for Oktibbeha Co., MS (see note below) stated their daughter was age 7 at the time that the census information on their family was taken, in July.  NANCY CHAMPION applied for compensation due him at the time of his death—bounty, pay, or other compensation—in Feb 1864.  She remarried, on 13 Apr 1864, to D. G. SMITH, at Oktibbeha Co., MS.  (See notes, under related dates, below.)

1863:  MARY ELIZABETH CHAMPION, daughter of SIDNEY and NANCY ELIZABETH CHAMPION, was born this year, per 1870 Federal Census (see note below); since the census was taken in July, she was apparently already age 7, which means that she was born before July 1863.  She was probably born in Oktibbeha Co., MS, as all the other children were born there, and their mother was still living there, at the time of the 1870 Federal Census for Oktibbeha Co., MS.  The 1870 Federal Census gave her name as ELIZABETH.  She was referred to as “MARY E.” in the Clay County Mississippi Deed Records (Old Colfax County Records), Deed Book 7, pages 198-199, dated 11 Oct 1875.

1864 Feb 4:  N. E. CHAMPION, widow of S. L. CHAMPION appeared before a Justice of the Peace in Oktibbeha Co., MS, claiming that her husband was in CAPTAIN R. J. JOHNSON’s Company C, 35^th Regiment of the Mississippi Volunteers, commanded by COL. WM. S. BARRY.  She stated that he had enlisted in Starkville (Oktibbeha), MS, on 1 Mar 1862 and had died on 18 Nov 1862, in Oxford (Lafayette), MS of “typhoid pneumonia.”  She was applying for “any pay or bounty due him.”  W. G. CHAMPION was her witness.  Recorded in Probate Court on 18 Feb 1864.  The record indicated that she was living at Tampico (Oktibbeha), MS.

1864 Apr 13:  NANCY E. CHAMPION married David G. SMITH, at Oktibbeha Co., MS, per Clay County Mississippi Deed Records (Old Colfax County Records), Deed Book 7, pages 197-198. The record named NANCY E. SMITH as the widow of S. L. CHAMPION, who bad married DAVID G. SMITH.  (See CHAMPION file, for photocopy of original record and transcript in Word file “CHAMPION – DEED RECORDS.”)   License was issued 12 Apr 1864, and the ceremony was performed by T. P. MONTGOMERY, M. G., and witnessed by W. G. CHAMPION  (brother of her deceased husband, Sidney).  (Per Montgomery Marriage Records, April 3, 1861-August 13, 1866, page 171.  See note on 1870 Federal Census for Double Springs (Oktibbeha), MS, below.)

1869 Dec 9:  M. E. CHAMPION married McN. Ozburn this date in Oktibbeha Co., MS.

1870 FEDERAL CENSUS—OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (Police Beat No. 2, Starkville Post Office, taken by D. F. HOLLAND, 14 Jul 1870), M593_744, page 355 (lines 8-16):

Living in Dwelling 788 (Family 755) was the household of CONSTINE GIBSON (name spelled this way on the record).  He was age 52, a farmer, born in NC, qualified to vote.  His wife JANE W. GIBSON was age 44, "keeping house," also born in NC.  They reported five children, all born in MS, none indicated by the census taker as attending school--(1) ELIZA A. GIBSON (age 16), (2) MALINDA M. GIBSON (age 14), (3) SUSAN M. GIBSON (age 12), (4) CHARLES GIBSON (age 10), and (5) HANNA GIBSON (age 5).  Also living in this household was ALE. C. HARRIS (name spelled this way on the record, probably abbreviation for “ALEXANDER”).  He was age 44, born in AL; and his occupation was given as “Minister Bt.” (perhaps meaning “Baptist minister”).   Also living here was MORNING HARRIS (female, age 48, born in NC, “keeping house”—probably the wife of Ale. C. Harris.)  Copy of census microfilm image and work sheet on file.

1870 FEDERAL CENSUS—OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (Starkville Post Office, Police Beat No. 3, taken 15 Jul 1870, by D. F. Holland):

Listed on page 357 (lines 13-19), living in Dwelling 3 (Family 3), was the household of WINSHIP CHAMPION.  He was age 53, a farmer, with real estate valued at $640, and personal estate valued at $1145, born in NC, qualified to vote.  LETTY A. CHAMPION, age 53, "keeping house," also born in NC.  They reported five children, all born in MS—(1) HENRY N. CHAMPION (age 19, “farm labor”), (2) MARTHA J. CHAMPION (age 14), (3) JOHN P. CHAMPION (age 12, “farm labor”), (4) NANCY H. CHAMPION (age 8, attending school), and (5) CHARLES W. CHAMPION (age 6, attending school).  Copy of census microfilm image and work sheet on file..

Listed on page 357 (lines 20-28), living in Dwelling 4 (Family 4) was the household of DAVID SMITH, who was age 44, a farmer, with real estate valued at $400 and personal estate valued at $557, born in NC.  ELIZABETH SMITH was age 38, "keeping house," born in GA.  They reported the following seven children, all born in MS--(1) MARTHA SMITH (age 15),  (2) JOHN H. SMITH (age 12, occupation being "farm labor"), (3) DAVID T. SMITH (age 4), (4) SARAH SMITH (age 2), (5) JOHN  CHAMPION (age 14, occupation being "farm labor"), (6) LU CHAMPION (age 9), and (7) ELIZABETH CHAMPION (age 7).  ELIZABETH SMITH was the widow of SIDNEY CHAMPION, who had died of typhoid pneumonia on 18 Nov 1862 (see note above).  She had remarried, in 1864, to DAVID G. SMITH in Oktibbeha Co., MS (see note above).  The first two children listed (MARTHA SMITH and JOHN H. SMITH) were born to a previous marriage of DAVID G. SMITH.  The next two children listed (DAVID T. SMITH and SARAH SMITH) were children born to DAVID and NANCY ELIZABETH CHAMPION SMITH; and the last three children listed (JOHN CHAMPION, LU CHAMPION, and ELIZABETH CHAMPION) were the children who had been born to the marriage of SIDNEY and NANCY E. CHAMPION.  The ages of SIDNEY CHAMPION's children would be consistent with other census data on his children.  Copy of census microfilm image and work sheet on file..

1875 Oct 11:  JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION, living in Holmes Co., MS, sold to W. G. CHAMPION of Colfax Co., MS (which later became part of Clay Co., MS). his one-fifth interest in the undivided 80 acres of land left in the estate of his deceased father, S. L. CHAMPION (i.e., SIDNEY L. CHAMPION), of Oktibbeha Co., MS,  He received $100 for his interest in the tract of land, which was situated in the W ½ of SW ¼ of Section 24, Township 20, Range 13E.  The deed was filed at West Point (Clay), MS, on 17 Nov 1875.  This record copied by CCM, in Clay County Mississippi Deed Records (Old Colfax County Records), Deed Book 7, pages 196-197.  (See CHAMPION file, for photocopy of original record and transcript in Word file “CHAMPION – DEED RECORDS.”)

The same day, JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION’s mother, MRS. NANCY E. SMITH, with her husband DAVID G. SMITH, of Holmes Co., MS, also sold (for $100, to W. G. CHAMPION of Colfax Co., MS) her one-fifth share of the undivided 80-acre tract of land left by her first husband S. L. CHAMPION.  The record states that she was the widow of S. L. CHAMPION, deceased, and that she now was married to DAVID G. SMITH.  Record filed on 17 Nov 1875 at West Point (Clay), MS.  This record was copied by CCM, in Clay County Mississippi Deed Records (Old Colfax County Records), Deed Book 7, pages 197-198.  (See CHAMPION file, for photocopy of original record and transcript in Word file “CHAMPION – DEED RECORDS.”)

The same day, MRS. MARY E. OZBURN, with her husband McN. OZBURN of Holmes Co., MS, also sold (for $100, to W. G. CHAMPION of Colfax Co., MS) her one-fifth interest in the undivided 80-acre tract of land left by her father S. L. CHAMPION.  This record is a Warranty Deed (Deed of Conveyance).  Record filed on 17 Nov 1875 at West Point (Clay), MS.  This record was copied by CCM, in Clay County Mississippi Deed Records (Old Colfax County Records), Deed Book 7, pages 198-199.  (See CHAMPION file, for photocopy of original record and transcript in Word file “CHAMPION – DEED RECORDS.”)

Note:  In 1878, W.  G. CHAMPION and wife LIDA A. CHAMPION of Clay Co., MS, sold the entire 80-acre tract of land, including the three-fifths portion described above, for $650.  See family group record of JOHN CHAMPION (born 1790), for details.

1876 Mar 13:  JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION married DELCEBELLA JANE HARDING, in Lafayette County, Mississippi.  For further details regarding their marriage and life and descendants, see family group sheet for JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION.  See also CHAMPION file, for records and other information. 

1880 FEDERAL CENSUS--HOLMES COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (Supervisor’s District 2, Enumeration District 9, taken 10 Jun 1880 by R. E. Meade), Sheet 23:

Listed on Lines 6-8 (Dwelling 237, Family 317) was the household of GEORGE H. OZBURN, who was age 28, a laborer, born in GA (with both parents also born in GA).  His wife SYDNEY E. OZBURN was age 18, occupation listed as “housekeeper,” born in MS (her father born in MS, her mother born in GA).  They had one child—JOHN A. OZBURN (age 8 months, born in MS).  Copies of the census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on Lines 9-14 (Dwelling 238, Family 318) was the household of JOHN W. CHAMPION, who was 26 years old, a "laborer" by occupation, born in MS (his father born in MS, his mother, in GA).  His wife DILEY CHAMPION (her name actually DULCIE) was age 22 born in MS (her parents born in SC).  There were 4 other people living in their household—(1) DONZELLA E. CHAMPION (daughter, age 3, born in MS), (2) LU A. CHAMPION (brother, age 19, born in MS), (3) NANCY E. CHAMPION (mother, age 45, born in GA, as were both her parents, and (4) ALBERT P. SMITH (half brother, age 6, born in MS, with his father born in TN and his mother born in GA).  Note:  contrary to what the census taker wrote down, both of Dulcie Champion’s father was born in VA, and her mother was born in NC.   Copies of the census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

Listed on Lines 40-42 (Dwelling 244, Family 327) was the household of McN. OZBURN, who was age 45, a laborer, born in GA (as were both his parents).  His wife LIZZIE OZBURN was age 32, “housekeeper” by occupation, born in MS (both parents born in GA).  They had one child—AUGUST OZBURN (daughter, age 5, born in MS).  Note:  ELIZABETH CHAMPION, sister of JOHN CHAMPION, was married to McN. OZBURN.  Copies of the census microfilm image and worksheet on file

1900 FEDERAL CENSUS--LAFAYETTE COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI (Beat 4, Humphreys Precinct, Supervisor’s District 2, Enumeration District 52 taken Jun 20-21, by Rufus Shears), Sheet 8 (lines 82-89): 

Living in Dwelling 153 (Family 156) was the household of JOHN W. CHAMPION.  His birth date was listed as Jun 1854, and he was 45 years old, married for 24 years.  He was born in MS, his father born in MS, his mother born in GA.  He was a farmer, owning his farm, mortgaged (Farm Schedule 157).  He could read and write.  His wife DULEI J. CHAMPION (also known as DULCIE, or DULCEBELLA) was born May 1858, was age 42, born in MS, with both of her parents having been born in VA.  Seven of their 9 children were still living.  They listed six children living in their household, at this time, all born in MS, all except the youngest two children able to read and write-- (1) ANDREW A. CHAMPION (son, this is actually Sidney Andrew, born Jul 1882, age 17, farm laborer, not employed for 5 months), (2) OSCAR W. CHAMPION (son, born Feb 1885, age 15, farm laborer, not employed for 5 months), (3) HATTIE M. CHAMPION (daughter, born Mar 1887, age 13, farm laborer, not employed for 5 months), (4) MAMIE LEE CHAMPION (daughter, born May 1892, age 8), (5) VOLLIE LEE CHAMPION (son, born Feb 1895, age 5), and (6) WILLIE A. CHAMPION  (daughter, born Dec 1898, age 1).  (Note:  The two oldest living children were already married, at the time of this census.) Census microfilm image and worksheet on file.

1935 Apr 28:  JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION died this date in Lafayette Co., MS, of cancer, per his death certificate and grandchildren.  He was buried in the Palestine Cemetery, the next day, per death certificate.  (Cemetery is located in the southeast corner of Lafayette Co., MS, near the Yalobusha County  line.  See CHAMPION file, for certified copy of death certificate.  JOHN had been blind for a long time and had stayed with different children, including son VOLLIE CHAMPION, per grandson Frank Champion.  His great granddaughter LUCILLE CLEMENTS (descendant of BETTY CHAMPION) told her daughter that she remembered his walking back and forth around the front porch edge, holding on for guidance, wearing a deep rut into the ground there, from all the walking. His grandson Thomas F. Champion, Sr. remembers leading his grandfather around, as a young boy.  (For photograph of JOHN WILLIAM CHAMPION and certified copy of death certificate, see CHAMPION file.)