Ferguson

Samuel Champion “Champ” Ferguson

Samuel Champion “Champ” Ferguson was born November 29, 1821 in Clinton County, Kentucky. In the 1850s, Ferguson moved his family to the Calfkiller River Valley in White County, TN. He served in the Civil War as a Confederate Army Officer, wearing the rank of Captain. A controversial figure, he was hero to some and terrorist to others. He was arrested and was put on trial by the Union after the war. He was found guilty of over 50 counts of murder and was sentenced to death by hanging, which took place on October 20, 1865. Only Ferguson and one other Confederate of rank (Henry Wirz) were ever executed for “war crimes”. Ferguson is buried in White County, TN, and there is a highway marker in his honor by the cemetery. More information can be found on his Find a Grave memorial and Wikipedia page.