Marion Illinois History Preservation

Vick, John W., Dr. 1849-1937, Physician

Posted on December 23, 2014 by wcihsDecember 23, 2014

Dr. John W. Vick was born on March 6, 1849 in Russellville, Logan County, Kentucky, to Samuel S. Vick (1827-1916) and Martha J. Newton (1827-1906). When John was only 2 years old, in 1851, his father and grandfather’s families all … Continue reading →

Dunaway, Samuel L. 1895-1976, Dunaway Insurance Agency

Posted on January 28, 2014 by wcihsApril 22, 2014

Samuel Lum Dunaway, Marion businessman, civic leader, WWI veteran and grandson of early county pioneer Sam Dunaway, was born on April 12, 1895, in Marion to Thomas Dunaway and Emma Benson.

Sam descended from one of the families that lived at Old Bainbridge, the village that served as the seat of county government, west of Marion, prior to creation of the county seat in Marion.

His father, Thomas Dunaway, retired Marion merchant, who died in 1921, was the son of Samuel Dunaway, one of the settlers of Bainbridge. Thomas Dunaway was born near that pioneer village in 1848, the last of 15 children in the family. Continue reading →

2006, Williamson County Fair Reaches 150 Years Old

Posted on October 14, 2013 by wcihsOctober 14, 2013

There is a word not often used, sesquicentennial. Officially, the meaning refers to a celebration of one and a half centuries of something. Here in Williamson County, our grand and noble enterprise, the Williamson County Fair, has earned such a name. It is the Sesquicentennial of the founding of our beloved County Fair. Although the Fair itself will be held in August, as usual, we intend to celebrate its Big Event all year long. Continue reading →

1913, Annie Oakley Visited Marion

Posted on October 14, 2013 by wcihsOctober 14, 2013

Throughout its long history, the Williamson County Fair has featured many famous celebrities and entertainers. None was more well-known or beloved than Annie Oakley, the legendary sharpshooter. “Little Miss Sure Shot” once put on a demonstration of her uncanny marksmanship right here in Marion. As a matter of fact, it is believed that this appearance was Annie’s last with a traveling show, ending a spectacular career which had begun in 1884 with the world famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West.” Continue reading →

1914, Police Restricting Auto Men

Posted on March 24, 2013 by wcihsAugust 31, 2018

1927 Marion Auto License

It is pretty well established that the Williamson County Fair has been, in the past, a very big affair not only for the county but for the entire region as well. So large were the crowds and conversely the numbers of automobiles that there is no way the fairground could handle all of the automobiles. The solution was to park elsewhere and catch a ride to the fair. Continue reading →