Sorgen, Carl B. 1904-1989, Carl Sorgen Studios

Carl B. Sorgen, professional photographer for Marion, Williamson County and the Marion Daily Republican through the 1950’s and 1960’s, was born in Carbondale, Illinois on August 5, 1904, to Paul Sorgen and Nellie Barber. He grew up and attended Carbondale schools.

On October 10, 1936, he married Miss Hester Louise “Dink” Davis of Marion, the daughter of Hester Louis “Heck” Davis and Georgia Stapleton. “Heck” and his wife operated Davis Market located at 1005 E. Main where Small’s Grocery is now located today. The Davises resided on S. Grey Street nearby. “Heck” also was Marion Chief of Police in the early years of the 1950’s. Continue reading

1954 Williamson County Clerk’s Staff

County Court House Group ca 1953

County Court House Group ca 1953

This photo was found at the Williamson County Historical Society and is a photo of the county clerk’s staff that appeared in the Marion Daily Republican in January of 1954. The photo was taken by Carl Sorgen who was doing photography for the Marion Daily Republican.

Shown left to right are: County Clerk Harry R. Rodd, Deputy Clerks C.M. Edwards, James L. Kilbreth, Wiley Storme, Miss Hallie Richey, Miss Aileen Sims, Mrs. Dorothea Fry, Mrs. Cassie Gibbs and Miss Lois Jane Wilson. Mrs. Ruby Barger, another clerk in the office, was not present when the picture was made.

(Photo courtesy of the Williamson County Historical Society, photography by Carl Sorgen)