Hudgens, Robert L. 1866-1939, Marion Merchant & Alderman

Hudgens Robert LRobert Lee Hudgens, Marion Merchant and city Alderman, was born in Williamson County on February 24, 1866. He was the son of Zachariah Hudgens and Mary Jane Cooksey, who had 14 children. Zachariah Hudgens was the founder of Hudgens, Illinois which used to be located next to the railroad tracks that cross Hudgens Road south of Marion but no longer exists. He also was a mill operator, merchant, Goreville banker and served as Williamson County Sheriff from 1872 to 1874.

In the 1870 census, Robert was 4 years old, living with his parents, brothers and sisters. They lived in what is today Southern Township in Williamson County, Illinois near Pulley’s Mill.  His father, Zach, was listed as a farmer.  Continue reading