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

Ashby, Ethel (Tanner) 1920-1992, The Old Sleighbell Antique Store

Ethel AshbyEthel Ashby was born on Sunday, March 7, 1920, at Creal Springs, Illinois, to Walter Tanner and Ethel Davenport. Her mother died the day Ethel was born. Due to a fear that the baby would also be lost, Belle and Roy McGowan, aunt and uncle of the child, volunteered to love and care for the little girl at their home in Carterville. Continue reading

Sanders, James W. 1923-1990, Sanders & Associates

James W Sanders 1923-1990Marion has had its share of heroes over the years. The subject of this work is World War II and how one of our local citizens answered the call.

We had a family here in Marion that sent four of its sons to the service and only one survived. In Williamson County we had two sons from Paulton that died in prisoner of war camps. We have other families that sent four and five of their sons to the effort. The first casualty of the war from Marion was a man who died in the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan and he is still entombed in the Battleship Arizona. Continue reading

Thurmond, Elisha M. 1864-1943, Thurmond Monument Company

EM Thurmond 1864-1943Elisha M. Thurmond was born in Franklin County March 6, 1864, and was the son of William H. and Sarah Elizabeth Thurmond. He attended the public schools in Franklin County and went to Ewing College.

He was married on April 8, 1886, to Miss lda Augusta Ingram in Franklin County. Ida was born in Macedonia, Illinois on August 16, 1870. Their fourth child, Clyde Thurmond died in 1894 at the age of 1. Continue reading