Marion’s bloody history has been the subject of numerous books, articles and documentaries. “Bloody Williamson,” Paul M. Angle’s widely read story of our county, is still in publication after more than half a century. Perhaps one of the reasons for the intense curiosity about our past is the baffling contrast between the genuine warmth and friendliness of the people you meet today and the violent heartlessness of some who lived here just one or two generations ago. No story better illustrates this paradox than the tragedy of Lory and Ethel Price. Continue reading
Category Archives: WW I
George Washington Pillow began life at Metropolis, Massac Co., Illinois, May 15, 1850. He was the son of Capt. Parker B. Pillow, of Columbia, Tenn. who died in March, 1883, at Shawneetown, to which place he moved in 1852. The mother was Elizabeth Braisier a native of this state and lived at Shawneetown. Continue reading
George Ralph Thurmond was born in Ewing, Illinois on January 6, 1896, the son of Elisha M. and Ida A. Ingram Thurmond. His father, Elisha, taught school and engaged in farming and raising livestock prior to bringing his family to Marion on October 1, 1909 to engage in the monument business by buying the Marion Steam Marble Works (monument makers). Continue reading
Powell Barnett was born in Marion, November 21, 1892, the son of the late Nelson and Ada Gray Barnett. Powell was a well-known Marion citizen and church and community worker. Continue reading
Roy Oldham Paisley was born May 2, 1893 to William Orion Paisley and Georgia Oldham in East Lincoln Illinois located in Logan County just north of Springfield, Illinois. Continue reading
