Harry Willis Bracy was born in Marion on September 16, 1887, the son of Abner E. Bracy and Florence Crain. His father, who was a Marion merchant for many years, died in 1935 and his mother died in 1961.
In the 1900 census, Harry, aged 12, was living with his parental family in their home at 604 S. Market Street. His father was a merchant that operated a retail store on the square. His siblings were, Charles Bracy aged 14, Reba 10, Leon 8 and Ralph 4. Continue reading
Anyone growing up in Marion between 1912 and 1982 would be familiar with the Cox Hardware and Furniture business located in the 900 block of the southeast corner of the Marion square. The founder of that business was Thomas A. Cox. Continue reading
It’s hard to believe in these days of internet video streaming, smart phones and satellite reception that there once was a day when reception of a signal source relied on antennas attached to your house. Continue reading
Edward M. Spiller was born at Carbondale, September 28, 1865. Spiller lived most of his life in Williamson County where he became a leading citizen early in a brilliant career. He was the son of Elijah Spiller and Parazetta Edwards.
After attending school in Marion he studied at the Northern Indiana University and was graduated from Valparaiso University in 1888 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. After teaching one term of school at Carterville, he began the study of law in Marion under W.W. Duncan, later justice of the State Supreme Court. Continue reading
Walter W. Skaggs was born May 23, 1879, of humble parentage, on a farm three and a half miles southwest of Marion, in a log house in the midst of the virgin forest. Walter assisted in the clearing and breaking of the new ground and the development of the farm until he was seventeen years of age. His parents were William T. Skaggs and Amanda Oglesby of Williamson County who were farmers. Continue reading