Johns, Harold Gene 1927-1984, State Senator 1971-1984

Harold Gene Johns, State Senator of the 57th and 59th District from 1971 to 1984, was born October 6, 1927 in Carrier Mills to Christopher Columbus Johns and Mabel Stricklin.

When the 1930 Federal Census was taken, the Johns family was living in the city of Harrisburg at 620 S. Main Street, which they rented for $15 a month. His father, Columbus, was 32 years old and a native of Alabama, who worked as a room boss for the Sahara Coal Company in the Sahara No. 7 mine. Gene’s mother, Mabel, was only 26 and was born in Illinois. There were three sons in the home, Bronzel Johns, the oldest was 7, Tommy Johns was 5 and Harold Gene Johns was 3 ½ years of age. Continue reading

Long, James D. 1875-1950, Marion’s First Fire Chief

James D. Long was an early City Marshall, Marion Chief of Police and according his obituary, the first Fire Chief of Marion. He was born on June 17, 1875 in University City, Tennessee to Arthur R. Long and Louise E. Warren.

Five years after James’ birth, the 1880 census found the Long family living in Stewarts, Kentucky. His father, Arthur, was listed as a mechanic. The entire family was, oddly enough, only listed by initials Continue reading

1968, Chief John Kelley Retires from Police Dept.

Patrolman John F Kelley in 1950Marion Police Chief Retires After 21 Years on Force

“Twenty one years of other people’s troubles” is how the retiring Marion Police Chief describes his career on the force.

“I’m gonna start on my own life now, but I’m gonna try to keep it straight,” John F. Kelley added with a laugh.

Today was his final day as a policeman. He became Chief in May, 1967. He has been night chief since 1955. Continue reading

Kirby, Dennis L. 1892-1918, First Vet’s Body Returned from Foreign Soil

This newspaper clipping from 1918 captures the first time that the body of a Williamson County soldier had been returned from foreign soil. It, unfortunately, would not be the last.

Body of Soldier Arrives From England

Dennis L. Kirby, former private in the 113 Sanitary Train, is to be buried with military honors in Marion on Tuesday afternoon. The body was returned from England on Sunday and is held at the Cash Undertaking Parlor pending the funeral. Continue reading

1900-1908, The Tragic Ends to Three Jordan Brothers

Anyone who has lived a reasonable amount of time will likely agree that there are times when life doesn’t always appear fair. Worse yet, there are times when it appears just downright cruel. Such may be the case for the Jordan family who lost three of their four sons, two to murder and one to an accident. Continue reading