Category Archives: Schools

Marion Schools

Wilson, James V. “Cuss” 1905-1977

Posted on by February 17, 2014

Virgil Cuss Wilson 1905-1977James Virgil “Cuss” Wilson, former Marion High School basketball coach, teacher, district athletic director and co-owner of TVW Men’s Store, was born in Pope County at Dixon Springs on March 19, 1905, and was the son of the late Oral Moody Wilson (1868-1945) and Esther Lois Culbreth (1870-1951).

The name of “Cuss”, by which Wilson was known much better than by his given name, was given him by playmates when he was a very small boy. It originated from a youngster’s attempt at pronunciation of a name that sounded like “Cuss” to the other children, although some of his early playmates sometimes used the full name of “Custer.” Continue reading →

Felts, Melvin L. 1924-2001, WWII Veteran

Posted on by December 31, 2013

Melvin L. Felts 1924-2001Melvin Lee Felts was born October 17, 1924 in Pittsburg to Troy Felts and Vivian Williams. He graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1942 and entered the navy on July 15, 1942. While serving in the U.S. Navy, his parents were employed in a Chicago war plant and his brother, Floyd E. Felts, was a machinist’s mate in the Navy.

In 1945, he was awarded a bronze star and cited by Admiral W.F. Halsey for outstanding service in action against the Japanese. Continue reading →

1950, Washington School Built in 1886 Still Serving Marion Youth

Posted on by May 16, 2014

Washington School 1950Washington School, Built in 1886 Still Serving Marion’s Youth

The Washington School is probably the best constructed school building in the city system with the exception of the recently constructed Jefferson building. Rumors dating back nearly a decade have had the old seventh and eighth grade school condemned, or should be condemned. But the fact remains and backed up by state investigators, that the school is not condemned, never has been, and will not be condemned unless situation unforeseen make it so. Continue reading →

Grant, Wendell L. 1893-1980, School Principal and WWI Vet

Posted on by December 20, 2013

Wendell Leon Grant was born in Lake Creek Township in Williamson County, on January 26, 1893 to farmer Elijah Lodge Grant (1863-1943) and Sarah Ella O’Neal Grant (1867-1961). Leon Grant spent 54 years of his lengthy life in public service to his community and to his country serving in WWI and also as teacher and principle of the Washington School and principle of the Marion Junior High School. Continue reading →

Early County Charters That Fell Flat

Posted on by January 16, 2014

In 1926, the Illinois Attorney General filed a petition to dissolve 132 organizations chartered in Williamson County from time immemorial. Why, because none of them had ever filed a report since they were chartered or were delinquent in filing.

Whereas, I would love to get my hands on that list, I can only take note of two of those charters that were dissolved, but both are interesting nonetheless. Continue reading →