F.M. Westbrook Residence 1904

Built in 1890 by Francis M. Westbrook, a successful dry goods merchant. He lived in the house with his wife Paulina (Lafferty) and their children James W. (Willie), Willis F. and Daisy Bella till his death in 1910 and hers in 1912. It was located at 107 E. Marion St on the southeast corner of Marion and Buchanan Streets. It was described in 1904 as “embowered in handsome sugar maple trees, almost too dense to get a snap shot for the Souvenir book” and is one of the best in town. Mr. Westbrook owned a 900 block corner lot on the south side of the square  next to S. Market St. from 1859 till his death. 

The house was next acquired by the Fred Stotlar family who occupied it at least up to the 1940’s. Fred was a director of the Stotlar Herrin Lumber Company.

(Photos and data from 1905 Souvenir Book, WCHS; census records and city directories)