Marion Illinois History Preservation

Hunter, Lack B. “L.B.” 1930-2006, Marion Police Chief

Posted on January 23, 2014 by wcihsSeptember 25, 2024

Lack Bradley “L.B.” Hunter, Marion Chief of Police from 1968 to 1985, was born June 21, 1930, in Marion to George Hunter and Lelle Bradley on N. Madison Street. Hunter attended Marion schools and graduated Marion Township High School. His father, George Hunter, was a full blooded Scotsman who came to America in 1902 to work the local coal mines.

When the 1930 census was taken, the Hunter family was living at 913 N. Madison Street which they owned and valued at $2,000. George and Lelle were both 33 and their only child, Lack, was an infant. George was working as a coal miner for the Wallace Coal Company. Continue reading →

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

Posted on January 23, 2014 by wcihsJanuary 23, 2014

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 →

Cooksey, Robert L. 1919-1978, Marion Mayor 1955-1963

Posted on January 22, 2014 by wcihsJanuary 28, 2014

Robert Lee Cooksey was born in Marion on June 5, 1919 to the late Erva Cooksey (1882-1968) and Harriet Jackson. Bob attended Marion schools, but like many youths of his day and time, only achieved an eighth grade education and focused more on job experience and survival. Continue reading →

West, Jackie D. 1946-2013, Vietnam Veteran

Posted on January 21, 2014 by wcihsJanuary 21, 2014

Jackie Dean West was born on October 23, 1946 in Herrin to Dean West and Vada Newton. Jack’s father, Dean West, served as Williamson County Sheriff from 1958-1962.

He was a graduate of Marion High School in the class of 1965 along with his sister, Judy, and was on the MHS football team all four years.

Jack was in the United States Navy and served two tours in Vietnam and was a lifetime member of the Marion VFW. Continue reading →

1960, City Council Annexes 279 Parcels in NE Section

Posted on January 21, 2014 by wcihsFebruary 17, 2014

Marion Council OKs Annexation Step

The Marion City Council Monday authorized abstractor John K. Miller to begin preliminary work towards annexation of a northeast section of the city.

Miller said there are 279 parcels of property involved in the area east of Fair Street and North of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Continue reading →