Throughout its long history, the Williamson County Fair has featured many famous celebrities and entertainers. None was more well-known or beloved than Annie Oakley, the legendary sharpshooter. “Little Miss Sure Shot” once put on a demonstration of her uncanny marksmanship right here in Marion. As a matter of fact, it is believed that this appearance was Annie’s last with a traveling show, ending a spectacular career which had begun in 1884 with the world famous “Buffalo Bill’s Wild West.” Continue reading
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Wilbern Boatright was born on September 12, 1912, in Galatia, Saline County, to Mack Boatright (1872-1951) and Cora Jane Blackburn (1875-1945).
When the 1920 federal census was taken, Wilbern’s parental family was living in Brushy, Saline County, on a farm owned by his parents. His parents were then in their 40’s and his father was farming for a living. Wilbern was aged 7 and had four brothers living at home. Brother Roy was 19 and teaching public school, Lloyd was 17 and a farm laborer, Leman was 14, attending school, and Walter was 2. Continue reading
Wesley Dean Deaton was born July 24, 1937, to Clyde and Velma (Edwards) Deaton. He was a life-long resident of Marion.
He graduated from Marion High School in 1955. He spent three years in the United States Navy as a radioman, stationed at Kamiseya, Japan and graduated from Southern Illinois University with a Master’s Degree in Science and Education and a 6 year Specialist Certificate. Continue reading
In this writer’s opinion, The Marion Recreation Department has been one of the most significant factors if also one of the most unheralded— in the overall quality of life in Marion for the past 60 years. Marion is the only community in the immediate area to have a recreation department as a function of local government. Continue reading
Bobby D. “Bob” Boyt was born April 2, 1939 in Marion to Jack Boyt and Amy Haesker Barnett. He married Emily Sue Bishop on September 19, 1998.
Bob graduated from Southern Illinois University with a degree in accounting.
He worked for GTE for 25 years. He was a priesthood member of the Community of Christ Church for 35 years and a member of the Marion Rotary Club and Paradise Alley Players. Continue reading