Boatright, Robert W. 1889-1962, Boatright’s Real Estate

Boatright RW 1889-1962Robert Wilson Boatright was born in Harco, Illinois in Saline County, January 19, 1889, the son of Alexander Scott Boatright (1862-1906) and Lucy Emeline Carr (1863-1940).

In the 1900 census, Robert was 11 and living with his parental family on a farm in Brushy Township in Saline County. Robert had three siblings, Clyde 15, Maude 14 and Roma aged 1. Continue reading

Motel Marion

There is always a certain amount of irony in life. During the depression of the 1930’s, many Marion citizens were forced to leave the area in search of jobs so they could feed their family. That fact, coupled with a loss of income and savings by many when banks closed, forced a number of families out of their homes. This culminated in over 400 Marion homes being demolished or moved and many more vacated. Continue reading

Bracy, Harry W. 1887-1975, H.W. Bracy Co.

Harry W Bracy 1887-1975Harry Willis Bracy was born in Marion on September 16, 1887, the son of Abner E. Bracy and Florence Crain.  His father, who was a Marion merchant for many years, died in 1935 and his mother died in 1961.

In the 1900 census, Harry, aged 12, was living with his parental family in their home at 604 S. Market Street. His father was a merchant that operated a retail store on the square. His siblings were, Charles Bracy aged 14, Reba 10, Leon 8 and Ralph 4. Continue reading